MARLINS MAKING HEADLINES

State Champs X 2

Saturday, November 22, was a truly historic day to be a Marlin! Mercy proudly captured two MHSAA State Championships in one afternoon: Division 2 Swim & Dive, earning its third straight title, and Division 1 Volleyball, celebrating its second championship in three years. This remarkable achievement marks only the third time in Mercy’s history that two state titles have been earned on the same day, a testament to the strength, spirit, and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches.

As part of the celebration, each team will work with administration to select a day off of school for their sport. Way to go, Marlins!

• Read more about Swim & Dive
• Read more about Volleyball

Ethnic Bazaar

What an amazing celebration of culture, community, and tradition at our memorable 2025 Ethnic Bazaar! Thank you to HRC, performers and guests for making this event so special. Explore memorable moments in the photo gallery by Kristina Sikora here and check out full performances here.

Khloe Duneske ’27 Shares Her Witness at NCYC

Khloe Duneske ’27 was invited to speak at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2025 in Indianapolis as part of Marian University’s Preach All Ways initiative. Khloe was one of only seven high school students nationwide selected to offer a personal testimony during NCYC breakout sessions, a remarkable honor and a powerful recognition of her leadership and faith!

Speaking before an audience of nearly 1,000 teens, Khloe shared how her relationship with the Virgin Mary has shaped her spiritual journey and helped her grow in courage, clarity, and trust in God’s plan. Her message was rooted in honesty and strength, and she stepped forward with a humility that reflected her deep desire to follow Christ’s call.

• Read more about Khloe’s reflections in the Detroit Catholic feature here.
• Watch her full testimony on YouTube here.

We are so proud of Khloe for sharing her voice, her faith, and her heart with the Church in such an inspiring way. She is a shining reminder of what it means to be a Mercy woman: compelled by faith, courageous in spirit, and a light to others.

Record-Breaking Swims

Swim & Dive in America's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Swim & Dive enjoyed a festive stroll down Woodward Ave alongside the Henry Ford Health float in the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Broadcasting Visits CBS Detroit

Our Broadcasting students recently spent an exciting morning at CBS Detroit, where they gained firsthand insight into the world of media production. They explored a variety of industry roles, watched a live broadcast in action, met members of the on-air team, and even had the chance to step in front of the studio green screen.

It was an inspiring experience that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the many career pathways in broadcasting and journalism.

Vote for the Class of 2026 Christmas Tree at

Tyner Furniture Ann Arbor

Officers, students and the moderators of the Class of 2026 invite you to vote for the Christmas tree that they decorated at Tyner Furniture in Ann Arbor (located at 3900 S. State St. on the corner of State and Ellsworth). From now until December 31st, guests visiting the store have the opportunity to place a vote in the box next to the Mercy tree. One vote per adult is allowed, with the opportunity to earn an extra vote if you contribute to Toys for Tots. There will be cash prizes awarded to the trees that get the most votes. Thanks for supporting the Class of 2026! 

Camilla Mendoza '26 Scholarship Semifinalist

Congratulations to Camilla Mendoza ’26, who has been named a semifinalist for The Gates Scholarship! This incredibly competitive national scholarship receives nearly 36,000 applications each year, and only 2,000 high school seniors advance to the semifinalist round. Camilla has now moved on to Phase 2 and will continue in the selection process through April. The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective award that recognizes outstanding student leaders who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, personal drive, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact on their communities. We are so proud of Camilla and wish her continued success as she advances in the process!

Vote for Addison Kuebler '27

Marlin Nation! Vote here for Addison Kuebler '27, Field Hockey. She is up for the Detroit Free Press Buffalo Wild Wings Girls Athlete of the Season! She previously won the Free Press Athlete of the Week. Addison was a key contributor to Mercy's success this season as the team earned a spot in the first-ever MHSAA field hockey playoffs. As a defender, she had 19 shots on goal and 134 stops and was voted the Marlins' Defensive Player of the Year by her teammates.

MISSION & MINISTRY

Advent Reflections

Happy first week of Advent! Each week we will reflect on what each candle means and how we can wait for Christ’s birth this holiday season.

