News

Student Athletes Sign Letters of Intent
We are so proud of the following seniors, who signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level! Congratulations to:
  • Emma Adkins – Volleyball – Northern Kentucky University
  • Devin Carter – Volleyball – Thomas More University
  • Ady Kreimer – Basketball – Tiffin University
  • Kiki Schwarte – Lacrosse – Indiana Tech
  • Josie Woeste – Soccer – Indiana University East
 
Congratulations, Harvest Home Fair Art Show Winners!

Mercy McAuley High School students earned top honors at this year's Harvest Home Fair Art Show, taking home over 30 ribbons for their outstanding creativity and craftmanship! Congratulations to Gwen Agliata, Alex Fischer and Maria Dollries, who were awarded Best of Show ribbons, and to Lilly Hunsche, Atlas Zimmer, and Mamjarra Ndiaye for their First Place ribbons! 

A complete list of of award recipients can be found HERE. Congratulations to all our students whose artwork was featured in the show! 

Cincinnati’s Five All-Girls Catholic High Schools Awarded $2 Million STEM Education Grant from the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund

In a unique and historic collaboration, Cincinnati’s five all-girls Catholic high schools—Mercy McAuley, Mount Notre Dame, Saint Ursula Academy, Seton, and Ursuline Academy—are proud to announce they have been collectively awarded a $2 million STEM education grant over three years from The Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third Bank, N.A. Trustee. This is the first time that these five schools have collaborated on a joint initiative of this magnitude, reflecting their shared mission of empowering young women. 

This groundbreaking effort began over a year ago when the Presidents from each school came together with the vision of applying for the grant as a unified group of women in leadership. While these schools have historically been seen as competitors, they are now proudly joining forces as collaborators, recognizing that their collective impact is far greater together. United by a shared belief in the power of STEM education to shape the future for young women, the leaders continue to meet regularly as a cohort group, offering support, sharing best practices, and strengthening one another’s efforts. This partnership reflects a deep commitment to lifting each other up for the benefit of all their students. 

The grant allows each school the flexibility to use the funds as they wish to support and/or expand their individual STEM programs. This could include upgrading STEM classrooms, lab spaces and instructional equipment; enhancing current STEM programs and/or extracurricular/career experiences; providing new professional development opportunities for STEM teachers, and more. The five schools will begin utilizing funds from the grant beginning in the 2025-26 school year. 

In a joint statement, the Presidents from Mercy McAuley, Mount Notre Dame, Saint Ursula Academy, Seton, and Ursuline Academy, expressed their gratitude and excitement for this generous grant:

“We are thrilled and grateful to receive this generous grant from the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund. By coming together, our local all-girls Catholic schools are taking a significant step forward in empowering our students in the field of STEM – a field that is traditionally underrepresented by women. This grant marks an incredible milestone in women-focused STEM education and will provide our students with increased opportunities that will help them become high-achieving scientists and innovators.”
-    Brigitte Foley, President, Mercy McAuley High School
-    Michelle Robinson, President, Mount Notre Dame High School
-    Lelia Kramer, President, Saint Ursula Academy
-    Kathy Ciarla, President, Seton High School
-    Patricia Boehm, President, Ursuline Academy

''Empowering young women has been at the heart of the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund since its creation in 1908,’’ said Heidi Jark, managing director of the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank. ‘’We are honored to continue that legacy by supporting these five esteemed academic institutions as they advance STEM education for the next generation of female leaders across the Cincinnati region. By channeling our investments into these outstanding programs, we are shaping a future in which young women are not only introduced to STEM initiatives but are also inspired to fully engage with the opportunities these programs provide.”
 

Mercy McAuley Named a 2025 Top Workplace!

Mercy McAuley High School has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor by Cincinnati Top Workplaces. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage  LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, to name a few. 
   

