Dr. Kim Oliver Makes an Immediate Impact
To say that the beginning of Dr. Oliver's time as Assistant Principal has been eventful would be an understatement. Since the beginning of July she has been on the move to prepare the school and herself for the new academic year. Indubitably, she has had some enormous shoes to fill, but she seems to be keen to the task. Aside from managing the schedule of events that happen on any given week, she's been busy updating the Emergency Response Protocols for Mercy, rallying interest in expanding the Monarch Parent's Club, and of course, most importantly - getting to know the incredible girls that attend Mercy.
Caring for these young women is where Dr. Oliver shines. Her infectious enthusiasm is palpable as she passes through the hallways and meets with Mercy girls in her second floor office. If a girl can tell her one thing they learned before they leave for home they will get a little treat from Dr. Oliver as a reward. She is building a lasting rapport with the students based on trust and mutual respect.
Mary Gibb is Commissioned as New President
On the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, Mrs. Mary Gibb was commissioned as the third president of Mercy High School. She follows Sr. Delores Hannon, RSM as the first lay president of the school. She comes from St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge, IA. Interestingly, that is the same school Sr. Delores led before coming to Mercy, as well. President Gibb was at St. Edmond's for 10 years before being hired by Mercy. President Gibb earned her Master of Science in School Counseling from Creighton University and PK-12 Principal/ Special Education Supervisor certification from Morningside College.
Director Sr. Lisa Griffith, RSM and Assistant Director Susan Smith of Mercy Education of the Americas traveled to Omaha to formally commission President Gibb. Also present were several members of Mercy High School's Board of Directors, past presidents and principals, and several members of the local Sisters of Mercy community.
Grace Swoboda Story
The Edge, an Omaha based magazine, featured senior, Grace Swoboda in a recent publication. They tell the story about Grace's family tragedy and how it spurs her to do great things in and out of the pool. Well done, Grace! READ MORE HERE!
Lehan earns Congressional Award
Senior, Landry Lehan earned a Congressional Award on August 9th. Congressman Mike Flood presented her bronze and silver medals. She has her eyes on the gold medal next summer which is presented in Washington D.C.
According to the organization, “The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness.” Anyone from ages 14-24 has can apply for the award by outlining their goals in the areas of volunteerism, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. They are then granted the award for setting a course of action and then meeting the challenge.
“I am really proud of this accomplishment. It taught me how to set goals and provided an incentive to achieve them. Getting recognized by your country's government for achieving those goals is a great honor,” says Landry.
To learn more go to, https://www.congressionalaward.org/
Mercy Earns STEM Grant
Mercy High School received a $4,700 grant from the Burns and McDonnell Foundation to further their commitment to STEM curriculum. Spearheaded by Mr. Jim Mayberger, one of Mercy's Technology and Business teachers, the grant will go towards computer programs and materials. “We are excited and grateful to be granted this gift. Mercy has intelligent girls, dedicated to science and engineering. We have seen a growth in interest in the technology courses. This grant will allow them greater ability to deepen their understanding of the intersection of computer design with physical material construction,” says Mr. Mayberger.
Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies of 13,500 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, and more to design and build infrastructure around the world.
Cheer has 11 All-Americans
Eleven (11!) Mercy Cheerleaders have been named All-Americans! They earned this honor at the Universal Cheerleaders Association camp this summer.
“I'm extremely proud of our girls. They have really dedicated time and effort to improve over the summer and all that hard work paid off. They represent the spirit of Mercy Girls so well. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they grow as a squad this coming school year,” says cheer coach Laura Powers.
Make sure to come see them this year as they cheer on our volleyball and basketball teams.
ALUMNA HIGHLIGHT: Calla Kessler '14
Calla Kessler was commissioned by the Smithsonian Magazine to photograph Red Cloud, Nebraska highlighting author Willa Cather. Check out her work and the article.
Mercy Girls Travel to Ireland
Eleven members of the Mercy community traveled to the Young Mercy Leaders Pilgrimage in Dublin, Ireland to give them the opportunity to learn more about Catherine’s life, her commitment to her faith and justice, and their call to live similarly as women of Mercy. The conference is extremely impactful because it takes place at the Mercy International Centre, the building that Catherine had built to provide a place to educate and care for poor women and children, and eventually began the Sisters of Mercy. Being in such a sacred space brings Mother McAuley to life in a meaningful way that cannot be experienced anywhere else. To top everything off, the girls meet other Mercy students from around the world and get a better idea of the power, strength and friendship that comes from being united by Catherine and the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy as partners in the Mercy Education system.
“My time at the conference was an experience I will never forget. I feel very lucky to learn about Catherine’s leadership style and cannot wait to implement it into my own experiences throughout my life. One of my favorite opportunities was meeting girls from other countries. I learned so much about their own cultures and have made some true friends for a lifetime!” - Hailee Davis '23
Lehan Selected for Girls Nation
Senior, Landry Lehan, has been selected to attend Girls Nation in Washington D.C. next month. Recently, she attended Nebraska's Girls State where she was one of two selected to represent our state. There she will learn about how the federal government works.
Two participants are chosen from each ALA Girls State program. The girls are known as “senators.” During ALA Girls Nation in Washington, D.C., the girls participate in a mock legislature. They are responsible for submitting bills and resolutions, participating in senate sessions, and electing officials such as president and vice president.
Participants leave ALA Girls Nation with leadership lessons for life and an understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. government, along with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of citizens. This seven-day experience has laid the foundation of thousands of bright futures in not only public service, but other careers as well. Some notable industries include government, military, law, education, and media.
ALA Girls Nation connects participants with their peers from across the country, allowing the young women a unique opportunity to spend time with others who share common interests and those who have different perspectives from their own. The girls leave Washington, D.C. with a deeper understanding of government, a renewed sense of patriotism, and an appreciation for veterans. https://www.legion-aux.org/ala-girls-nation
Mary Gibb Named New President
Mercy High School Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mary Gibb has been ratified by the Mercy Education System of Americas Board of Directors and will serve as the school’s 3rd President effective July 1, 2023.
The Board of Directors commissioned a search committee consisting of board members, alumnae, faculty, staff, and an ex officio representative from Mercy Education to select the next president from a strong pool of applicants. “The Board was particularly drawn to Ms. Gibb’s skill set as a leader. We believe that her ability to unite a school through clear and fair communication, her vision and ideas to enhance enrollment in a competitive market, and her strong educational background rooted in a Catholic, faith-based tradition were paramount to her selection as Mercy’s next president,” says Board Chair, Nicole Hahn Jesse ‘80.
