Catherine McAuley Scholarships

Members of the Class of 2030 may apply for a $1,000 renewable Catherine McAuley Scholarship, named in honor of the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. Students may apply in as many categories as they wish; however, individuals will be awarded no more than one Catherine McAuley Scholarship. Applicants in each of the below categories will be asked to participate in interviews with school leaders on the evening of December 4, 2025. Applications are due by November 22, 2025.

Scholarship winners will be notified of their award in the admissions acceptance packets, which will be mailed on January 16, 2026.

Catherine McAuley Scholarship Categories & Application Instructions

Service Category

Students may submit an essay, poster or a digital slideshow/presentation showcasing their commitment to service. The essay, poster or digital piece should show how the student has provided service to their community, and explain how their acts of service have made a difference for others.

Application Directions:

1. The student should develop a 1-2 page essay, a poster (can be hard copy or digital) or a digital slideshow/presentation showing how they have provided service to their community. Consider incorporating photos that show you serving others. In the piece, explain how your acts of service have made a difference for others. Digital files must be submitted in PDF format.

2. If you are submitting a hard copy poster, you must bring it to Mercy McAuley's Admissions Office by November 22, 2025. Be sure to include your name and contact information on the back of the poster. If you are submitting an essay, digital poster or digital slideshow/presentation, log into your Parent Portal Account and upload your piece by November 22, 2025. (When you are logged in, you will find the upload button for the Catherine McAuley Scholarship within your admissions checklist.)

3. Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with school leaders on the evening of December 4, 2025.

Leadership Category

Students may submit an essay, poster or a digital slideshow/presentation showcasing their commitment to leadership. The essay, poster or digital piece should explain how the student is a leader in her school and/or community, and how she hopes to use her leadership skills as a student at Mercy McAuley. The student should also describe the qualities/skills that she believes all great leaders should have.

Application Directions:

1. The student should develop a 1-2 page essay, a poster (can be hard copy or digital) or a digital slideshow/presentation addressing the leadership topics mentioned above. Digital files must be submitted in PDF format.

3. Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with school leaders on the evening of December 4, 2025.

Visual Arts Category

Students with a passion for art may submit an original piece of artwork (such as painting, drawing, etc.).

Application Directions:

1. Submit an original piece of artwork (drawing, painting, photo, sculpture, etc.) We must receive the original piece of artwork by November 22, 2025, to Mercy McAuley High School, 6000 Oakwood Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45224, ATTN: Kevin Brinkman. OR Bring the original piece of artwork to Mercy McAuley's Admissions Office during regular school hours (7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday). Artwork must be received at Mercy McAuley by November 22, 2025. If your piece of art can be sent digitally, you may upload the artwork through your Parent Portal Account. (When you are logged in, you will find the upload button for the Catherine McAuley Scholarship within your admissions checklist.)

2. Write a one-paragraph description explaining your inspiration for your piece of art, and submit it with your artwork.

3. Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with school leaders on the evening of December 4, 2025.

Performing Arts Category

Students with a passion for performing arts (instrumental, vocal, dance) may apply for this category. Applicants will perform a chosen song/musical piece/dance for school leaders in person on the evening of December 4, 2025.

Application Directions:

1. Complete this application, and upload it within your Parent Portal Account by November 22, 2025. (When you are logged in to your Parent Portal Account, you will find the upload button for the Catherine McAuley Scholarship within your admissions checklist.) The student must also write a one paragraph description explaining her inspiration for her chosen song/music/dance.

2. All applicants will be invited to interview with school leaders and perform their chosen song/music/dance in person at Mercy McAuley on the evening of December 4, 2025.