“Earning the Top Workplaces award is a fantastic honor for us because it comes directly from our very own faculty and staff,” said Brigitte Foley, President, Mercy McAuley High School. “At Mercy McAuley, we know that a successful school begins with a collaborative, empowered and supported team of teachers and staff. I am grateful to our dedicated employees, who make Mercy McAuley an extraordinary workplace while providing our students with an exceptional all-girls, Catholic, Mercy education.”
 

Students Honored at Academic Awards Night

Congratulations to all the students honored at our recent Academic Awards Night! We are so proud of these Wolves for their commitment to academic excellence!

 

 

Seniors Sign National Letters of Intent!

Congratulations to the following seniors, who on April 16, 2025, signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level!

  • Chloe Hamilton - Track & Field - University of Dayton
  • Kate Winiarski - Soccer - Mount St. Joseph University

We look forward to following their collegiate athletic careers!

Summer Camps Registration Now Open!

Join the Mercy McAuley Wolves for summer learning and fun at our Summer Sports and Enrichment Camps! For full camp details and to register, CLICK HERE.

Jay Kramer Named New Athletic Director

Mercy McAuley High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Kramer as Athletic Director. In this role, Jay will provide leadership and expertise in overseeing the school’s robust athletic program. Jay will begin his role as Athletic Director on July 1, 2025.

Jay has served as Mercy McAuley’s assistant flag football coach for the past two seasons and served as assistant golf coach last season. He previously was employed as I.T. Assistant Manager and Computer Systems Analyst with Greater Cincinnati Water Works, where he served for 30 years.

Over the past 20+ years, Jay has been dedicated to youth sports and has served in a variety of coaching and volunteer roles. In addition to being an OHSAA certified youth basketball referee and baseball umpire, he has coached boys/girls basketball and soccer, boys baseball, girls softball, and boys lacrosse. Jay has also served as a ProCamps volunteer at Xavier University’s Holiday Basketball Camp and Crosstown Collaborative Basketball Camp, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy’s Jonathan India Baseball Camp, Sycamore High School’s Joe Mixon Football Camp, and Moeller High School’s Sam Hubbard Football Camp. For over a decade, Jay served in the St. Jude Athletic Association in the roles of  gym, field and baseball coordinator and web administrator.

Jay has also served in several roles with Greater Cincinnati sports, including Cincinnati Bengals Visiting Team Clubhouse and Sideline Assistant, Cincinnati Open Field Service Intern, Miami View Golf Club Assistant, and LPGA Kroger Queen City Championship Scorer and Course Marshall. He has also volunteered with the University of Cincinnati for the Men’s Basketball Final Four and ESPN GameDay, as well as USA Soccer for the US Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Games. 

Jay received his Master of Science in Sports Administration from the University of Cincinnati. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Information Systems from Xavier University, where he also completed a certificate program to become a Certified Project Manager. Jay is an Elder High School graduate.
    
“Jay’s tremendous passion for Catholic education and youth sports, along with his extensive experience in athletics, make him the ideal candidate to help us take Mercy McAuley’s athletic programs to even greater heights,” said Lauren Clements, Principal, Mercy McAuley High School. “I am confident that our student athletes, coaches, parents, and our school community will benefit greatly from Jay’s leadership and enthusiasm for Mercy McAuley’s athletic programs.”

"I am deeply honored and incredibly excited for the opportunity to lead Mercy McAuley High School’s athletic programs,” said Jay. “Over the past few seasons as a coach, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strong sense of community, dedication, and school spirit that make Mercy McAuley such a special place. The passion and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters have created an incredible culture, and I am eager to build upon that foundation.”

Jay added, “Athletics play a vital role in shaping young individuals, teaching valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. I am committed to fostering an environment where our student-athletes not only develop their skills on the athletic fields but also grow as individuals who uphold the core values of a Mercy Education. My goal is to continue inspiring and empowering the young women of Mercy McAuley to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives—academically, athletically, and personally."

Please join us in welcoming Jay to his new role!
 

Congratulations, NHS Inductees!

