Wednesday, April 10, 2024 |
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Faculty & Staff Receive Leadership Certification
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School proudly announces its distinction as the first institution to have its entire faculty and staff certified in leadership by the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi). The mission of gcLi is to empower educators to nurture leadership in all students. From extracurricular activities to every academic subject, gcLi believes that teachers are uniquely positioned to "prepare young people to become capable citizens and agents of change in the world."
The collaboration between Gwynedd Mercy and gcLi began in 2021 when Principal Eileen Carty, Director of Leadership Initiatives Jennifer Cervone Guarnaccia ’93, and Theology faculty member Amy Cymerman, attended the organization’s week-long Leadership Lab in Colorado Springs, CO, which is led by experts in leadership and education. They returned armed with invaluable tools and established a gcLi Task Force comprised of faculty and staff to share their newfound knowledge.
Since then, GMAHS sent three more representatives to the Leadership Lab: Mathematics faculty member Tom Waltrich, Director of Alumnae Engagement Erin Reimel Clements ’12, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Director Anita Roberson. Together with the Task Force, these Leadership Lab graduates collaborated with gcLi faculty experts to develop a tailored program for all employees, propelling Gwynedd Mercy to become the first school in the nation with 100% of its faculty and staff successfully completing the gcLi Pedagogy of Leadership® Certification Program.
The comprehensive training unfolded over a series of professional development days throughout the 2023-2024 school year, and on March 11, the Gwynedd faculty and staff were awarded their diplomas, certifying their completion of the program. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue cultivating leaders each day as we uphold our mission to educate, inspire, and empower young women to embody mercy in spirit, innovation in thought, and courage in leadership.
President, Denise Corkery Marbach ’72 proudly states, “Underlining our dedication to personal and professional growth, this initiative stands as a testament to the exceptional commitment demonstrated by our faculty and staff. Through our collaboration with the esteemed Gardner Carney Leadership Institute, we have not only obtained invaluable skills and knowledge but also ignited a transformative journey for our students. Empowered by these experiences, we are poised to lead with innovation and compassion, blazing trails in education and serving as champions for positive change.”
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April 10, 2024, 6PM Wellness Webinar Learn about the dangers and benefits of social media in the latest wellness webinar, "Social Media and the Social Dilemma - Fear, Manipulation & the Greater Good."
Register
April 15, 22, & 29, 2024, 6:30-8:30PM Young Alumnae Prayer Group
Attention Young Alumnae: come grow in faith together! Meet with friends Monday evenings in April in the Gwynedd chapel to grow closer to God while also growing in community!
Register
April 22-26, 2024 One Week for GMA
Support your alma mater during our annual week of collective impact.
Give Now April 23, 2024 Arts Festival Enjoy visual arts and STEM exhibits from 5-7PM, followed by a concert from 7-9PM. May 9, 2024, 3-5PM Catherine McAuley Legacy Society Afternoon Tea
Sponsored by GMAHS’s Catherine McAuley Legacy Society, the event will feature, tea, delightful conversations, pastries, and a brief program on estate planning to nurture your family’s well-being and legacy.
Register June 25, 2024 6-8PM Alumnae Happy Hour Join us for an evening of drinks and Lifelong Sisterhood at Winnie’s Manayunk, owned by Winnie Murphy Clowry ’77. Registration coming soon |
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Get Ready to Make an Impact with a Gift to the Mercy Fund
From April 22 to 26, our Gwynedd Mercy family will once again unite to empower our school and its exceptional young women through the Mercy Fund during One Week for GMA. Your contributions to GMA's annual fund provide immediate support across all school areas, shaping the educational journey of every student. Plus, you have the power to designate your gift to the area that resonates most with you. Stay tuned for exciting participation challenges worth up to $55,000, amplifying the impact of your gift, and let's aim high together as we strive to raise $250,000 in just one week. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Nominate a Fellow Alumna Each year, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School and its Alumnae Association honor alumnae and other members of our community for exceptional leadership and service at Gwynedd’s annual Reunion celebration. The Alumnae Awards will be presented at the All-Class Reunion on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Submit your nominations by May 30, 2024. |
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Illustration by Kristen Yezzi '23 |
Come Home for Afternoon Tea
Experience the timeless charm of a "comfortable cup of tea," symbolizing hospitality and kindness by Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, on Thursday, May 9, from 3-5 PM. Sponsored by GMAHS’s Catherine McAuley Legacy Society, this event will feature delightful conversations, pastries, and a brief program on estate planning to nurture your family’s well-being and legacy. All members of the Gwynedd Mercy family – alumnae, parents, grandparents, and friends – are welcome!
