THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE FOCUS: HOPE FOOD DRIVE

What a joyful collection day for our Focus: HOPE Food Drive! Mercy filled the halls with boxes of donated food to help power the Senior Holiday Meal Delivery Program, providing 1,500+ holiday meal boxes to older adults in need.

Special shout-out to our amazing Focus: HOPE Student Food Drive Leaders for guiding this effort with heart and leadership. Thank you to every student and staff member who brought in food and generously contributed money. Your spirit of service keeps Mercy proudly among Focus: HOPE’s largest donors.

ETHNIC BAZAAR

Mercy Human Relations Council is proud to present Ethnic Bazaar 2025 this Friday, November 21 in the Drama Studio 2nd-6th hours. Ethnic Bazaar is a long standing Mercy tradition which highlights our diversity and unity through song, dance, poetry, prayer, food and fashion. Come enjoy this enriching cultural extravaganza with vibrant student performances that celebrate our Mercy community!

MARLINS MAKING HEADLINES

Volleyball Regional Champions

Mercy Volleyball captured its 10th MHSAA Regional title—and first since 2023—with a straight-set sweep over South Lyon. The Marlins took the match 25-18, 25-20, 25-18 to punch their ticket to the state quarterfinals. Read more here.

Volleyball faces Trenton in the MHSAA Quarterfinals TONIGHT at 7:00pm at Hartland High School!

Swim & Dive Catholic League Champions

Mercy Swim & Dive captured its 58th Catholic League title with a dominant performance at the CHSL Championships. The week began with Mercy Dive setting the tone, taking first place at the CHSL Diving Championship. Swim followed with a commanding win, scoring an impressive 577 points—finishing 171 points ahead of second-place Marian High School. Read more standout performance results here.

Look for our Marlins at the Thanksgiving Day Parade

Our Swim & Dive team will be featured in the America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Detroit as they walk alongside the Henry Ford Health float! Tune in to Local 4 (WDIV) on Thanksgiving morning to catch the moment our Marlins shine on air.

Divers Place in the Top at Regionals

Mercy Dive had a strong showing at the MHSAA Regional meet qualifying four divers—the most from any single school at Regionals—for the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals. Sophia D'Orazio '26 led the way for the Marlins with a fourth-place finish. She was followed by Caylee Perry '28 in 6th, Lila Erfurt '29 in 10th, and Cameron Sanders '28 in 11th.

State Bound Swimmers 

Let's hear it for your state bound swimmers! The preliminary meet is Friday, Finals on Saturday; both at the Eastern Michigan facility (Jones Natatorium).

Lyla Collins '29

Katherine Fencyk '26

Tessa Glass '29

Leah Greaves '27

Ella Hafner '28

Clare Hafner '26

Sophia Kallabat '26

Mia Liddell '26

Gabby Mannino '28

Esther Plymale '29

Violet Schwartz '26

Teagan Shelly '26

Campbell Shore '27

Avery Tack '27

Good luck to all swimmers and divers who will compete at the MHSAA Division 2 State Finals this Friday and Saturday at Eastern Michigan Jones Natatorium!

College Bound Athletes

Congratulations to the six seniors from Mercy's Class of 2026 were recognized as they officially committed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. Surrounded by coaches, teammates, family, and friends, these student-athletes celebrated the dedication, discipline, and growth that led them to this moment. View photo gallery by Kristina Sikora here.

Ella Andrews: Stanford University - Volleyball

Sophia Chaput: Oakland University - Softball

Emily Cuthbertson: West Point - Track & Field

Cree Hollier: Austin Peay State University - Track & Field

Violet Schwartz: Hope College - Swimming

Maya Zarow: Case Wester Reserve University - Volleyball

Model United Nations

Proud of our Mercy delegates at SEMMUNA XXX! The 30th annual conference was Michigan’s biggest MUN ever, and our students had a fantastic experience learning, connecting, and stepping into global leadership.

Alana's Foundation 2025 Flu Vaccination Clinic Top School

Congratulations, Mercy! For the second year in a row — and the third time overall — we’ve been named the winner of the 10th Annual Alana Yaksich Catholic School Flu Vaccination Challenge for the most flu doses distributed! A huge shout-out to Nurse Attaway, whose tireless dedication, joyful spirit, and deep care for our Mercy community made this achievement possible.

Vote for Cree Hollier '26 for Athlete of the Week

Vote here for Volleyball standout Cree Hollier '26 for the Detroit Free Press Buffalo Wild Wings Athlete of the Week!

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! 

MERCY MOTHERS' CLUB

Come to the Holiday Sip & Shop 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 41 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! UPDATE: Currently the Sophomore Class has the most Sip & Shop tickets and is winning spirit points. The two Adviser Groups that are in the lead for the Crumbl Party are: Cavanaugh/Waineo & Garcia/Smith.
• Purchase your tickets here.

Ways to Help

• Donate Refreshments & Items for the Event
• Volunteer at Sip & Shop

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

Sponsor a Christmas Tree at Mercy

Help Us Deck The Halls at Mercy! 

Thank you to all of our Christmas Tree and Wreath sponsors! There is still time to sponsor some Christmas cheer. Sponsor a Christmas tree, wreath or ornament on behalf of a family, student, alumna, Mercy club/team, or business. All sponsors will be commemorated in a framed standing plaque next to their tree or wreath for this upcoming holiday season. 

Jesse Tree Ornaments

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

Trees & Wreaths

• 9' Trees are SOLD OUT
• Two 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! Please contact Mercy Mothers’ Board member Lisa Kolb at lisakolb824@hotmail.com if you are interested.

MERCY DADS' CLUB

All Dads are invited to join us for our next meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19th at 6:30pm in the Mercy Cafe. We’ll be joined by Brandon Malinowski, Mercy’s Athletic Director, who will share an update on the state of the athletic program, including recent highlights, upcoming goals, and ways parents can stay involved in supporting our student-athletes. Sign-up here to attend.

Plus...we've still got a few $20 Lion's Thanksgiving Football Squares. Contact Scott Carmona at satch24@sbcglobal.net to get yours for a chance to win!

MISSION & MINISTRY

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.

Advent Reconciliation Offered December 3

Mark your calendar! The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered in the Mercy Chapel on Tuesday, 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. 

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.

80TH ANNIVERSARY GALA & AUCTION

Save the Date to Celebrate

Join us as we celebrate Mercy High School’s 80th Anniversary Gala & Auction — our biggest fundraiser and most unforgettable night of the year! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Saint John’s Resort. Together, we’ll honor 80 years of Mercy while supporting the future of young women who will lead with courage, compassion, and faith. Stay tuned for more details — you won’t want to miss this milestone celebration!

Mercy Parents, Volunteer with Us!

Be a part of the magic behind the scenes and help create an unforgettable night at Mercy High School’s 80th Anniversary Gala. Volunteering on the Committee is a great way to get involved, meet other parents, and contribute to the success of this event. Whether you have experience in floral design, enjoying reaching out to local businesses for donations, love hosting parties, or simply want to lend a helping hand, your participation would be greatly appreciated.

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.

ROAD READY DRIVING SCHOOL

Segment 1 Classes at Mercy

Road Ready is offering a Segment 1 session at Mercy, Monday, December 1 - Tuesday, December 16. Classes are open to Mercy and non-Mercy students. Classes are Monday - Friday, 3:30-5:30pm in S-4.

There will also be a Segment 1 session offered in January 2026.

*Note: The schedule will be adjusted for holidays, half days, no school, or other special schedules. 

For more information and to register, visit roadreadyschool.com, email roadreadydrivingschool@yahoo.com or call 248-308-1048.

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.