Congratulations to the following sophomores and juniors, who were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) on April 3, 2025!

Class of 2026
Haley Bonecutter
Kendall Cook
Kara Doenges
Isabella Han
Audrey Neal
Mia Roetting
Rowan Sabers
Grace Siener

Class of 2027
Ella Adams
Lilyana Davis
Isabelle Dunham
Evelynne Durepo
Callie Elmer
Margaret Evenson
Allison Ferrier
Alexandra Fischer
Ella Fisher
Brooke Glazier
Olivia Griffith
Gabrielle Hase
Emily Hodapp
Ava LaFary
Isabella LeCount
Macy Lohbeck
Liv Moeves
Madeline Neyer
Anna Parsons
Sarah Phelps
Rubi Pohlmeyer
Rylie Porter
Sarah Rios
Grace Saylor
Anne Spaeth
Ava Thelen
Sophia Ward
Peyton Wheeler

 

Congratulations, World Language Society Inductees!

Congratulations to the following students, who were inducted into the World Language Honor Societies on March 13!

Spanish - Sydney Bouldin, Corinne Cox, Grace Dangel, Lilyana Davis, Evelynne Durepo, Callie Elmer, Allison England, Margaret Evenson, Gabrielle Fago, Caroline Gardner, Ava LaFary, Bailey MacKendrick, Sarah Phelps, Sarah Rios, Jenna Smith, Isabella Spitler, Ava Thelen, Jayla Walker, Riley West

Latin - Gabrielle DiPuccio, Ella Fisher, Marcella Heiert, Madeline Neyer, Anna Parsons, Isabella Roos, Michyala Townsend, Abigayle Wirthwine, Atlas Zimmer


French - Aubrey Novak, Anne Spaeth

Mercy McAuley Named Top All-Girls School at State Latin Convention!
Congratulations to our Latin students and our Latin teacher, Mrs. Rachel Kless! Mercy McAuley was the Top All-Girls School in Ohio and 2nd ranked school overall at the 2025 Ohio Junior Classical League State Latin Convention this past weekend in Columbus!
 
Out of the over 400 students in attendance, seniors Catherine Foster and Emma Chapman were the #1 and #2 ranked Latin students in Ohio. Sophomores Anna Parsons and Madeline Neyer were also in the top 10, finishing 5th and 9th overall. Senior Emma Chapman finished 1st in the Graphics Arts Sweepstakes, submitting a Mercy McAuley record of 42 projects! Seven more Wolves also ranked in the top 10 in Graphic Arts: Anna Parsons (2nd), Atlas Zimmer (3rd), Madeline Neyer (4th), Bella Ventre (5th), Catherine Foster (7th), Monica Quay (8th) and Julianna Duker (10th).
 
Our Latin students finished 1st place per capita out of the 23 schools at the convention, winning over 200 ribbons, medals and trophies in academic and artistic contests. We couldn't be prouder of our Latin Wolves! Ite, Lupi! (Go, Wolves!)
Congratulations, Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners!
Congratulations to the following students, whose creative works of art and/or writing received honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program, the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens!
 
  • Margaret Evenson: Silver Key (Drawing & Illustration - "Intricate Blue and Curvy Red") & Honorable Mention (Drawing & Illustration - "Islands in the Sky")
  • Isabella Ventre: Honorable Mention (3-D - "Dreamy Doe"); Honorable Mention (Poetry - "The Unconventional Hero")
  • Grace Siener: Silver Key (Personal Essay & Memoir - "Dementia Ward Gravy"); Honorable Mention (Poetry - "Dementia Didn't Change Her, to Me");Honorable Mention (Poetry - "Providing a Home: I Offer in Return"); Honorable Mention (Short Story - "The Undecided")
Their winning art and creative writing work will be showcased at the Scholastic Exhibition February 7 - 16 at the Art Academy of Cincinnati! We are so proud of these Wolves!
Mercy McAuley Announces $600,000 Gift - Terry & Steve Schrantz Family Scholarship

Mercy McAuley High School is pleased to announce it has received a $600,000 gift from Terry and Steve Schrantz, longtime supporters of Mercy McAuley and McAuley High Schools, which will be used to fund an endowed academic scholarship. Beginning with the Class of 2029, one high-achieving student each year will be awarded the Terry & Steve Schrantz Family Scholarship, a full 4-year academic scholarship. This gift is part of Mercy McAuley’s transformational capital campaign, which is designed to fund scholarships, campus improvements, and faith and academic program enhancements.