Her career started as a middle and high school science teacher for Malvern Community School District before becoming a school counselor for 19 years in Malvern, Indianola, West Des Moines, and Fort Dodge, IA. Since 2013, Mary has served as President of St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge, where she recently resigned when asked to add the role of principal to her presidency. She was able to accomplish many improvements during her tenure at St. Edmonds, such as, adding honors courses and diploma options, increasing enrollment by 50 students her first year, enhancing technology in the classrooms, and improving fundraising efforts through a multitude of events and programs.
Mary Gibb earned her Master of Science in School Counseling from Creighton University and PK-12 Principal/ Special Education Supervisor certification from Morningside College. She’s excited to return to Omaha and settle with her husband Judd, to whom she has been married for 25 years, and their daughter, Lauren, who will be a junior at Mercy next fall. They also have a son, Andrew, who is a senior at Simpson College.
In a short interview she says that “I am honored and excited to be named the next president of Mercy High School. To be at an all-girls, Catholic school, with such a strong commitment to the entire Omaha community is a delight. I thrive in settings where I am building relationships and making connections for a cause as important as Mercy’s dedication to educating young women.”
We owe a huge debt of gratitude for Sr. Delores’ leadership. She has had a hand in some sort of renovation in nearly every part of the building but more importantly she has cared for every member of the community by making sure that any girl that wanted a Mercy education was able to receive one. Her commitment to diversity and upholding the Mercy Core Values are paramount to her legacy as Mercy’s president.
Please help us welcome Mary Gibb to the Mercy Community.
The Graduating Class of 2023
Mercy High School's tag line is Faith In Her Future. This is what we mean. We have the faith that girls will come to Mercy and receive an educational experience inside and outside the classroom that will shape them into Women of Mercy. They will graduate from Mercy with a stronger sense of self to continue with their lives impacted by the five core values: Compelled by Mercy, Educational Courage, Inspired by Faith, Principled Leadership, and providing a Voice for Dignity and Respect. The graduating class of 2023 embodies these values and with the strongest voice, the faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents of these young women have the sincerest faith in their future. Congratulations to you, our newest Women of Mercy!
All-Academic Honors
Five Mercy seniors were honored with the World Herald Nebraska All-Academic Program and earned Honorable Mention Award: Hailee Davis, Lucy Euteneuer, Riya Ketelsen, Mary Kate Nussrallah, Eleanore Slavik.
Each school could nominate up to five students. Nominees had to rank No. 1 or No. 2 in their senior class, or they had to have scores of at least 32 on the ACT or at least 1450 on the SAT college entrance exams.
Honors Convocation
This year's Honors Convocation was held on May 10th and celebrated the numerous accomplishments our Mercy community achieved this academic year. 290 names were read for various achievements and roles the students played in the life of the school.
Some of the highlights included 12 endowed scholarships that have been generously funded by members of the Mercy community. 
Symone Sanders VOICE Scholarship – Saniah Swait
Jane M. Keller ‘66 Math Scholarship – Kaitlyn List
Jane M. Keller ‘66 Fine Arts Scholarship – Kayla Caniglia
Richard Chadek III Scholarship – Rosa Tripp
Renae Von Tersch Art Scholarship – Emily Caniglia
Phillip S. and Louise Battaglia Franco SM ‘50 Service Award – Catherine Krause, Lauren Schmidt
Kelly Ann Taylor ‘97 Memorial Award – Mara Trautman
Kevin Dunn Memorial Theatre Scholarship – Alexandria Huss
Kevin Dunn Memorial Music Scholarship – Clara Baumker
Jane Stultz McKernan ’63 Memorial Science Scholarship – Malanna Muse, Molly Pensick
Mercy Advantage Scholarship – Mary Euteneuer, Alyssa Daniels
Abby Verkuilen Spirit of Perseverance Scholarship – Emma Jungferman, Sally McClellan
Individual departmental awards were given, along with recognition to the National Honor Society Members, Perfect Attendance, Academic Letter Award recipients, and this years Salutatorian and Valedictorian, which were awarded to Mary Kat Nussrallah and Eleanore Slavik, respectively.
Finally, all of the many scholarships the graduating class were granted from colleges and university were named. Those totaled over $12 million!
Congratulations, to all of the recipients of these honors and to the tremendous work done by the Mercy Girls this year.
For a complete list of the award winners, please click HERE.
Katie Beran & Emily Browning Qualify for Nationals
Kate Beran ’25 and Emily Browning ’25 qualified for National History Day’s national competition in College Park, MD, in June. Kate and Emily’s senior group exhibit, Alan Turing and the First Artificial Intelligence, earned the second-place ribbon in the group exhibits category at the state NHD competition today. The two Mercy sophomores were part of a fourteen-student Mercy contingent that journeyed to the competition at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln to compete against high school students from all over the state. Kate and Emily had earlier won first place in the same category at the Douglas County NHD competition, held last month at Metropolitan Community College in south Omaha, to advance to the state competition. The top two entries at state qualify for the national competition.
Bella Earl wins Gold in Scholastic Art Awards
Congratulations to senior, Bella Earl, who won a Gold Key in photography for her piece titled, “Grabbing at Nothing.” For this honor she and Mrs. Langenfeld are invited to attend a reception at the Governor's residence. The piece will also be part of the My Life in Nebraska exhibit at the Governor's Residence this summer.
Walter Scott Jr. Scholarship Winner
Lucy Euteneuer has been named the Walter Scott, Jr. Scholarship winner for Creighton University. As a Scott Scholar, Lucy will receive full tuition, room & board, fees, and books coverage.
The Scott Scholarship is Creighton’s premier merit-based scholarship program, made possible through the generosity of the Suzanne and Walter Scott Foundation. The Scott Scholars program seeks to attract and equip future business leaders, who are entrepreneurial in spirit and strive for excellence, innovation and community impact.
Omaha History Day Success
Ellah Hoge and Elizabeth Troia won the Schwalb Center's History Day Award for the their entry, “The Golden Library” in the Senior Exhibit Group category. Their exhibit provided the historical context for the rise and fall of the famous library, The House of Wisdom in present day Baghdad. The library was constructed in the 8th century and destroyed by the Mongols in the 1258.
