Wit’s  End . . . notes from the principal

Today, we wore red here at school, a celebration of Valentine’s Day. So many symbols of love are shared. Today, we also wore jeans. This marked that we had collected donations to be sent to the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Fittingly, this is also a symbol of love, a love we express to those whose faces we will never see. What unites us is our humanity, and so we give.

Once again, tragedy struck across the globe. Once again, Americans responded with generosity.  Of this, we should be very proud.  This generosity is part of our history, part of our DNA in this great nation. The recent devastation in Haiti on January 12^th prompted an amazing response . . . more than $500 million was donated by Americans in just the first two weeks alone. These donations came from many individuals who themselves have fallen on hard times. This too is not new. The events of 9/11 also occurred during a recession and yet people responded quickly and selflessly. Advances in technology and communication have made response so much faster than in earlier times. After 9/11, phone lines and the Internet were jammed. The same has been true with the responses to Haiti.  The Red Cross began a very successful text messaging campaign wherein citizens could make a $10 donation by texting a code number. The donation would show up on their next phone bill. The donations from that alone have numbered in the millions. The Indian Ocean tsunami in late 2004 and the Gulf Coast hurricanes in late 2005 brought in surprising relief efforts; nearly six billion was collected following those events.

We give and give and give.  We empathize with innocent victims. We dig deep. We come out of ourselves and shift our attention outward. We care about families hundreds, thousands, or millions of miles away.  The size of the universe shrinks and we act as neighbors. What a wonderful legacy. What an important behavior we model for our children. We inspire, and to continue to do so means that we must, ourselves, stay inspired.  And so, I have done a little research and share with you the comments and reflections of others who have spoken about the value of charity. What follows serves as a new alphabet.

A, B, Cs of Giving

1. I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. (Maya Angelou)
2. Life begets life. Energy becomes energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich. (Sarah Bernhardt)
3. I resolved to stop accumulating and begin the infinitely more serious and difficult task of wise distribution. (Andrew Carnegie)
4. No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. (Charles Dickens)
5. To laugh often and to love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of oneself; to leave the world a bit better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
6. What the poor need is not charity but capital, not caseworkers but coworkers. And what the rich need is a wise, honorable and just way of divesting themselves of their overabundance. (Millard and Linda Fuller)
7. 'I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. (Mohandas Gandhi)
8. The truth is, you leave this world with nothing. What you are is a temporary administrator, and you must administer well . . . the wealth in your care, and generate more. The surplus can be used to do many things for people. (Carlos Slim Helu)
9. My father used to say, “You can spend a lot of time making money. The tough time comes when you have to give it away properly.” How to give something back, that’s the tough part in life. (Lee Iacocca)
10. Charity looks at the need and not at the cause. (Jewish proverb)
11. Every man must decide whether he will walk in the creative light of altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. This is the judgment. Life’s persistent and most urgent question is “What are you doing for others?” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
12. When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad. That’s my religion. (Abraham Lincoln)
13. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. (Margaret Mead)
14. He who cannot give anything away cannot feel anything either. (Nietzsche)
15. We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from it. (William Osler)
16. He that does good for good’s sake seeks neither paradise nor reward but is sure of both in the end. (William Penn)
17. A good example of give and take is to take pains and give comfort. (Anonymous)
18. The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little. (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
19. We cannot exist without mutual help. All, therefore, that need aid have a right to ask for it from their fellow men, and no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without guilt. (Sir Walter Scott)
20. If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. (Mother Teresa)
21. If you are not poor enough to take charity, you are rich enough to give it. (Anonymous)
22. The deed is everything, the glory naught. (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
23. The best portion of a good man’s life: His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love. (William Wordsworth)
24. Philanthropy proves that though money is the root of all evil, it is also the route of much good. (Anonymous)
25. The man who takes and never gives, may last for years but never lives. (Anonymous)
26. The way you see people is the way you treat them. (Zig Ziglar)

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte, Principal

ATTEND. BID. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

A U C T I O N 2010

Join us on Saturday, February 27th for an evening out on the town to support YOUR OWN Mercy girl with this major school fundraiser. Simply send in your reservation with the return envelope provided in your invitation and reserve the evening on your calendar. Misplaced your Auction invite? CLICK HERE to RSVP or contact the Auction Office at klweber@mhsmi.org.

