City of Good Neighbors

BISSNET Leadership Conference by Emilie Miazga (2010)

Editors:

Abby Webster

&

Karly Buntich

Junior Editors:

Lee Haggerty

&

Katie Hayes

Moderator:

Ms. Burke

Merciette

Inside this issue:

Junior

Ring Day

2

Senior

Column

3

Sophomore

Sleepover

4

Student

Government

4

The Lovely

Bones

5

Anne of Green

Gables

6

Winter Break 6

Sherlock

Holmes

6

Clubs and

Sports

7

Seeing Eye Girl 8

Picture Page 9

January/February 2010

by Karly Buntich (2011)

The Voice of Mercy

Around Buffalo—Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a popular show on ABC that has been on air for over seven seasons and features a team of de-signers and carpenters that rebuild and re-model the houses of people who are poor or disadvantaged in some way. This season, Buf-falo was fortunate enough to receive a visit from the miracle workers that make up the Extreme Makeover team. The show came to Buffalo with the goal of helping Delores Pow-ell, a Jamaican immigrant and her four chil-dren, who were living in near squalor in a row house on Massachusetts Avenue. As I watched them walk throughout the house before the remodeling had begun I was shocked at the utter poverty these people lived in. They live only fifteen minutes away in downtown Buf-falo, but it seemed to be a whole different world, one without furnaces or hot water and many of the basic things we take for granted every day.

The grateful family was sent on a vacation to Disneyworld, and the team of hosts took over and began planning. As the work on the home began, and volunteers

The Powell Home, on Mas-sachusetts Ave-nue, during the seven day con-

struction project.

flooded in from all over Buffalo (even a few Buf-falo Bills lent a hand), the show‟s producers and hosts were completely surprised by not only the large number of volunteers, but for the over-whelming desire Buffalo citizens had to help their fellow Buffalonians and improve their city‟s neighborhoods. Neighboring houses also got a face lift, as volunteers lent a hand in much-needed repairs that included repainting and re-placing windows. In the seven days that the Ex-

Continued on page 3

On January 7th, a number of Mercy students attended the BISSNET Leadership Conference at Daemen College. This confer-ence was both a wonderful opportunity for further discussion of diversity at our own school, and also to meet students and teach-ers from an array of backgrounds and other schools. While at the conference, students and teachers attended short seminars from

different guest speakers and groups. These sessions were chosen previous to the con-ference and covered topics ranging from the plight of refugees to messages the me-dia imparts on society. Mary Mathewson, Simone Howard, and I (all members of Mercy Speaks) gave a presentation about what Mercy Speaks is, and how our

Continued on page 2

Spring is almost here!

Page 2

Junior Ring Day by Quinn Cassidy (2011)

Leadership Conference continued...

school works as a whole to support different projects. We described last year‟s Red Carpet Night, as well as plans for this year‟s event. The presentation included a video called the Girl Effect (girleffect.org) and a short video describing the fund for girls‟ education that all proceeds of Red Carpet Night will benefit. We discussed ways to get everyone in a school involved, and how cooperation benefits a group be-cause more is accomplished working together than alone. After attending each presentation and a delicious lunch, all of the participants were treated to a performance by African drummers and dancers. This act got the entire room energized and everyone enjoyed it. Many Mercy girls volun-teered to go up and do some dancing, and Simon Howard stole the show with her solo performance. We were happy to get involved and have a good time with people we had met throughout the day. Next, each school had time to discuss what they had learned or thought about during the day. The discussion at our table from Mercy mainly focused on diversity in our school. We decided that besides attempting to bring more diversity to Mercy, we should try to put ourselves into situa-tions that promote diversity as well. The possibility of doing unique service trips was brought up, as well as other ways to promote a more diverse atmosphere at Mercy. We also dis-cussed the possibility of having a room where girls on late

buses, such as those from Fredonia, could relax while wait-ing for their ride. The last event of the day was an activity involving every person that attended the conference. We sat in a huge circle in silence. A statement was read, and whoever that statement applied to stood up. At first the questions were about people‟s characteristics, such as religion or what school they attended. Then they got more serious, and cov-ered topics such as sexuality, racism, and social status. This activity was extremely eye opening and provoked a very informative and interesting discussion with the entire group. This day proved to not only be a fun experience for all of us, but an educational one as well. We met new people, learned more about one another, and realized new ways to bring diversity to Mercy and to our daily lives.