Ellah and Elizabeth with be honored at a lunch in late March where they will receive scholarships for their outstanding work.
Two State Runner-ups
Grace Swoboda and Sally McClellan competed in the State swimming and diving finals and both earned runner-up medals. Swoboda earned her in the 100 yard breaststroke and the 50 yard freestyle. McClellan earned hers in three meter diving.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
This week we celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
Our theme for the week is Mercy Education is Universal, so we are really focusing on Mercy's global connection. Each day is focused on a particular country where a Mercy school is located, and a few facts will be read about that country and/or that particular Mercy school over the morning announcements. In addition, throughout the week, we will be posting photos of a cardboard cutout of Catherine McAuley placed around Omaha, and it will be a competition for the girls to find out where the picture was taken. ("Where in Omaha is Catherine McAuley?" instead of "Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?")
Monday's country is Ireland. Students get a free dress down day in orange, white, and green: the colors of Ireland's flag. At the kickoff assembly - we play a trivia game. Then, we dance an Irish jig to the "Just Dance" Irish Meadow Dance together - student body and staff! We will hide pots of gold around the school and whoever finds them, gets to keep the candy.
Tuesday's country is Honduras. The free dress down day colors are blue and white. Students can visit the Media Center to color flags from the different countries where Mercy schools are located. Flags will be displayed, and each flag colored will earn the student their name in a drawing for a prize.
Wednesday will celebrate Jamaica. Students dress down in black, green, and yellow for free. We will play music during each passing period.
Thursday's country is Australia. Students dress down in red, white, and blue, but must bring in a donation to the Open Door Mission to participate in the dress down day. Socks, hats, gloves, underwear, etc. will be collected and donated.
Friday's focus will be on our favorite Mercy school right at 48th and Woolworth! Students dress in blue and gold (or other Mercy spirit wear) for free. Classes 1-8 will be held in the morning. Staff serve the students pancakes for lunch after 8th period. Then, students will participate in a special activity that will test their knowledge and international prowess.
Great times are sure to be had to celebrate our Catholic Mercy Schools around the world.
NATIONAL HONORS SOCIETY BLOOD DRIVE
NHS is hosting a blood drive on Saturday 1/28 with Holy Cross. 
The blood banks around Omaha are still very low and could really use our help. Sign up today and save a life!
When: Saturday, 1/28 from 7 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Holy Cross School Cafeteria
How: Sign up at redcrossblood.org by searching MercyHolyCross
Dr. Kim Oliver Named New Assistant Principal
With great excitement, Dr. Kim Oliver has been named the Assistant Principal. She'll begin her post this summer. She is a member of the Class of 1998! She earned her doctorate in Education-Leadership and Transformation from Concordia University Portland. She is departing the beloved community at All Saints Catholic School. Congratulations and welcome back, Dr. Oliver!
ABRIENDO PUERTAS DONATES TO REFUGEE EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Abriendo Puertas donated nearly 75 gifts to the Refugee Empowerment Center. They raised money, bought, wrapped, and delivered the toys for refugees in the Omaha area. Check out the video to learn more.
ALL-STATE SCHOLAR ATHLETES
Congratulations to the following student-athletes for being named to the The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) Fall 2022-2023 Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association (NCPA) Academic All-State Awards.
Molly Pensick (Golf)
Julia Batenhorst (Softball)
Clara Behounek (Softball)
Lucy Euteneuer (Volleyball)
Abby Mills (Volleyball)
Mary Kate Nussrallah (Cross Country)
Sophia Rau (Cross Country)
NSAA Awards Program recognizes students who meet the criteria for nomination by their school in the season of their activity.
FALL SPORTS RECAP
Volleyball finished the season with 18 wins. That's the most since 2007. Great start for new head coach Brittany Spekhals. Emily Lee and Abby Mills earned 1st team All-Conference and Lydia Boyce and Lucy Euteneuer were named to the Honorable Mention team.
Mercy softball tied the mark for most wins for a season with 17 wins and a trip to the District finals. That's the most wins for the program since 2001. First year head coach, Maren Angus has to be very pleased with her first campaign. Victoria Placzek and Adrienne Pruss were named to the All-State Honorable Mention Team. 
The golf team had two state qualifiers, Addy Powers and Molly Pensick.
Finally, every member of the cross country team set a personal record during the district meet.
LIZETTE CABRERA WINS ARTSONIA'S ARTIST OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to freshman artist, Lizette Cabrera! Artsonia's online voting ended on Saturday and Lizette's artwork came in 1st in the 7 - 9 grade division with 691 votes! She had close to 200 more votes than the 2nd place finisher and edged out a 7th grader from Holy Cross! She will be getting a plaque from Artsonia and a gift certificate from Dick Blick
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTS NEW CLASS
The McAuley Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted its latest class on Tuesday, November 1st. The latest members are: 
Ahok Apayo Landry Lehan
Julia Batenhorst Kaitlyn List
Clara Baumker Sydney Malesker
Clara Behounek Malanna Muse
Aislinn Bilgere Mia Norton
Alyssa Daniels Hannah Peatrowsky
Kaylee Epp Rylee Rempe
Karol Franco-Barrios Hanna Riha
Isabella Hajek-Jones Amaya Sims
Savannah Hemsley Grace Swoboda
Maren Hollinger Delani Wiedel
Emily Lee
They join the ranks of current members:
Kailey Anson, Gabrielle Brock, Hailee Davis, Sarah Day, Therese Drake, Isabella Earl, Lucy Euteneuer, Valeria Figueroa Garcia, Charlotte Hearn, Danielle Hoer, Reece Keenan, Riya Ketelsen, Abigail Mills, Mary Kate Nussrallah, Sophia Rau, Megan Riesberg, Eleanore Slavik, Grace Weber, Claire Wichita
The ceremony included short remarks by four current members of the chapter on each of the four pillars of the National Honors Society: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. The key note address was presented by alumna Erin Whiteside '07 on how her life has been impacted by those same four pillars since graduating from Mercy.
Congratulations to all the members of the National Honor Society of Mercy High School, especially our newest inductees, for your tremendous hard work and dedication to scholarship and character.