First candle: Hope

This represents the hope and the coming of Jesus, and a new liturgical season. We are children of the light, so let us place our hope in Him as we prepare our hearts for His birth!

“May we be in this world a ray of light which shines forth from Bethlehem, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all men and women” - Pope Francis

Advent Reconciliation Offered December 3

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered in the Mercy Chapel TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 3 from 7:30am - 2:30pm. Advent invites us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. This beautiful sacrament offers renewal, healing, and peace. All students, staff, and parents are invited. 

Immaculate Conception Mass & Youth Mercy Associate Induction

All parents are warmly invited to join us at Mercy High School for our Immaculate Conception Holy Day Mass & Youth Mercy Associate Induction on Monday, December 8 at 10:15am in the Auditorium. The Youth Mercy Associate Chapters connect young people with the Mercy Congregation, fostering a living legacy of Catherine McAuley’s vision of faith, joy, and mercy.

Morning Rosary

Join us for the Most Holy Rosary every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before school. We’ll gather in our beautiful Chapel at 7:30am — rosaries and prayer cards will be provided. Students, staff, parents are welcome! It’s a peaceful, faith-filled way to start your day and come together as a Mercy community. If you’d like to help lead prayer one morning, sign up here.

Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul Christmas Basket Project

Share the Spirit of Giving! If you’re out shopping this holiday season, please consider purchasing a gift for a young girl in need (ages 3–8). Mercy is supporting the Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Christmas Basket Project, which provides food, supplies, and gifts to families in need across Oakland County.

Suggested gifts include puzzles, dolls, Fisher-Price grocery carts, pretend food, princess goodies, and other toys for young girls. Please bring donations to the boxes at the Reception Area by December 9. Thank you for helping make Christmas morning brighter for so many children.

JUNIORS & SENIORS: A-BALL CHRISTMAS DANCE INFO & TICKETS

Please see important information and links below which were sent to all Juniors & Seniors in regard to the upcoming A-Ball Christmas Dance.

When: Friday, December 19, 6:30-10:30pm (you must arrive by 7:00pm for dinner and once you leave the dance there is no re-entry)

Where: Laurel Manor, 39000 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

Ticket Price: $75 per person or $150.00 per couple + online ticket fees. Mercy students may purchase up to two tickets by using link here. Ticket sales end Monday, December 8 at 3:00pm. If have a question or issue purchasing tickets during this timeframe, please see Ms. Richter immediately. Ticket price increases if you do not purchase your ticket online during this designated timeframe.

A-Ball Dance Application: 

Mercy students bringing a guest from another school must complete the 25/26 ABall Guest Application here by Friday, December 12, 2025 and the guest's high school administrator must email the application to deanofstudents@mhsmi.org. Please read ALL information on on the application carefully! Tickets may be refunded if the A-Ball Dance Guest Application has not been completed and submitted on time. 

Party Bus Roster:

Anyone arriving or departing in a "party bus" is required to complete this form with a list of ALL passengers that will be on the bus at any time. This must be submitted to the deanofstudents@mhsmi.org by Friday December 12, 2025.

Tables: The maximum number of people at a table is 12, 10 is the ideal number of people. The minimum is 8 (but less people at a table means more tables, which means less room to dance). Look for an email December 12-16 with details on the table selection process.

Please contact Mrs. Tarplin or Ms. Richter with any questions.

MERCY MOTHERS' CLUB

Come to the Holiday Sip & Shop THIS THURSDAY December 4

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Get into the holiday spirit at the Mercy Mothers’ Club Sip & Shop! This festive evening is the perfect opportunity to browse unique gifts from 40+ local vendors and enjoy time with the Mercy community. The event is open to the public, and students are welcome to shop, too!

Ticket Incentives

• When purchasing tickets, be sure to list your favorite Marlin — the grade with the most ticket sales earns Spirit Points, and the two Advisers with the most sales win a Crumbl Cookie Party!
• Purchase your tickets here.

Ways to Help

• Donate Refreshments & Items for the Event
• Parent Volunteer Sign-Up
• Student Volunteer Sign-Up

Join us for an evening of shopping, community, and holiday cheer — all in support of Mercy!

