Merion Mercy Academy Underclass Awards May 2016
General excellence medals for Academic Achievement for this school year are awarded to:
• Grade 11: Thérèse Mills
• Grade 10: Julia Halas
• Grade 9: Megan Stevens
Course
Academic
Honorable Mention
Excellent Effort
Theology
Hebrew Scriptures
Christian Scriptures
Church History
Sacraments
Morality
Social Justice
Madison Boylan
Megan Stevens
Emma Andrews
Megan Talke
Nicole DiAntonio
Mary Kolbe Keating
Ava Marie Donatucci
Isabella Santori
Katrina McDermott
Julia Halas
Cameron Centrella
Julianna Julia
Camille Cipolloni
Nadia Pace
Zihan (Madison) Wang
Devyn Russo
Keani Egunjobi
Alay’na DiSanto
English
Literature and Writing
Literature and Writing A
American Literature
American Literature A
British Literature
British Literature A
Fiction & Poetry Writing
Speech & Issues
Foundations in Writing
Effective Writing
Carly Gerace
Megan Stevens
Ava Hamann
Julia Halas
Nicole DiAntonio
Josephine Messina
Alaina Sokolski
Ava Pecora
Erin Mullen
Ava Pecora
Nina Dzidic
Flora Cruz-Morales
Jessica Lehman
Julianna Julia
Emma Paolini
Caroline Giangiordano
Marleen Winterdal
Annalise Patti
Katrina McDermott
Caroline Belmont
Cameron Centrella
Katherine Troy
Beatriz Aroca-Parra
Margaret Roccato
Meredith Mackenzie
Tianqi (Kelli) Xu
Noha El Toukhy
Mathematics
Algebra 1A
Algebra 1
Geometry A
Geometry
Pre Calculus A
Advanced Pre Calculus A
Algebra 2A
Algebra 2
AP Statistics
AP Calculus BC
Ava Pecora
Megan Stevens
Emma Andrews
Ava Hamann
Josephine Messina
Kristen Beckett
Erin Mullen
Nicole DiAntonio
Kathryn Lynch
Thérèse Mills
Ava Marie Donatucci
Katrina Smith
Jillian Zupito
Hannah Bacso
Julia Halas
Gabrielle Depommier
Karysa Infante
Diamond Figueroa
Isabella Santori
Brynn Tallarida
Anne Hughes
Theresa Stewart
Jada Smith
Anne Hughes
Zihan (Madison) Wang
Science
Sci. Methods, Appl, Reas & Theory
Biology A
Biology
AP Chemistry
Chemistry A
Chemistry
Physics A
Physics
Physiology A
Ava Pecora
Samantha Pasciullo-Boychuck
Meredith Mackenzie
Gabriela Marziano
Jessica Lehman
Thérèse Mills
Nicole DiAntonio
Julia Halas
Lynn Foy
Isabella Santori
Erin Welch
Xinyi Fan
Julia Halas
Ava Hamann
Hope Johnson
Ave Burke
Savanna Urban
Morgan Sherman
Margaret McGrath
Shannon Carroll
Jennifer Ramirez
Emma Iannone
Noha El Toukhy
Course
Academic
Honorable Mention
Excellent Effort
Social Studies
Cultures in World History
Modern U.S. History
AP U. S. History
Economics
Themes in U.S. History
World Geography
Intro to Law
Isabella Santori
Nicole DiAntonio
Mary Kolbe Keating
Zihan (Madison) Wang
Meredith Mackenzie
Gabrielle DeStefon
Julianna Jaskot
Noha El Toukhy
Julia Moore
Daniela Sciulli
Tianqi (Kelli) Xu
Erin Moran
Alison Zarella
Chiara Cocelli
Devyn Russo
Alyssa Levine
Zihan (Madison) Wang
Carly Gerace
Brijette Brown
Language
Latin 1A
French 1A
Spanish 1A
Spanish 1
Latin 2A
French 2A
Spanish 2A
Spanish 2
Latin 3A
French 3A
Spanish 3A
Spanish 3
Katrina Smith
Megan Stevens
Isabella Santori
Kaitlyn Conway
Erin Mullen
Jessica Lehman
Keara Gilligan
Ava Hamann
Nicole DiAntonio
Kristen Beckett
Julia Halas
Alay’na DiSanto
Carly Gerace
Beatriz Aroca-Parra
Teresa Hegarty
Karysa Infante
Gabriela Marziano
Kelly King
Erin Mullen
Lauren Andruszko
Hannah Bacso
Lara Garrity
Thérèse Mills
Emily Tecco
Ava Pecora
Samantha Pasciullo-Boychuck
Margaret McKernan
Lynn Foy
Emma Andrews
Brijette Brown
Grace Gillespie
Brianna McCaffrey
Avery Kirk
Alyssa Levine
Mary Kolbe Keating
Erin Moran
Art/Music
Art Major 1A
Art Major 2A
Principles of Design 1
Principles of Design 2
Music Major 1A
Music Major 2A
Jessica Boyle
Xinyi Fan
Emma Davis
Kylie Campisciano
Maggie Browne
Jessica Lehman
Alessandra DiBenedetto
Tianqi (Kelli) Xu
Christina Sumin Walker
The Saint Michael’s College Book Award for academic achievement with a social conscience
recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism and leadership
in their communities. The College was founded by the Society of Saint Edmund, which holds a special
commitment to serving others and creating impactful communities as an extension of Catholic faith.