FRESHMEN UNITY DAY
On Friday, October 28th, the Class of 2026 participated in Mercy’s annual Freshmen Unity Day. The goal behind the day is to assist the acclamation of the freshmen class and build community among them. Throughout the day, the students participated in small and large group activities to promote unity. They learned about each others’ strengths and completed challenges working with students who share similar personalities and were grouped with individuals who had different personalities from their own. One activity even required them to create a “human machine” – where everyone in the group had to have an active part in the machine.
At the end of the day students exchanged bracelets that they created and the final challenge activity was to successfully complete a “human chair sit” with all of the attendees. Check out some of the photos.
Valentina Arriola Tirado Wins inSpire Scholarship
On Wednesday, October 26th, Valentina Arriola Tirado was awarded the Inspire Scholarship. It was a part of a larger ceremony put on by inSpire Celebrating Women's Leadership sponsored by Union Bank & Trust. This honor recognizes “An Omaha metro-area female high school or college student who has contributed to her community, excels in the classroom, and has great career aspirations.”
At that same lunch, Class of ‘66 Sr. Maryann Stevens, RSM received the Woman of the Year Award for her tireless dedication to the College of St. Mary’s. Read more at Omaha.com. We're so proud of each of our women of Mercy. Thank you for all that you do!
WILLEY DWYER '03 NEW VP FOR ADVANCEMENT
Anna Willey Dwyer has been named Mercy High School new Vice President of Advancement. She will begin her new role on Monday, November 7, 2022.
Willey Dwyer is an alumna of Mercy High School’s class of 2003. She is very excited about returning to Mercy. “Mercy has taught me so much. At the forefront has been service and giving back. It’s been my hope that I would have the opportunity to return and continue this school’s important work of educating young women.” She’s most excited about promoting its sense of community and hospitality. “To me, Mercy’s hallmark has been its sense of welcoming. Once a Mercy girl, always a Mercy girl. I want to make sure that this mission continues for several more generations.”
Willey Dwyer comes to Mercy with a wealth of experience helping to lead the development efforts for the Child Saving Institute. She’s been with that organization since 2016, exceeding annual fundraising objectives five years in a row. President of Mercy High School, Sister Delores Hannon, RSM believes that Willey Dwyer will be most successful at connecting with the various community members that support Mercy High. “She is a dynamo at making people feel welcome. Her joy is infectious and by the time the conversation ends you feel like you have known Anna for several years, regardless of having just met. She’s a welcomed addition to the Advancement Office at Mercy.”
Willey Dwyer is married to her husband Scott Dwyer and has two children: Rex, who is three, and Stella, who is one.
Valeria Figueroa Garcia Wins Scholarship
VALERIA FIGUEROA GARCIA WINS SCHOLARSHIP!
Valeria was one of 10 Latino Nebraska Students to win the Jesusita and Santos Courage and Fortitude Scholarship. She earned this by presenting an essay highlighting her leadership skills and how they will apply to her future plans after high school. She wants to become an elementary school teacher. She was awarded $1,000 to put towards any college of her choosing. Well done, Valeria!
Riya Ketelsen named National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist
This fall Riya Ketelsen was honored with the distinction of National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist. In the video below you'll see the surprise and pride from Riya, her parents, and the Mercy school community. We couldn't be prouder of the dedication and accomplishment of Riya. This make 3 National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalists in the past two years.
Congratulations to Ahok and Mary Kate!
First, congratulations to our own Ahok Apayo, who was recognized in the National African American Recognition Program. She is one of 62,000 students from across the country to earn academic honors from the College
Board’sNational Recognition Programs! Ahok earned this recognition by excelling on her PSAT and AP Exams and in her classes. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connects students with universities across the country, helping them stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs use these honors to identify students from underrepresented groups through College Board’s Student Search Service.
Congratulations, also, to Mary Kate Nussrallah, who was named a Commended Student based on her outstanding performance on the PSAT test last year. She is one of the top 50,000 students nationwide and one of only 60 Nebraska students from 36 high schools to achieve this honor. 
Congratulations, Ahok and Mary Kate! We are so very proud of both of you!
Sr. Dee Leaving at the End of the School Year
On Wednesday, September 7th, Sr. Delores Hannon announced her resignation as president of Mercy High School to the Board of Directors effective June 30th, 2023. She has served as president since 2009, having served for 14 years.
Sr. Dee, as she is affectionately known to students, faculty and parents, has overseen many changes at the school. The school facilities have experienced improvements with The Hannon Center for Academic Success, heating and cooling systems, new lockers, bathrooms, a dramatic facelift to the front offices and entryway, to name a few. By the time Sr. steps down, most of the school will have gone through some sort of renovation. Mercy High School has also experienced growth in their academic reputation. “One of the things I’m most proud of is the expectation that our students will be readily prepared for college” Sr. Delores explains. “We’ve expanded our counseling and SAT/ACT preparation, while faculty and staff have increased the expectations of what our students are capable of accomplishing. I have a very strong faith that the Mercy spirit continues to thrive through our students as they serve in their respective communities.”
Sr. Delores has been an educator for more than 40 years. She grew up in North English, Iowa on a mixed livestock farm, the only child of William and Mary Hannon. She joined the Sisters of Mercy in 1969 and quickly was tapped for leadership in schools. She became a principal at St. Matthew’s Grade School in Kalispell, Montana, in 1978 followed by a short stint at Our Lady of Grace School in Edina, Minnesota, from 1981-1983. From 1983-1995 Sr. Dee was the principal at several grade schools in Iowa. She moved on to serve as the Vice President of the Sisters of Mercy in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the President of St. Edmond Catholic School in Fort Dodge, Iowa before ultimately coming to Mercy High School in 2009.
The Board of Directors will form a search committee to begin the search process in the near
future.
Mercy Welcomes Two New Faculty
Jim Mayberger is our new business and technology teacher. He comes to us from OPS where he was a curriculum specialist.
He managed the Business Marketing and Information Technology, Family and Consumer Science, Skilled and Technical Science, and Robotics departments. 
“I am excited to teach in a faith-based school. I really enjoy being in the classroom and I look forward to being part of the Mercy community.”
Jenna Saraka joins our math department. She comes to us from Omaha Central, where she taught for five years.
“I am most excited about joining a staff and community that offers strong educational opportunities and many extracurricular activities for students that are centered around faith.
I am also excited to work with students who are eager to learn in and out of the classroom!”
