On November 10 and 11, Mount Saint Mary Academy junior, Akshaya Karanam '23 attended the Exploring Finance Workshops at the NJCU School of Business and the Members Exchange stock exchange in Jersey City, NJ. She applied for the workshop opportunity, which was hosted by Invest in Girls, NOIP (National Organization of Investment Professionals), and New Jersey City University.

Mia Pafumi (Music Department Chairperson) and Catrina Coffey (English teacher) said, “This past weekend, the hard work of the talented, dedicated cast and crew of Beowulf: User Friendly paid off at last, with a production that was uproariously funny from beginning to end. Seniors Marina Cialdella '23, Marina DeNezza '23, Kailey Fahy '23, and Brenna Watkins '23 bade the stage a fond farewell in their last fall drama as high school students, while freshmen Shannon Bradley '26, Maria Klein '26, Celeste DelGuercio '26, Sophia Chmura '26, and junior AnaMaria Farrell '24, made their Mount stage debut! Congratulations to the cast and crew—no group has worked harder, and you should all be proud of yourselves!”

The spiritual and personal impact of the Mount’s Kairos Retreats has been an integral part of the Academy experience and traditions. Last week, the fall retreatants returned and shared their reflections.

The Mount community gathered for a Thanksgiving Prayer Service entitled, “A Garden of Unity,” in Immaculate Conception Chapel. Planned by our Peer Ministers, theology teacher, Michelle Kovach, and Ruth Anne Munroe (Campus Minister) the service was a beautiful celebration of gratitude that honored all faith traditions. The program featured excellent music selections and performances by our Chorale and Music Ministry Club. During the service, students, faculty, and staff stepped forward to place silk flowers in baskets designated by class year to express our strength as a community and uniqueness.    

Kathleen Brennan, Mathematics Department Chairperson, was invited to serve as a panelist during the European Union Educators’ Summit on November 13 and 14 at the European Delegation to the United States in Washington, D.C.

"Last winter, through my involvement in Junior State of America (JSA), I was introduced to a youth civics organization called Civics Unplugged," said Zoe. "In January, I applied for and was accepted to the group's Civic Innovators Fellowship. For three months, I took part in sessions on how to apply the principle of civic innovation across different disciplines. Civics Unplugged also offers grants for students who complete the fellowship to pursue their own community initiatives."

Earlier in the week prior to Homecoming 2022, the weather forecast looked ominous. Though it rained on Friday evening, 40 alumnae braved the elements and attended the cocktail reception. The next morning, the sun peeked through the clouds and the temperatures warmed. Close to 70 alumnae made the journey up the hill to reunite and reconnect with their classmates.

The Mount campus was bustling on Tuesday, November 8, as the Office of Enrollment Management welcomed 34 grade 6, 7, and 8 MOUNT SISTERS so they could gain an early glimpse of Mount daily life while enjoying some quality time with their sisters. 

The Class of 2023 gathered in the Mother Mary Patrick Gymnasium on the morning of Tuesday, November 8, for their keepsake "2023" yearbook photo. Kudos to the yearbook staff and Joanne Cadigan-Peters, yearbook advisor and Social Studies Department Chairperson, for coordinating this year's photo!

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, students in Michelle Kovach's Theology classes participated in a prayer service inspired by St. Kateri Tekawitha, the first canonized Native American saint.

The Thanksgiving season will be brighter for the clients served by Project PAUL food pantry in Keansburg thanks to the generosity of the Mount Saint Mary Academy community. A Thanksgiving Food Drive, sponsored by the school’s Peer Ministers, was held throughout the month of October. Pictured, left to right, are some of the peer ministers: Theresa Morrison '24, Rachel Castela '24, Katherine Byrne '23, Mary Agugliaro '25, Amelia Benjamin '24, Ava DeAngelis '24, Catherine DeCiantis '24, and Brigid Cogan '25.

Throughout the first marking period, all juniors participated in four Wellness Seminars that focused on raising awareness about what makes us feel happy, according to Kathleen Ketofsky, Student Assistance Counselor.