Today, the book award represents just one way in which Saint Michael’s College strives to fulfill its
mission to better the human condition by honoring those who lead with the true spirit of volunteerism.
Recipients may also be considered for scholarship at Saint Michael’s, ranging in amounts from $5,000
to full tuition, contingent upon acceptance to the college. This year the prize is awarded to:
Caroline DeVoto.
The Rensselaer Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative
achievement of young men and women and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering,
and technology. Each medalist who is accepted and subsequently enrolls at Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute receives a special medalist scholarship worth $60,000 over 4 years. The medal is presented
each year to a junior who has excelled in the areas of math and science. This year the award is presented
to:
Thérèse Mills
This year Merion Mercy underclassmen participated and excelled once again in the Poetry Out Loud
competition. The following students have received recognition for outstanding achievement and
participation:
1st place in MMA’s competition and 1st place in the Philadelphia Regional Competition:
Jessica Lehman
Runner-up placement in MMA’s competition:
Savanna Urban
Enthusiastic participation:
Natalie Holstein, Emma Cartrite, and Jayla Bowie
The following students have achieved distinction nationwide on the National French Exam:
Level 1
Gold Medal: Beatriz Aroca-Parra
Silver Medal: Megan Stevens
Honorable Mention: Taylor Gregitis and Liz Mazmanian
Level 2
Bronze Medal: Flora Cruz-Morales
National Winner Runner-Up: Christina Alexandre and Jessica Lehman
Honorable Mention: Ann Dombrowski, Simone Fera, Kelly King, Claire McFadden, Ciara Phillips-Darby
Level 3
Silver Medal: Caitlin Melo
National Winner Runner-Up: Kristen Beckett
Honorable Mention: Noha El Toukhy, Kelsey Farkas, Emma Lynch, Emma Paolini
Level 4
Gold Medal: Emma Braun
The following students in the Latin Department have achieved beyond expectations through their
exceptional performance in this year’s National Latin Exam:
Freshmen, Class of 2019
Gold medals and Summa Cum Laude citations were awarded to:
Gemma DelBuono, Carly Gerace, Mikayla Holmbeck
Silver medals and Maxima Cum Laude citations were awarded to:
Nina Dzidic, Liza Esposito, Megan Giarraputo, Kelly King, Marla Leal,
Joan Levis, Claire McFadden, Katrina Smith, Grace Torna, Cecelia Wendel
Magna Cum Laude Certificates of Merit were awarded to:
Margaret Lord, Victoria Steinmetz, Erin Welch
Cum Laude Certificates of Merit were awarded to:
Ava Burke, Payton Fox, Claire Miller
Sophomores, Class of 2018
Gold medals and Summa Cum Laude citations were awarded to:
Emma Andrews
Kylie Campisciano
Madeline Larkin
Megan Leahy
Gabriella Marziano
Mary McDermott
Erin Mullin
Jane Pham
Lauren Viola
Jordyn Young.
Silver medals and Maxima Cum Laude citations were awarded to:
Sinead Healy
Natalie Holstein
Katrina McDermott
Margaret McGrath
Zenia Nasevich
Anna Norton
Cara Rossi
A Magna Cum Laude Certificate of Merit was awarded to: Grace Young.
