Dynamic. Compassionate. Generous. Driven. These are apt descriptions of three Mercy High School alumnae—Laura Wontrop
Cadillac Racing Program Manager Laura Wontrop Klauser
A 2004 graduate of Mercy, Laura completed a B.S.
One of just a few women in her field, Laura is working hard to inspire the next generation of women leaders in STEM. An award-winning member of the Society of Women Engineers, Laura frequently
Prince George’s County Public School Director of Curriculum & Instruction Dr. Kia Myrick McDaniel ’95 is this year’s winner of the Sr. M. Joannes Clifford Distinguished Alumna Award. Named in honor of an exceptionally gifted educator and the school’s first alumnae director, the award recognizes a Mercy graduate who has made a lasting impact on the quality of life of those around her.
Following her 1995 graduation from Mercy, Kia completed her
A lifelong educator, Kia’s Mercy values are reflected in her drive for excellence and her personal commitment to an outstanding educational experience for the 130,000 students in Maryland’s second largest public school system. Kia credits her parents, saying that they “made education and a strong worth ethic a priority in our family.” She goes on to recognize her Mercy teachers, saying “I had no idea that those interactions would shape who I am today and who I will be in the future, but they really have…The foundation for my future was definitely laid at Mercy and I am grateful.”
Dedicated community volunteer Mary Agnes Myers Votta ‘68, P’10 is the Spirit of Mercy Service Award winner this year. The award honors a Mercy alumna who responds to the Gospel call to service and inspires and motivates others to do the same.
Mary Agnes is passionate about giving back to the community, especially around childhood literacy
In addition to her efforts around reading, Mary Agnes taught religious education at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Parkton and she lent her many talents to Mercy’s alumnae office and the Fathers’ Club, helping with their annual golf outing for many years.
Like Laura and Kia, Mary Agnes credits values learned at home and at Mercy for her heartfelt dedication to service. Mary Agnes lost her father at an early age and points to the example of her mother who was determined that Mary Agnes should benefit from a Catholic education. Mary Agnes is also quick to acknowledge the influence of her teachers, reflecting that “The Sisters of Mercy always taught me to pay it forward which has always been in the forefront of my mind.”
- In this season of giving, support An die Musik Live and the artists who bring you live music - December 29, 2020
- Tonight! Join The Park School of Baltimore for a Virtual Middle and Upper School Admission Drop-In Conversation - December 28, 2020
- A Maryland Tradition – the Polar Bear Plunge goes Virtual in 2021 - December 23, 2020