The Mount St. Mary Academy Class of 2023 received their diplomas and officially graduated from high school during this year’s Commencement Ceremony on Monday, May 22, at Robinson Center in downtown Little Rock. Per tradition, the young women wore white gowns and long gloves, and carried a single red rose, as they processed in through an audience of family members and friends and onto the stage.

The 100 graduates, admitted to nearly 100 colleges and universities, collectively received over $15.7 million in scholarship offerings and will be attending 35 different institutions of higher education across 16 states and two continents this fall. Additionally, this year’s graduating class completed nearly 10,000 hours of community service for the greater Little Rock community during its junior and senior years.

Msgr. Lawrence Frederick, affectionately known as Fr. Fred, delivered the commencement address. He encouraged the graduates to remain faithful and be mindful of their relationship with Jesus as they enter this next chapter of their lives because it would be the most important relationship.

Fr. Fred was introduced by Fourth Honor Graduate Caroline Dean. Fifth Honor Graduates Madeline Dalton, Kathryn Morris and Eliza Spellins offered the invocation, and Third Honor Graduate Anna Alyse Patterson presented the class essay. The valedictory address was given by First Honor Graduates Megan Denery and Erin Strickland.

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor presented the diplomas as MSM Head of School Sara Jones and MSM Assistant Principal Robin Johnson announced each graduate, her honors, and the college she will attend. The three were joined on stage by Theresa Goshen Hall ’78, Arkansas Catholic Schools superintendent, and Donna Chachere ’83, MSM Academy Board of Directors president-elect. The evening concluded with graduates singing the alma mater together one final time as a class.

View photos from this year’s Commencement Ceremony at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAEY2E.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! We celebrate you and look forward to seeing all you continue to accomplish as women of wisdom, compassion and integrity.

This year’s Robin Hood Days was once again a big success thanks to students’ hard work and creative can-collecting activities. The annual canned food drive collected a total of 78,031 cans and cash equivalent, which is the second largest amount in its nearly 50-year history. The results of the student-led drive, which benefits local organizations that provide meals for Arkansas families in need, were announced at the end of the school’s Thanksgiving Prayer Service on November 18.

“I was so excited to hear the results from this year’s drive,” exclaimed Anna Mammarelli ’23, student body president. “Robin Hood Days is my favorite MSM tradition because the passion and energy for feeding the poor is palpable. I love seeing Mount Girls join together to channel our unwavering spirit into a worthy cause, feeding deserving families for months.”

During the month-long drive, students collected cans and cash donations from family, friends and neighbors in addition to holding class-sponsored fundraisers like purchasing a raffle ticket for the chance to stick a pie in the face of your favorite teacher. Each class ultimately surpassed its individual goal of 10,0000 cans and cash equivalent before Robin Hood Days concluded. This year’s winning class was the senior class, which more than tripled its individual goal by collecting 33,052 cans. The freshman class came in second with 16,309 cans.

“This year the [can-collecting] ideas have been so incredibly creative, such as the freshmen’s root beer floats, the sophomores’ candy guessing game, the juniors setting up camp at Trader Joe’s, and the seniors’ raffle basket,” Anna said. “I’m most proud of the support that grades extend to each other, from sharing donation tactics to purchasing their goods, in order to help achieve our overall goal.”

For nearly 50 years, Robin Hood Days has helped provide food and monetary donations to local organizations, including Arkansas Foodbank, The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, Rice Depot, Union Rescue Mission, Jericho Way, Our House, OXFAM and Catholic Social Services, among others. It is estimated that more than 1 million canned goods have been collected by Mount St. Mary Academy since the event began in 1974.

“Our girls put forward so much effort for this event each year, and it’s always wonderful to see their hard work pay off,” said Cheri Martinka ’85, MSM social studies teacher and student council coordinator. “Robin Hood Days is an important way for us to help the students of Mount St. Mary Academy see the impact they can have on the lives of those in our community who are in need.”

View photos of the Mount St. Mary Academy community helping load donated canned goods into the vehicles of this year’s benefiting organizations at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAfPCZ.

Nearly 300 Mount St. Mary Academy alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends filled the McAuley Center gymnasium on Saturday, April 9, for Dinner Belles 2022: Belles in Blue Jeans. The biennial dinner and auction raised more than $110,000 for the school, including over $20,000 for tuition assistance alone during the event’s paddle raise at the end of the night.