Members of the Class of 2024 gathered in Immaculate Conception Chapel on Tuesday, November 1, to receive their class rings and have them blessed during a special Liturgy led by Rev. Msgr. William Benwell. 

Battling breast cancer has a prominent place in the heart of Auyona Ray '26. When her relative was diagnosed, but fought the disease after early detection, the freshman at Mount Saint Mary Academy decided to take on the cause and raise awareness.

The Mount Saint Mary Academy spirit shone brightly at Open House yesterday despite the overcast weather as prospective students and their families learned about the exemplary academic, athletic, and extra-curricular offerings from our enthusiastic and robust school community. Our gymnasium was packed with attendees who visited tables representing various academic departments and activities. Our music department hosted an impressive chorale and instrumental performance in the S. Lisa Gambacorto Theater before a heartfelt speech was made by Directress, S. Lisa, to the crowd. Campus tours were available throughout the afternoon as well.

After researching buildings such as the CN Tower in Toronto and the Empire State Building in New York City, Patrizia Davis' Engineering Honors students were placed in groups of two and were challenged to build the tallest structure. They used 50 pipe cleaners, 50 straws, and 25 paper clips with no other tools permitted. Each tower needed to support a golf ball for two minutes without deforming more than 20 percent.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, October 18, members of the Students of Color Affinity Group (moderated by Madeline Albrittain - World Languages Department Chairperson) and the Art Club (moderated by Vanessa Emanuele - Art Department Chairperson) co-hosted a "Paint and Sip" event to celebrate Latinx art and culture and culminate Hispanic Heritage Month.

As they continue the start of their Mount journey, freshmen found inspiration during a Freshmen Welcome visit from Patty Corrigan Johnston '84 this morning in the Student Center. A successful businesswoman, and the sister of Maureen Corrigan '79, aunt of Elizabeth Corrigan '25, and sister-in-law of Martha Giglio '81, Ms. Corrigan Johnston shared refreshing insight about the meaning of Mount sisterhood.

S. Deirdre Mullan, RSM visited Mount Saint Mary Academy this week to discuss this year's Mercy Girl Effect campaign - "One Team-One Dream: Providing Education for ALL Girls." Members of the Student Council Executive Board met with S. Deirdre to discuss the focus of this year’s campaign. President Renee Vozza ’23 offered welcome remarks beside her fellow council members, Dena Mistichelli ’23, Charlotte Gray ’23, Stefini Drivas ’23, and Mary Claire Schleck ’23. 

Mount Saint Mary Academy has marked the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month with a variety of special projects and activities. 

Members of the Mount community focused on one Mercy Core Value and one of the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns each day. Students added specific colors of hair accessories/socks to celebrate. 

Jacqueline Muratore, Assistant Directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning, announced that the College Board has recognized 61 Mount Saint Mary Academy students as Advanced Placement Scholars.

Buddies on the Hill, a new Mount club started by Kathleen Altobelli ’24, Emma Szabo ’24, and moderated by Julia Pierce (Enrollment Management Associate), had its first event of the year last night.

Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Directress, announced today that Charlotte Gray '23 and Giuliana Pelcher '23 have been named Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program, will be presented to these scholastically talented seniors.

For the second year in a row, Nicole Parisi '24 participated in a Habitat for Humanity building project in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia.

Maggie Haran '23 attended a bioarcheology program at the Sanisera Necropolis where she excavated a Roman basilica and necropolis. She is the granddaughter of Mary Patricia Carroll (Eddy) '55.

Kathleen Ketofsky, Student Assistance Coordinator, shared some details about the Peer Facilitators at the Mount.

Elizabeth Roper, Director of College Counseling at Mount Saint Mary Academy, announced the names of six students who have been initially invited into the Academy’s Cum Laude Society for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Early this morning, our freshmen were clapped into the Mount Building with thunderous and enthusiastic applause from upperclasswomen, administration, faculty and staff -- a warm welcome and Mount tradition. During Convocation in Chapel, following prayers and an outline of the Mercy Core Values (Principled Leadership, Inspired by Faith, Educational Courage, Compelled by Mercy, and A Voice for Dignity and Respect), which remain an essential component of each student's Mount experience, a special speech was given by S. Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. (Directress).

