For the third straight year, a Mount St. Mary student received the distinct honor of being named a “Girl of Distinction” by the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. Brynne Johnson ’21 was one of five young women chosen from area high schools to attend the 2019 Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony held on Thursday, August 29, at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock. According to the organization, the students selected for this honor serve in leadership positions, maintain high academic standards and strive to make their communities a better place.

The Girls of Distinction were invited to meet the members of the fifth class of Hall of Fame inductees and join in celebrating and honoring the historical impact these great women have made in the state of Arkansas. Stephanie Verdaris ’18 was named a Girl of Distinction in 2017, and America Alejandri ’20 and Annie Quo ’19 received the recognition last fall.

“It’s been absolutely incredible,” Brynne said of her experience with the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. “Being one of the five Girls of Distinction is such an honor, and I am so grateful to all those who have supported me and given me this wonderful opportunity. I am truly blessed with the new friendships I have made with the other girls and for the chance to get to know all the extraordinary inductees this year.”

Brynne is very involved at Mount St. Mary Academy. She serves as business manager for the yearbook and vice president of Latin Club. She is also a Mountie Messenger student ambassador and member of Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Brynne is active in the community, as well, serving as a member of the 2019-2020 class of the Above and Beyond Sweetheart Leadership program and volunteering her time at Baptist Medical Center.

The goal of the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is to honor women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Arkansas, preserve the history of their accomplishments and provide women encouragement and inspiration. The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, founders of Mount St. Mary Academy, were honored as members of the second class of inductees in 2016. Former Mount St. Mary president and CEO, Karen Flake ’65, was inducted in last year’s Hall of Fame class.

Congratulations, Brynne, on this wonderful honor. Your Mount St. Mary family is so proud of you!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

As the school year winds down this time each year, news announcing the deserving recipients of various awards and honors tends to pick up. Mount St. Mary Academy is proud to have had several members of this year’s graduating class recognized for their academic accomplishments over the past two weeks.

In late April it was announced that Anna Kate Manchester was selected as one of 621 semifinalists, and one of only eight semifinalists from the state of Arkansas, to advance to the final round of the 2019 U.S. Presidential Scholarship competition. One of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, the candidates qualifying for the U.S Presidential Scholar award represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people. They are selected annually based on their academic success as well as evidence of community service, leadership and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.

Sophie Chier and Angel Sagardui were among a group of high school students honored at the Governor’s Scholastic Honors Day on Saturday, April 27, at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. The day serves to recognize Arkansas’ “best and brightest students” and included tours of the mansion and gardens as well as visiting with Governor Asa Hutchinson and the First Lady.

Anna Kate, Sophie and Angel were also featured in the May 2019 issue of Little Rock Family. The magazine’s special Head of the Class section recognized dozens of top graduating seniors from Central Arkansas’ public, private and parochial schools and applauded the “superstar scholars” for their achievements.

Angel’s academic achievement was honored again on Friday, May 3, this time through Congressman French Hill’s Educational Award Program. Nearly 30 honorees from 16 schools in Arkansas’ 2nd Congressional District were recognized during a special ceremony held at Mount St. Mary with Congressman Hill, who instituted the program in 2015 to recognize students in Central Arkansas who have demonstrated a commitment to academic achievement and community engagement.

Finally, Bekka Ureta was named a recipient of a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship, underwritten by 3M, on Wednesday, May 8. Bekka is one of just 21 Arkansas high school seniors, and 2,500 seniors nationwide, to be selected for this prestigious scholarship from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2019 National Merit program. The finalists in each state are judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

We applaud these four graduating seniors for their hard work and academic achievement, and congratulate them on the recent well-deserved recognition.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Eleven Mount St. Mary theatre arts students were inducted into the International Thespian Society on Monday, April 15. During the special ceremony held on campus and led by current Thespian members, the inductees pledged to pursue excellence as students of theatre, to perform their best, to accept praise and criticism with grace, to cooperate with fellow thespians and work for the good of the troupe, and to share their love of theatre.

“Membership in this international organization is not only a reward for the fine work you have done, but further evidence of your desire to continue to work in this specialized field,” junior Avery Appleton, president of MSM Troupe #8462, said during the ceremony. “As a troupe, your work will contribute to the growth of better theatre in this community, our country and throughout the world.”

Benefits of Thespian induction include membership in the only international honor society for high school theatre arts students; leadership opportunities at the troupe, chapter and national levels; and eligibility for scholarships, grants, and awards through the Educational Theatre Association and its festivals.

