News

The 5th annual Girls' Schools Unite campaign is April 22-24! Mercy McAuley is excited to once again team up with the other local all-girls Catholic high schools to raise awareness and financial support for all-girls Catholic education! The campaign calls on the alumnae of each school to make a gift to their alma mater, and the school with the highest percentage of alumnae participation will be crowned the winner!

We're asking alumnae from Mother of Mercy, McAuley, and Mercy McAuley to be a part of this fun city-wide campaign by making a gift anytime between April 22-24! Gifts can be made online HERE, via mail, via Venmo (@Mercy-McAuley) or you may drop off a gift to Mercy McAuley during the campaign period. All gifts made will directly benefit our students!

Thank you in advance for supporting our Wolves!

Congratulations to the following student athletes, who on April 17 signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level!

• Hayley Cook - Softball - Franciscan University
• May Humpert - Track & Field / Cross Country - Kennesaw University
• Lauryn Lambert - Golf - Thomas More University

We are so proud of these Wolves, and we look forward to following their collegiate athletic careers!

Congratulations to the following students, who were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) on April 11, 2024!

Class of 2025

• Shelby Binder
• Molly Brunner
• Emma Chapman
• Claire Childers
• Anna Heitz
• Marie Hoelzle
• Lillian Niehaus
• Isabella Sweeney
• Isabella Ventre
• Elaina Ward

Class of 2026

• Lydia Abay
• Emma Adkins
• Ama Baako
• Rylie Bates
• Aubree Bernecker
• Olivia Braun
• Lilly Cho
• Maria Disbennett
• Julianna Duker
• Lauren Enginger
• Brinley Fearn
• Cassandra Harp
• Jaden Jordan
• Brooke Katterjohn
• Adyson Kreimer
• Quinn McGuane
• Norah Meyer
• Mya Mullis
• Haley Murphy
• Elise Overstake
• Kara Reder
• McKenna Rischmann
• Ryleigh Simonton
• Reagan Strickler
• Madeline Sucietto
• Michaela Tegge
• Sophia Vincent
• Josie Woeste
• Atlas Zimmer

Mercy McAuley High School is pleased to appoint Lauren Thiery Clements as Principal, effective July 1, 2024. This appointment comes after a months-long, nationwide search launched in the fall of 2023.

Lauren, a 1999 alumna of McAuley High School, currently serves as Principal at Corryville Catholic Elementary School, a role she has held since 2019. Before serving as Corryville Catholic’s Principal, Lauren was Assistant Principal at St. Clement School in St. Bernard for three years, where she also spent the 14 years prior as a first and second grade teacher.

“I am honored to be selected to serve as the Principal of Mercy McAuley High School, says Lauren. “My Mercy education planted and nurtured the seeds of leadership potential within me, and I am excited to lead the young women of Mercy McAuley on their academic and spiritual journey during their formative high school years. Mercy McAuley’s curriculum and programs are exceptional, and I look forward to getting to know the members of our school community and helping to take Mercy McAuley to even greater heights.”

As Principal, Lauren will serve as the instructional leader within the Mercy McAuley community and will lead a dedicated team of educators and staff to ensure the success and continued growth of the school. She will also serve in partnership with the school’s President, Brigitte Foley, to develop strategic initiatives to help guide the school to the next level of excellence.

“I am thrilled to welcome Lauren as our Principal,” says Brigitte Foley, President, Mercy McAuley High School. “The search committee and I are very impressed with Lauren’s passion for Mercy, Catholic education, her tremendous leadership skills, her school administration and academic experience, and her ability to cultivate strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumnae, and community members. Lauren demonstrates empathy, trust, and compassion, all of which are among the hallmarks of a Mercy education. She will undoubtedly have an incredible impact on our students and school community, as Mercy McAuley embarks on an exciting future ahead.”

Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Development from The Ohio State University. She completed her Master of Arts in Education from the College of Mount St. Joseph, and she completed graduate coursework in English as a New Language at the University of Notre Dame.

Lauren participated in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s Aspiring Leaders Program from 2017-2019. She has served in a variety of parish and faith formation volunteer roles, including Eucharistic minister, children’s liturgy teacher, parish council member, Education Commission member, capital campaign committee member, and volleyball coach. Lauren and her husband, Joe Clements, Principal at St. Francis Seraph, have three children - Caitlyn, Jack and Joseph.

Please join us in welcoming Lauren to Mercy McAuley!

Congratulations to the following students, who were named winners in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Competition:

• Lauren Birkle - Gold Key
• Alayna Holley - Honorable Mention
• Bella Meyer - Honorable Mention (2)
• Kennedi Pankey - Honorable Mention
• Gauri Thoduvayilnelliot - Gold Key
• Isabella Ventre - Honorable Mention

These students' winning pieces will be showcased in the Regional Scholastic Exhibition at the Art Academy of Cincinnati from Feb. 9 - 18. As Gold Key winners, Gauri's and Lauren's pieces will move on to the national competition!