Last chance: There's Still Time to Help Us Deck The Halls at Mercy! 

Only a few remaining items! Sponsor a Christmas tree, wreath or ornament on behalf of a family, student, alumna, Mercy club/team, or business. 

Jesse Tree Ornaments Support KAIROS

• Sponsor one or more of 25 ornaments
• Suggested donation: $100 each
• Proceeds will directly benefit the KAIROS Retreat

Trees & Wreaths

• One 7' Trees: $350 each
• One 30” Wreaths: $250 each 

Your generosity helps our students grow in faith while making our Advent celebrations truly special. Thank you for supporting this tradition! Purchase your sponsorship here and please contact Mercy Mothers’ Board member Lisa Kolb at lisakolb824@hotmail.com.

WOMEN IN STEM WORKSHOP WITH MSU

Michigan State University is offering a free Women in STEM Workshop at Mercy High School.

Friday, December 5th

3:30pm-4:30pm

The Women in STEM Club is excited to have Caley Burnock, MSU Ambassador in Women in Engineering K-12, lead this session. This is open to all Mercy students! If interested, please sign-up here. 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Mercy Performing Arts proudly presents the Annual Christmas Concert featuring the Mercyaires, Varsity Chorus, Chamber Trio, Spirit Choir and more sounds of the season!

Tuesday, December 9

7:00pm Mercy Auditorium

FEED PEOPLE, NOT LANDFILLS

Donation initiative led by Harshitha Arvapalli '27 & Hope Carmona '27

Did you know that many in our local community are searching for reliable food sources and facing food insecurity? Together, we can make a meaningful difference.

Feed People, Not Landfills — a student-led service initiative run by Mercy Juniors Harshi Arvapalli and Hope Carmona — is collecting canned food donations at the Birmingham YMCA and Farmington Community Library now through December 19.

Harshi & Hope invite you to join the effort to combat both food insecurity and climate change by donating shelf-stable items from your pantry to support neighbors in need. If you have any questions, contact them at harshitha.arvapalli@mhsmi.org and hope.carmona@mhsmi.org. You can also follow @feed.people.not.landfills on Instagram for updates and future opportunities to get involved.

JOIN US FOR THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Early bird tickets on sale now!

Dr. Kreger requests the pleasure of your company at Mercy High School’s 80th Anniversary Gala, which will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth. Early Bird tickets are on sale now here through January 31, 2026. For questions or additional information contact Nicole Mahjoory in the Advancement Office at 248-893-3531.

FALL 2025 END OF SEMESTER DATES & POLICIES

All students were emailed the following end of semester dates and policies to help plan in preparation for final exams, papers, projects and presentations.

Monday, December 8 - Test day for any last test/quiz/formal assessment in ANY Social Studies, Computer Science, or Art course. 

Monday, December 8 - World Language Orals begin.

Tuesday, December 9 - Test day for any last test/quiz/formal assessment in ANY Science, World Language, or Physical Education course.

Wednesday, December 10 - Test day for any last test/quiz/formal assessment in ANY Math, Religious Studies, or Performing Arts course.

Tuesday, December 16 - All final English papers are due by this date. 

Tuesday, December 16 - All class assignments should be graded and posted by midnight for ALL courses, except for Final Exams, Essays, Projects, and Presentations.

December 11-16

The five days before exams should be assessment free for students to prepare for final exams, complete final projects/presentations, and prepare for world language orals. Students can be assigned classwork but not extensive homework these days.

Final Exam Dates

Wednesday, December 17

1st hour: 8:30 am - 9:50 am

2nd hour: 10:00 am - 11:20 am

Thursday, December 18

3rd hour: 8:30 am - 9:50 am

4th hour: 10:00 am - 11:20 am

5th hour: 11:30 am - 12:50 pm

Friday, December 19

6th hour: 8:30 am - 9:50 am

7th hour: 10:00 am - 11:20 am

Final exams are given on the assigned test day and time unless, for serious reasons and under rare circumstances, other arrangements have been made with Administration. Students must initiate that request two weeks before the date by completing and submitting this form to be signed by the parent, verifying the need for a change in test time, accompanied by appropriate documentation (i.e. medical documentation, airline tickets, etc.). The request must be approved by the Associate Principal of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Students, and the teacher involved.