AWESOME AUCTION ITEMS

LIVE AUCTION ITEM #2 Dean For One Hour THIS IS PRICELESS! Take a ride on the famous yellow scooter! Student will be the Dean of Mercy High School for one hour (or whatever you can talk Ms Linskey into). Date to be approved by Ms. Linskey. Donated by: Ms. Linskey	LIVE AUCTION ITEM #3 Autographed Jonas Brothers Picture Framed Jonas Brothers autographed picture 24'' by 36''. Donated By: Gary and Anna Zatkoff

There's plenty more up for bid at Mercy Auction 2010! CLICK HERE to see some incredible items!  CLICK HERE for all the Auction info or contact the Auction Office at klweber@mhsmi.org or 248.893.3535.

Mothers Club

The Mothers Club is sure keeping busy lending a hand at the Auction, new student registration, Mother/Daughter Banquet, and plenty other Mercy events. Be sure to stay in touch and read President Barbara Pichan's February Notes and check out the Mothers Club Business Directory (xls).

ALL MERCY MOMS are invited to join us for our next meeting Monday, March 1 at 6:30pm in the Media Center.

Dads Club

Hit the Jackpot! Walk away with some serious cash from the Dads Club Raffle which will be held this Saturday, February 20 at the Father / Daughter DANCE.

Bowl, eat, laugh, and spend time with your Mercy girl Sunday, March 7 from 1pm - 3pm at Drakeshire Lanes. Only $11 per person and includes two games, shoes, pizza, and pop. Space is limited! CLICK HERE to sign up today.

Calling ALL MERCY DADS! We welcome and encourage you to come meet, greet, and eat at our next meeting March 3 at 7:00pm in the Cafeteria.

MERCY Moment of the Month

Heart of Mercy

The Heart of Mercy award is a much anticipated annual tradition at Mercy High School. It is a special time of recognition to honor and say thank you to a devoted student and staff member who live out the Mercy values of Human Dgnity, Service, Justice, Mercy, and Option for the Poor. Registrar Mrs. Colleen Rozman and Senior Class President Rachel Yaldoo  were honored for living out these values everyday at Mercy and for being an inspiration to all of us.

Students and staff wrote inspiring nominations. Mrs. Rozman "shows encouragement and support to anyone who needs it ," "acts as a role model," "works to change things that can be improved," and "seeks ways to enhance the faith community at Mercy." Rachel Yaldoo '10 "always includes others, accepts and celebrates all cultures, and advocates for those in need," "being around Rachel brings out the better person in all of us," "she thinks about others before thinking of herself," and "brings a ray of sunshine wherever she goes."

We rejoice for each of our recipients and thank them for showing all of us how to live out our Mercy values!

COUNSELING CORNER

College Information Night - 10th and 11th grade families are encouraged to attend College Information Night next Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00pm in the Mercy Auditorium.

MME - All juniors will take the Michigan Merit Exam given at Mercy over the course of three days: March 9 - 11. The MME is made up of three testing components: the national ACT test; WorkKeys tests in Applied Mathematics, Reading for Information and Locating Information; and subject tests in the areas of Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The Mercy Counseling Staff will register juniors for this exam. For further details about the Michigan Merit Exam, please visit www.michigan.gov/mme.

Course Selections - Beginning February 22nd Counselors will meet with students individually to discuss and confirm course selections for the 2010-2011 school year. An explanation of the process was given to freshman and junior students on 2/16, and will be given to sophomore students on 2/24. The registration process begins at home with students completing a course selection form and making those selections in Powerschool. A paper copy of directions have been given to all students. Additionally, students must have a parent signature on the Course Selection Form in order for the registration process to be complete. CLICK HERE for 2010 - 2011 COURSE CATALOG.

RECORD BREAKING Art Awards

Vibrant acrylic painting by Portfolio Finalist Kelly Gillikin '10	Intricate self-portrait drawing by Sylvia Swierszczyk '10	Gorgeous landscape photograph by Stephanie O'Neil '11

A record number 17 students won an astounding 42 awards in this year’s Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition. Mercy artists captured either gold key, silver key, and/or certificate awards in mixed media, apparel design, painting, ceramics, glass, and digital photography. The winning pieces will be on display at the College for Creative Studies through March 5th Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00, Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00.

Special congratulations to Seniors Sarah Colbert, Sarah Donegan, Tara Ellis, and Kelly Gillikin. Their portfolios made finalist status and will compete in New York City for talent scholarships. Want to read the newspaper article featuring these talented Marlin artists? CLICK HERE to read Farmington Observer article.