On Thursday February 11th, the juniors, Class of 2011 became part of the Mount Mercy Academy tradition that has been carried on since 1916. The Junior Class gath-ered in the Mercy Center Chapel, and 67 young ladies re-ceived their class rings transforming them from students to women of Mercy. The Mercy ring is a reminder of the virtues held by Mercy students and alumnae. There are seven pearls which stand for the seven virtues. There is also a blue band representing the Virgin Mary. Junior Class Secretary, Rebecca Fink welcomed our guests. Sister Mary Ellen Twist, Brittany Wolf, Simone How-ard, and Stephanie Khoury explained the history of the Mercy

ring, and the meaning behind it while enjoying a comfort-able cup of tea. Which as most of us know is a favorite pas-time of Catherine McCauley. It was then time for the moment everyone was anxiously awaiting. Each girl was called up to receive her ring. Some got brand new rings, while others enjoyed get-ting their sisters, mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, or aunts Mercy ring. All of the rings special in there own way to every girl. It is more than just jewlry it is a symbol known all over the world. A small reception was hosted in the cafeteria for family and friends to enjoy the continued celebration. It was a special evening memorable for everyone!

Mercy girls gather at their Ring Day ceremony on February 11th.

The rings received on this night sig-nify unity and a sense of camarade-rie for the class of 2011.

We met new people, learned more

about one another, and realized new

ways to bring diversity to Mercy and

to our daily lives.

Page 3

City of Good Neighbors continued..

treme Makeover team was in town, Massachusetts Avenue bustled with volunteers and spectators, all eager to lend a hand or give some helpful advice on improving the home.

The hosts of the show declared Buffalo to be one of their more memorable episodes and were touched by the hard work and dedication volunteers put in to improving the Pow-ell‟s home and improving the city of Buffalo as a whole. Buf-falo: cold and underprivileged, downtrodden and suffering has proved that even in a so-called “rough” area, where peo-ple barely have enough to get by, they are willing to lend their time and limited resources to help their neighbors. The area featured in the show and all of Buffalo in general jumped at this chance to improve a neighborhood and threw themselves into the work with enthusiasm and an honest desire to help out their fellow citizens. As the Powells returned to their newly remodeled home, they cheered and cried with joy and the spectators on the street followed suit. The bus pulled away shortly after a few helpful Buffalo Bills had finished some unpacking for the family.

As I watched the show on TV, I saw the familiar sights of Buffalo: cold, dirty, and rundown. But as the volun-teers poured into the streets and the sounds of their cheers filled the air, I was reminded once again of the overwhelming spirit that this city of mine possesses, the joy at living and helping each other that seemed to permeate every scene of the episode. As the house and surrounding neighborhood was repaired and remodeled one thing was abundantly clear, the spirit of neighborly duty and caring has never been stronger in Buffalo, and that is something that will never need repair.

Volunteers from all over Western New York de-scended upon the Powell home to lend a helping hand.

The finished product. Just one of many projects that took place in the Powell‟s neighborhood.

Move that bus! Move that bus! The family is flooded with emotion as they see their new home for the first time.

Senior Column

by Abby Webster and Stephanie Koch (2010)

Congratulations Seniors! You all are one step closer on the path to your future. While checking-off your College Check List, you should have completed a few things. By now, applications and transcripts should have been sent. If possible, send these documents in early. It shows colleges that you are proactive, prompt, and responsible. For those of you, who al-ready passed this step, keep up the good work!

The next step of the process would to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The completion of this will help enhance scholarship opportunities. This could help you if you want to go to a particular college that may be slightly out of your price-range. By completing the FAFSA, the college might give you some student aid, which could help fulfill your aspirations of going there. Especially during these hard times students can use all the help they can get. To find out when the FAFSA is due for a college you may consider attending, check out their website, or e-mail the admissions direc-tor.

