Ricordia: A Look at Merion’s ’25-’26 Clubs and Activities

By Maeve Quisenberry '29

Merion Mercy Academy offers over 50 clubs and activities for students to participate in. Clubs range from affinities such as BSU (Black Student Union), AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander), and Latinx to special interest clubs such as Medical Professions, True Crime, and Sewing Sisters. This wide variety of activities allows for every Merion girl to find a community where they fit in. Clubs and activities build onto the experience of being a Mercy girl and a part of the sisterhood.

I was fortunate enough to speak to student leaders and moderators about their clubs to get a closer look at some prominent groups here at Merion. 

Clubs 

Mock Trial

Through Mock Trial, members participate in simulated trials in front of a judge and jury panel, where students act as lawyers and witnesses. The fictitious case is presented by the Pennsylvania Bar Association; materials include a criminal or civil charge against a defendant, witness statements, and evidence relative to the case. A team is composed of three attorneys and three witnesses for both sides (defense and prosecution). For each case, students present opening statements, examination of witnesses, and closing arguments. The main competition is hosted by the PA Bar, but Merion’s teams also participate in scrimmages at the University of Pennsylvania. Members begin working on their case in November and are assigned either the role of attorney or witness. Attorneys develop the line of questioning they plan to ask both their and the opposition’s witnesses, use the materials to uncover facts about the case, and prepare five-minute speeches for opening and closing statements. Witnesses, on the other hand, create a character based off of the case. Their job is to tell the story of the case, through responses to the attorney’s questions. The difficult part of the witness’s role is answering the questions the opposition asks; they have to know their character well enough to be able to come up with answers on the spot. No matter if you are a freshman or a returning member, all students who join Mock Trial have the opportunity to be an attorney or witness. Students should consider joining Mock Trial because it enhances public speaking, teamwork, and analytical skills. Or, according to Mr. Jordan –the club moderator–, “if you just want to live your best life inspired by Elle Woods from Legally Blonde.” It is a great opportunity to work on skills that could be applied both in class at Merion and later on in life. Mock Trial meets on gold club days and on Saturday mornings. 

Dance Troupe

Dance Troupe is comprised of three divisions: Liturgical Dance, Pep Squad, and Hip Hop. Liturgical Dance performs during multiple liturgies throughout the year and during the BSU showcase. Pep Squad is preparing for basketball season, where they will make appearances at halftime; their biggest event being Pack the Cave. Hip Hop always choreographs their own routines, performing at the Christmas show and during the BSU showcase. Sahana Registre, one of the student leaders of the club, spoke about her favorite aspects of Dance Troupe. “My favorite aspect of Dance Troupe has to be the creative outlet it provides for girls. Being a leader of this group means choreographing several dances and cheers for our events throughout the school year. While, yes, it can be overwhelming, it is so freeing to know you have a space to simply create and unleash your creativity.” When asked about how being a member of Dance Troupe has bettered her Merion experience, Sahana answered, “[...] by opening various doors of leadership. Prior to that, I was very shy and not open to leadership roles at Merion– I didn’t think I had what it takes. However, by being granted this opportunity of leadership, it has allowed me to connect with so many other young women who do similar work. Overall, I was able to spread my wings and soar higher than ever before at Merion due to this role and I will forever be grateful for the confidence it allowed me to obtain.” Dance Troupe meets after school on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as various club days throughout the year. 

Application Groups

Student Council

The Student Council runs about all of the events that Merion students know and love. They help to expand on the sisterhood experience by creating activities for all students to participate in. Merion’s Student Council is made up of an executive board, each member having a unique and vital role on the Council. Executive Board member Audrey Dougherty kindly took the time to answer a few questions: 

Q: “What is your favorite part of the Student Council?

A: “My favorite thing about being part of the Student Council Executive Board is the collaboration with my peers. Knowing that my classmates feel comfortable sharing any comments or ideas with me reminds me that we are a sisterhood that can always encourage one another!”

Q: “Do you have any big events or activities planned?”

A: “As of right now our biggest event coming up is Weenie Roast. We are super excited for our decade’s theme this year, and for freshmen to experience one of their first Merion traditions!”

Q: “How has being a part of Student Council bettered your Merion experience?”

A: “Being a part of Student Council Exec has bettered my Merion experience due to the memories I’ve been able to create with the other members of Exec, as well as the student body in general. I am extremely grateful I have the opportunity to be involved with other students so closely because of my position on Exec. Overall, I feel that my fellow students have bettered by experience as a whole!” 

Being a member of Student Council can help to not only better one’s own Merion experience, but improve the experience of all students. To be a part of the Student Council, students can apply to join in the ’26-’27 school year. 

Student Diversity Leadership Team (SDLT)

According to their mission statement, members of the SDLT are “entrusted with the responsibility of promoting and upholding the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Merion Mercy Academy.” Students discuss topics surrounding social justice, civil discourse, service, and more at bi-weekly meetings. Additionally, the SDLT hosts and plans a series of service projects and community wide programs such as coat drives, cultural potlucks, and movie nights. Joining the SDLT offers students the opportunity to make meaningful impacts on their school community. Members become key advocates for inclusion and help to create Merion’s welcoming environment, where every single student feels valued and respected. Being a part of the SDLT can help students to develop leadership, critical thinking, and empathy skills, along with giving members hands-on experience organizing large events. Ms. Stokes, coordinator of DEIB and the moderator of the SDLT, states, “If you want to grow as a leader, build meaningful connections, and contribute to making Merion Mercy a more inclusive and supportive place for all, the SDLT is the perfect place to get involved.” Students can apply to be a part of the SDLT next school year.