Elizabeth Roper, Director of College Counseling and AP Coordinator, shared that four students have been recognized by the College Board for specific achievements.

With red, gold, and blue balloons and heartfelt cheers of "Welcome!", the Mount Saint Mary Academy Class of 2026 began its successful journey on September 1st during Orientation. The freshmen wore pink "Picture Perfect" t-shirts as they met the members of the 2022-2023 Student Council Executive Board and heard a motivational speech from Directress S. Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S.

Welcome aboard! Today, during our opening meeting for the 2022-2023 academic year, a special photo featuring new faculty/staff members was taken. Pictured, left to right, are: front row - Cecelia Latiff (Latin teacher); Barbara Cappucci (School Counselor); Amy Alpaugh (PE/Health/Drivers Ed. teacher); Nicole Doria (Italian teacher); Eileen Honicky (Admin. Asst. for College Counseling); and back row - Elise McTamaney (Admin. Asst. for School Counseling); Vincent Papandrea (math teacher); Patricia Tamagnini (social studies teacher); John Nobilione (Reception/Security Attendant); and Michael Hall (Director of Instrumental Music). Welcome all!

This summer, Sophia '23 and Isabella Latini '23 participated in an internship at Loew and Patel Orthodontics based in Flemington, NJ.

Renee Vozza '23, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, continued her volunteering efforts at Jardine Academy in Cranford, a school of special education that helps children with multiple disabilities, this summer.

On June 14, the following members of the 2022-2023 Student Council Executive Board – Renee Vozza ’23, Dena Mistichelli ’23, Charlotte Gray ’23, Stefini Drivas ’23, and Mary Claire Schleck ’23 -- learned the focus of this year’s Mercy Girl Challenge during a virtual meeting with S. Deidre Mullan, RSM, Coordinator of the Mercy Girl Effect (MGE) and Ruth Anne Munroe, Director of Campus Ministry/Student Council Moderator.

Dr. Joseph Bonk, Department of English Chairperson at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, reported that senior Kylie Byers '23 is slated to have her poem, “Progression,” published in The American Library of Poetry.

Giuliana Pelcher '23 participated this summer in the Pre-Medicine Biology Pre-College Program at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

This summer, Grace Prayias '25 was Intern Supervisor at the Elefante Musical Theater camp of the Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts in New Providence. Grace quarterbacked all interns and served as counselor to her own group of campers. In their final show, she was selected to perform a solo number.

Mount Saint Mary Academy junior, Lucy Stemmler '24 studied fashion and design from July 1st to July 23rd with Parsons the New School in Paris, France.

From June 4 to June 10, Mount Saint Mary Academy senior, Mary Claire Schleck '23, attended West Point's Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) — a highly selective program for students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy.

Dylan Elizabeth Wolski '24 graduated from the selective Jr. Docent program at the Staten Island Zoo in July. She completed a 50-hour training program including topics on conservation education, bio-facts about the animals, and care and handling of animals while presenting to the visiting public.

Zoe Daly '24, a junior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, participated in the NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology) Hillier College of Architecture Summer Program from July 10 to July 21.

From June 26 to July 9, Mount Saint Mary Academy junior, June Gill '24, attended High School Field School, a summer program run by the Center for American Archaeology in Illinois. She received a Women in Archaeology scholarship to attend the program.

Taryn Murphy '23 (pictured in front, red shirt) participated in the American Legion Auxiliary New Jersey Girls State Program from June 18 to June 23.

From July 17 to 27,  Olivia Encarnacion '23 attended the Notre Dame Leadership Seminars, a fully-funded, highly-selective program.

Jordyn Collie '23 was a New Jersey Regional Leadership Council Officer at the Operation Smile International Student Leadership Conference from July 18 to 24. The event was held at the University of Miami.