A Cum Laude Certificate of Merit was awarded to: Sophia Kennedy
Juniors, Class of 2017
Gold medals and Summa Cum Laude citations were awarded to
Nicole DiAntonio, Lada Dzidic, Avery Kirk, Julia Moore, Gianna Penezic, Jennifer Ramirez
Silver medals and Maxima Cum Laude citations were awarded to
Hannah Basco, Sarah Collington, Chiara Mancuso
Magna Cum Laude Certificates of Merit were awarded to
Sahara Caldwell, Nina Flick, Cameron Toddy
The following students have achieved distinction in the National Spanish Exam.
Level 1
Silver Medal: Gabrielle Bass, Emma Braun, Isabella Santori, Marleen Winterdal
Bronze Medal: Madison Boylan, Annie Butler, Katrina Rae Carpizo, Christina Croff,
Theresa Hegarty, Kelly Thomas
Honorable Mention:
Kaiya Austin
Zoie Dodd
Katherine Ernst
Michelle Giannini
Olivia Henningsen
Sophia Lamb
Maria Martino
Gwen Moore
Rebecca Naser
Amy Ratigan
Madison Urbano
KhaLesha Williams
Grace Young
Jane Zarella
Level 2
Gold Medal: Jenna Bertin, Keara Gilligan
Silver Medal: Chiara Cocelli, Hannah Droogan, Kathryn Lynch, Meredith Mackenzie,
Nina Malitas, Erin Mullen, Margaret Roccato
Bronze Medal: Russ-Ahna Davenport, Liza Esposito, Caitlin Farkas,
Mary Elizabeth Passarella, Cara Rossi, Francesca Tronieri
Honorable Mention:
Josephine Biancaniello
Maura Boyle
Katherine Christen
Claudia Conway
Alannah Daly
Emma Davis
Moira Dougherty
Sara Ewing
Emma Iannone
Katie Kubasko
Gabriella Martino
Nora Pergolini
Julia Picciotti
Alexandra Pizzi
Madison Richards
Devyn Russo
Megan Talke
Jillian Zupito
Angel Thomas
Level 3
Silver Medal: Maggie Browne, Julia Halas, Caroline Hecht, Juliana Jaskot,
Thérèse Mills, Julia Moore, Katherine Troy, Christina Sumin Walker
Bronze Medal: Felicia Sciulli
Honorable Mention:
Brittney Bedrossian
Shannon Bedrossian
Sarah Capuzzi
Nadia Carlino
Sarah Castor
Cameron Centrella
Hannah Crilley
Caroline DeVoto
Kathryn Eddowes
Mary Kolbe Keating
Morgan Lamb
Emily Maminski
Jeannie McGill
Brittany Ott
Alexandra Scannapieco
Meredith Stitt
Margaret Wilson
The following Merion sophomores were invited this year to participate in the 67th annual American
Mathematics Contest. With over 4,000 schools participating nationwide, its purpose is to spur interest in
mathematics and to develop talent in problem solving through the excitement of competition in a timed
format:
Emma Andrews
Maggie Browne
Kylie Campisciano
Hannah Droogan
Keara Gilligan
Julia Halas
Caroline Hecht
Natalie Holstein
Emma Iannone
Kelly King
Katie Kubasko
Kathryn Lynch
Gabriela Marziano
Katrina McDermott
Molly McDermott
Erin Mullen
Anna Norton
Margaret Roccato
Megan Talke
Madison Wang
Jordyn Young
Keara Gilligan has also earned a pin for special recognition as Merion Mercy’s top scorer at this year’s
American Mathematics Contest.
The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) is the world leader in promoting physics
education at all levels. Each year the association recognizes outstanding physics students. In 2016, the
Outstanding Physics Student Award is presented to:
Hannah Basco
The Philadelphia Section of the American Chemical Society sponsors an award for excellence in
chemistry and recognizes a student for her demonstrated enthusiasm and perseverance in the study of
chemistry. This year’s award is presented to:
Kristen Beckett
The following students were members of the team representing Merion Mercy at the 2016 Sea Perch
Competition held at Temple University:
Sarah Castor, Avery Kirk, Emily Maminski, Jennifer Ramirez, Katie Troy
Our school team was awarded the Engineering Process Award as well as second place finish in both the
Notebook and Presentation categories.