Emmalyn Honan, an 8th grader at St. Ignatius of Loyola School in Monfort Heights, is the first student to be offered the Terry & Steve Schrantz Family Scholarship. Emmalyn, daughter of Stephanie and Mike Honan of Colerain Township, plans to accept the scholarship on January 31, 2025, which is the first day 8th graders can accept high school admission and scholarship awards per Archdiocese of Cincinnati requirements.


“We are thrilled to provide Mercy McAuley High School with this gift that recognizes students with high academic achievements,” says Terry Schrantz, a 1968 alumna and past board member of McAuley High School. “Mercy McAuley High School is known for its outstanding and innovative academic programs and curriculum. It is our pleasure to fund a scholarship that celebrates the strength of Mercy McAuley’s academics and recognizes high-achieving students who choose a Mercy McAuley education – an education that is second to none.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Terry and Steve Schrantz for their generous gift and for their ongoing commitment to the students of Mercy McAuley,” says Brigitte Foley, President, Mercy McAuley High School. “The Terry and Steve Schrantz Family Scholarship will have a significant impact on our students who achieve exceptional academic success. We are thankful to the Schrantz family for sharing our commitment to providing our young women with a rigorous, top-notch education of the highest academic standards.”

 

Amelia Hlebak Signs National Letter of Intent!

Congratulations to senior swimmer Amelia Hlebak, who signed her National Letter of Intent to swim at Franklin College. Way to go, Amelia!

New Admissions Partnership with Xavier University

Mercy McAuley High School is pleased to announce a new admissions partnership with Xavier University. Beginning with the Class of 2025, the partnership will provide eligible Mercy McAuley students with direct admission to Xavier University and a merit scholarship offer, along with a stackable scholarship of $1,831.

To be eligible, students must submit a formal application to Xavier University during the fall of their senior year at Mercy McAuley and meet specific admission criteria, such as GPA requirements and leadership/service experience.

“We are thrilled to partner with Xavier University to provide our eligible students with a seamless, efficient admissions process to one of the nation’s finest Catholic universities,” said Lauren Clements, Principal, Mercy McAuley High School. “This new partnership reflects our commitment to providing our students with an innovative, college-prep education of the highest quality. We are confident that this agreement will open new doors for our students and create exciting opportunities for their future.”

 

 

Three Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent!

Congratulations to the following student athletes, who signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level!

  • Kristen Berwanger - Track & Field - Miami University
  • Caroline Moore - Volleyball - Oakland University
  • Ashley Sess - Volleyball - Northern Kentucky University

We are so proud of these student athletes, and we look forward to following their college athletic careers!

Congratulations, Harvest Home Winners!

Congratulations to the following students, who received ribbons for their art entries in the Harvest Home Fair Youth Hobby Show!

Photo: Color

  • Bella Meyer - Mountains - Honorable Mention
  • Bella Ventre - Phone/Roller Skate - Honorable Mention
  • Bella Ventre - Lights - 2nd Place

Photo: Black & White

  • Elise Overstake - Mt. Ranier - Honorable Mention
  • Elise Overstake - Sailboats - 1st Place
  • Bella Meyer - Plane Landing - 3rd Place
  • Bella Meyer - Cincinnati Bridge - Honorable Mention
  • Bella Ventre - Flowers - 2nd Place

