Wit's End . . . notes from the principal

February.  This is the month when we are reminded, possibly bombarded, with messages of love. Media advertising for Valentine’s day is in full swing by the first week of the new year.  This month of February, 2008 has, however, taken on a meaning of far greater significance than in years past.  That is because Mercy suffered the loss of one of our own, Mr. Bob Ciske.

Bob taught math here beginning in the fall of 1991.  Teaching was a second career for Bob, something he had always wanted to do, but never pursued until he returned to school and worked to achieve his bachelor’s degree and certification at age 35.  Mercy was his first and only teaching job and it became for him, a second home and gave him a second family.  Bob began his 17^th year of teaching last August, even though four months earlier, he had begun his battle with cancer.  When Bob spoke with me last spring, I simply told him that his job was his to do until he could do it no longer.  He was pleased.  He was, at that time, optimistic even though the medical treatment was both aggressive and intensive.  Even though Bob was unable to finish out the final weeks of that semester, he returned August 29^th ready to start the new school year.  Bob came to Mercy each and every day until December 21^st.  He came each day for one reason only.  He came to teach math.  We provided him with a projector screen so that he could continue to demonstrate problem solving without standing at the blackboard.  We moved a soft cushioned easy chair into his office where he sometimes napped when he had an unscheduled hour.  Beyond those minimal changes, Bob asked for nothing.  He continued to do what he was hired to do so many years before.  He taught.  And what a teacher he was! 

Bob was unable to return to school after the Christmas holiday.  We only learned of that reality on January 7^th when classes resumed and he wasn’t here.  None of us got to say goodbye. None of us got to say thank you for all he did.  Bob Ciske passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, February 3^rd, 2008.  Mercy held a memorial service February 6^th and a second memorial gathering occurred in Troy on February 9^th at the Desmond Funeral Home.  Both staff and students spoke at that second service.  Many alums returned to pay tribute.  It was moving, genuine, and meaningful.

I write of all this today because February is dubbed the “month of love.”  It will always remain so, but for me, the meaning is now richer and deeper.  Bob Ciske, my colleague and my friend, was a teacher who loved.  He loved family and friends.  He loved math.  Maybe above all, he loved “his girls,” the more than two thousand of them who sat in N-5 over those 16+ years and learned their math.  Each of those girls received a rare gift – the gift of unselfish care and devotion given them by a gentle, funny, and gifted teacher.  Each of them, and each one of us who worked with Bob, is forever changed by his example.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Carolyn Witte, Principal 

Join us on Saturday, March 1st for the 29^th Annual Mercy Auction Soirée

BENEFIT FOR MHS!  ATTEND! 

The invitations have been sent and the donations are still arriving.  Now all we need is for you to share this magical evening with us.  Experience the Mercy Auction like never before!  With an ALL NEW LIVE AUCTION FORMAT filled with surprises, special guests, and fabulous items up for bid, you can’t afford to miss out on the excitement.  RSVP extended to February 26th!

Misplaced your Auction invite?  Contact the Special Events Office!  Want to know some of the items up for bid?  CLICK HERE for live items and CLICK HERE for silent items.  See you March 1^st! 

Congratulations to Mercy mom Christine Craig (Megan ’08 & Emma ‘11) who was the lucky winner of the “Early Bird" Tuition Raffle Ticket turn in.  By submitting all 8 Tuition Raffle Tickets by January 31^st, Christine won 2 Auction tickets.  Thank you to all of the generous families who participated in our "Early Bird" turn in.  Don’t worry - there is still time to submit your Tuition Raffle Tickets by the night of the Auction for the BIG drawing! 

Grand Prize (choice of) 2008-09 Mercy Tuition -or- 2 year car lease -or- $8,000 cash

2nd Prize $1,500 cash • 3rd Prize $500 cash

A sincere THANK YOU to Phyllis & Blondell Morey, Karen & Timothy Mackie, Anita Sevier & Terry Berg, Michele & Gerald Hudson, Jacqueline & Luther Keith, Marcia & Reginald Turner, and Rose & Larry Brinker for hosting a fabulous Detroit Area Gift Gathering Party on February 1st at the Mackie residence.  Despite the cold winter storm outside, hearts were warm and spirits were high at this final gift event for this year’s Auction.  With Soirée only 2 weeks away, buzz about attending the event and bidding excitement filled the air!  Thank you, again, to all of these wonderful families for their enthusiasm and leadership.  Click here for more AUCTION information including more gift party photos.