Two New Hires for the Advancement Team
Sammie Emsick Becker ’05 has accepted the Director of Events position at Mercy High School and began her new role on June 13, 2022.
Since graduating from Mercy, Sammie earned a bachelor in elementary education, a certificate in Catholic School leadership, and most recently, a Master of Science in educational leadership. Outside classroom teaching, she has served as the athletic director for St. James for the past three years where, in conjunction with supervising all things athletics, annually planned the “Spring Fling” fundraiser where dollars raised went straight to the athletic program. Her most recent “Spring Fling” event set a record for money raised for St. James. She further has event planning experience by way of her time at Dundee Bank, where she was the community involvement coordinator and worked closely with various Omaha businesses to promote and grow relationships with key stakeholders of the bank via special events.
She’s married to Tyler Becker and has two boys Ty (12) and Drew (10).
Welcome back to Mercy Sammie!
Brian Altenhofen began his new position as Director of Marketing and Communications on July 5th.
He comes to Mercy with a wealth of knowledge having earned a doctorate degree in communication and technology studies from Texas A&M University and teaching at Truman State University for the past five years. He also served as the Director of the Truman Leadership Scholars, mentoring and programming leadership experiences for Truman Scholars. Prior to his academic career he spent five years as a Jesuit Scholastic.
He is married to Michaela Cullan Altenhofen who will return to Mary Our Queen Catholic School teaching 3rd grade. They have four children Dylan (16), Lily (9), Dominic (7), and Clara (3).
Archives - January 2020
Defense Training
January 30, 2020
Mercy’s National Honor Society will sponsor a T.A.K.E. Defense Training
on Saturday, March 7 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This flier provides
background information and a waiver. You can also register here.
Posted in
Student News
Buck Receives Superior
January 27, 2020
Anna Buck received a Superior on her Solo Musical Theatre at the Nebraska Thespians State Festival earlier in January 2020. She performed “When He Sees Me” from the Broadway musical “Waitress.”
Posted in
Student News
Cast Chosen for Musical
January 24, 2020
Mercy High School’s spring musical production, “Chicago: High School Edition,” has announced its cast list. The show, whose characters embody the 20’s through singing, dancing and performance, features a variety of genres: vaudeville, jazz, crooner, ventriloquism, and more. The play has also been adapted for suitability on a high school stage. It still deals in the main themes of the story: the relationship between the justice system and women, what defines a valid ground for defense, the importance of fidelity in a relationship, the repercussions of wrongdoing and rash decisions, and what it means to be blinded by the flashing promise of fame.
“On a personal level, 'Chicago' was the first Broadway touring production I ever saw at the Orpheum in Omaha. I was enthralled that 'Chicago: High School Edition' preserves all of the excitement of the show while toning down the content that would be objectionable. It’s critical to understand that this production is a work of satire: it puts the behaviors of its characters on display and jazzes them up in order to expose and criticize the characters, from a chorus girl with aspirations toward fame, a manipulative lawyer, or a press that at the time was more concerned with getting attention than getting it right. These are all issues that still matter today,” said Josh von Kampen, Theatre Director.
Dates for the musical are April 17-19 with ticket information and other details coming soon.
Posted in
Student News
Valuable Lessons from Mercy
January 23, 2020
Ann Nussrallah Adkins’ 74 has been an educator for more than 40 years. She currently teaches fifth grade at St. Pius X/St. Leo School in Omaha and credits the sense of community and the knowledge you can impact someone’s life, to valuable lessons she learned while at Mercy.
“No matter where I have taught or worked, it always came back to that sense of community and how I, individually or as part of a group, could make a true difference in others’ lives. I also believe that my time at Mercy filled me with possibilities and that has given me the self-confidence and courage to make changes during my career and take on new challenges,” she said.
Ann attended Mercy from 1970 to 1974. The Mercy alumna went to Holy Cross School across the street and remembers going to a May Crowning with her cousin. For her, the Mercy girls seemed grown up and were always having a good time.
“I asked myself who wouldn’t be part of that?” she said.
Her sisters Theresa Nussrallah , Mary Jo Nussrallah Riley '78 and Carolyn Nussrallah '79 also went to Mercy.
During high school she recalls being more a “behind-the-scenes” student who cheered on teams and worked backstage on productions. Her pivotal moment was when she took a catechesis class as a religious elective. That led to valuable insights and a teaching assignment in religious education at St. Joan of Arc.
“Being part of that Mercy class made me feel that I could go out and change the world. It truly inspired me to want to somehow make an impact. No matter what teaching position I have held, I have worked to affirm, uplift and empower my students,” she said.
After graduation, she received a Regent’s Scholarship at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), and her family felt it was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Ann was concerned about the large student population, but she discovered that you could create community in individual classes. The Mercy graduate earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1978.
Ann taught at Sts. Peter and Paul School for eight years and spent the next 20 years at St. Bernard’s School. During that time she taught mostly younger students and that led to a desire to learn more about educating young students. She decided to go back to UNO to earn her Master of Arts in Education with a concentration on early childhood, receiving her degree in 1999. Having a master’s allowed her to become an adjunct teacher on a college level. She liked it and decided to study for a doctorate at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln which she received in 2013. She taught at Dana College in Blair. She was also a member of the faculty for eight years and earned her tenure at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa.
With a strong pull to get back in the classroom and a desire to move back to Omaha where her husband was working, she joined St. Pius X/St. Leo School last August.
During her career she has been honored with two teaching awards. Ann was named one of the Archdiocesan Inner-City Teachers of the Year in 2004. In 2016, she received the Meneve Dunham Excellence in Teaching Award at Clarke. She has presented internationally and traveled to India in 2019 to help prepare and teach English lessons to children living in a rural area.
The mother of four has seen all three of her daughters graduate from Mercy including Lara '99, Jenna '02 and Kimberly '06
“I believe the Mercy experience made them the strong, caring women they are today,” she said.
Although returning to the classroom has been a challenge, Ann feels blessed to
contribute to the wonderful learning community and make an impact through her work in the classroom.
“Whenever I am able, I tout the excellent education that Mercy offers and express my gratitude for that education for me and my daughters. I express our family's appreciation for negotiated tuition – a social justice issue. What stays with me after all these years is a strong sense of and understanding of community. I think that everything I have done since my time at Mercy has revolved around being part of communities with strong commitments to service and social justice,” she said.
