My dear friends, this month we focus the spotlight on another one of the outstanding educational institutions in the diocese, Mercy High School, in Middletown.
Mercy High School in Middletown, Conn. provides young women in grades 9-12 a challenging college preparatory education with a strong foundation of Catholic teachings. Guided by the traditions and values of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy High School promotes service, confidence, ethical leadership and respect.
“Our students are encouraged to flourish individually, while remaining rooted in community,” notes President Alissa DeJonge. “This means Mercy girls are asked to strive for academic excellence and are taught the necessary skills to be successful in college and careers; but equally as important, they are asked to pursue their passions and unique gifts – and share them with the world – as our faith guides us to do.”
Mercy High School requires 100 hours of community service to graduate, finding that service to others leads their students’ greater understanding of themselves, their spirituality and their roles in the world. “Service provides a vehicle for the development of leadership skills,” Ms. DeJonge said, “But it is also a way for our girls to practice the leadership skills they have already acquired. Here at Mercy, every leadership role is held by a girl.”
This peer-to-peer role modeling inspires Mercy girls to seize opportunities. In addition to their Honors, Advanced College Prep, College Prep and Advanced Placement academic levels, Mercy High School offers their students the chance to earn college credit through programs with the University of Connecticut and Wesleyan University.
On its 25-acre campus, Mercy has an NCAA regulation gymnasium, a cross-country course and multiple playing fields. The Mercy Tigers also have access to tennis courts, a track and a swimming pool at venues in Middletown. In 2021, the school’s soccer team was CIAC Class M co-champions, SCC Tournament Champions and SCC Division Champions. The school has a 900-seat theater and offers two annual theatrical performances with Xavier High School.
Mercy also triumphs in a different type of competition: robotics. The school’s TechTigers are recognized on a global stage for their robotics skills, having competed in the world championships in 2022. Since their founding, the TechTigers have won more than a decade of awards, most notably the New England District Championship Chairman’s Award for the last four years, as well as the 2022 Western New England District Engineering Inspiration Award and 2019 CT State Robotics Championships.
Undoubtedly, at Mercy High School, girls grow — academically, spiritually and individually — into inspiring, empowered and compassionate women who demonstrate lifelong learning, a moral compass and awareness of their gifts, committed to meaningfully benefiting society.One-hundred percent of graduates are accepted to college, with more than $6 million in scholarship money awarded by their chosen schools.
“We are so proud that our students are effective communicators, critical thinkers and independent learners by the time they graduate,” Ms. DeJonge said. “They recognize and demonstrate leadership and cooperation, achieve their goals, and are aware and responsible global citizens. We invite anyone who would like to learn more about our school to attend our Open House on November 6 – you can register at www.mercyhigh.com.”
May God bless you and keep you safe,
Dr. Gail Kingston
Superintendent of Schools