Mercy MOMENT of the Month

GOT THANKED?

"Thanks, Mom!  Thanks Dad!  Thanks for sending me to Mercy!"  Those words were said on the phone, e-mailed, texted, or hand-written about 760 times on January 31 during the surprise school THANKATHON to celebrate Catholic Schools Week.  The girls loved the special opportunity to reflect and send a word of gratitude to their family.  Senior Gina Rotundo shared some of her sentiments, "I just wanted to make sure that you know it's been worth it.  I want you to know that I know that your decision to provide me with a Catholic education, specifically at Mercy High School, has been worth it."  THANK YOU students; Mercy wouldn't be Mercy without you!

Mothers Club

Mercy MOMS are gearing up for end of the school year festivities!  Please join us at our next meeting March 3 at 6:30pm.  Click here to check out all the ways you can get involved with Mercy Moms and to download the volunteer form.  

Dads Club 

Bowl, eat, laugh, and spend time with your Mercy girl Sunday, March 9 for bowling at Drakeshire Lanes 1pm - 3pm.  CLICK HERE for sign up sheet and more information or grab a form at the reception area.

Jackpot!  Look at these lucky winners who walked away with the cash from the Dads Club Raffle:  $10,000 Roy Williams; $1,500 The Kenez Family; $1,000 The Arcori Family.

The Dads and Daughters Golf Outing will be held May 21st at Bay Pointe Golf Club.  More information coming soon.

Meet, greet, and eat at our next Dads Club meeting February 5 at 7:00pm in the Cafeteria. 

Catholic Schools Week Celebration

Mercy High School rejoiced in “lighting the way” for Bishop Daniel E. Flores to commence Catholic Schools Week.  The Archdiocese of Detroit Bishop Flores presided over a special Mass on January 28th to celebrate Mercy High School living out the theme of Catholic Schools Light the Way. 

The entire school listened as Bishop Flores shared his reflections on how the spirit of a Catholic education is about giving and sharing mercy and embracing the Mercy values.  This was a perfect foundation to announce the Mercy High School distinguished Heart of Mercy Award recipients. 

The Heart of Mercy Award is bestowed upon a student and staff member who model the actions of Human Dignity, Mercy, Service, Justice, and Option for the Poor.  Performing Arts Teacher Mr. Ron Sill and senior Helen Marie Berg were honored for living out these values everyday at Mercy High School and “lighting the way” and encouraging others to achieve their best. 

Mr. Sill was deemed Mercy's Super Hero because he always lends a helping hand and a calming heart to anyone in need.  Helen Marie Berg is truly a light who finds joy in building everyone up and cherishes the talents and abilities in each person.  They had a memorable morning sharing their award with family.

Lent 2008 From Darkness to Light

Four letters and forty days.  As a Mercy community we will focus on six different themes which carry us through the six weeks of Lent ~ Sacrifice, Kindness, Growth in Prayer, Giving, Commitment, and Service.  Together through daily reflections, random acts of kindness, and prayers Mercy students can prepare to celebrate Easter, as we move from Darkness to Light.  In the spirit of the lenten season, we share with you this Monthly Reflection.

Renew, Repent, Revive, Reflect, Rejoice 
Change our hearts, Lord. Guide us through our prayer, fasting and almsgiving to a deeper awareness of you in each other. Be with us as we look forward to a new birth at Easter! 
What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

Students Shine in Regional Scholastic Art Awards

Bravo to the 12 students who won 26 awards in this year’s prestigious Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition.  They are Lizz Andrews ’08, Maria Arambula ’08, Jackie Buckley ’10, Sarah Colbert ’10, Tara Ellis ’10, Stephanie Hazel ’08, Karen Malloure ’09, Chrissy Pelton ’08, Raven Rickard ’08, Sylvia Swierszczyk ’10, Kellyann Wargo ’08, and Lauren Preininger ‘08.  