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A Flourishing Theatre Career
January 13, 2020
“All the world is a stage,” said William Shakespeare. For Daena Schweiger ’87 her career has flourished on that theatrical stage. From acting to directing to backstage work to writing plays, she has been involved in theatre for more than 30 years in the Omaha area.
Daena caught the theatre bug as a Mercy freshman and was involved in theatre and speech all four years. She tried tennis and soccer and took several honors classes during high school, but she knew she had found what she wanted to do for the rest of her life on the stage. Daena is part of a Mercy legacy. Her mother, Pat Schweiger ’64, attended Mercy as well as her aunt, Barbara Schweiger Skalla ’60.
After graduating from Mercy in 1987, Daena attended the University of Nebraska -Lincoln and earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting. She worked as a stage manager at Opera Omaha for eight years as an independent contractor. For ten years she served as a secretary and business manager of Mary Our Queen Church. Currently, she is an office manager at Melotz & Wilson, LLC, a local tax firm.
“My first love is the theatre, but it doesn’t always pay the bills. I have been fortunate to have other jobs so I can fulfill my true passion. At Mercy, I learned about the importance of Catholic faith. I have always had faith that I could pursue theatre and find other jobs to supplement my income. Things have always had a way of working out,” Daena said.
The award-winning playwright, actress and director has been part of many Omaha-area productions. Her writing credits include numerous one-act plays, and two full-length plays: “Love is Strange” and “Voices From the Closet.” She has directed over 20 plays and musicals, including “Now. Here. This.” at Creighton University; “Clue: The Musical” for Bellevue Little Theatre; “Avenue Q” for SNAP! Productions; “Jesus Christ Superstar” for Chanticleer Theater in Council Bluffs; “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” for BroadStreet Theatre Co.; and “Eating Raoul” for the Shelterbelt Theatre.
Daena is also a frequent performer onstage, appearing in “The Resistable Rise of Arturo Ui” at the Bluebarn Theatre; Montressor in “The Cask of The Amontillado for Tales of Poe” at Joslyn Castle; Claire in “Proof” for Baby D Productions; Reggie in “The Laramie Project” for SNAP! Productions; and Jeanette d’Arcy (Joan of Arc) in “Daughter of the Tree” at the Hudson Guild Theatre in New York City. Most recently, Daena was part of the cast of the Omaha Community Playhouse production of “Men on Boats.” Directed by another Mercy alumna, Amy Harmon Lane ’86, “Men on Boats” told the story of the John Wesley Powell expedition to map the Grand Canyon. All the roles were written for and portrayed by women. Daena received recognition for her work in this production from The Omaha Community Playhouse, the Theatre Arts Guild and the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards Academy.
Daena hosts her own podcast called “Thank You 5” where she spotlights the vibrant performing arts community in Omaha by interviewing local theater artists. She is also an established audiobook narrator.
Although she does not have much free time with her hectic schedule, Daena still has friends from her years at Mercy, keeping in touch with them on social media and at the occasional breakfast or dinner.
“Literally I made my best friends at Mercy,” she said.
Her first love, her theatre career, continues to blossom. Daena will be directing “Joseph and the Amazing Technical Dreamcoat” this spring at the Chanticleer Theatre.
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Learning to be a Leader
January 13, 2020
For Marilyn Krajicek ’58, Ed.D. R. N., F.A.A.N., teamwork has been a constant through line in her successful career as a pediatric nurse, professor, and medical researcher. She credits her success to her willingness to learn from others and lead with them in mind.
“The things I did at Mercy provided me with the confidence I needed,” she said.
Marilyn was enrolled at St. John’s High School before it merged with St. Mary’s in 1955 to become Mercy High School. While some of her classmates were not excited to move to this new school, Marilyn was thrilled: “I was so pleased to have the navy-blue Mercy uniform.” When she arrived at Mercy, Marilyn came with a can-do attitude and an openness to meeting new friends and having new experiences.
“My friendships were critical,” she remembers of her time at Mercy. “I didn’t have a car, so I either had to get a ride to the activities or somebody had to cart me home.” Marilyn credits her friendships, including her ongoing friendship with former Mercy Principal Sr. Corrine Connelly, RSM ’58 , with making her high school years unforgettable.
As a senior, Marilyn was featured in an issue of the Mercy student newspaper. The 1958 article explains that Marilyn “has made herself and others happier by her cheerful leadership in class activities.” She served as the president of the Mercy Marthas, treasurer of the Christeens, vice-prefect of Sodality, and as a member of the Triple Trio, Glee Club and Greek Club. She was also selected by her classmates to be May Queen her senior year.
Her involvement allowed Marilyn to hone her leadership skills and obtain valuable lessons about relationship building and teamwork. From her time at Mercy, Marilyn realized the importance of working with others. “You can learn from other people,” Marilyn said.
And learn she did. As a student, Marilyn visited state institutions where she met people who had developmental and physical disabilities. From those experiences, she knew she wanted a “career in caring, in working with people with challenges.”
The student newspaper article explained that “Marilyn, who is seldom unsure about anything, replied hesitantly when asked about plans for the future. ‘I’m really undecided, but at the moment I plan [on] a career in nursing.’” Those hesitant plans blossomed into an impressive career spanning five decades during which Marilyn touched the lives of thousands of patients.
After graduating from Mercy, Marilyn received her nursing diploma from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1961. She then received a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Duchesne College, a Master’s in Maternal Child Nursing from Washington University in St. Louis, a Post-Master’s in Nursing Handicapped Children from the University of Washington, and a Doctorate of Education at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
Early in her career, Marilyn served as a nurse. In 1965, Dr. Loretta Ford and Dr. Henry Silver created and implemented the first pediatric nurse practitioner model and training program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus College of Nursing. Three short years later, Marilyn began working at the University of Colorado in 1968 as the Director of Nursing of the John F. Kennedy Child Development Center. In this role, she worked in the innovative nurse practitioner program.
Since then, she has held various positions within the Schools of Nursing and Medicine within the University of Colorado system. Marilyn is currently a tenured professor at the University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing, as well as the Nursing Director of JFK Partners, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities: Education, Research, and Service, Department of Pediatrics University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Marilyn’s research has resulted in numerous publications on topics ranging from childhood obesity to dental health. She has helped develop and led multiple nursing courses for university students and served as an advisor for numerous students in their pursuits of higher education.
