Kathryn Adelsberger, Principal | Mercy High School
This fall, Mercy High School welcomes a new principal, Kathryn Adelsberger, to the helm. Adelsberger shares her career path and why she ultimately chose to step into this exciting new role at Mercy.
What drew you to education?
It sounds clichéd, but I do love to learn. I welcome the opportunity to learn with our students each and every day. I think back to the teachers and mentors who shaped me into the woman I am today, and I am reminded of their care and guidance, but also of their quest for knowledge and their high expectations. As they did for me, I hope to instill a passion for lifelong learning in our students and a commitment to academic excellence.
What do you like about your current school?
I have always been drawn to the mission of Mercy High School and to the values of the Sisters of Mercy, which call us to serve others and to recognize the dignity and uniqueness of every person. Innovation in approaches to teaching and learning, coupled with a strong tradition of individualized attention and a spirit of welcome, make Mercy special. I am privileged to work at a school where a girl can be her own person.
What do you hope to achieve in your role?
For me, it will always come back to the students. My job is to help Mercy girls grow, develop their voices, try new things, and take pride in themselves. To prepare students for a future that is ever-evolving, we need students who can think critically, creatively solve problems, persevere, and value difference so that they can tackle whatever their futures hold. Most importantly, I hope to continue the good work begun more than 60 years ago and to build on our growth and momentum that ensures a rigorous academic program, a commitment to the values of compassion and hospitality, and a community where every girl feels known, cherished, and loved.