The Catholic Math League is a national math competition that offers contests to each advanced math
level. This year, Merion Mercy participated in the Algebra 1A and Geometry A level. The students are
tested four times throughout the year. The following students received top recognition:
Algebra 1A:
1st place: Olivia Henningsen
Honorable Mention: Tianqi (Kelli) Xu
Geometry A:
1st Place: Madison Boylan
Honorable Mention: Bella Santori
For outstanding management and model governance as a leader of the Student Council, an award is
presented to:
Alay’na DiSanto
Honorable Mention: Maida Pannepacker
The National Art Honor Society is based in the Mercy core values and on the principles of art
scholarship, character and service. Members in the society use their creative talents in service to those in
need. In recognition of her efficient management of the NAHS as well as her individual service projects,
an award is presented to:
Jane Pham
In celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the African American Museum
in Philadelphia and their partners at Citizens Bank invited local high school students in the Greater
Philadelphia Region to participate in the Activism in Action Art & Writing Contest. Honoring Dr. King
and reflecting on the attainability of his dream in a relevant and modern way, participants in the contest
wrote persuasive and personal essays and submitted original pieces of artwork. In recognition for her
creativity, mission, and technical skill, the following art major 1A student has won 2nd place in this
contest when her words and her dramatic painting of an eye were judged in January 2016:
Russ-Ahna Davenport
For outstanding performance and commitment to the development and excellence of the Tri-M Music
Honor Society, an award is presented to:
Maggie Browne
Honorable Mention: Christina Sumin Walker
For outstanding performance and commitment to the development and excellence of the National Math
Honor Society, an award is presented to:
Katie Troy
Members of the Mock Trial team face the daunting task of analyzing and arguing a fictitious case in a
real courtroom before an actual judge and jury composed of practicing lawyers. Student witnesses are
judged on their knowledge of the witness statement and their credibility; attorneys are judged on their
presentation style, forensics skills, and knowledge of the courtroom rules of evidence. Commitment to
do one’s own best work as well as to inspire the same out of others was the key element to our team’s
success this year. In recognition of their overall contributions, the team members by consensus vote
would like to recognize the following individuals for their exceptional effort:
For the Gold Team
Emma Paolini
Honorable Mention: Chiara Mancuso
For the Blue Team
Ava Pecora
Honorable Mention: Claire Miller and Kelly Thomas
For being an outstanding member of the Varsity Mathletes team, an award is presented to:
Thérèse Mills
For being outstanding members and top scorers of the Junior Varsity Mathletes team, awards are
presented to:
Sophomores: Keara Gilligan and Jordyn Young
Freshman: Gwen Moore
For her capable leadership and her constant devotion to the creation of the 2016 Image Explosion, an
award for the literary magazine is presented to:
Emma Paolini
Honorable Mention: Rosemarie McKnight and Josie Messina
In recognition of and appreciation for her dedicated service to the Meriannal, an award for the yearbook
is presented to:
Jennifer Ramirez
Honorable Mention: Miranda DellaVecchio and Claudia Conway
For active participation in and dedication to the French Club, an award is presented to:
Lara Garrity
For dedication and excellence as a member of the Latin Club, an award is presented to:
Julia Moore
Honorable Mention: Alison Zarella
In gratitude for their outstanding performance and commitment to organizing meetings and spreading
motivation among members of the Spanish Club, awards are presented to the following students who
have passion for the Spanish language and culture:
Bethey Gallagher, Morgan Lamb, Julianna Julia, and Brittany Ott
Honorable Mention: Emma Davis, Ava Marie Donatucci, Olivia Hawley, Teresa Hegarty,
Sophia Lamb, Amy Ratigan, and Valerie Kerwood
For outstanding achievement in helping to devise, implement, and manage a club to "welcome" and to
instruct American students about the Chinese culture and traditions, an award for the Huan Ying Club is
presented to:
Madison Wang
For outstanding leadership, motivational skills, and commitment as members of Merion Mercy’s
Literary Bears Book Club, an award is presented to:
Gwen Moore
For zealously promoting school spirit, creative bonding activities, and student-pride in Merion Mercy,
an award for outstanding dedication and leadership to the Golden Bears Spirit Club is presented to:
Alannah Daly
Honorable Mention: Nicole Bercaw