Meet the Speakers |
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Mary Kay Kelm, Esq. P’15, ’18 is Principal of Kilcoyne & Kelm, LLC in Montgomeryville, PA, specializing in civil litigation, zoning, and estate planning & administration. She also advises small businesses on corporate matters. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery Bar Association and as Treasurer of the Probate Section. Mary Kay earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph's University and her Juris Doctor from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. She is a past President of the St. Joseph’s Law Alumni and a former coach of GMAHS’s Mock Trial Team.
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Steve Grourke is Senior Vice President, Leadership Giving at the National Park Foundation. Previously, he held roles as Senior Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations at The American College of Financial Services, and Executive Director, Office of Gift and Estate Planning at Villanova University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Gwynedd Mercy University and a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Washington University. Steve is designated as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, a Certified Fund-Raising Executive, and a 21/64 Certified Advisor.
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| Explore Wellness and Social Media—TONIGHT
All are welcome to attend the next Parent Series Wellness Wheel Webinar, "Social Media and the Social Dilemma - Fear, Manipulation & the Greater Good," on April 10 at 6PM.
Theresa Hamer, Program Manager for Smart Gen Society, a nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy, and resources designed to advise adults on ways to help children navigate the social media landscape, will discuss real and present online dangers, such as predatory behaviors targeting young girls. |
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She will speak candidly about social media addiction, explore ways to ensure that your parent-teen relationship remains strong despite the tendency for teens to favor social media communication over face-to-face interactions, and converse about the many positive uses of social media and delve deeper into the ways we can protect our children (and ourselves) from being manipulated and misinformed.
Health faculty member Kate Tobias will moderate the discussion and social studies faculty Elizabeth Newton and alumna Kristen Yezzi ’23 will also weigh in. |
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MINISTRY & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES |
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Don't Miss Out!
The first session of the new Young Alumnae Faith Group was a success—and it is not too late to join! Gather with fellow Gwynedd Girls to grow in faith and community. Attendance of all four sessions is not required. Reach out to Elizabeth Hasson ‘18 at elizabeth.a.hasson@gmail.com or Meghan Romano ‘18 at mromano3812@gmail.com with any questions.
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| Help Support Heart Health
Sophia DeSantis '24 and Mia Hudak '24 created an outstanding Lead4Change project, "Just Beat It," which focuses on raising awareness about cardiac arrest and has earned them a $1,000 grant, part of which will be donated to Simon's Heart, a charity devoted to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in kids. Sophia and Mia were even invited to attend the Simon's Heart Soiree at Lincoln Financial Field!
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Sophia, Mia, and Simon's Heart will be teaming up to host a Heart Screening event on April 20 for current students. They are in need of volunteers to support the event. If you are available to help, please sign up today! |
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Sign Up to Mentor a Student! The Gwynedd Force Mentorship Program is seeking 96 dedicated Alumnae Mentors to guide and support the Class of 2025. Sponsored by the Alumnae Association in collaboration with Gwynedd's Leadership Department, this program is a unique opportunity to give back and make a meaningful impact on our students' lives. As an Alumnae Mentor, you'll have the chance to connect with your student mentee throughout the school year, providing guidance and support as they navigate the college application process and prepare for their future careers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, your wisdom and experience are invaluable to our students' success.
Your commitment involves just four meetings, either virtually or in person. Please consider signing up to become a mentor by May 26th.
For inquiries, please contact Associate Director of Leadership Initiatives Caitlin Fitzgerald Straub '01 at cstraub@syria-events.com. |
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Submit Your Class Notes!
Did you have a baby? Celebrate a personal or professional milestone? Receive a degree or award? Get married? Fill out the form linked below to notify us!
And if you are preparing to get married or have a baby—let us know! We'd love to send you a GMA flag for your reception or a GMA bib for your little one. And be sure to snap photos, tag @gmahighschool on Instagram, and submit them with the Class Notes form. |
Alumnae Celebrate Love
Kelly Crane Dennis '12 married Matthew Dennis on March 2, 2024. The happy couple was surrounded by friends and family, including many Gwynedd alumnae.