She is quick to recognize the importance of teamwork and that good leaders seek out those who can help and provide consultation.
“I have learned that to be successful, you must work with people from different disciplines and backgrounds. At Mercy you have the opportunity to benefit from different perspectives,” she said.
Throughout her impressive career, Marilyn has been dedicated to creating strong partnerships with her colleagues. She is a strong believer in interprofessional relationships and believes that her time at Mercy made it all possible. “My time at Mercy led me to carry on those leadership skills throughout my nursing career,” Marilyn said.
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Board Adds Four
January 10, 2020
Four new Board members were appointed by the Mercy Education System of the Americas to the Mercy High School Board of Trustees effective January 2020. Mercy is a sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy the Americas.
The new Board members are: Molly Collins Beran ’97, Ob-Gyn Physician, CHI Health Clinic; Robert R. McGill, President, Robert McGill Construction Company; Annie Messersmith, Vice President/Comptroller, Mutual of Omaha; and Timothy Schmad, Former Executive Director, Omaha Community Playhouse.
Molly Collins Beran, M.D., is a Mercy graduate who has been a physician for more than 15 years. She received an English degree from Creighton University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2005. The busy physician has four children and is part of a Mercy legacy as her older sisters Coralie Collins Kroll ’86 and Mary Collins Wolf ’88 attended the school. The active alumna keeps in touch with classmates. Her educational and health sciences background will be beneficial to the Mercy Board.
Robert McGill has been involved in construction for 48 years and has used his expertise to support many community organizations’ building projects and committees. He is a past board member of Creighton Preparatory High School and served on several committees involved in Prep’s building expansions. He was on the Parish Council and Steering Committee at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church from 1981-1989 and on Creighton University’s Expansion Committee from 2000-2005. With a strong passion for Catholic schools and the role they plan in the formation of young women and men, he looks forward to this appointment.
Annie Messersmith is returning to the Board. She is the Vice President of the Comptroller Group at Mutual of Omaha and has been with the company for more than 12 years. She previously served on Mercy’s Board from 2008-2017. Active on the Catholic Charities Board, Messersmith brings experience in financial budgeting, forecasting and strategic planning to the school. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of South Dakota in 1982. Her hopes are to bring her expertise to the mission of Mercy, especially in educating all women regardless of economic ability.
With more than 40 years of nonprofit experience, Timothy Schmad has lent his talents to numerous community groups including the Rotary Club of Omaha as past president, St. Vincent de Paul Parish Council as past president, Creighton Prep’s Development Committee, Teammates as a Mentoring Board member. He served as Executive Director of the Omaha Community Playhouse from 2000-2017. Schmad holds a Bachelor’s of Applied Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He hopes to bring his business and volunteer acumen to Mercy and help the school fulfill its mission.
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Service Through Acts of Kindness
January 09, 2020
Jessica Cannon Rempe ’96 learned in her years at Mercy High School that service is a humble way of giving gratitude for the things that God has given us. In 2016, the Mercy graduate started the Secret Kindness Agent Family Chapter as a parent at St. Columbkille school. Her efforts have made national news. In February 2020 she and her husband are will be flown on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, which has a viewership of 4.2 million, to be recognized for the program. It is one of 10 efforts being honored through Ellen’s One Million Acts of Good.
“As a mother of four, I wanted to find a way for families to work together to participate in random acts of kindness for the betterment of others. I had heard a speech by Ferial Pearson, the founder of Secret Kindness Agents Projects, and I adapted her program into family service mission. Ours is one of many groups worldwide. All ages participate from toddlers to grandparents,” she said.
The first event was painting rocks with positive messages in a local park. The response was overwhelming, and the movement began. The program has grown through social media (there is a special group Facebook page) and word of mouth.
More than 100 different activities have taken place and include:
o Easter baskets for the Ronald McDonald House
o Blessing bags for the homeless
o Military care packages
o Scarves and hats on Christmas trees for the homeless
o Survival kits for NICU mothers
o Kindness cards for people
o Treats and thank you notes for teachers
o Book drives
o Refugee home setups
o Prayers on lockers
o Chemo care kits
“Kindness missions are originated by our members, usually having to do with someone or something that is developing in their life. Other missions can be determined by local events or tragedies,” she said. Her group made pinwheels in Gretna after several students died in a car accident this past year.
“My love of service began at Mercy. In learning about the Sisters of Mercy and Mother McAuley, I learned that the world is much bigger than me,” she said.
“I was drawn to Mercy because it was a smaller, all-girls school since I was a quiet, shy student during my grade school years,” she said.
Jessica took part in Volleyball, Basketball and Track for all four years. She was also involved in journalism as a yearbook editor, junior class secretary, an EMHC and in National Honor Society. Her classmates chose her to be a Nocturne Princess as a junior. She also participated in Habitat for Humanity and the work study program in the summer months.
“I was struck by the feeling of family at Mercy. It was really about the little things...classmates, teachers and coaches who were there for me and wanted the best for my future. At the time I didn’t realize the little things were the big things. At Mercy, I was given a gift I knew I needed to pass along,” she said.
After graduation Jessica attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She received her Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2002. Since then she has been working full time as a Speech-Language Pathologist for Omaha Public Schools. She and her husband, Jim, have four children who attend St. Columbkille.
“Mercy had a huge impact on me socially, academically and spiritually. My years at Mercy taught me how to interact with people on a level of kindness no matter what they are going through,” she said.
Thanks to that Mercy education Jessica is passing acts of kindness along to others.
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Graduate Leads Sisters of Mercy
January 07, 2020
Mercy graduate Sr. Pat McDermott, RSM, ’66 holds the highest leadership position in the Sisters of Mercy community: President of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. The Institute has more than 2,400 Sisters serving in education, healthcare and social service ministries in the United States, the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Pacific. The Omaha native, who is also an educator, celebrated her 50th Jubilee as a Sister of Mercy in 2016. Her dedication and commitment to the values of Catherine McAuley were formalized during her time at Mercy High School.
Attending Mercy was a foregone conclusion for the young student whose only sister, Mary Ann Dobrovolny ‘58, attended St. John’s and then moved to Mercy for her last two years of high school . But the school was a good fit for Sr. Pat.
“The spirit of Catherine McAuley was vibrant in the school, not only from the Sisters there but from the lay faculty as well. You are encouraged to be your best self and discover the importance of relationships and collaboration. Articulate young women emerge as a result,” she said.
