Community Programming & Activities: 2023-24

Hispanic Heritage Month and Spanish Week

For the first week of October—and during the final weeks of Hispanic Heritage Month—Merion Mercy Academy celebrated the Spanish language and associated cultures and communities of the Spanish-speaking world. In collaboration with the Spanish club and student leaders, a variety of events were planned and made available to all students.

Throughout the week, prayers were said in both Spanish and English and Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month presentations were made by Hispanic and Latinx Affinity Group members during Good Morning Merion. 

Other activities included a school-wide scavenger hunt that tested cultural knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries, a Community Reset prayer service, and time to learn to dance, take part in trivia and games, or create your own flute. Students were also invited to create their own camisetas en español/ t-shirts in Spanish, which were worn on the last day of Spanish week.

One highlight of the week was the traditional dessert contest for juniors and seniors students currently studying the language.

Senior Seminar: January 25

This program for seniors aimed to enrich our students' abilities to navigate difficult conversations, fostering skills that align with the pursuit of living mercy and seeking justice. Through interactive activities and discussions, our students developed valuable skills that go beyond tolerance and promote genuine understanding. This programming was designed to ensure that they are provided with necessary skills to engage in a global and ever evolving community.

Key Objectives:

  • Enhancing Communication Skills: Students will learn effective communication strategies that will enable them to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and respect.
  • Cultivating a Culture of Inclusivity: The programming aims to foster an environment where all students feel included, valued, and respected, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
  • Developing Agents of Change: Students will be inspired to become advocates for positive change in their communities.

Chinese New Year

Members of Merion Mercy's ASIA club visited Waldron Mercy Academy in February to present on the importance and history of the Chinese New Year. They also shared the presentation on Good Morning Merion and held a scavenger hunt in school where students searched for "red envelopes" with facts about the holiday. 

Black History Month

Black Student Union Showcase at Merion Mercy Academy

On February 29, 2024, Merion Mercy Academy closed out Black History Month with the celebrated talents of its Black Student Union. With the theme “Black Entertainment: Showcasing Our Journey through the Arts,” the BSU’s 44 performers delivered song, dance, poetry, art and more to a rapt audience. Read the article.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

ASIA club at Merion Mercy Academy

For AAPI Heritage Month, Merion Mercy Academy celebrated with a variety of cultural traditions including the making of cranes, a showcase filled with music and dance, and a traditional clothing day. This video captures the highlights of the showcase and photos can be found here.