For those of you who have already received your acceptance letters, first of all, Congratulations! You should be very proud of your accomplishments Getting in to college is a fantastic and exciting feat. Next, you should make a copy of your acceptance letters and bring them directly to the Counseling Center. They want to share in your excitement! There, they are filed in your personal records and also used to total up how much money our fabulous Mercy Girls received. The accep-tances will also be used during the Baccalaureate Mass to recognize all of your wonderful accomplishments.

Again, Congratulations to all you seniors who have been accepted, we hope you continue to strive for nothing but the best because that is what you deserve!

Page 4 Sophomore Sleepover:

Another Success Story!

by Miss Hallinan

by Bridget Jackson (2011)

Have you ever pulled an “all-nighter?” We‟re not talking 3 or 4 in the morning here, but more like 7 or 8. Talk to any of the sophomores that attended the Sophomore Sleepover and they‟ll tell you exactly what it‟s like…exhausting!

I had the pleasure of chaperoning the Sopho-more Sleepover along with Miss Lauren Swaidner and Mrs. Joyce Stevenson on January 15th. Around 60 girls from the sophomore class showed up with intentions of staying awake the entire night, and they did! Fueled by mounds of junk food, blaring iPods, and Hanna Hart‟s coffee maker, most girls were wide awake until their rides showed up at 8:00 am the next morning. Although they came prepared with pillows, blankets, and air mattresses, few actually used them for sleeping.

“The best part was being able to hang out with the whole class for a sleepover because it‟s not some-thing you could normally do,” said Becky Kurzawa. Ashley Skipper added, “It was fun to see the school at night when it‟s quiet and empty.”

A few favorite activities included dodge ball, basketball, dancing, and Katie Donovan‟s Wii. An-other favorite part of the evening was the delicious Imperial pizza and wings, delivered to us around 11:30 pm. When it started to reach about 3:00 or 4:00 am,

many girls settled down with movies in the cafeteria, or on their laptops or portable DVD players. All in all, it was a fun evening for both the chaperones and the girls, but when 8:00 am rolled around, everyone was ready for bed! The delirious looks on all of our faces made it clear that we could all use a little sleep.

Mrs. Stevenson organized a great event for the sophomore class and Miss Swaidner and I were happy to be a part of it!

MMA Sophomores show off their unique fashion sense!

A Class of 2012 Group Shot!

Student Government Corner

It‟s hard to believe it‟s already the second semester. Of course the highly anticipated week for Student Government is over – Spirit Week 2010. After much planning for the week, events went smoothly and the Olympic theme seemed to fit perfectly with the tim-ing. Many thanks to the committee for their time and effort on planning an activity filled week.

In the midst of the craziness, the Valentines Sucker Sale took place. Thanks to the hard work of committee chair, Molly Krug, the sale was once again a success. Chocolate suckers and valentine greetings were sent to area boy schools, as well as friends here at MMA, to celebrate the holiday. Many cards were sold, the sale did very well, and many thanks to those who worked lunches, planned the event and delivered valentines.

With the rest of the year approaching, Student Government looks forward to continuing to serve the needs of the school. This, of course, requires feedback, comments and questions by the student body. Student Government works to plan events, activities and other things to keep the school running properly with help from the students. We would really like YOU, yes you, to tell us what you think. What would you like done? What are some things you think would be good for our school? Please don‟t hesitate to express your ideas to a Student Government officer. A new comment box will be placed outside the Student Government office. Please place any comments, concerns and particularly suggestions in the box so we can hear from you! We know the school is filled with many smart creative kids and we‟d love to hear your ideas so we can put them into action.

Best of luck on the rest of the year and thank you for your support in Student Government activities this year!

There will be more to come about Spirit Week in the March/April Issue. Don’t miss it!

