Showcasing Excellence: Capstone Symposium Celebrates Diploma with Distinction Students

On May 1, 2025, Merion Mercy Academy proudly hosted the second annual Capstone Symposium, a culminating event that showcased the exceptional work of 20 seniors in the Diploma with Distinction program. Launched in fall 2023, this signature initiative supports and celebrates transformative, personalized learning through five interdisciplinary concentration areas: Arts and Culture, Health Sciences, Leadership and Communication, Law and Justice, and Sustainability.

An optional opportunity for juniors and seniors, the Diploma with Distinction is designed to scaffold the skills developed in core courses and apply them in real-world, purpose-driven contexts. Students meet academic, co-curricular, and service benchmarks before completing a capstone project, internship, or shadowing experience. Each participant then curates a digital portfolio reflecting their growth in the values of a Mercy education: compelled by mercy, educational courage, inspired by faith, principled leadership, and a voice for dignity and respect.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Philip Vinogradov, Assistant Head of School for Academics, who spearheaded the creation of the program. Senior Josey Doherty opened the student portion of the event, reflecting on the initiative and passion the program inspired:

“We have connected with mentors outside of Merion Mercy Academy to gain new professional experience and insights,” she said. “We pursued our vision for a capstone that allowed us to dive into our concentration area in a unique way.”

The symposium featured both an open poster session and formal presentations grouped by concentration. Families, faculty, and guests were invited to explore the students’ projects and ask thought-provoking questions such as:

• What inspired you to choose this concentration area and capstone focus?
   
• What key discoveries did you make through your work?
   
• Why is your work meaningful, and what impact does it have?
   

Featured Presentations by Concentration Area

Arts and Culture

• Natalia Assetto – Library Experience
   
• Samantha Ross – Sonar: The Ocean’s GPS
   
• Alexandra Segreti – What Peace Lies in the Forest: What Music Lies at Merion
   

Health Sciences

• Kaitlin Angelucci – “Hold the Phone”
   
• Patricia Bieter – Nursing through the Units: Surgery and Post-Operative Care
   
• Meadow Brooks – Silent Struggles: Unveiling the Crisis of Black Maternal and Infant Mortality
   
• Victoria Leuzzi – Your Health, Their Mission
   
• Alexa Maher – Grey’s Anatomy vs. Reality
   
• Keiko Nguyen – Economically Sustainable Medicine: Providing Free Health Services
   
• Victoria Tenuto – A Vision of Hope: Caring for the Smallest Eyes in the NICU
   
• Rafaela Utreras-Castro – Every Bite Counts: The Link Between Nutrition and Teen Girl Athletes
   

Law and Justice

• Sarah D’Alessandro – “Protect Those Who Protect Us” – Wills for Heroes
   
• Eve Laurito – Quality Education for All
   
• Bronwyn Scherf – Introduction to Intellectual Property: The Impact of AI on Copyright Law
   
• Justine Weng – A More “Just” System
   

Leadership and Communication

• Josephine Doherty – Uplifting the Voices of My Sisters
   
• Siena Sandoz – Fashion Forward
   
• Margaret Schmidt – 5 Values of Women in Leadership
   

Sustainability

• Grace Rigo – Sustainability in the Stadium District
   
• Julia Volpe – Touch, Learn, and Protect: Hands-on Experiences Foster Marine Stewardship
   

Following the presentations, each student received a specially designed Diploma with Distinction pin, blessed by Sister Danielle Gagnon, RSM, Assistant Head of School for Mission Integration, and presented by their concentration moderators and Capstone Coordinator Mrs. Marianne Rule.

Program Leadership

The Diploma with Distinction is guided by a dedicated team of faculty moderators:

• Ms. Patricia Nowlan – Arts and Culture, Health Sciences
   
• Ms. Caitlin Mattera – Leadership and Communication, Health Sciences
   
• Mr. Paul Clementi – Law and Justice
   
• Ms. Arielle Chard – Sustainability, Health Sciences
   
• Mrs. Marianne Rule – Capstone Coordinator, Health Sciences
   

To learn more about how the Diploma with Distinction empowers students to lead with purpose and pursue their passions, visit our website.