MMA students (and faculty) added exciting chapters to their unique stories over the recent break.
Locally, juniors Emma Carter and Lauren Zarro received Philadelphia Area National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing awards at a ceremony at the University of Pennsylvania. Emma received the Philadelphia Affiliate 2019 Rising Star Award at the ceremony; Lauren received the Philadelphia Area Affiliate Honorable Mention Award.
The Language Department learned over break that the Department was awarded its third consecutive Golden Globe Award for Exemplary Programs by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association. The Language Department was recognized for this distinction after presenting evidence that our world language program meets or exceeds the high standards set to qualify. Merion Mercy was one of only nine schools in Pennsylvania to receive the Golden Globe Award this year. It is an honor that the world languages program at Merion has held since 2015.
Last week, Merion Mercy's Chorale traveled to Immaculata University to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association 2019 Adjudication. They received a Superior Rating, the highest ranking. Of the group, the judges wrote, "These young women have a full sound and a warm, dark tone, a wonderful strong soloist, and are energetic and beautifully prepared.
On the other side of the pond, several sophomores, juniors, and seniors visited London with English Department faculty members Miss Caitlin Mattera '10, Mrs. Jessica Shields, and Mrs. Carol Restifo. Combining education and enrichment, the group took in iconic spots such as Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and Windsor Castle. They took a 30-minute "flight" to a height of 443 feet on the engineering marvel the London Eye. The group also toured Warner Bros. Harry Potter studio, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at how the movies, based on author J.K. Rowling's books, were made. They also gave reviews for a theater performance of "Everybody's Talking" in London's famous West End.
MMA Rowing enjoyed a break filled with racing (and medals) in Miami and on the Schuylkill. Teammates in Philly competed in PSRA Flick #4 with Frosh 8+ taking 1st place against some very tough competition. A strong finish at Miami International Regatta had every girl bringing home a gold medal–six races, four golds, two silvers, wet docking, and double coxswain tossesall against the backdrop of crystal blue waters and the beautiful Miami skyline.