The 11 MSM students recently inducted into the International Thespian Society include: Isabella Boyd ’20, Grace Dunaway ’20, Lily Eagan ’20, Fran Edwards ’21, Josephine Fitz ’21, Sophie Mammarelli ’20, Malingo Matute ’22, Lilly Newton ’20, Alexandra Powell ’22, Claire Ryscavage ’19 and Natalie Vailes ’22.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Sixty Mount St. Mary Academy art students competed at the 2019 Arkansas Young Artist Association (AYAA) Spring Competition and Convention in downtown Little Rock on Wednesday, April 10, where they took home 20 awards for excellence in the visual arts.

MSM also students received two of the 10 AYAA scholarships awarded at the event. Seniors Aimsley McDaniel and Abby Yanosick each received a $500 scholarship. Additionally, senior Addie Farquharson was offered a $1,000 scholarship by the Kansas City Art Institute.

“The girls did a phenomenal job, and Ms. Holder and I are so proud of the work they put in,” Marianne Nolley, MSM art teacher, said.

The students spent months preparing for the annual competition, for which they created approximately 100 works of art in a wide range of mediums, styles and subjects. These works will be on display at Mount St. Mary Academy’s Art Night on Thursday, May 2, at 6 p.m.

Congratulations to the following MSM students:

– Kendal Betton ’21 – honorable mention in markers

– Bella Boyd ’20 – 1^st in abstract oil pastel and 3^rd in expressive fiber arts

– Audrey Caruthers ’20 – 3^rd in abstract pen and ink

– Charlie Colburn ’21 – 4^th in relief printmaking

– Kara Foster ’19 – 2^nd in markers

– Caroline Gunderman ’21 – 1^st in realistic chalk pastel, 2^nd in abstract watercolor and 4^th in realism graphite

– Cecelia Ilg ’20 – 1^st in intaglio printmaking

– Aimsley McDaniel ’19 – 1^st in abstract colored pencil and 4^th in color photography

– Mary Helen Owen ’21 – 3^rd in abstract oil pastel

– Abigail Pahls ’21 – 4^th in expressive watercolor

– Yesica Reyes Vasquez ’19 – 2^nd in first year charcoal

– Stephanie Selakovich ’20 – honorable mention in abstract mixed media

– Taylor Sims ’20 – 4^th in crafts

– Maria Thomas ’20 – honorable mention in relief printmaking

– Abby Yanosick ’19 – 1^st in expressive portraits

– Beatrice Zargari ’20 – 3^rd in realistic scratchboard

AYAA is a state-wide organization whose mission is to encourage participation in the visual arts by Arkansas students through professional speakers, competitions and exhibition. There are currently over 50 chapter schools and more than 1300 student members in AYAA.

Fourteen members of the Forensics Breaking Belles represented Mount St. Mary Academy very well at this year’s Arkansas Forensics & Debate State Championship held April 5-6 at North Little Rock High School. Team members placed among the top in a handful of their events, and the group earned semi-finalist recognition in several others.

Organized by the Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association, the state championship represents the culmination of the forensics and debate season where hundreds of competitors enter weekend tournaments to compete in the art of oral presentation. Described by some as “competitive acting,” forensics competitions, in particular, include events such as storytelling, poetry, informative speaking or humorous interpretation and improvisation.

Top Qualifiers at the 2019 Arkansas Forensics & Debate State Championship:

Finalists:

– Karina Singh ’19 and Victoria Volpi ’20, 4^th place in duet improv

– Anna Palmer ’20, 4^th place in informative speaking

– Anna Farmer ’19 and Karina Singh, 6^th place in duo interpretation

– Anna Farmer, 6^th place in prose

Semifinalists:

– Alexandra Powell ’22, in humorous

– Lily Eagan ’20 and Anna Farmer, in duet improv

– Rachel Klinck ’22, Sophia Lehman ’22, Bri Moseley ’19 and Karina Singh, in prose

Other students who qualified to compete in events at the state championship include: America Alejandri ’20, Avery Appleton ’20, Mia Aquino ’22, Malingo Matute ’22 and Amalie Shollmier ’19.

We congratulate our Forensics Team on a very successful season!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Nineteen Mount St. Mary Academy Latin and Spanish students traveled to Conway on Saturday, March 30, to participate in the 2019 Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association State Language Competition held at Hendrix College. The Latin students’ proficiency in the classical language earned them multiple awards at the competition.