Page 5

The Lovely Bones: A Hit or a Miss

by Abby Webster (2010)

Recently the popular book The Lovely Bones written by Alice Seabold came out as a movie. The book was a very popular book with the seniors who had to read it for summer reading. Many saw the movie which they had mixed feelings about. Over the movie got 6.7 out of 10 stars (from imbd.com). The movie came out on January 15th. Many have seen it, but have all liked it?

The story is about a girl who is violently murdered. This is only where her story begins. It takes place during her life after in this so-called heaven that the book portrays. The story follows her afterlife and continues to follow the life of her fam-ily. Many people felt that unless you read the book you would not have been able to understand it. At times it was hard to follow, even for those of us who have read it!

When making a book into a movie it is often very difficult because the expectations are very high. Another problem that filmmakers have is that it is hard to include everything. The Lovely Bones was no exception. Many people liked the movie, but as often is the case, most thought that the book was better. Many would describe it as a decent movie. There were many star appearances from famous ac-tors. The message in the end is clear and worthwhile. That message is that life is too short and, as we learn from the movie, anything can happen, changing in instantly.

Overall, some liked the movie and others didn‟t. In the end, the only opin-ion that matters is yours. So, for those of you who are considering whether or not to see this movie, my advice is this: go and see it, but read the book first. We often are able to take more form a movie if we have read the book. There is another level of understanding that we are able to experience and we can appreciate the book‟s story

and overall message a little bit better.

The Lovely Bones:

Parallels Between The Novel and The Movie

by Stephanie Koch (2010)

The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold, is a remarkable piece of literature, which tells the tale of fourteen year old Susie Salmon‟s brutal murder. Susie watches life go on without her from Heaven, including her family, and her killer. Recently, a film adaptation entitled The Lovely Bones, directed by Peter Jackson, was made to give a visual representa-tion of this astonishing novel. Despite the significant differences, there are quite a few parallels between the novel and the film. For starters, both accurately depicted Susie‟s last few days on Earth and the day she was murdered. The film, how-ever, depicts Susie‟ life was like right at the beginning, unlike the novel which unveils this to the reader when Susie is in Heaven. As said earlier, both accurately describe Susie‟s death. Both intensely draw the reader/viewer in and make them feel the intensity of that moment. Both works perfectly depict the antagonistic character, Mr. George Harvey, who the viewer/reader immediately hates and finds disgusting. The portrayal of Mr. Harvey immensely makes the viewers/readers think, “What will he do next?” Both works perfectly depict the part where Lindsey Salmon, Susie‟s sister, breaks into Mr. Harvey‟s house to gather evidence to show that he is Susie‟s murderer. Both create suspense and anticipation for what will happen next. Tension and nervousness build within the reader/viewer, especially when Mr. Harvey comes home earlier than expected and Lindsey has to make a quiet and sneaky getaway. Both concluded in a good way with the uniting of Susie and Ray Singh, Susie‟s crush, after being apart, obviously due to Susie‟s death. This gives an amorous aspect of “falling action” to the plot. This also gives the reader/viewer a sense of re-lief knowing that Susie and Ray were together for one last time. These parallels signify the relationship between the novel and the movie version. Both may have different viewpoints and development, but both bring the same points across.

Page 6

Split Winter Break

Anne of Green Gables

by Lori Nappo (2010)

by Bridget Jackson (2011)

This season the Bishop Timon-St. Jude Little Theatre put on a production of the play Anne of Green Gables. Many Mercy students also participated in this show. Anne of Green Gables is a touching tale of an extraordinary orphan girl who is taken in by an elderly brother and sister. It contains amusing Anne-icdotes and strong friendships between some strange characters. The overall theme: lessons are learned at the strangest times. The play will be held in Timon‟s media arts center. Readers might even know some of the actors/actresses, like Mercy‟s own Paige Wesolowski as Anne Shirley, Emily Murphy as Diana Berry, Lauren Montroy as Rachel Lynde and, yours truly, Lori Nappo as Marilla Cuthbert. The promising performance of Paige Wesolowski and company is backed up by the fantastic talent of Timon students Scott Marciniak as Matthew Cuthbert and Richie Regula as Gilbert Blythe, Anne‟s rival/love interest. We wish all of the student‟s good luck. The play will be performed March 5th, 6th, and 7th. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults. The students have been working hard on making the play happen and it looks like it will be a great

show. Tickets are now available be sure to get yours!

