Mercy: Weaving threads of our future
Myah Johnson
As we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in our lives, we reflect on the remarkable journey that has brought us here. It has been a journey marked by endless dedication, persistence, and the unwavering support of those who have stood by us. Above all, it has been a journey defined by the spirit of Mercy, a sisterhood. As we entered Mercy freshman year, we were unaware of the love and comfort we’d find within the presence of this class. Each year, spent together, has reinforced why we all lovingly refer to Mercy as our “Second Home.”
Mercy, in its truest form, has been more than a place of comfort. It is a place where bonds have tied us together, a symbol of unity and solidarity. Throughout our time here, we’ve all experienced Mercy in countless ways. Junior Prom, Ring Ceremony, and now graduation are all memories where I’ve managed to find the true meaning of the strength and unity that has defined our class. We’ve laughed, cried, and supported one another, growing in ways we would never imagine.
To me, the symbol of Mercy that best describes this class is a thread. A thread seems delicate when on its own, but when woven together, it forms a fabric that is resilient, beautiful, and worth praising. Mercy has been the thread that has woven us into a tight-knit community, a sisterhood. It is a thread that has connected us, supported us, and formed a bond that is unbreakable. Each student in this class has taught me a lesson that I know I’ll undoubtedly carry with me each day moving forward. Together, these threads have woven an unforgettable piece of fabric that symbolizes the strength and beauty of our class. Each thread, while unique, is essential to the whole, and it is through this unity that we have been able to support, uplift, and learn from one another. This fabric created through the collective contributions of each student, is a testament to the power of Mercy and the profound impact it has had on our journey together.
Special teachers are the threads that have contributed to my tapestry throughout my time at Mercy. One teacher’s nurturing nature and infectious smile have been a constant source of encouragement throughout our senior year. Her warm and supportive presence can make even the most overwhelming days feel manageable, serving as a constant reminder that even when being faced with challenges, a positive outlook can make all the difference. Just like a thread that weaves through the fabric of our lives, her presence will forever be a light in our lives. Another is one of the most admirable teachers that one will ever encounter. His openness to learning more about each student extends beyond the classroom, as he passionately invests time to understand our strengths and weaknesses.
He has remained a reliable source of support for us all, instilling in us the confidence to embrace every aspect of ourselves. And another’s resonant guidance has cultivated an environment that has sparked us to believe that our voice can be something that changes the world for the better. Even in moments of self-doubt, she stands firm in the belief that this class has something extraordinary to offer. The influence she has obtained in my life has shaped many of my decisions moving forward, including my decision to change my college minor to journalism. The support she instills is rare, though thanks to her, I now see the profound impact I can have on the world, and she will serve as my reminder to make a lasting difference. For her, I am eternally grateful.
Stepping into the next chapter, I want this essay to resonate in everyone’s lives forever. A reminder that we’re all a part of one intricate tapestry, woven by our experiences, challenges, and triumphs we’ve shared. Each and every one of us has contributed a unique strand to this tapestry, and it’s the connections we’ve made that have given it its unwavering strength and beauty. Moving forward, let’s acknowledge and honor the threads that have shaped our high school experience — the friendships, the mentors, and the moments of growth.
Together, we’ve created something nothing short of remarkable, and it’s the unity within the class that will continue to guide and inspire us as we embark on our journeys. As we become threads in the vast tapestry of the future, we will carry forth the indomitable spirit of Mercy, weaving compassion and change into the fabric of society as empowered women of Mercy. Remember, you are the weaver of your destiny, and the world is eagerly awaiting the masterpiece that you will soon create. Congratulations, graduates, and here’s to the ongoing tapestry of our future.
Mercy cultivates hope
Sierra Molnar
I want each of you to close your eyes and for a minute imagine yourself the first time you pulled into the Mercy parking lot. Were you nervous? Excited? Overwhelmed? No matter how you felt pulling in, I guarantee you on your way home that day; something inside of you was different. You had a newfound sense of hope, of confidence, and of belonging.
This was the first time Mercy was able to light a small flame in your heart. While each of us over these past four years have had our own experiences, we’ve ultimately all been on the same journey. A journey of growth, love, and challenge. We’ve continued our education, but we’ve also come to understand the world and the value our presence has in it. As our time as Mercy students comes to an end, a new responsibility lands on our shoulders. The flame that Mercy has so intentionally developed within our hearts is now the flame, passion, and spirit that we can reflect to the world.