Mercy McAuley High School is pleased to announce it has received a $1.1 million gift, the largest in school history. The gift is in the form of a bequest made by a long-time supporter of Mother of Mercy and Mercy McAuley High Schools. The Mother of Mercy alumnae family wishes to remain anonymous.

Mercy McAuley President Brigitte Foley said, “We are sincerely grateful for this incredible gift, which will have a significant impact on our students. We extend our sincerest appreciation to the donor and family, who for many years have supported our mission of educating young women in the Catholic faith and with the Mercy Charism. We are blessed and humbled by this generous gift, which will help us to continue our mission for generations to come.”

The $1.1 million gift kicks off the school’s transformational capital campaign designed to fund campus improvements and faith and academic program enhancements. The school plans to use part of this bequest to fund campus improvements that are slated to begin this summer. Specific details of the campus improvement plans are in the initial stages of development and will be disclosed once finalized.

Congratulations to the following seniors, who on December 20 signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level:

Michelle Hornsby - Soccer - Concordia University Chicago

Chloe Gildea - Softball - Rochester University

We are very proud of these student athletes!

Congratulations to our Varsity Volleyball Team, who won the 2023 Division II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP on Saturday, November 11, 2023! The top-ranked Mercy McAuley Wolves defeated Gilmour Academy in a thrilling five-set match at Wright State University, with the scores of 25-22, 22-25, 25-18, 22-25, 16-14. This is Mercy McAuley's first team state title in school history.

Mercy McAuley's varsity team is coached by Sam Gagnon (head coach), and assistant coaches Greg Samuels and Zach Meyer. Varsity players include:

Emma Adkins
Sophia Adkins
Kristen Berwanger
Jadyn Carle
Devin Carter
Elly Drake
Maria Drapp
Ava Engelbrink
Ruby Klusman
Caroline Moore
Ruby Ortman
Lydia Sanders
Ashley Sess

 

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

• Sophia Adkins - Volleyball - Providence College
• Maria Drapp- Volleyball - Bradley University
• Ruby Klusman - Volleyball - Morehead State University
• Jadyn Carle - Lacrosse - Thomas More University
• Lauren Ferrier - Lacrosse - Thomas More University
• Karli Moeller - Soccer - Siena Heights University

We are so proud of these Wolves, and we look forward to following their athletic careers at the next level!

Congratulations to our Cross Country Wolves on a fantastic season that concluded at the STATE competition November 4! We are so proud of these Wolves!

Congratulations to our Varsity Volleyball Wolves, who won the Regional Champs title! They will compete in the STATE Semi-Finals at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, at Wright State University!

Mercy McAuley High School's Board of Directors, with the recommendation of its Presidential Search Committee and with the support of the Mercy Education Board of Directors, is pleased to appoint Brigitte Foley as President of Mercy McAuley High School, effective October 23, 2023. This appointment comes after a months-long search launched by the Mercy McAuley Board of Directors in the spring of 2023.

“The opportunity to return to Mercy McAuley and empower young women to fully realize their potential and their impact on the world around them brings me an immense amount of pride,” said Brigitte. “I am absolutely honored to work alongside such an amazing team of passionate educators and staff to lead Catholic education into the future. My Mercy education set me up for success, and I’m ready to pass along to our young women just how important it is to take Mercy into the world.”

Brigitte, a 1989 alumna of McAuley High School, has over 10 years of experience in Mercy education, having served as the Managing Director of Advancement at Mercy McAuley High School from 2018 – 2021, and Director of Advancement and Vice President of Advancement at McAuley High School from 2010 – 2018. Most recently, she served as Director of Transformational Giving with United Way of Greater Cincinnati since 2021. Brigitte’s prior experience also includes roles as Director of Development at the Center for Hearing & Speech in St. Louis, MO, and Director of Sponsorships and Grants and Annual Fund Manager at the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis.

As President, Brigitte will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader of Mercy McAuley High School and will be responsible for the overall management of the school, including its development and growth as a member school of Mercy Education. She will play a lead role in furthering the school’s mission, developing long-range strategic plans, guiding enrollment growth, and building relationships with students and families, faculty and staff, alumnae, and members of the Greater Cincinnati community. She will be at Mercy McAuley’s Open House on Sunday, October 29, and meet and greet sessions will be scheduled soon.

“Providing our students with a Catholic, Mercy education of the highest quality remains our top priority,” said Board Co-Chair and 1992 Mother of Mercy alumna Stefanie Ferraris Godbey. “We are confident that Brigitte’s experience and leadership, coupled with her passion for Mercy education, make her the perfect fit to advance our mission of educating young women in the spirit of Mercy now and in the future.”

