Having just returned to school from a relaxing Easter break, I hope that each of you enjoyed time together with loved ones.  The remainder of the school year now operates at some undefined speed.  Slow down and breathe, every chance you get.  There is so much to celebrate and so much joy that can be easily missed.

The tragedy at Virginia Tech has not dispelled the belief I just expressed, but it has certainly modified my perspective.  I was stunned when the news unfolded on the morning of April 16th.  As days continue to pass, and more stories are known, the situtation still has a personal impact.  I have found it difficult to even consider what each of the students and faculty at Virginia Tech experienced.  Most would say that such an incident is truly unimaginable.

I am a parent and truly believe that the last completely restful night of sleep I had was the night before I had my first child.  I responded, therefore, to Monday's tragedy as a mom.  Beyond those who were on campus that day, the group of people with whom I most closely identify are the moms and dads of all the Virginia Tech students.  The horror that each of those parents experienced is unmatched - the horror of not knowing whether or not their son or daughter was alive and unharmed, injured, or dead.  For every parent who finally spoke to their child, there were most likely feelings of relief.  Possibly there were also moments of guilt at the random nature of it all and the unanswerable question:  Why did my child survive and not someone else's child?

We live in a world where we are able to learn of tragedies first hand and in real time.  There is little or nothing to follow that will help me better understand this event.  I believe, however, that such an event should hold our attention long after the news coverage ends if only for one reason - that each of us be reminded of the fragile nature of our existence.

In my opening paragraph I suggested that we need to slow down and breathe.  In closing, I offer a simple suggestion to any parent - find each of your children today and give them a sustained embrace.  Hold them in your arms and tell them how precious they are to you.  For your children that live away from you, call them today and communicate that same message.  Don't send an e-mail.  Hear their voice and let them hear yours.

In an instant, any one of us can be gone from this world.  Many were reminded of that reality last Monday.  To honor their grief, I, as a mom, need to realize that at this moment, I am undeservedly blessed; I have not buried my own child.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte ~ Principal

Please join us at our next meeting Monday, May 7 @ 6:30pm for refreshments and an opportunity to meet other Mercy Moms.

Dads Club

Grab your clubs and your Mercy daughter for the 10th Annual Dads Club Golf Outing Wednesday, May 16th at Bay Pointe Golf Club.  Click here for more information and sign up sheet or e-mail jfcoan@glebs.com.

Hang out with other Mercy Dads at our next meeting Tuesday, May 1 at 7pm in the cafeteria.  We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

CONGRATULATIONS to These Amazing Young Women!

The Class of 2007 has 49 days and counting until graduation.  49 days until they hear their proud Valedictorian Julie Mulloy and Salutatorian Bianca Jiddou share sacred school stories.  Bravo to the other stellar seniors Jennifer Pisani, Carolyn Lusch, Christina Nypaver, Robyn Paul, and Meaghan Maraffino who were also finalists for the top honors of Valedictorian and Salutatiorian. 

This distinction considers not only academic record but also leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement.  Staff and the senior class provided valuable input and each candidate responded to a series of questions and was interviewed by Principal Mrs. Witte and Associate Principal Mr. Gervais. 

A Colorful Community Tribute

Each year the Farmington/Farmington Hills Multicultural/Multiracial Community Council holds the Rainbow Recognition Awards Breakfast.  Each honoree is recognized as someone who actively promotes racial and cultural understanding.  This year, 3 seniors and 2 staff members received this distinction.

Mr. Gary Morris was honored for his approach to athletics and coaching Mercy's Varsity Basketball team.  His philosophy is one of inclusion, welcoming, and encouraging every student from try-outs through season completion.

Rebecca Zhou was recognized for her four year committment to the Human Relations Council and her leadership as this year's chairperson.  Rebecca has served on the Farmington Schools Diversity Committee and was further distinguished this year by being chosen as one of two student hosts for the awards breakfast.

Bianca Jiddou received an award for her leadership on student council and Meaghan Maraffino was recognized for the four years of devoted service on Mercy's Human Relations Council.