There were 4,188 pieces submitted in 14 categories to the 2010 Scholastic Awards Competition. 92 schools, 182 teachers, and 891 students participated in the competition. As a result, there were 1001 pieces accepted in the show: 100 Gold Keys, 402 Silver Keys, 499 Certificates of Merit. 53 Art Portfolios and 40 Photo Portfolios received Gold Keys and will be forwarded to NY for national adjudication. Gold keys are comparable to 1st place. Silver keys are 2nd. Certificates are 3rd. All are displayed in the regional show.

Caroline Auffenberg ’11: Certificate in Photography

Sarah Brooks ’10: Certificate in Mixed Media

Erica Canavan ’12: Silver Key in Drawing

Sarah Colbert ’10: Gold Key in Art Portfolio

Sarah Donegan ’10: Gold Key in Photography Portfolio; Silver Key and 3 Certificates in Photography; Certificate in Painting

Tara Ellis ’10: Gold Key in Art Portfolio; 3 Silver Keys in Fashion; 2 Certificates in Painting; Certificate in Drawing

Kelly Gillikin ’10: Gold Key in Art Portfolio; Gold Key in Photography Portfolio; 2 Silver Keys in Photography; 2 Certificates in Painting

Celeste Gonzalez ’12: Silver Key in Photography

Mary Haapala ’12: Silver Key in Drawing

Alexis Jakubiak ’10: Silver Key in Drawing

Elise Jelonek ’12: Silver Key in Drawing

Erin Kirkland ’10: 3 Certificates in Photography

Stephanie O’Neil ’11: 2 Silver Keys and 2 Certificates in Photography

Emily Reamer ’10: Certificate in Photography

Samantha Saroki ’10: Certificate in Sculpture; Certificate in Photography

Michaelene Sartori ’10:  2 Certificates in Painting

Sylvia Swierszczyk ’10: Silver Key and 2 Certificates in Drawing

Spring Musical ~ "ANNIE"

Leapin lizards! The timeless tale of little orphan Annie hits the Mercy stage. Experience this classic musical about never giving up hope the weekend of March 19 - 21. Boasting one of broadways most memorable scores including "Tomorrow," "It's a Hard Knock Life," and "Easy Street." Don't miss the Mercy production of "Annie." CLICK HERE to check out who's who in the cast.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Here's a sneak peek of some new happenings coming to Mercy this Spring! More event details are coming soon. Contact mercyadvancement@mhsmi.org.

~ Thursday, April 22 Women Mean Business Symposium

~ Sunday, April 25 Alumnae Sponsored Tea for Tuition

~ Sunday, May 2 Mass and Open House in honor of President Sr. Regina Marie Doelker, RSM

~ Monday, June 14 Sr. Regina's Endowed Scholarship Dinner Celebration at the Diamond Center

Mardi Gras en Francais!

All French students celebrated Mardi Gras in their classes on February 16, 2010. The Freshwomen fashioned the Mardi Gras “Belges” which are the French court jesters complete with bells and jewels. Sophomores crafted their own beautiful Mardi Gras masks which rivaled those sold in Nouvelle Orleans. Juniors made Zulu coconuts from the Nouvelle Orleans Zulu Krew tradition and the Seniors made Mardi Gras crowns in the tradition of French royalty. Finally 50 students ended the day with a wonderful celebration at the Belgian-French restaurant in Royal Oak, Bastone, where they enjoyed authentic Belgian-French style cuisine. Mercy French students had a memorable “fête fantastique” Mardi Gras 2010.

Latest and Greatest from the Alumnae Office

Women of Mercy are invited to reflect on life, reconnect with God, and rejoice in all that is good and holy during this special time of year. Two special events have been organized by Mercy Alumnae Board member Carrie Fling Nantais ’96. Rise and shine on Saturday morning with a spiritual morning yoga session reflecting on the Stations of the Cross.  If an evening suits your busy schedule, gather classmates, family, and friends to attend the evening of prayer, reflection and kinship over a bowl of soup.