Poetry Recitation:

Level 1:  Macy Ramiro ’22, 1^st place; Abbie Thompson ’22, 2^nd place; Conner Hale ’22, 3^rd place

Level 2:  Ginger Cyr ’21, 1^st place; Sarah Alvarez ’21, 3^rd place

Level 3:  Robin Stover ’20, 2^nd place; Anne-Marie Elser ’20, 3^rd place

Culture Bowl:  Robin Stover, 1^st place; Anne-Marie Elser, 2^nd place; Blythe Bozeman ’21, 3^rd place

Extemporaneous Reading:

Level 1:  Macy Ramiro, 1st place; Abbie Thompson, 2^nd place; Conner Hale, 3^rd place

Level 2:  Ginger Cyr ’21, 1^st place; Sarah Alvarez, 3^rd place

Level 3:  Allison Toomer ’20, 2^nd place; Anne-Marie Elser, 3^rd place

Vocabulary Bee:

Level 1:  Olivia Coppens ’22, 1^st place; Conner Hale, 2^nd place; Macy Ramiro, 3^rd place

Level 2:  Grace Barnett ’21, 3^rd place

Level 3:  Kaitlin Tarini ’20, 3^rd place

Other students attending the competition include:  Emmalee Bills ’21, Eleanor Blakely ’22, Fran Edwards ’21, Carmen Gomez de Avila ’22, Chloe Gourde ’21, Zelenka Herts ’22 and Vanessa Torres ’22.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

At the beginning of February, hundreds of the best singers in Arkansas gathered in Conway to audition to earn spots in this year’s All-State Choirs. Juniors Anne Lashbrook and Amelia Ochoa were selected for All-State and spent February 14-16 in Hot Springs at the All-State Clinic. During the two-day event, Anne and Amelia participated in intense rehearsals alongside the state’s other top singers under the direction of some of the most prestigious choir directors in the country. The All-State Clinic concluded with a public concert on Saturday afternoon showcasing the music the students had learned.

“It is a great honor to make it into All-State, and I am always so proud of my choir girls,” Chelsea Frazier, MSM choral director, said. “Anne and Amelia put in loads of extra work outside of class to make it happen, which is a testament to their awesome work ethic and dedication to choral performance.”

The Concert Belles, along with the Harmony Belles, will perform at the regional Choral Performance Assessment in early March with the hopes of becoming eligible to participate in the Arkansas Choral Directors Association’s State Festival in April. Under the direction of Ms. Frazier, the Concert Belles have received superior ratings at both the regional and state level for four consecutive years. In 2017 and 2018, they earned Best in Class awards for Best Medium Female Chorus and Best Medium Chorus Overall.

Congratulations, Anne and Amelia, and best of luck to the Concert Belles and Harmony Belles in next month’s Choral Performance Assessment!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Mount St. Mary Academy is pleased to announce that theology teacher Buff Easterly has been selected to serve on an immigration delegation that will travel to the U.S.-Mexico border later this spring. The Sisters of Mercy Institute Justice Team is organizing the trip in collaboration with ARISE, a community-based and Mercy co-sponsored program that works in colonias in South Texas to strengthen communities.

During the Mercy Border Immersion, which will take place March 31 through April 5, the group of Mercy leaders, associates and ministry partners will learn more about the growing humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border and the root causes of migration. The itinerary includes a trip to the border wall and meeting with Border Patrol agents as well as visits to a detention center for children, a church-based refugee center and ARISE Community Organizing Centers. The experience is designed to strengthen the participants’ capacity to advocate and educate others in their communities about immigration and its root causes upon returning home.

“As every good teacher, I work hard to present factual information to my students. In addition, I use my life experiences to give context to topics such as poverty, prejudice, intolerance, and racism – all of which I unfortunately have firsthand experience with. It is not the same for immigration,” Ms. Easterly said. “Though I’ve known people who have come across the southern border, I want to see for myself. I want to speak to ‘immigrants,’ aid workers and government officials, and then frame my own opinions. I want to speak to my students with authority about this issue that has become so contentious.”

The Sisters of Mercy, which founded Mount St. Mary Academy in 1851 and still sponsors the school today, commit to serving, advocating for and praying with those in need around the world. Its Institute Justice Team was formed in 1993 to spearhead the international community’s collective social justice efforts focused on addressing the following five Critical Concerns: protecting the earth, opposing racism, promoting nonviolence, working for the equality of women and ensuring the dignity of immigrants. Inspired by its founders’ commitment to social justice, Mount St. Mary Academy has proudly embraced and integrated these critical concerns into its ethos and educational experience.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

On Tuesday, January 8, Annie Q. ’19 received a voicemail from Congressmen French Hill asking that she call him back. The two connected after a brief game of phone tag, and Congressman Hill spoke the words Annie had been waiting months to hear: “You’re going to the Naval Academy.”