The Community Service Corps Award recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding commitment
to promoting social justice in our community and participating in projects at Merion. This year’s honor
and recognition of excellence are bestowed upon:
Morgan Sherman
Honorable Mention: Annie Hughes
For raising awareness of the many works of mercy and service performed by students, parents, and
alumnae of MMA as members of Mercy Works, awards are presented to:
Alison Zarella and Emily Tecco
For a genuine desire to develop an economic, political, and cultural understanding of people from other
countries as a member of the World Affairs Club, and in recognition of her passionate advocacy for
women and girls within the context of the Girl Up! campaign, an award is presented to:
Sarah Collington and Katie Troy
For her relentless interest in the exciting field of biotechnology, and for the passion that fueled her hard
work in sharing the contemporary, practical applications of this area of scientific study, an award for
excellence in leadership and organization is presented to the following member of the Biotechnology
Club:
Annie Hughes
For exemplary dedication to the STEM Club, showing outstanding curiosity and creativity in learning
the creative skills and interdisciplinary applications of science, technology, engineering, and math, an
award is presented to:
Thérèse Mills
Honorable Mention: Jeannie McGill
For superlative teamwork, effort, and dedication as a member of Communications Club, an award for
the Good Morning, Merion! broadcast team is presented to:
Allison Gutleber
For her exemplary dedication to the ideals of the Finer Things Club and for demonstrating the highest
level of enthusiasm and reliability, participating in every cultural and artistic opportunity that the club
offered this year, an award is presented to:
Alay’na DiSanto
Honorable Mention: Emily Maminski and Kierra Maynard
For her creativity, teamwork, and perspective in organizing the Photography Club, an award is presented
to:
Gabrielle Depommier
Honorable Mention: Cameron Centrella
For hard work, dedication, poise, and rhythm as a member of the Liturgical and Modern Dance Troupe,
an award is presented to:
Gianna Penezic
Honorable Mention: Emily Crawford
Recognizing our communal prayer in the liturgy, the following student has served the Merion Mercy
community by enhancing all of our liturgical celebrations. For outstanding service and commitment
through time and talent, an award for the Liturgical Ensemble is presented to:
Alessandra DiBenedetto
Honorable Mention: Gwen Moore and Bridget McTiernan
For outstanding performance and dedication to the MMA Ensemble, an award is presented to:
Maggie Browne
Honorable Mention: Emma Iannone
For excellence in performance and dedication to the Glee Club, an award is presented to:
Jessica Boyle
Honorable Mention: Ava Marie Donatucci and Grace Young
For excellence and commitment as a distinguished member of the Chorale, an award is presented to:
Grace Torna
Honorable Mention: Ava Hamann
For commitment to excellence in performance, consistency in rehearsal and sharing the gift of music
with an infectious spirit and joy as members of The Merionettes (a cappella group), awards are
presented to:
Madeline Larkin
Honorable Mention: Nadia Carlino
For excellence in performance and dedication to the Handbell Choir, awards are presented to:
Bethey Gallagher
Honorable Mention: Lynn Foy and Alison Zarella
The production staff of Merion Mercy Music Theater commends the companies of The Miracle Worker
and Chicago for their tremendous accomplishments. For going above and beyond what was expected,
and for their professionalism, enthusiasm, leadership, and excellence, MMMT Director’s Choice
Awards are presented to the following students:
For performance: Alessandra DiBenedetto and Madeline Larkin
Honorable Mention: Kelsey McMenamin
For technical matters (stage crew): Rylie Eisenhardt and Josie Messina
Recognition of perfect attendance for the 2015-2016 school year is awarded to:
Class of 2019
Class of 2018
Class of 2017
Ava Burke
Katherine Ernst
Diamond Figueroa
Lynn Foy
Carly Gerace
Samantha Pasciullo-Boychuck
Jacqueline Roberts
Katrina Smith
DeNisa Sondai
Breanna Turner
KhaLesha Williams
Yuxuan (Annie) Zhou
Quinn Guilday
Madison Richards
Savanna Urban
Teresa Vu
Shannon Bedrossian
Gianna Giacomin
Angela Nunno
Theresa Stewart
Recognition of perfect attendance for two consecutive years is awarded to:
Class of 2018
Emma Andrews
Brijette Brown
Russ-Ahna Davenport
Bridget McTiernan
Mary Elizabeth Passarella
Cara Rossi
Francesca Tronieri
Recognition of perfect attendance for three consecutive years is awarded to:
Class of 2017
Sarah Castor
Nicole DiAntonio
Alay’na DiSanto
Elizabeth Gallagher
Kelsey McMenamin
Gianna Penezic
Jennifer Ramirez