Spiritual Yoga Session  - Grace Seroka, yoga instructor at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, will lead a spiritual yoga session in the Mercy High School Chapel focusing on the season of Lent. Reflections on the Stations of the Cross will be woven into some of the postures. Beginners are welcome. Saturday, February 20th from 9:00am – 10:30am. $10 fee. Only 10 spots left for this session

Love Does Such Things with Sister Rachelle Harper, RSM ‘52 - Sister Rachelle Harper, RSM ’52 will lead us in a conversation on how God’s love for us calls us into a specific way of being and responding to life. Join us on Thursday, February 25 from 5:30 – 6:30pm with a soup supper courtesy of Leon’s Family Restaurant followed by 6:30 – 8:30pm speaker in the Mercy High School Chapel. Free will offerings appreciated

To RSVP for these events contact the Alumnae Office at alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org or call 248-476-3270.

NAIMUN XLVII

Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

Sr. Regina announced the 2010-2011 scholarship and tuition assistance program to the students on February 11th during advisee group. Mercy High School is committed to recognizing academic excellence as well as providing financial assistance to families who need it. Through the generosity of our donors, we are able to further these goals. Students applying for named scholarships are required to submit a one page, double spaced, typed essay responding to the criteria required for the particular scholarship of interest. Essays written by the same student must be different for each named scholarship application and inclusive of a direct response to the criteria for the particular scholarship. Essays are due in the Advancement Office by Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Click here for complete descriptions and further information.

Tuition assistance is awarded yearly by the Mercy Tuition Assistance Committee on the basis of financial need. Consideration is also given to attendance, effort, and school involvement. In order to be considered for Tuition Assistance, the student must be registered, and the deposit paid for the upcoming school year. Mercy utilizes the independent review company Private School Aid Service (PSAS) to determine need. Families must complete the application (one per family) and forward it with the required documents directly to PSAS by April 19, 2010. An application fee is required. Tuition assistance applications for current students are now available in the Advancement Office. Currently PSAS forms cannot be completed on line.  Applications for incoming freshwomen can be obtained at the time of registration. The Detroit Archdiocese also offers a tuition assistance program. Please check their website for details. A limited number of these forms are available from the Mercy Advancement Office. Click here for requirements and further information.

Student Successes . . . APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE!!

President Search Committee - Mercy High School is seeking a new PRESIDENT for the 2010 - 2011 school year. The President is responsible for the business aspects of the administration including budgeting, finances and investments, advancement operations, strategic planning, public relations, buildings and grounds and the external operations of the institution. CLICK HERE for President position posting and how to apply.

MARLINS IN THE NEWS - Mercy girls like to be in print! CLICK HERE to see photos and read newspaper articles about how Mercy students scored big in sports, were featured for amazing artwork, and more!

AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING - The National Honor Sociey will offer after school tutoring on Wednesdays from 2:45pm - 3:30pm throughout the school year. Tutoring sessions will have 4 to 5 NHS members in the Media Center to tutor in all subject areas.

SENIORS DIPLOMA NAME CHANGES - Last call to make any name changes to graduating student diplomas. Please send any corrections to Mrs. Colleen Rozman at cmrozman@mhsmi.org ASAP!

SANP - Gift bag donations are appreciated for the Senior All Night Party gift bags for the Class of 2010. Any questions, please contact mlbadr@comcast.net.

POM CLINIC -Girls in Grades K - 11 are invited to shake their pom pons at the 2010 Mercy Varsity Pom Clinic held Saturday, March 13 in the Mercy GYM. CLICK HERE for details and registration form.

PAX CHRISTI CONFERENCE - Pax Christi Michigan 29th Annual State Conference "Active Nonviolence Building a Peaceful World" will be held at Mercy Saturday, March 27th. CLICK HERE for more information.

Look who is a Sweepstakes Drive winner!

Snapshots of Mercy

BLESSED CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

Sylvia Haddad ('11), Teresa Rotondo ('11), and Katy Rapson ('10) met Archbishop Vigneron at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral for the Catholic Schools Week Mass held February 4th. If you have a snapshot of Mercy, please send to jhearle@mhsmi.org.

Mercy Month Ahead

THANK YOU for taking the time to read the MERCY MEMO.  The MARCH MEMO will be delivered to your inbox by March 18. If you have any questions or want to submit information contact jhearle@mhsmi.org. Want even more?  Click the school year calendar and the Mercy web site.  And don't miss all of the latest Mercy In The News articles. Check out the current announcements, view past issues of the MEMO newsletter, and browse the home page yellow box to link to what's happening today @ Mercy.