Sophomore Alaina Surace Selected for Youth Leadership Academy

Sophomore Alaina Surace was selected for Delaware County’s Youth Leadership Academy, which took place over three days in April 2026. The program celebrates student achievement and the power of leadership, and encourages county 10th graders to become better prepared to take on future leadership opportunities. 

Nominated by her boss, Vice President & Executive Director of Catholic Community Choir Ms. Aimme-Kate Mooney, Alaina said she appreciated the lively conversations about how teenagers are treated in Delaware County, and how this demographic can be given more opportunities. She also had the chance to talk to successful adults in a variety of occupations, many of whom are entrepreneurs. Describing the experience as “amazing,” Alaina noted that she “bonded with a lot of new people, developed her leadership and social skills, and learned about the various pathways I could take in the future.”

On the third day of the academy, the program’s 30 student participants were challenged to create a media project, which they presented to their parents and officials. The assignment was to use social media to campaign for change for teenagers in the county. 

Throughout the academy, interactive sessions addressed a variety of topics and students were provided with an opportunity to meet and work with local leaders. The program helps students build professional relationships through networking with business, industry, government, academic, and social service leaders. Students also build personal portfolios of team projects and presentations for future job and college applications. They also examine contingency approaches to leadership, leading in crisis, cognitive and emotive aspects of leadership, ethics and morality, followership, organizational design, and leading through change.

Alaina’s participation in the Youth Leadership Academy demonstrates her commitment to the Mercy core values of Educational Courage and Principled Leadership.