What’s the secret to Mercy High School’s success in safely offering on-campus instruction, competitive athletics, and cherished traditions? Since the pandemic began, Mercy’s fierce determination to innovate in this new reality, coupled with strict adherence to COVID safety protocols, has yielded a robust campus life for Mercy Girls. Today’s opening of the spring sports season, including lacrosse, softball, golf, and outdoor track and field, is yet another example of the magic that is happening at Mercy this year.
“Our outstanding teachers and staff have been extraordinarily creative—and dedicated— in keeping our girls on track as they prepare for college. Thanks to them, we have been able to give our Mercy Girls the level of academic excellence our families have come to expect and the meaningful experiences outside of the classroom that touch their hearts for a lifetime,” explained Mercy’s president, Mary Beth Lennon ’85. “Whether virtual or on-campus in the hybrid model, all our students have the opportunity to participate in the clubs and activities that bring them a sense of cohesion and fun.”
Though this year has been different in many ways, parent Monica Willson P’24 reflected on Mercy’s strengths and her new freshman’s journey in a sentiment echoed by many Mercy families. “From the first open house through the personal interview, each experience only solidified in [my daughter’s] mind the authentic relationships that she would form with classmates and the excellent education and mentorship that she would receive from faculty and staff. The challenges of this pandemic have only solidified our decision!”
Thrilled that Mercy is offering a full spring sports season to its girls, Athletic Director Nick Gill noted, “Our Mercy girls are so excited to be able to get back out on the field, track, and course with their friends and represent their school in competitive league play. I am proud that Mercy Athletics has led the way in the state since the fall in offering a safe return to play for our student athletes. Our extensive guidelines and protocols focus on the health and safety of each student athletes and her family, as well as our staff and visiting teams.” Mercy’s spring teams are exceptionally strong. Magic Lacrosse has won three successive IAAM B conference championships and is looking forward to another championship season on the school’s state-of-the-art Sisters of Mercy Field. Mercy Golf will also be defending their championship title this spring with a talented team.
March also ushers in Mercy’s annual celebration of sophomores with their retreat, Sophomore Pin Ceremony, and Pin Celebration, as well as the countdown for the Class of 2021 with their “100 Days to Graduation” celebration. “We are using every corner of our spacious campus to hold socially distanced events. These activities are so special to the girls because class members can all come together, build unity, and experience the joy that is so critical to adolescent health and wellbeing,” observes Dean of Students Mary Ella Marion ’76, P’09, co-chair of Mercy’s COVID-19 Response Task Force.
With the same kind of careful planning that has made the 2020-21 school year such a success, Mercy’s board and leadership team are looking ahead to fall 2021. Although many COVID-19 protocols will likely be in place, Mercy High School is looking forward to a dynamic year that will reflect all the hard-won lessons of the pandemic informed by Mercy’s seven decades of expertise in preparing girls for success in college and beyond.