Ankita Mallik '23 has spent six weeks – from June 21 to July 31, as a 2022 Democracy Summer Fellow with her campaign assignment to Congressman Tom Malinowski in his Basking Ridge office.

Mount Saint Mary Academy is pleased to congratulate the 61 students recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars. The 2022 AP Exam results allowed 25 students to be named as AP Scholars with Distinction, 15 students were named as AP Scholars with Honors and 21 students were named as AP Scholars. 

Elizabeth Roper, Director of College Counseling and AP Coordinator, reported on July 5 that Mount Saint Mary Academy students have earned commendable scores after taking the AP examinations in May. According to Ms. Roper, 75 percent of AP Exam scores were a score of 3 or higher. (Scores of 3 or higher may allow a student to be eligible to receive college credit.) Scores of 5 (highest possible) were achieved in 15 of the 18 subjects.

The victors of this year’s Euro Challenge competition - Zoe Daly '24, Victoria Fekete '24, Lillian Del Rossi '24, Charlotte Jotz '24, and Akshaya Karanam '24, Katie Ferris '24, and Gwen Oakley '24 traveled to Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 13, where they were celebrated for winning the contest last month with the topic of Gender Inequality in Germany. 

The Class of 2023 (the rising senior class) of students and parents were provided an informative presentation on “Finding Your College Fits” on the evening of June 15.

Teresa Sengel, World Language Department Chair and Italian teacher, announced that Zoe Daly '24 received an Award of Excellence in Italian from the Italian Honor Society (Societa Onoraria Italica). Zoe was nominated by Mrs. Sengel for the honor based on her performance on the National Italian Exam.

Congratulations to the Mount Saint Mary Academy Class of 2022! Commencement Exercises were held on Saturday, June 4, in Immaculate Conception Chapel where diplomas were conferred to the 78 seniors and special awards were distributed. To view the list of awards and the program, click here.

On the eve of their graduation, members of the senior class and their parents gathered in Immaculate Conception Chapel for a Baccalaureate Mass which was led by Bishop Paul Bootkoski of the Diocese of Metuchen.

On June 2, the Mount community held its Closing Liturgy in Immaculate Conception Chapel which was led by Rev. Monsignor William Benwell.

Congratulations to the Mount's Class of 2022 as they were inducted into the Alumnae Association in Immaculate Conception Chapel on Tuesday, May 31st. The induction was followed by a memorable Mother/Daughter Tea in the Sister Lisa Gambacorto Theater.

Elizabeth Roper, Director of College Counseling, attended the 2022 NJACAC (New Jersey Association of College Admission Counselors) Annual Conference on May 25 and 26. The annual conference brings together college admission professionals, secondary school counselors and educational service providers to connect, exchange and learn.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, qualifying members of the Mount Speech and Debate Team competed in Washington D.C. at the 2022 Grand National Tournament held by the National Catholic Forensic League 

The Mount Saint Mary Academy Department of Athletics hosted its annual Sports Awards at Pines Manor in Edison on the evening of May 18.

Kathleen Brennan, Math Department Chairperson, reported that the Mount's Euro Challenge team edged out four other finalists in the competition on May 19th. Their topic was Gender Inequality in Germany.

Congratulations to all of the honorees at the Academy Awards Night on May 16th. Held in Chapel, our community’s artistic, academic and service endeavors and accomplishments were recognized and lauded. Academy Awards Night is organized by Donna Toryak, Director of Enrollment.

Ankita Mallik '23 will spend six weeks, from June 20 to July 31, as a 2022 Democracy Summer Fellow with her campaign assignment to Congressman Tom Malinowski at his office in Basking Ridge.

Marina Cialdella '23 and Madeline Carnesi-Silberstein '23 have been selected to attend prestigious music programs to hone their talent and skills this summer.

On the morning of May 12, Mount Saint Mary Academy revealed the names of additional Class of 2022 student-athletes who have expressed their intent to further their athletic careers at the collegiate level. The following students were honored by Denise Materia, Director of Athletics and Assistant Directress (Student Life), S. Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. (Directress) in Mother Mary Patrick Gymnasium. Family members, faculty/staff, coaches, and classmates were also on hand to offer their congratulations.

S. Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Directress, has announced that the following members of the Board of Trustees have retired after nine years of service. Please join us in expressing gratitude to Chairman Raymond Szymanski (pictured), who received a special proclamation, as well as S. Francesca Holly, RSM (pictured), and Brian Searls.

Gabriella “Ella” Vivona '25 has qualified for the National Gymnastics Championships which will be held in Des Moines, Iowa this June. This is the second consecutive year that she has been selected for this honor.

Olivia Encarnacion '23 will attend the Notre Dame Leadership Seminar program for 10 days in July on the Notre Dame campus. Among thousands of applicants, Olivia was one of approximately120 students selected to participate in the leadership program.

Ruth Anne Munroe, Director of Campus Ministry and Student Council Moderator, reported that the Mercy Girl Effect Award has been presented to the Academy’s 2021-2022 Student Council Executive Board.

Gabriella Robinson '22 has earned her Gold Award after completing over 80 hours of community service in partnership with the Lower Raritan Partnership, the 4H Club, Jack and Jill of America, the Central NJ chapter, and the township of Piscataway and Middlesex County.

Joanne Cadigan-Peters, Social Studies Department Chairperson, reported that Taryn Murphy '23 was selected to participate in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State that will take place the week of June 19th at Georgian Court University.

Elizabeth Roper, Director of College Counseling, announced that Mary Claire Scheck '23 and Renee Vozza '23 have been accepted to the Summer Academies of two military institutions. Mary Claire will attend USMA (U.S. Military Academy/West Point) Leadership Experience and Renee will attend USNA (U.S. Naval Academy/Navy) Summer Seminar.

An extraordinary program of music entertained families and friends, as well as faculty and staff in attendance at the Spring Concert on Thursday evening.

Earlier this month, Mount Saint Mary Academy Directress S. Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. congratulated Diana Neste '22 for being named Valedictorian and Jerrine George '22 for being designated Salutatorian. The formal announcement was made during a Convocation in Immaculate Conception Chapel by Jacqueline Muratore, Assistant Directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning. 

On April 13, the Mount community gathered for Stations of the Cross in Immaculate Conception Chapel. Bishop James F. Checchio of the Diocese of Metuchen offered special remarks at the beginning of the program.

On the evening of Monday, April 11th, students and their families gathered in Immaculate Conception Chapel for Honors Convocation. During the program, students were inducted into the Art Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, English Honor Society, Mathematics Honor Society, Science Honor Society, World Language Honor Societies (Italian, Spanish, Latin), National Honor Society, and The Cum Laude Society.

On Saturday, April 9, the Mount Saint Mary Academy Dance Club, which is moderated by Julia Pierce (Enrollment Management Associate), took part in the Applause Talent Dance Competition in Whippany, NJ. Their two performances earned them a huge trophy for the Overall High Score.

Isabella Latini '23 received Blue Ribbon designation, the highest award bestowed, after auditioning at The Piano Teachers Forum of Central New Jersey 2022 Spring Festival on March 12.

The National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) recently named Lana Abbott of Piscataway the District New Coach of the Year for her dedication and service to the Forensic Speech & Debate Team at Mount Saint Mary Academy (MSMA). Mrs. Abbott, a 1986 graduate of the Academy, was nominated by John Maldonado, MSMA English teacher, and she is the mother of senior Emily Abbott.

After many months of planning, the Mercy Guild's "Luncheon in London: A Quintessentially Mount Experience" was held on April 3 at the Bridgewater Marriott.

Once again the Mount Saint Mary Academy community answered the need to help fill the shelves of the Starfish Food Pantry in Plainfield during the Academy’s HOPE Club Cereal Super Bowl drive. Families of the Class of 2026 added 50 boxes to the 200 collected by our faculty, staff, alumnae and students. Juniors in Ms. Isabel Gachko’s class collected a grand total of 64 boxes, more than any grade level theology class. Junior Class Pattern FF earned the Golden Cereal Bowl Award.