Students can rearrange their final exams to ease their load on the 3,4,5 day or two hard finals on one day by changing the day/hour (but not to finish earlier). Please work with your teachers and request that they send an email notification approving this arrangement to Ms. McMaster. Make sure to thank your teacher for accommodating this request.

Saturday, December 20 - Friday, January 2 - PowerSchool will be turned off on Saturday, December 20, and turned back on Friday, January 2. The purpose of turning off PowerSchool is to give students and staff a true break over the holiday.

Please note: Staff are not expected to answer emails over the Christmas Holiday. Emails can be sent, but staff are not expected to respond until we return to school on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Thursday, January 8 - First semester grades will be posted.

Final Exam/Essays/Project/Presentation Policy

Final Exams/Essays/Projects/Presentations will be weighted 20% of the final grade in ALL classes except for some courses in the Performing Arts and Art departments. All Final exams/Essays/Projects/Presentations will be a common final assessment (exam, project, paper). This will be implemented in ALL courses. Exams need to be at least 75% the same for all students taking the course. The other 25% can be determined by each individual teacher.

CLASS OF 2026

Beat the Price Increase: Yearbook Senior Ads!

Within Lore every year, the families of the graduating class have the opportunity to purchase ads to celebrate their students with a personalized message and photo(s). After December 8th, prices will increase, so purchase your ad today. Space is limited, and sales will be closed once our designated Ad pages run out.

To design and purchase an ad for your graduating senior, please visit the order website (job number: 13826) and follow these instructions:

1. Choose the size ad you would like to create.
2. Select student when prompted for whom to buy the ad.
3. Enter your student’s name. Please use her full name as it appears on PowerSchool, not a nickname.
4. Choose whether you would like to create the ad online or send the message and photos to the Lore staff to make the ad. 
5. Follow all of the prompts and instructions to complete the ad.

Please feel free to contact the Lore Yearbook staff with any questions at mercylore@mhsmi.org.

VIRTUAL VAPE 101: KNOW THE RISKS

Vape 101 is a free, one-hour educational virtual training about the real dangers of vaping for parents, community organizations, and students hosted by Oakland County Health Division. Topics include: How E-cigarettes Operate; Health Consequences & Safety Concerns; Vaping Prevention Resources and more. Training Dates Available:

• Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00pm
• Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 12:00pm

Learn more and register here. 

TALK WITH TARPS

Talk with Tarps is open to all students and staff members. Come chat with Dean of Student Affairs Mrs. Tarplin during 2nd hour in the Lobby on the following days and ask questions, express concerns, complaints, compliments, or just have a casual conversation. Snacks will be provided!

Upcoming Talk with Tarps, 3rd hour:

• Thursday, 12/4, D3
• Thursday, 12/11, D2
• Monday, 12/15, D4

CONNECT TO MERCY MEDIA

Photo Gallery Webpage

Check out the photo gallery webpage featuring Google Photo albums from a variety of school events! Relive the memories and catch highlights from recent activities, celebrations, and more.

Visit mhsmi.org/photo-gallery to explore the moments that make Mercy special! Keep checking back as we continue to add new albums. (Photo Credits: Kristina Sikora, KMS Photography and other contributors.)

Social Media

Connect to @mercyhighmi, @mercyathletics, @mercyperformingarts and @missionandministry_mhsmi on Instagram. Plus, show your own Marlin pride and use the Marlin giphy stickers available on Instagram by searching @mercymarlins when you post to stories! Don't forget to follow @MercyHighSchoolMI, @MercyMarlinsAthletics and @MHSMIPerformingArts on Facebook. Check out list of social media accounts here.

Mobile App

Use the Mercy mobile app designed to enhance communication and engagement between our school, parents, students and community! You’ll find quick access and links to resources with the click of an icon. 

• Visit the App Store or Google Play
• Search for "Mercy High School - MI"

Compelled by our Catholic faith and the spirit of the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy High School is a premier college preparatory school that educates and nurtures young women of diverse backgrounds to excel academically, serve compassionately, and lead courageously.