“Oh my goodness, this is actually happening” was what Annie described as her first thought upon receiving the exciting news of her official appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. “I was so grateful and amazed. There were so many emotions going through my head.”

Annie’s interest in the highly selective federal service academy developed four years ago after learning that one of her sister’s classmates, Rachel Parker ’15, had been accepted. From there, Annie got involved with JROTC her freshman year and began learning more about the Naval Academy from the program’s instructor, Sgt. Maj. R.S. Jernigan. Prior to the beginning of her senior year at Mount St. Mary, she was accepted into the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar program. The week-long session introduced Annie to everyday life at “the Yard” and confirmed her desire to apply. “It was a sign,” Annie said. “It made me positive that I wanted to pursue the Naval Academy because I enjoyed that experience so much.”

As one of its midshipmen, Annie will attend the Naval Academy for four years on a full scholarship – a benefit provided by the Navy in return for five years of active duty upon graduation. From there, Annie, who is considering studying mechanical engineering, isn’t quite sure which path she’ll take, though she’s excited about her options.

“I think what’s good about the Academy is you get a lot of exposure to different career paths,” she said. “That real-world experience can help you decide what you want to do.”

The U.S. Naval Academy is recognized as one of the most competitive educational institutions in the country. It typically receives more than 16,000 applications each year, but offers appointments to less than 10 percent of its applicants. Annie will join Rachel Parker and Allison Polston ’16 as the Mount’s most recent graduates to attend the Academy.

“I recognize this is a really, really big opportunity,” Annie said. “I’m excited for all the challenges I’m going to face and ready to face them.”

Annie, who was honored this past September as one of five Girls of Distinction by the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame, will be inducted in the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2023 on June 27. View the Instagram video posted by Congressman Hill of Annie receiving news of her official appointment here.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

While most of the Mount St. Mary community enjoyed some well-deserved relaxation during Thanksgiving break, two students spent the time off from school working on perfecting routines and packing their bags in preparation for a competition known as the “Olympics of dance.” Carly D. ’22 and Sydney K. ’19, both members of the American Dance Company’s Team USA, spent nearly two weeks overseas in early December competing in the International Dance Organization’s World Championships in Poland.

Comprised of some of the most talented dancers from across the country, including 11 from Little Rock’s Rock City Dance Company where Carly and Sydney each train, Team USA competed against more than 4,000 dancers from 30 countries and six continents in this year’s event. To prepare, Team USA began a demanding rehearsal schedule in August. The hard work paid off as the team returned home on Dec. 10 with a total of 10 medals: four gold, three silver and three bronze. Carly and Sydney were both on the gold-winning team in Adult Jazz Formation. Carly received an additional gold medal in Junior Jazz Group as well as a silver medal in Junior Modern Group

“I am so proud of Carly and Sydney. They are both integral parts of this team,” said Kristen Pittman, American Dance Company regional director and Team USA head coach. “Carly’s work ethic in every rehearsal inspired all of her teammates, and Sydney has an enthusiasm and positive spirit that helped the team form genuine connections and brought a sense of trust and friendship that was evident each time they hit the stage.”

This was Carly’s first year to compete in the World Championships in Poland. Sydney participated on Team USA in the international competition last year. She received two fifth place wins and a single sixth place win in 2017.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Once Abby T. ’20 learned about a community assistance fund that distributes grants to local organizations and families in need at the real estate agency where her parents both work, she knew she wanted to apply for a grant to donate to her Junior Service Learning Program site. Her efforts were rewarded as she presented Gayle Priddy, executive director of The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, with a $1,000 check this month.

While reflecting on the inspiration behind her act of kindness, Abby acknowledged the positive ways in which the organization has impacted her during her time of service there this year. “The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock has provided me with experiences that will affect me for the rest of my life, and given me a sense of compassion I don’t think I could find anywhere else,” she said. “It has presented me with a different perspective of the life lived by the less fortunate.”

Established by The Janet Jones Company in Little Rock, the Johnson Melhorn Rainbow Fund’s mission is to help fulfill the human needs of home and shelter with compassion and understanding, two characteristics the realtor whose memory it honors embodied during his successful career with the agency. Abby reached out to the fund’s supervisor with information about Helping Hand’s mission and needs, and she ended up receiving a $1,000 donation for the local food pantry and thrift shop.

“I believe it is my duty as not only an active Christian, but a contributor to my community, to find some way to give back to those who have no way to provide for themselves,” Abby said. “For these reasons I have decided to give back through the money the Johnson Melhorn Rainbow Fund has graciously donated, and I am forever grateful for this fund, and for The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock.”