Front row (left to right): Morgan Pizzo Lyons '12, Jennifer Crane '09, Victoria Hudak '12, Megan Fasano McGarry '12, Kelly Crane Dennis '12, Tricia Scott Toner '12, Emily McCauley Tortolani '12
Back row (left to right): Devon Monihan Brock '12, Tara Kenworthy Monihan '78, Katelyn Crane '15, Annemarie O'Neill Agnew '05, Danielle Crane '18, Megan O'Neill O'Hara '99, Gabrielle DeLucca '17, Maggie Blewitt '22, Ella Lyons '22 |
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Alumna Welcomes New Baby
Andrea D’Lauro Lynch '12 welcomed her daughter Adalyn Grace on October 8, 2023. Congratulations to the growing Lynch family! |
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| Graduate Earns PhD
Julie Kurkowski, PhD '10 successfully defended her dissertation "Workplace Violence Among New-to-Practice Nurses," earning her PhD In Nursing from Villanova University. Congratulations to Dr. Kurkowski! |
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Alum Nominated for Emmy
Last spring, ESPN Features Producer Alex Nolen '10 finished the short documentary Nothing Else Matters, the story of high school basketball coach Patrick Behan who was coaching his team while battling ALS and went on to win his first championship. The documentary, which she directed, was nominated for a National Sports Emmy in the Outstanding Short Documentary category. |
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Submit Your Photos Do you have photos from your days as a student? Or pictures of you and your classmates spending time together as alumnae? Share your photos using the Class Notes form to be archived, used for reunion promotion, and more! |
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| Sign Up for Summer Camp
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School is offering the following camps during the summer of 2024: - Athletics: Basketball, Tennis, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Soccer
- Arts: Music Lessons, Triple Threat Theater Camp
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Camp Inspire: a four-day "confidence camp" designed to expose girls to a STEAM field while also teaching them to develop their sense of purpose and self-worth from within. Applications are now open.
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Model UN is Making Big Moves
Fifteen Model UN Club members participated in the World Affairs Council Global Economic Forum at Drexel University's LeBow College of Business! Students collaborated on policy solutions across three critical topics—Water Infrastructure in Developing Countries, Mental Health Deterioration, and Financial Inclusion and Innovation—all in pursuit of fictional funding from the World Bank. Gwynedd's talented students represented Oceania & The Pacific Islands across the board, showcasing their innovative solutions in each category. Special recognition goes to Charlotte Wolfe '25, who served as a co-chair on the Water Infrastructure in Developing Countries committee.
Gwynedd students have also teamed up with the World Affairs Council to participate in the Global Smarts Model UN Mentoring Program. Collaborating with St. Joseph's University Political Science majors, Gwynedd's Model UN Team is providing training sessions for the 7th grade class at Our Mother of Consolation Parish School, gearing them up for their upcoming Model UN competition in May. This marks the inaugural session of a five-part series at OMC, extending across grades 6-8.
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| Gwynedd Girls Host a Magical Morning
Mercy Effect hosted their Annual Character Breakfast in support of Mercy Beyond Borders and Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. Little princesses, heroes, and adventurers enjoyed Disney and Marvel-themed games and activities with their favorite characters. |
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GMA Celebrates Women's History Diversity Club hosted its 3rd annual No Place for Hate open mic event to celebrate Women’s History Month!
Students and faculty performed and listened to original poetry, spoken word, and vocal performances while enjoying some sweet treats!
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Students Travel to Europe
Two groups of Gwynedd Girls and their chaperones traveled to Spain and Italy over Easter Break through the Travel for Teens program. The groups stopped at amazing locations, including the Colosseum in Rome and the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. |
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| Eco-Friendly Engineering
Ms. Naucodie's engineering students completed their compact, eco-friendly dwellings. Ranging from 400 to 600 square feet, each design was carefully planned and crafted while addressing the Critical Concern of Earth. They recently presented their models to their class and will display their work at the Arts Festival on April 23. |
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Please send any personal or professional updates, questions about how to get involved with GMA, or other inquiries to the Director of Alumnae Engagement Erin Reimel Clements '12 at eclements@syria-events.com.
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© 2024 Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School 1345 Sumneytown Pike | Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002 Unsubscribe Link |
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