The day that every Mount Mercy student eagerly awaits occurred on Feb. 4. The juniors from the Class of 2023 received their school rings in a ceremony held in the Mercy Center Auditorium. At this event, students placed the distinctive Mercy ring on their fingers for the first time.
Tina Webster, Director of Admissions and Junior Class Moderator, as well as an alumna from the Class of 1991, served as the mistress of ceremony for the evening. Junior class president Alexis Garmong (Buffalo) welcomed parents and classmates to the ceremony. Bridget Doherty (Buffalo), junior class vice president, explained the history of the ring.
The signature Mercy Ring, a rite of passage and responsibility, was first worn in 1916. The ring is a reminder of the virtues held dear by Mercy students and alumnae. The gold band represents loyalty to God, country, and school. The seven pearls represent faith, hope, charity, obedience, humility, patience, and joy.
Readings were proclaimed by juniors Kayla Pietrkiewciz (Buffalo) and Kennedy Cerrone (Colden). Ellie Godsoe (Buffalo), who is the student government vice president, presented a reflection on what the ring means to her and her classmates.
The students received their rings from Michele Melligan, the school’s Head of School. Melligan, a 1992 Mount Mercy graduate, also shared her own reflections on the meaning of her Mount Mercy Academy ring.
Maureen Robertson McOwen, a 1990 graduate of Mount Mercy, addressed the members of the class of 2023 about what her ring has meant to her and the significance of the Mount Mercy Academy ring for the newest ring recipients.
Mount Mercy Academy is a distinctly Catholic college-preparatory high school dedicated to educating young women for academic excellence, compassionate service, Christian leadership, global awareness and life-long learning. Rooted in Catherine McAuley’s vision for women and those who are poor, Mount Mercy affirms the uniqueness and dignity of individuals and fosters faith with a commitment to the challenges of building a just society.