An eye-opening and soul-stirring presentation by Sister Lisa Atkins, RSM breathed fresh life and inspiration into faculty and staff on Spirituality Day on March 30, 2022.

Bailey Elizabeth Klemm, a 2019 graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy, has been accepted to Syracuse University’s Master of Public Administration program, the top M.P.A. program in the nation according to Best Public Affairs Schools in 2022 – US News.

Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung and St. Joseph High School in Metuchen coordinated an annual mathematics competition for seventh and eighth grade boys and girls this morning. Jacqueline Muratore, Assistant Directress for Faculty, Curriculum and Planning, said that 87 girls participated in the competition on the Mount campus.

S. Deirdre Mullan, RSM, visited Mount Saint Mary Academy on World Water Day - March 22 - to discuss with administration, faculty, staff, and students the importance of water resources for impoverished countries in conjunction with the Mercy Girl Effect: Women at the Well initiative. 

Teaching AP English Literature and Composition requires a special blend of patience, passion, and creativity, according to Danielle Lovallo, a 2005 graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy who has been instructing the course for three years.

After ending an epic and historic season for the Mount Saint Mary Academy Lions, Megan Decker learned on March 21st that she has been designated the NJ.com Girls Swimming Coach of the Year.

Mount Saint Mary Academy parent Cecelia Fontana (Julianne ’22 and Natalie ’20) collected seamlessly endless stacks of donations made by the Mount community for Meest, an organization which is mobilizing an outreach effort for the Ukrainian American Culture Center in Whippany. Donations included hygiene products, linens, diapers, blankets, easy-to-prepare food items, bedding, and more. Isabel Gachko, Department of Theology Chairperson and Associate Campus Minister shared that the community also raised $1,500 for Catholic Relief Services. The collection for Ukraine will continue through Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

As service to others is one of the cornerstones of the Mount Saint Mary Academy experience, the campus was bustling on the morning of Wednesday, March 16, as students, faculty, and staff members rolled up their sleeves to aid various organizations serving people in need.

While she may be one of the newest teachers at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Madeline Albrittain has effortlessly generated an atmosphere of enthusiasm, curiosity, and energy in her Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Culture classroom which resonates through the hallways of the St. Joseph’s Building.

As we look forward to the performances on March 25 and 26 of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, did you know that this production was staged before at Mount Saint Mary Academy? In fact, S. Lisa D. Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. (Directress) and Assistant Directress Jacqueline (Conti) Muratore ’01 took the stage during the first production when Sister portrayed Woodstock and Mrs. Muratore was Marcie.

On February 26 and 27, members of the Mount Saint Mary Academy JSA (Junior States of America) Chapter attended Winter Congress 2022 virtually. This event simulates our U.S. Congress so students can learn how bills are made and passed.

Denise Materia, Director of Athletics and Assistant Directress at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, reported that the following members of the swim team have qualified for the Meet of Champions at Gloucester County Institute of Technology, Sewell NJ. 

On Sunday, February 27th, the Mount Saint Mary Academy Swim Team completed their historical season with a NJSIAA Non-Public A State Championship. The team competed against Immaculate Heart Academy in Gloucester.

The Mount Saint Mary Academy Forensics Speech & Debate Team is heading to Mary Help of Christians Academy this Saturday where they will compete in the Grand Tournament of the Catholic Forensics League. This event will determine who qualifies for the National Competition in Washington D.C. during Memorial Day weekend.

The Mount Saint Mary Academy Students of Color Affinity Group (SOCA) organized a virtual visit with 1985 alumna Janeen Uzzell, the CEO of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the largest Black STEM community impacting society and industry, on the morning of Thursday, February 17, in the Sister Lisa Gambacorto Theater.

AP Psychology students engaged in a Harkness roundtable discussion during which they explored women’s visibility, education in America, and how their personal experiences have shaped their learning.

We gave the NFL time for their glory with all the Super Bowl hype, so now it is our turn to fill the bowls! The HOPE Club has launched its annual CEREAL SUPER BOWL.