Mr. George Wright was honored for his 37 years of dedicated teaching in the Religious Studies department and his committment to justice both at Mercy and in the community.  Mr. Wright has actively participated every year in the Focus: Hope Walk for Justice and is a role model for life choices matching one's beliefs.

Mercy is proud to have each of these five deserving honorees in our building!

Admissions Anecdotes

88 + 68 + 30  = 186 so far for the Marlin Class of 2011.

After 3 days of new student registrations freshwomen keep adding up!  If you know a future Mercy girl, let them know it's not too late to enroll for the 2007 -2008 school year. 

Contact the Admissions Office anytime at 248.476.2484 or mpstirling@mhsmi.org.

Working to Make a Difference

Spring Break is most often the time when many take off for tropical places to relax in the warm sun.  Spring Break meant something different this year to 19 women.  It meant putting on overalls, work gloves, and steel-toed boots.  It meant work, hard work in the cold, wind, and rain on the top of a mountain in rural Kentucky.

15 Mercy seniors Maureen Anway, Cara Bosco, Luree Brown, Rose Gibbons, Amanda Hall, Amber Harrison, Priya Khanguar, Emily Lockhart, Carolyn Lusch, Marysia McMillian, Alyson Ponto, Marcie Swan, Sarah Rogers, Katelyn Rocheleau, and Rebecca Vogel along with Mrs. Judi Dennis, her daughters Abby and Sara, and Mrs. Linda Swan headed for Beattyville, Kentucky for 5 days to help with the local Habitat for Humanity organizers.  They spent their days roofing, chaulking, repairing, siding, and painting, truly living out the Mercy values, human dignity, justice, service, mercy, and option for the poor. 

Pastor Herman Newton and the Habitat Committee of the area gave an appreciation dinner for the crew at the local church during their stay.  This was the 9th year Mercy made a difference to the people of Beattyville.  Pastor Newton commented, "I love my Mercy girls!  They work so hard and we appreciate them so much."

Mercy Moment of the Month

Bring it on!  Mr. Morgan and Mr. Courage challenged each other to a dance-off if $150,000 is raised in the Sweepstakes Drive.  The girls cheered them on during the April 18th spirit assembly.

Now it's your turn to bring it on and keep bringing it in!  THANKS to all Mercy students, staff, and parents for raising $100,000 so far in this year's Sweepstakes Drive.  Only 8 turn-in days left until the drive ends May 1.  Let's bring it!

It Figures

They're #1!  The Mercy Figure Skating Team shined last month winning the State Championship after icing Plymouth-Canton in a skate-off at the Detroit Skating Club. 

Tara Ellis, Carly Francavilla, Karen Malloure, Kristen Malloure, Ashleigh Ostin, Claire Smyth, and Abby Tomba also received individual medals.

Way to go super skaters!

Student Successes  ~  APPLAUSE!  APPLAUSE!

Sophomore pianist Katherine Dougan scored 95 out of 100 at the Michigan Music Teachers Assocation Piano Student Achievement Competition and will be moving on to the State Semi-Finals.

Sophomore violinist Mary Walle earned a top 1 rating at the Solo and Ensemble District competition and received a high score of 98 out of 100 at the Regional competition.  She will participate in the MSBOA Soloist Competition and the MSBOA/Michigan Youth Arts Festival Honors Orchestra. 

Three Mercy singers received top ratings at the State Vocal Solo and Ensemble Festival.  Sophomore Grace von Poppel received an overall rating of II (very good).  Juniors Adriana Kalota and Margaret Love received an overall rating of I (excellent).

The Farmington Musicale Awards for Musical Excellence awarded Junior Mary Malaney 2nd prize and Sophomore Grace von Poppel an Honorable Mention in the vocal division.   

Gymnast Jennifer O'Neil took home a bronze medal for the balance beam at the USGA Jr Olympics State Championships 16 and over category and will compete in the regionals in Indianapolis.

Junior Amanda Rahie won a Certificate of Excellence in the Detroit Free Press Letters to the Editor contest.  She was one of five juniors from throughout Michigan who were chosen for writing on the issue of how the state or its universities can make a college education more available and affordable.