I‟m sure it was quite common for everyone to hear over break, why are you off this week? And I‟m sure all of us have had to explain at least once or twice, we have Split winter break this year… So what‟s one to do with a week of in the middle of February?

Many people may have taken trips to a sunny warm place in hopes of getting away from the long dragged out win-ter in Buffalo. Other people may have used this week to hang out with friends and enjoy some fun filled moments before that long stretch until our next week off in April. Overall, I think this February break was used by many as a catch up week.

After a fun filled, stressful week of class competition, I think eve-ryone needed a break to relax and regroup. Completing a few break assignments, catching up on current schoolwork and taking the time to just breathe certainly occurred on our week off this week. And so, with a long stretch of many schools day ahead, hopefully we have all returned well rested and ready to begin the final weeks until Spring. And so the question remains, are you a fan of Split Winter break or would you rather have two weeks at Easter time? Regardless of the answer, at least we all got to ex-

perience 7 days of no school this year.

The New Sherlock Homes

by Lori Nappo (2010)

For many, the name that comes to mind when they hear the word detec-tive is Sherlock Holmes. This well known investigator is known through the original print form of literature by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and many adaptations like the current movie playing in theaters. The movie Sherlock Holmes starring Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, and Jude Law, takes the detective we love to a whole new level. Using comedy, suspense and fantastic graphics, Robert Downey Jr. transforms Sherlock Holmes into a peculiar man that surprises you in every scene. In the movie, Law and Downey have transformed the relation-ship between Watson and Holmes into a friendship suited perfectly for men of their emotional and mental capacity. They do this even though it is never expressed in any form throughout the story. The two rarely have a dull moment in the friendship. This movie was done very well

and is worth watching.

Towards the end of the year, many excitedly rush to Ms. Burns‟s room to purchase the famous Mercy Year-books. They cannot wait to view what made it into this past school year‟s Year-book. The Yearbook Committee works hard during parts of the summer and throughout the school year to produce not only a book with our pictures in it, but to capture all of our memories made throughout our school year. The Yearbook Committee con-sists of members who work willingly and diligently to perform their tasks at hand.

Some girls are assigned to be Editors and Assistant editors, while others help out with whatever tasks need to be done. The staff is assigned to different sections of the Yearbook such as Athletics, Clubs, etc. Much of the work the staff is given is done individually or with others in their section. The girls make the pages on their own with the supervision of Ms. Burns who is the head of the committee. Ms. Burns gives her staff their assignments and when their date of completion is to be. From what I hear, the Yearbook Committee is a lot of fun. Rebecca Fink, currently a staff member,

says “I like being on the committee be-cause it is cool to be able to pick out what pictures go into the yearbook.” The Yearbook Committee is more than just copying and pasting pic-tures and words onto a page to make a book, it brings together Mercy girls who bind together memories and events from our Mercy Community into a book. If this sounds appealing to you, you may become a member by filling out an application at the end of the year and handing it into Ms.

Burns.

Page 7

MMA Sports by Katie Hayes (2013)

MMA Clubs: The Mercienne

by Catherine Kasianowicz (2011)

MMA Clubs: Ski Club

by Lee Haggerty (2013)

Among Mount Mercy‟s many clubs and sports, there is one winter club that interests the snow-loving people liv-ing in Buffalo: Ski Club. Ms. Barblock, our very own Biology and Chemistry teacher moderates this club. Mount Mercy‟s Ski club goes to Holiday Valley on Fridays during January and February from 3-9:30 after school. About 25 peo-ple from our school are involved in Ski Club, and Mercy also picks up people from Notre Dame and St. Francis.

It costs $172 for the ski tickets,

and $160 for the bus transportation. These costs don‟t include the cost of food at Holiday Valley, which can be pretty expen-sive. To save money, people often bring their own snacks to eat on the bus or at the slopes. If they don‟t bring their own food, they can buy some at Holiday Valley‟s many lodges.