One thing a flame does is dispel darkness. During our time here, we’ve faced many trials and some obstacles we didn’t know if we could overcome. In these moments of darkness where it felt like our flame might just flicker out, the community around us stepped in to tend to our flames. Every person in this room has had a hand in the cultivation of your flame, whether you realize it or not. In some young women, feelings of doubt, worry, and fear could extinguish their flame; but not women of Mercy.
The foundation each of us has been rooted in is not one of surrender, but one of resilience. As we leave these halls, this spirit does not waver. This confidence does not stay behind. We have been taught, through every class, challenging moment, and unsolvable question to never doubt our potential and to never give up. This is simply not who we are and not what our potential is limited to.
Now, the thing flames do best: burn. Some of the doubts, worries, and fears that we’ve had may have burned the past expectations we had set for ourselves. But as fire adds nutrients to soil; the removal of those old expectations has allowed room for new possibilities and a new vision for who and what we can be. This idea that we can create new expectations and chase new dreams is the very thing futures are made of. The leadership, compassion, and commitment of the class of 2025 have forever changed Mercy. We have not only burned a new path, but have also illuminated that path for the classes that will follow. As we prepare to leave Mercy behind, we do so with the confidence that our presence within these halls has inherently changed the course of this institution.
The last thing flames do is rise. As we begin our new journey outside of these familiar halls, we reach out into the world, offering ourselves as women of Mercy and the light we embody. During our time here, we have been given the discernment to recognize places where our shining light is needed, and we have developed the courage to share this light, shaping the lives of those around us. I have personally seen the light in each of your hearts and in your eyes; and I’m confident that each of us will make Mercy proud in our own unique way.
Academy teaches that ‘Mercy matters’
Lily Sumner
Wow. We made it. Four years, countless memories, and an ungodly number of late-night study sessions later, we’re here, in our caps and gowns, ready to walk across that stage.
Let’s be real though… This journey wasn’t always smooth. We’ve all played the game of survivor, pushing through way more than just finals and research papers. We made it through cafeteria food mysteries, pop quizzes we absolutely didn’t study for, and the panic of hearing “Find a partner” when your best friend just had to be absent that day.
We started out walking these halls as nervous freshmen, pulled too many all-nighters on projects we definitely meant to start earlier, and somewhere in the chaos, we found our people, discovered our passions, and maybe even learned a little about who we are.
High school? Yeah, it wasn’t just about grades or awards (okay, maybe a little) but really, it was about learning to show up. Whether we were freezing on the turf field or standing in front of judges at mock trial competitions, we figured out that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about our heart. It’s about our effort. It’s about us choosing to try, even when it gets hard.
But if I’m taking one thing with me from these four years, it’s this: Mercy matters.
And not just because it’s in our school’s name, but because it became who we are. Mercy isn’t just kindness; it’s action. It’s thinking outside ourselves, lifting each other up, and realizing that the best thing we can do is make each other’s day better. Whether it was volunteering, checking in on a friend after a tough day, or sharing your snacks in class (especially if you had that dreaded fourth lunch), mercy showed up in those little moments.
Yeah, the future is kinda terrifying. There’s adulting. There’s taxes. There’s doctor’s appointments we actually have to schedule ourselves. And worst of all… nap time isn’t a thing anymore?! But if high school taught us anything, it’s that we’re resilient. We’re ready. And we’re going to be so significant.
So here’s the plan: Class of 2025, be fearless in chasing what sets your soul on fire. Use your voice. Stand for what matters. And never forget where you came from, because this place, these people, your friends, the crowd, even that person you only talked to once in the hallway, they’ve all shaped who we are.
From one classmate to another, I’ve never been more proud to say I go to Mercy Academy. Y’all made these halls feel like home. Y’all made this place THE Mercy Academy. So now, let the world see what I’ve seen all along: you are ready, and the world better be ready for you.
So go on, hit ‘em with everything you’ve got. I’m so proud of us. Watching us grow, from being too shy to speak in class to standing tall on national stages.
Now, close your eyes… and let this sink in: YOU MADE IT.