Mixed media collage by Maria Arambula	Hat created by Karen Malloure	Painting by Lauren Preininger

These talented students captured either gold key, silver key, and/or certificate awards in mixed media, painting, sculpture, ceramics, apparel design, drawing, and art portfolio.  Check out all the winning pieces on display at the College for Creative Studies through February 29^th Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm – 5pm.

Special CONGRATULATIONS to seniors Maria Arambula who received 7 awards and Kellyann Wargo who received 6 awards.  Both of their portfolios made finalist status and will compete in New York City for talent scholarships.

Student Diversity Conference

New School in Cambodia

Over this past summer three junior girls, Toni Rose Arceno, Stephanie Bodien, Emily Clark, and senior Libby Hagemeyer accompanied Mrs. Judi Dennis to attend the Mercy Leadership Conference in Gwynedd, Pennsylvania.  It was here that the girls met Sr. Deirdre Mullen, RSM and learned about the work the Sisters of Mercy are doing in Cambodia rebuilding schools. 

The fourteen Mercy schools represented at the conference agreed to work together to raise enough money to build a school.  One school with indoor plumbing costs $20,000.  The student representatives were able to put on a very successful jean day on Friday, February 9.  For $5, students could be out of uniform and wear jeans and slippers.  $3,683.05 was raised and will be added to the money raised at other Mercy schools from across the country.  The representatives would like to thank all who participated in the fundraisder for their support and generosity.  A check will be presented to Sr. Deirdre Mullen, RSM at the Mercy Leadership Conference later this year. 

Student Successes ~ APPLAUSE!!  APPLAUSE!!

Chantel Morey '08 and Jennifer Paxton '08 were named Finalists in the 2008 Competition for National Achievement Scholarships.  All Finalists will be considered for National Achievement Scholarships to be offered to outstanding Black American students in 2008. 

Arianna Bickle '11 won the title of Teen Miss Dance of the Great Lakes.  She will be going to Orlando in July to compete for Teen Miss Dance of America. 

Mary Walle '09 who plays the violin and Renee Hudson '08 who plays the viola will be performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  The Orchestra is collaborating with the Detroit Concert Choir, Wayne State Concert Chorale, and Roosevelt High School Accapella Choir to present a production of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff.  Performances will be February 21 at 8pm Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and February 24 at 3pm at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.  Tickets available at the door.

Southfield VFW Post 2645 and its Ladies Auxiliary are proud to announce the Post, District, and STATE Voice of Democracy Winner is senior Jennifer Paxton.  The State award was a $6,000 scholarship with an all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. to compete nationally in March for up to a $30,000 scholarship.  There will be a $7 fundraiser spaghetti dinner to help raise money for her family to attend on February 23 from 4 - 7pm at the VFW Post on 9 mile and Southfield.  Good luck, Jennifer!

9 skaters have qualified for individual events at the Figure Skating State Championships which will be held Saturday, March 15 from 8am - 6pm at the Novi Ice Arena.  The skaters going are Brittany Barclae, Madison Elkow, Karen Malloure, Kristen Malloure, Kylie Meyer, Emily Moreau, Sera Petrillo, Claire Smyth, and Abby Tomba.

Some members of the Ice Hockey team received the following honors:  Maura Gregory - All Catholic; Maura Malone - All League; Natalie Dulzo - All Academic.

Latest and Greatest from the ALUMNAE OFFICE

Reflect, Reconnect, Rejoice!

The Mercy Women's Lenten Series began last week. Mercy alums, mothers and daughters, and several sets of sisters joined us for an evening retreat led by Sr. Mary Ellen Howard, RSM, Executive Director of St. Frances Cabrini Clinic of Most Holy Trinity Church, the oldest free clinic in the United States.  It was a lovely evening that began with a simple soup supper followed by Sr. Mary Ellen's talk and time for quiet reflection. 

Please join us for the next speaker Crystal Caruana Sullivan '88 on Monday, February 25 beginning at 6pm.  CLICK HERE for more information about our speakers or contact alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org.