Sign-ups for Ski Club take place between late September and early Novem-ber, so if you‟re not involved in this cool club yet, get ready for next year‟s winter

fun!

Basketball Bowling

Mount Mercy‟s basketball teams are working hard this season. The JV team has had eight wins and seven losses. „‟Their team-work is amazing,‟‟ said a mother of a player. Teamwork is an essential part of this fun sport. The varsity has had ten wins and twelve losses. John Lewis is the coach of the JV team. Bob Gainey and John Glose coach the varsity team. The teams are high spirited and determined to do their best. The Varsity played their last home game on the seventeenth which was their senior night. Speeches were given by underclassmen and they pulled through with a win. Mercy‟s basketball teams show how teamwork and working together can have a great out-come. Of course, they continue to try hard with the love and

support of all their fans.

Mount Mercy‟s bowling team has gotten strike after strike. Run by Mr. Kirsits all of the girls put forth a lot of effort practicing hard and really committing to the team. Mount Mercy‟s bowl-ing team has some strong players whom without the team would not be the same. Every member has a special place on the team. The JV team is still doing well even with the unfortu-nate loss of Emily Gangloff. One thing that can be said is that they always are excited to go bowling. They are very deter-mined and ready to blow the competition away with their hard

work and supportive team mates.

Get Well Soon, Emily!

~From everyone at MMA, especially your

bowling teammates!

Literary Section

In each issue of the Merciette, one chapter from Lori Nappo’s short story Seeing Eye Girl will be featured.

Stay tuned and see what happens!

Seeing Eye Girl by Lori Nappo (2010)

Read more about Flynn in the January/February issue of the Merciette!

Dear Diary, Today Flynn and I were home alone. We decided to make two sandwiches, get some milk, pop in some romantic comedies and kick back. Since Aunt Mary-Lee and AJ were gone for the day on a college visit, we didn‟t see it as much of a problem if I didn‟t make myself presentable. Flynn barely showed any concern at all. Sometime during the second movie, when Matthew McConaughey‟s char-acter and J-lo‟s character first cross paths, I drifted to sleep. My dream consisted of two things, me and a big bowl of Lucky Charms. There was nothing signifi-cant to the dream other than my apparent fondness for Lucky Charms, and in-stead of the normal colorful edge my dreams normally take on, everything was black and white. I awoke to Flynn snoring loudly and the menu for The Wedding Planner playing and replaying. As I poured myself a bowl of Lucky Charms, I thought

about the strange coloring to my dream, or lack thereof. Flynn laid at my feet as I pondered and chomped down on the delicious marshmallows. I wondered idly about how Flynn‟s dreams must look to him. Naturally dogs can only see in black and white, but if humans who see in color can dream in black and white, why can‟t dogs dream in color? Then again there are dogs like Flynn who‟ve never seen any color. Before I realized that my innocent thoughts were on the verge of a very confusing, but nonetheless, huge epiphany, there was a knock at the door. I put my eureka moment on hold as I pushed myself up from the table and headed to-wards the front hall. I opened the door to a tall boy with green eyes and brown curly hair standing under the porch; his head barely clearing the ceiling.

“Hi, you must be Kate. I‟m David, AJ‟s friend.” If I wasn‟t about to kill my cousin for invading my pri-vacy when he read my diary, I was now. At least this explained why my clothes and make up were in the bathroom this morning, along with two fresh towels and new body scrub. Well I decided to take care of AJ later, at the time I needed to entertain David. I didn‟t see it as much of a challenge.

Picture Page Caption Contest

Designed by KC Marren

(2011)

Last month, The Merciette featured a caption contest. We‟ve received some very

interesting captions for the below pictures. Enjoy!

BEAST!!!!

~Stephanie George

Livin’ on a Prayer

~Anonymous

Best Friends

Forever!

~ Rachel

Suchocki

Rising to

Success!

~Rebecca Fink

HEYYYY!!!!!

~Marsie Gangloff

Lori and Sister showing off their moves!

~ Lauren Montroy