She recalled that it was a time in history where school was like a second home.
“The educational community had an advanced sense of women spiritually, socially and academically. The student body lived their faith in concrete ways, especially through a lens of social justice,” she said.
During high school, Sr. Pat enjoyed the creativity of journalism as she worked on the school’s quarterly magazine and learned layout and design. She also participated in debate.
“Debate was a wonderful discipline. It encouraged thinking, got you engaged in current issues and increased skills for women who might be competing with young men at debate competitions,” she said.
She also recalls values were practiced and critical concerns were part of the fabric of educational life at Mercy.
When asked about receiving a calling to be a Sister, Sr. Pat explained it was more of a movement in a certain direction.
“At an early age there was a sense of awe and mystery surrounding the Sisters of Mercy whose lives I wanted to emulate. They had a sense of God that was an essential part of their makeup, which I admired,” she said.
After graduation, she and 18 others entered the Novitiate at the College of St. Mary, receiving their formation while attending classes. She also studied at Misericordia University in Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor’s of English in 1971. Pat made final vows as a Sister of Mercy in August of 1972. She taught English, journalism and religious education for 10 years at St. Thomas More and at St. Albert’s in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Following that she finished her doctoral studies and taught pastoral theology at The Catholic University of America.
She has spent most of her ministry in Sisters of Mercy leadership positions for more than 20 years.
“As part of the discernment process, you are called to share your gifts with others. It is somewhat unique that someone would serve this long on the leadership team, but I feel God’s deepest presence in this ministry and it is still a good fit,” she said.
Prior to being elected president in 2011 and again in 2017, she served two terms on the Institute Leadership Team. She also served as president of the former regional community of the Sisters of Mercy in Omaha from 1990 to 1998 and as an administrative team member for the previous four years.
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A Behind-the-Scenes Theatre Journey
January 07, 2020
Kathleen Leary ’94 was convinced by Mercy Theater teacher Hersh Rodasky that she could achieve a career working backstage in the theatre; she just had to dedicate herself to that goal. Kathleen has worked in theatre for more than 25 years and is still going strong. Kathleen currently serves as the Education Coordinator of the Jerome Robbins Dance Division at the New York City Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Kathleen’s parents gave her the choice of which Catholic high school in Omaha she would attend. Although few of her St. Pius X Elementary School classmates were attending Mercy, she was impressed by the Mercy’s small size and the welcoming atmosphere she felt when she toured the school and went to the Open House.
She found a home in the Theater Department, working on costumes, props, and all aspects of the behind-the-scenes work for a production.
“There was a true comradery backstage. I loved the artistic nature of the work but also fostering the ability to work under pressure. Mr. Rodasky encouraged my passion and I knew that was what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” she said.
Kathleen also ran Cross Country for two years, took four years of Spanish and learned about and became involved in social justice.
“I still embrace those beliefs to this day and believe we have an obligation to help those underserved in our communities, providing dignity and support, especially when it comes to learning,” she added.
The Mercy graduate received a scholarship to Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and started a double major in Spanish and Theater. She attended the college for two years, took a year off and then moved to Richmond, Virginia, to study at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts in Technical Theater in 1999. Graduate school was next on her agenda, and she moved again to attend Temple University and receive a Master’s in Costume Design in 2002.
Although she knew it would be challenging, Kathleen moved to New York and began a freelance career in theater. She worked as a dresser for Playwright’s Horizons and was part of the design team for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus.
“The key was to always be a step ahead. Even though you might be working on one job, you were always looking for your next position. That is the nature of the performing arts,” she added.
Kathleen continued her efforts working on the touring company of “White Christmas," a new show that had three touring companies, one of which has performed at the Orpheum Theater.
“I would work as a costume shop manager or shopper during the day, and then design and costume my own shows at night,” she said.
In 2009 she decided to teach costume design at two schools on the East Coast: St. Alban’s School and National Cathedral School. Both had robust theater curriculums. Kathleen taught at both schools for five years and decided to get a Master’s in Teaching in Museum Education from George Washington University, earning her degree in 2015.
“I enjoyed imparting my passion and theatrical knowledge to others through the educational process,” she said.
Although she continued to freelance in the museum field for one year after graduation, she found her current job in 2016. The Jerome Robbins Dance Division of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is the largest and most comprehensive archive devoted to the documentation of dance in the world. Chronicling the art of dance in all its forms, the Division acts as much more than a library. Education and preservation of the history of dance are also important aspects of this work.
Founded in 1944, the Dance Division is used regularly by choreographers, dancers, critics, historians, journalists, publicists, filmmakers, graphic artists, students, and the general public. While the Division contains more than 44,000 books about dance, these account for a small percent of its vast holdings. Other resources available for study free of charge include papers and manuscript collections, moving image and audio recordings, clippings and program files, and original prints and designs.
Through outreach, presentations, and other educational programs, Kathleen works on preserving the history of dance by presenting diverse written, visual, and oral resources to varying audiences, and mostly K-12 students. She focuses on critical thinking and observation skills through the lens of dance history and movement.
“For example, there is a dance piece called ‘Heartbeat” performed by Mikhail Baryshnikov that I thought would be a perfect video to show 2nd grade students. Baryshnikov has attached a heart monitor to his chest while dancing and is using that heartbeat as his music. The teacher and I developed a lesson plan whereby the class learned how to take their pulse, copied Baryshnikov's moves, and monitored the increase in their pulse while dancing. They also learned the importance of breathing, hydrating, and cooling down after dancing. I really enjoy creating lesson plans that teach about dance but also about science, history, or language arts, so the material feels relevant," she said.
According to Kathleen, no day is ever the same. She is always meeting new people, sharing new knowledge, and trying new things.
“My dedication to this work has been strongly influenced by my years at Mercy. I learned you should always do your best to advocate for others,” she added.
“I learned many great things at Mercy. For me, what sets the school apart is the faculty. They believe in you and are dedicated to your success. Without the influence and passion of teachers such as Mr. Rodasky and Sr. Jeanne O'Rourke, I would never have pursued the career I love,” she said.
Cutlines: Kathleen Leary ’94 shows her Mercy pride while dancing. Photo credit Julie Lemberger.
Kathleen teaches students about dance. Photo credit Jonathan Blanc.
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