TEA for TUITION

Join other Mercy women for a splendid tea-filled afternoon at the 4th Annual Tea for Tuition Sunday, April 27 from 2 - 4pm in the Mercy gymnasium.  Sip some tea at a Mercy Mom mingler table or pour a cup and host a table of your own.  $25 per person.  Includes tea, treats, entertainment, silent auction, special drawing, and smiles.   

Funds raised benefit the Mercy Tuition Assistance Program.  Click here for more information and RSVP to alumnaeoffice@mhsmi.org.

Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

Sr. Regina informed the students about the scholarship and tuition assistance program during advisee period on February 18th.  Two academic scholarships have been added for incoming freshwomen.  Applicants are required to submit a one page, double spaced, typed essay responding to the criteria required for the particular scholarship of interest. The student is to specify the scholarship desired and her reasons for attending Mercy.  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 Development Office by Thursday, March 13, 2008.  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. Mercy utilizes an independent review company to determine need.  Families must complete the application (one per family) and forward it with the required documents directly to Private School Aid Service (PSAS). An application fee is required.  Applications will be available to incoming freshwomen at registration.  The Detroit Archdiocese offers a tuition assistance program.  Forms are also available from the Mercy Development Office. Tuition assistance applications for current students are available in the Development Office.  Applications for Incoming freshwomen can be obtained at the time of registration.  Click here for requirements and further information.

NAIMUN 

Mercy students Toni Rose Arceno, Kira Boneff, Lisa Carlson, Taylor Elkow, Jessica Jary, Serena Sana, Vanessa Rychlinski, Abigail Walls, Kellyann Wargo, and Kat Wittbold along with Ms. Lisa Robinet and Mrs. Georganne Salvia journeyed this month to Washington, D.C. for the National American International Model United Nations Conference. 

Schools from all 50 states attend this influential conference run by Georgetown University.  A deputy assistant to the Secretary of State who deals with intelligence was the keynote speaker during Opening Ceremonies.  The girls also attended a Delegate Dance and toured the American Art Museum.  Abigail Walls won the Outstanding Delegate award in the International Court of Justice representing the Russian Federation.  What a rewarding experience!

Help Feed the Auction Volunteers

If you have been looking for an inexpensive, EASY way to support the 2008 Mercy Auction SOIREE, we have just the thing for you!  In order to put on an event of this magnitude, we have many volunteers who help with set up and tear down as well as work the night of the event.  We would like to make sure they are provided with food and drinks to keep them going.  We are asking you to help by choosing an item from the lists shown below and make, purchase, or help get these food items donated.

 Parents, you have been so supportive, and we appreciate everything you do.  We know that we can count on you to come through for Mercy once again!  Contact Food Coordinator Debbie Cebula at ddcebula@aol.com or 248.471.4606.

Spring Musical ~ THE MUSIC MAN

Are you ready for another show stopping Spring Musical?  Come one and come all to Mercy's production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man featuring the Catholic Central High School Marching Band.

Friday, March 14th ~ 8pm Saturday, March 15th ~ 8pm Sunday, March 16th ~ 2pm Mercy High School Auditorium   Tickets $12 Adults $10 students and children

MeSS

On Friday, February 15, 2008, twenty-four members of the Mercy Shakespeare Society enjoyed a delightful trip to Ann Arbor.  After enjoying dinner at BD's Mongolian Barbecue on Main Street, the students traveled to U of M's Campus to attend a Theater Department production of As You Like It. 

MeSS Alumna and U of M student Carolyn Lusch '07 attended the performance and helped to build the impressive set for the production.  The play was inventively set in the American Fifties,  producing a musical feast without inflicting damage on Shakespeare's memorable script, including the famous quote, "All the World's a Stage." MeSS members, their appetites fed on Shakespeare and stir-fry, are busy planning their movie night in April.  Click here for more information on MeSS.

Check Out These COACHES

Jack Falvo was inducted into the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.  He received a plaque and ring in honor of his 14 years as Mercy Varsity Softball coach.   He has compiled an impressive 321-150 win / loss record. 

Mercy Varsity Swim and Dive coach Shannon Dunworth received the 2007 Coach of the Year Award for the State of Michigan in Swimming and Diving by the National Federation of State High School Associations. 