2-D Original Artwork

  • Bella Ventre - Pomegranate Pencil Drawing - Honorable Mention
  • Lucy Fulmer- Low Poly Landscape - Honorable Mention
  • Margaret Evenson - Bottles - Honorable Mention
  • Maddie Burkart - Character Illustration Phone - Honorable Mention
  • Rubi Pohlmeyer - Hallway Drawing - Honorable Mention
  • Sophia Pinotti - Drawing of Bathroom - Honorable Mention
  • Maria Dollries - Glass Colored Pencil - Honorable Mention
  • Piper Frame - Stipples Portrait - Honorable Mention
  • Elise Overstake - Colorful Cousins Stamps - Honorable Mention
  • Sofia Schaffer - Chalk Pastel Horse - Honorable Mention
  • Gabby Fago - 3 Dummies Suckers in Pencils - Honorable Mention
  • Bria Hase - Forbidden Candy Colored Pencil - Honorable Mention

Original Ceramics

  • Kierstyn Hines - Halloween Cup and Saucer - Honorable Mention
  • Kierstyn Hines - Box with Lid - Honorable Mention
  • Bella Ventre - Vase - 3rd Place
  • Bella Ventre - Cassette Box - 2nd Place

Miscellaneous

  • Bria Hase - Flowers of Healing - 1st Place
  • Julianna Duker - Book Sculpture - 3rd Place
  • Gwen Agliata - Scull Sculpture - Honorable Mention

Needlework: Best Felted

  • Kristen Berwanger - Zach Effron - 2nd Place
Welcome, New Employees!

We are thrilled to welcome our newest employees to the Mercy McAuley family! From L to R: Abby Wells (Math Teacher); Dina Beluan Moore (Executive Assistant to the President); Brittney Billiter (Learning Coordinator); Liz Wells (Health/PE/Computer Lit Teacher); Maura Korn (Alumnae Engagement Officer); Brigid Huber (Director of Finance); Lauren Clements (Principal); Kathy Parsons (Music Teacher); Nicole Humphrey (American Sign Language Teacher); Tricia Anglin (Nurse).

New Entrance Project is Complete!

A Ribbon Cutting & Ice Cream Social was held on August 11 to commemorate the opening of our new main entrance! The new entrance is a visible and welcoming focal point for the campus and includes expanded space with new tables for students to gather at lunch and before/after school. The new entry also includes new glass doors designed for optimal safety for students, employees and visitors. The large circles within the entrance symbolize the Circle of Mercy! We are incredibly grateful to the generous donor who made this possible. Special thanks also to Hudepohl Construction, the Drawing Department, and our board members for partnering with us on this project!

Matt Schardine Named Head Volleyball Coach

Mercy McAuley High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Schardine as Head Varsity Volleyball Coach. Coach Schardine has been a part of the volleyball coaching staff at Mercy McAuley since 2019 as an assistant coach for the Varsity and JV teams. He also served as assistant volleyball coach at Mother of Mercy High School from 1998-2001.

In addition to his coaching roles at Mercy McAuley and Mother of Mercy, Coach Schardine has spent the past 24 seasons as an assistant varsity coach for St. Xavier High School’s volleyball program. He also previously served as head coach for both Northwest and Purcell Marian High Schools, assistant coach at Oak Hills High School, and a volunteer assistant for the University of Cincinnati volleyball program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Schardine to his new role as head varsity volleyball coach at Mercy McAuley,” said Sierra Millar, Athletic Director at Mercy McAuley. “Matt brings many years of experience in coaching volleyball, both at Mercy McAuley and in the broader Cincinnati community, along with tremendous skills, passion and enthusiasm for our program. We look forward to an exciting 2024 volleyball season under Matt’s leadership.”

“I am excited to lead Mercy McAuley’s volleyball program, which is characterized by teamwork, effort, commitment, success, and school spirit,” says Schardine. “I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that our students, parents and community have come to expect from Mercy McAuley’s volleyball program.”

Mercy McAuley’s Varsity Volleyball Team won the Division 2 State Championship in November 2023.