For years, Mount St. Mary Academy’s foundation and traditions of service and mercy have inspired young women like Abby to make a difference in their communities and the world. Its unique Junior Service Learning Program is one of the hallmarks of the school’s commitment to integrating service into its curriculum. All students participate in a yearlong off-campus service learning experience their junior year, through which they use their talents and abilities to provide meaningful service to 25 organizations in the Little Rock community. While these opportunities provide the chance for Mount St. Mary students to have an impact on their service sites, the experience typically has just as powerful of an impact on the students, as illustrated through Abby’s thoughtful reflection.

Thank you, Abby, for your commitment to live Mercy. Your act of kindness represents the many like it that take place throughout the Mount St. Mary community each day.

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

“Let charity then be our badge of honor…so that it may truly be said, there is in us but one heart and one soul in God.” – Catherine McAuley, Sisters of Mercy founder

A field trip to tour Arkansas Foodbank’s warehouse in the fourth grade ignited a strong passion for volunteering in Anne Marie C. ’21. At the National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 15, the Mount St. Mary Academy sophomore was honored as this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Youth Fundraiser by the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for the successful Change for Change Campaign she spearheaded at the beginning of the year.

“I always enjoy volunteering, and I have found that it is one of my favorite ways to bless others and glorify God at the same time,” Anne Marie acknowledged.

Anne Marie, who has been volunteering with the Foodbank on a monthly basis for five years, wanted to provide her community with an easy way to donate to the organization during a time when resources are low after the holiday season. Her idea was a simple one: organize an effort to collect spare change to benefit the Foodbank and raise awareness of the issue of food insecurity in Arkansas. From designing the logo and collection cans to encouraging involvement by local churches and other organizations to tallying the donated change, Anne Marie was involved in all aspects of the project. And her efforts were successful; she and the volunteers who provided support to her campaign were able to raise more than $4,000!

“I am most proud of the fact that we were able to speak about this issue to many people from different communities in this state and, in the end, provide enough money to fund food for over 20,000 meals,” she said.

When asked why she feels serving the community is important, particularly for youth, Anne Marie is quick to acknowledge that she feels leading by example is the best way to get others involved. “I have been able to witness firsthand that when adults see that young people are dedicated to their community, they are inspired to also get involved,” she said.

Thanks to the many ways service and philanthropy are promoted at the Mount, Anne Marie, herself, has been able to find inspiration among her peers during her time here. “Whether it’s Mercy Day, class time at a service site, or Robin Hood Days, the passion I see in my fellow classmates when volunteering is unbelievable,” she said. “I truly believe that this can inspire so many others to serve in similar ways.”

Congratulations on your well-deserved honor, Anne Marie. We are so proud of you!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Ashley H. ’19 knew there would be special guests attending her morning multimedia class on Thursday, Nov. 1. What she didn’t know was that she was the reason for their visit. Keith Caldarera with McLarty, along with crew members from KATV Channel 7, interrupted the class to present Ashley with one of the automotive group’s $2,500 McLarty Drives Education college scholarships.

MSM Director of Counseling Amy Perkins Owens nominated Ashley due to her leadership, service work, and outgoing personality. Among her many activities, Ashley is captain of the MSM Rockettes and a student athletic trainer, serves her class as vice president on Student Council, and volunteers at Camp Aldersgate – all while taking challenging advanced classes and working a part-time job.

“Her accomplishments are many and are a true testament to her abilities and her determination,” Mrs. Owens wrote in Ashley’s nomination. “Her truest success is internal, and what radiates is an amazing young lady with enormous potential.”

Ashley, who was completely shocked when Mr. Caldarera announced her name as the scholarship recipient, says she tries to be as involved as possible because she loves Mount and its community. “Winning this scholarship helps me see that Mount and its people love me back and want the best for me. I know once I leave Mount that they will continue to look after me every way they can,” she said. “And they do not just do it for me, but for every student who walks through these doors. This school is truly the best place I know of, and McLarty has made it even better.”

The McLarty Drives Education scholarship program awards students who demonstrate excellence both in the classroom and in the community. Students who display their drive for learning, compassion for others, as well as utilize their high-standing character in the community are nominated for the scholarship. Nine $2,500 scholarships are awarded to selected students, one each month of the school year.

Watch the moment Ashley is surprised with her college scholarship here.

Congratulations, Ashley! And thank you, McLarty, for recognizing well-rounded students like her and investing in young Arkansans’ futures!

Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.