At the National Qualifier of the Detroit Catholic Forensic League, 17 members of the Forensics Team won medals to advance to the Grand National Tournament in Houston, Texas.  They won 14 of 18 spots available in Forensic competition.  They will join with other DCFL members to compete with over 2,000 students from 57 dioceses across the country at the Grand National Tournament in May. 

It's Tea Time! It's Tea Time!

Last call for TEA!  You are invited to Mercy for the 3rd Annual 2007 Ladies Tea for Tuition on Sunday, April 29 from 2pm - 4pm.  

Mingle with other Mercy Moms to support the Mercy Tuition Assistance Program.  The afternoon includes tea, treats, Mercy Mimes, silent auction, and special prize drawing.  Tickets are $20 per person.  Click here for more information.  RSVP to the Alumnae Office at jlstark@mhsmi.org.

What Sophomore and Junior Parents Need to Know for College

College Information night will be held Tuesday, April 24th at 7pm in the Mercy Auditorium for Sophomore and Junior parents and students.  Five college admission representatives from both public and private institutions will address the most commonly asked questions about college planning and admissions. 

The questions will focus on the search process, testing, admission factors, and the application.  Panelists are from the following schools:  University of Michigan; Grand Valley State University; Wayne State University; Kalamazoo College; and Loyola University Chicago.  They will not only speak about their school, but will speak for other schools of similar type and size, such as a mid-size state university or a private out of state school.  See you on the 24th! 

Dear Taxpaying Parents,

If you just filed or paid taxes this week and wonder why so much of your earnings are going to Uncle Sam, perhaps it's time right now to begin to increase your charitable contributions.

A donation to Mercy's Annual Fund is tax-deductible and always appreciated.  Plus, every gift, large or small, helps YOU to "zap the gap" and MERCY to balance the annual budget.

Think about it . . . Uncle Sam?  Or Aunt Mercy?

P.S. You can easily make your gift to Mercy's Annual Fund right now by going to mhsmi.org/donations.

Save your mulligans and save the date for the 18th Annual Meg Mallon Golf Outing July 9, 2007 at Fox Hills in Plymouth.  Golf 18 holes on the Golden Fox, plus enjoy lunch and dinner with Meg.  Register by May 30th for a $50 discount!  Click here for sponsorship, donation, and registration information.

The Admissions Office generates a carpool list each spring to distribute to all incoming families as well as present Mercy families who request a copy.  All students are included on this list unless the Admissions Office is notified and a request is made to remove them.  If you would like to request a copy of the carpool list or if you do not want your daughter and address information included on the carpool list, please contact the Admissions Office at 248.476.2484 or mpstirling@mhsmi.org and she will be removed.   The carpool list will be distributed via e-mail at the beginning of June 2007. 

Coming soon. . . online 2007 auction items up for grabs to the highest Mercy e-bidder.

Mercy's Pro Life Club is collecting baby items for needy teenage moms.  The items will be donated to a shelter.  All items are acceptable and please turn them in at S-6 with Ms. Michalik by Friday, April 27th. 

High 5 to the following Sweepstakes Drive winners:

Did you know?

Parents, did you know that TARGET donates up to 1% of your purchases when you use the REDcard and designate Mercy High School?  Visit target.com/tcoe, stop by the kiosk in your favorite Target store, or call 1.800.316.6142 to sign up now.  The March 30th check the school just received totaled $1,111.10.  A nice chunk of change for MERCY!  Thank you, Target shoppers!

MEIJER also participates in giving back up to 1% to Mercy education and have enhanced their program.  If you are already enrolled in Meijer Community Rewards (MCR), you must go online to Meijer.com/MCRmember to re-enroll or to sign up as a new customer.  Thank you, Meijer shoppers!

Mercy Months Ahead

Spring sports have sprung!  Click the Athletics calendar.

Want even more?  Click the school year calendar and the Mercy web site. 

Check out the current announcements, view past issues of the MEMO newsletter, and browse the home page little yellow box to link to what's happening today @ Mercy. 

Have comments to make or news to share about the Mercy MEMO?

Submit information  for our next issue to jhearle@mhsmi.org by  MAY 11 to be e-mailed to your inbox  MAY 17.