Brigitte earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Fine & Performing Arts from St. Louis University, and a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Notre Dame. She has served as a lecturer and/or teaching instructor in the subject areas of art and art history at St. Louis University and Fontbonne University in St. Louis, MO, and at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Phenix City, AL.

Brigitte’s commitment to serving the community is evident in her involvement with several community organizations including OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence and Jimmy Heath House. She is a board member and chair of the fundraising committee with Mission Partners Guatemala and has served as a Big Sister mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, has coached girls’ soccer, and more.

Please join us in welcoming Brigitte to her new role as President!

Congratulations to the following Mercy McAuley students and teachers who entered artwork and/or took home awards for their pieces in the Harvest Home Fair!

Youth Hobby - 3D

• Mackenzie Arens - 1st Place
• EJ Burke - Honorable Mention & 2nd Place
• Gauri Thoduvayilnelliot - 3rd Place
• Grace Koenig - 2nd Place

Photo

• Bella Meyer - Honorable Mention (4)
• Grace Koenig - 3rd Place
• Elise Overstake - Honorable Mention (2), 2nd Place, 3rd Place
• Jaylen Haas - Honorable Mention (2), 1st Place
• Rachel Vineyard - 1st Place, Best in Show

Adult Photo

• Debbie Brodbeck - Honorable Mention (2), 1st Place

Miscellaneous

• Ayla Thompson - Honorable Mention
• Alex Fischer - 3rd Place

2D Original Artwork

• Hayley Cook
• Alexandra Jovicic
• Bennita Quaye - Best of Show
• Rachel Vineyard - Honorable Mention
• Maddie Burkhart - Honorable Mention
• Elizabeth Ramirez
• Grace Koenig - 1st Place
• Ava Keller
• Elise Overstake
• Mackenzie Arens - Honorable Mention
• Piper Frame
• Emily Makumbi - Honorable Mention
• Alayna Holley
• Alex Fischer - Honorable Mention
• Ayla Thompson - Honorable Mention
• Emily Makumbi

Youth Needlework

• Alex Fischer - 3rd Place
• Emily Makumbi - 1st Place
• Brynn Gardner - 3rd Place
• Alexandra Jovicic - 3rd Place

Additional

• Lauren Birkle - Honorable Mention (2), 2nd Place
• Natalie Scheper - 1st Place

Mercy McAuley is pleased to welcome its new Athletic Director, Sierra Millar! Sierra previously served as the Athletic Director at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, an all-girls Catholic school in Illinois. She has also coached softball, volleyball, and track and field in previous roles. She received her bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Cincinnati and her master's degree in sports management from West Virginia University.

 “As the 2023-2024 school year and fall sports start to take shape, we start to see the beginning of what is going to be an amazing year for Mercy McAuley athletics," said Sierra. "I am very excited, and honored, to have the opportunity to lead, guide, and support our athletic programs, as well as continue the growth and development of women and girls in sports for the Cincinnati area. I cannot wait to celebrate all the successes of our teams, coaches, and student-athletes in this coming year! GO WOLVES!”

Congratulations to the cast and crew of our spring musical, "Seussical" on winning two Cappie Awards for Best Costumes and Best Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Musical (Ali Lewis).

The Cappies Program strives to recognize Greater Cincinnati’s talented community of young writers, performers, and technical crews. High school theatre and journalism students who participate in the Cappies program are trained as critics, attend shows at other schools, and write and publish reviews. 

At the end of the school year, the student critics vote to give awards to their fellow students for outstanding productions, group and individual performances, and achievements in technical categories. Awards are presented at the annual Cappies Gala at the Aronoff Center.

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

Congratulations to Mercy McAuley junior Nour Shalash, who was named the Youth of the Year by the Exchange Club of Northwest Cincinnati!

The Northwest Exchange Club's Youth of the Month program recognizes the area's most outstanding youth who are high school juniors. Mercy McAuley is one of seven area high schools that participate in the program. Monthly winners are selected throughout the school year by an interview team from the Northwest Exchange Club. The selection is based on academics, leadership, school activities and community service.

At the conclusion of the school year, all the monthly winners return for the Youth of the Year Banquet.  At the banquet, each student presents an essay on a topic furnished by the National Exchange Club. Additional criteria include school activities, grades and community involvement.  At the conclusion of the banquet, a Youth of the Year is selected - and this year, the award went to Nour Shalash!

As the 2023 Youth of the Year winner, Nour was presented  with a personalized plaque and a $500 cash prize.  She will also have an opportunity to compete as a senior for additional scholarship awards at the district, state and national levels.

We are so proud of Nour! Congratulations!

Join us for our annual Wolves Classic Golf Outing on May 12 at Pebble Creek Golf Course! The event includes lunch, golf, dinner and awards, and all proceeds benefit Mercy McAuley Athletics. Sponsorship opportunities are also available! For more information and to register, click HERE.