Congratulations to all of the winners of the Junior Forensics Meet, which was held virtually on February 3rd. Teresa Sengel, World Languages Department Chairperson and organizer of the meet, shared the results:

On January 26, three members of the Mount's Forensics Speech & Debate Team competed virtually in Denver, Colorado in the first annual Falcon Fiesta Speech Tournament. Hosted asynchronously by Highlands Ranch High School, Mount Saint Mary Academy competed against 13 other schools from across the United States. 

Throughout Catholic Schools Week, Mount Saint Mary Academy students, faculty and staff celebrated the value of a Catholic education, the importance of the Mercy Core Values, and the uniqueness of our community. During our Liturgy with Monsignor William Benwell of the Diocese of Metuchen, he encouraged us to focus on the importance of loving one another as God has called us to do. He told the students that they are receiving a complete education for life at the Mount.

Demonstrating the Mercy Core Values, the Mount held a collection of coats and winter wear to be donated to Franciscan Catholic Charities in Newark. Service is alive and well at the Mount during #CatholicSchoolsWeek! Pictured, seniors Caitlin Cotter '22 and Emily Benewiat '22 help collect coats to add to our growing collection!

On Thursday, February 3, students engaged in a variety of workshops which emphasized the importance of different aspects of wellness and self-care. Wellness Day was organized by Kathleen Ketofsky. LCSW (Student Assistance Counselor), Jacqueline Muratore (Assistant Directress - Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning), Kacey King and Dana Goad (School Counselors), Denise Materia (Assistant Directress - Student Life/Director of Athletics), Isabel Gachko (Theology Dept. Chair, Associate Director of Campus Ministry), and Elizabeth Roper (Director of School & College Counseling).

On the evening of Wednesday, January 26, 2022, two seniors from Mount Saint Mary Academy were honored during a ceremony held by the Diocese of Metuchen at St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen with Bishop James F. Checchio.

Congratulations!! Members of Kathleen Brennan's Financial Math class at Mount Saint Mary Academy celebrated the results of their Financial Literacy certification tests. They all passed with flying colors! Pictured, left to right, are: (back row) - Aayushi Arvikar '24, Emma Szabo '24, Dylan Elizabeth Wolski '24, Kelsie Neidenbach '23, Kathleen Altobelli '24, Brynn Merklinger '24, Margaret Ferris '22, Theresa Morrison '24, Katherine Ferris '24, Zhouqi “Jolcy” Cao '22; kneeling from left - Vanessa Kosuda '24, Maya Ullrich '24, Shannon Rooney '24, and Ava DeAngelis '24. @wisenewyork @NextGenPF #FinLit #mission2030 

Congratulations to Margaret Ferris '22! She has received a $1,000 scholarship from Next Gen Personal Finance for your creative response to the National Payback Challenge according to Kathleen Brennan (Department of Mathematics Chairperson).

As the Mount Saint Mary Academy community prepares to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, the new Mercy Core Values which are upheld daily by students, faculty and staff are specifically brought to mind. They include: “Compelled By Mercy,” “Educational Courage,” “Inspired by Faith,” “Principled Leadership” and “A Voice For Dignity and Respect.”

When they begin their college studies, juniors and seniors at Mount Saint Mary Academy know that their experience in Dr. Dorothea Kominos’ Advanced Placement (AP) Biology course will have given them a solid foundation for excellence in the sciences.

Rigorous training and a commitment to aiding others in their time of need recently led Claire King '22 to be named a Cadet Captain of the Berkeley Heights EMS.

Elizabeth Roper, Director of College & School Counseling, participated and presented at the Winter Institutes of NYSACAC (New York State Association of College Admission Counseling) on January 7 and 14. The events were hosted by Cornell University and Syracuse University, respectively, in a virtual format.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Mid Atlantic Regional Oireachtas for Irish dancing took place in Philadelphia for the first time since the pandemic. Out of 100 girls from all over the region, Hannah Cunniffe '22 placed second overall in the competition. She is now qualified to participate in the World Irish Dancing Championships to be held in Belfast in April 2022.