Mission Week 2023 Lives Up to the Hype

Organized by Student Council, Merion Mercy’s annual Mission Week is one of the school’s largest fundraising opportunities for the Mercy Girl Effect Project (MGEP). This year’s “School in a Box” will provide school supplies to students and teachers in the Mukuru slums in Nairobi, Kenya. StuCo President Kathryn Wert ‘23 explains, “Through fun, mission-driven events and activities we educate the student body about MGEP, raise money for the project, and boost school spirit all while living out our school’s motto to ‘live mercy and seek justice.’”

Among the highlights of the week were a different dress theme for each day, raffles for an array of donated items, and lunchtime games like bingo. Attention was also given to service and the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. A remembrance vigil was held for Trayvon Martin, a clothing drive collected items for a thrift store serving those in need, casseroles were collected for Face to Face Germantown, prayers were held for nonviolence and immigration, and a tour of MMA’s campus was guided by Sister Beth Flannery. 

Mission Week concluded on Friday with a pep rally and evening mixer. At the pep rally, StuCo presented on the Mercy Girl Effect Project, students competed against faculty and staff in a rousing game of musical chairs, and the pep squad delivered a high energy performance. The highlight of the afternoon, however, was when Dean of Students Paul Clementi, along with Spanish Teacher Dan Crossland, good-naturedly took pies to the face for earning the most donations. 

Throughout the year, in addition to Mission Week, the MGEP was supported by proceeds from the Back to School Mixer, Harvest Moon dance, Christmas and Galentine’s movie nights, Pack the Cave, Freddy’s Food Night Out, and Candy Grams sale. The total money raised will be reported later this spring.