Mercy PHONATHON in March

The Development Office is looking for a few good phone-callers for the evenings of March 11 - 13 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.  No experience needed.  Just a willingness to join with other parents and make phone calls on behalf of Mercy.  Dinner and training will be provided. 

If you can spare a few hours to volunteer your time, please e-mail rbmathis@mhsmi.org to let her know when you are available.

Senior All Night Party

Every Mercy parent from freshman to senior, is invited to participate in the production of the 2008 Senior All Night Party (SANP).  Parents of freshmen through junior students can get a sneak preview of what the party looks like and begin to formulate ideas for their own daughter’s senior parties. Many of our families may have connections through which we may acquire some of the items needed to fulfill our goals.  Junior parents are asked to provide the food for the buffet.  Each junior household will be contacted individually. Your help is needed and welcomed.  A brief description of the committees may help you decide where you might fit into the SANP picture. Working on the SANP is a great way to make friends and have fun making a special memory for the girls. The party is held the night of graduation, Thursday June 5, 2008 from 10:00pm until 5:00am at Mercy High School.  CLICK HERE for a brief description of each committee.

Reminder for Senior parents ~ Please  turn in your daughter’s baby (any size) and senior (wallet size preferred) pictures to Mrs. Kusch  ASAP!!!  Remember to put your daughter’s last name on the back of both pictures.  Register your senior for the party by sending a check for $80.00 to Mercy High School Attention: Mr. Gernacy.  Contact SANP Chairperson Kathleen Brazzle kcbrazzle@aol.com if you have any questions.

MNotes . . . miscellaneous info you need to know!  

Throughout this month join the Mercy Human Relations Council in the celebration of Black History Month.  HRC is commemorating Black history  through pictures, videos, information, and prayers.  Billboard is on display in the south hall. Come to the Black History Month Assembly February 28th from 9:55am to 10:55am in the Auditorium.

MICHIGAN MERIT EXAM - All Juniors will take the Michigan Merit Exam this March.  The exam will be given at Mercy over the course of three days March 11 - 13.  For a student to be eligible for the Michigan Promise Scholarship she must participate in all three days of testing.  If a student is unable to participate in all three days a make-up opportunity for this exam will be in the Spring of 2009.  For further details, please CLICK HERE for the MME powerpoint or CLICK HERE for the counseling web site. 

Mercy Month Ahead

Event	Date / Time	Location
Women's Lenten Series	Feb 25 / 6pm	Chapel
Winter Break NO SCHOOL	Feb 22, 29 Mar 7, 14
New Student Information Meeting	Feb 26 / 7:30pm	MHS
Black History Month Assembly	Feb 28 / 9:55am	Auditorium
MERCY AUCTION SOIREE	Mar 1 / 6pm	MHS
Mercy MOMS Meeting	Mar 3 / 6:30pm	Media Ctr
Registration	Mar 3, 4 / 3 - 6pm	MHS
Mother Daughter Banquet	Mar 4 / 6:30pm	Novi Sheraton
Parent Teacher Conferences	Mar 6 / 4 - 7pm	MHS
Dads and Daughters Bowling	Mar 10 / 1 - 3pm	Drakeshire Lanes
Mercy DADS Meeting	Mar 11 / 7pm	Cafe
Spring Musical - THE MUSIC MAN	Mar 14 / 8pm Mar 15 / 8pm Mar 16 / 2pm	Auditorium
Easter Break	Mar 20 - Mar 30

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. 

Have comments to make or news to share about the Mercy MEMO?  Submit information for the MARCH issue to jhearle@mhsmi.org by March 13 to be delivered to your inbox March 18. 

Thank you, parents!  So far, 169 gifts to the Annual Appeal have been made from Mercy families who are helping to zap the gap.  These gifts total $98,000.  Since the goal is $200,000, we still have a ways to go to reach it.

If your family has NOT YET made a gift to the Annual Appeal, please send a check to Mercy Development or go online anytime to make a zap the gap annual gift.  Please remember, it's not the size of the donation that counts, but your willingness to support Mercy's Annual Appeal.