Since its inception in 1985, Dinner Belles has been a special time for friends of Mount St. Mary Academy to enjoy an evening of camaraderie, good food, and friendly bidding. The event’s committee, chaired by MSM parent Deanna Hildebrand, worked tirelessly for months leading up to the April fundraiser to ensure a fun and memorable night for all in attendance. Inspired by its Western theme, guests at this year’s Dinner Belles enjoyed a barbecue meal catered by Corky’s Ribs & BBQ prior to the start of the live auction. Emmy Award-winning auctioneer Mark Schroeder added to the energy and excitement as the evening’s special guest emcee.

Mount St. Mary Academy wishes to thank everyone who helped make Dinner Belles 2022 such an incredible event. The school is especially grateful for the event’s many generous sponsors – including the presenting sponsor, CHI St. Vincent – and gift-in-kind donations.

Proceeds from Dinner Belles benefit the annual giving campaign at Mount St. Mary Academy, which supports tuition assistance, student programs, technology and facility improvements, faculty compensation, and more. This year marked the first time the nearly 40-year tradition has been held in person since 2018. It was postponed and then ultimately presented virtually in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

View photos from Dinner Belles 2022 at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzKo7d.

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.

Eighteen Mount St. Mary students, along with two staff members, spent February 23-26 touring a handful of college campuses in Texas during the school’s annual College Trip. The four-day road trip – which included visits to a total of seven universities in the Lone Star State – provided students with the opportunity to explore a variety of campuses, speak with school admissions representatives, and learn about some of the different postsecondary options that exist in the region.

“Despite the weather, we had a really great trip this year,” Whitney Smotherman ’03, MSM college counselor, said. “I think all of the girls really enjoyed getting a peek into college life and learning about the differences that exist from campus to campus. They left the experience with a better idea of what size, type, and overall culture they prefer for college.”

Melissa Angtuaco’s daughter, Gabriella ’23, participated in this year’s trip. She agreed the experience was a worthwhile one. “It really helped Gabriella understand what she is looking for in a college and what it means when you describe a college type, such as different campus settings and sizes – especially seeing firsthand the benefits and drawbacks of larger or smaller schools and the level of resources available,” she said. “It was a very useful trip and offered a great bonding experience with some classmates.”

The annual college trip ultimately aims to help Mount St. Mary students find success during the college search and application process by introducing them to the process before their senior year. “Visiting different types of colleges and universities prior to a student’s final year at Mount helps her narrow her college search, prepare for the application process, and understand the importance of her GPA and extracurricular commitments in high school,” Mrs. Smotherman said of the annual trip.

This year’s itinerary included visits to the following schools, all to which MSM students regularly apply and are accepted: Texas A&M University, Texas State University, St. Edward’s University, University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, and Texas Christian University. During the last trip in 2020, students visited campuses in Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

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 welcomed 18 alumnae back to campus to share useful advice and details about their career paths with current students at its annual Career Day on Friday, November 5. Students attended up to two sessions where they were able to hear from and ask questions of panels of alumnae representing various fields, including: business, communications, engineering, healthcare, law, non-profit, public service, religious life and the sciences.

First organized in 2015, Career Day is a collaborative effort of the Alumnae Office and Counseling staff. It represents one of the many ways that Mount St. Mary Academy encourages its students to explore their interests and passions as an extension of their academic program and, in the process, better understand themselves, their community and the world.

We appreciate all of the talented alumnae who volunteered their time as panel speakers this year. You are an inspiration to our young women and such wonderful representatives of your alma mater!

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.

The results are in, and this year’s Robin Hood Days total is (drumroll, please)… 48,892!

Our annual schoolwide canned food drive may have looked a bit different in 2020, but that didn’t stop our community from stepping up to ensure its success. Thank you to our MSM faculty, staff, families and friends – and especially our wonderful, resilient and service-minded students – who supported this year’s event. All donated food and money is being delivered to The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock and the Arkansas Foodbank for use during the upcoming holiday season. What a wonderful start to Thanksgiving break!

Congrats to each class for breaking its 8,750-can goal. Here are the 2020 totals:

– Freshmen – 10,148

– Sophomores – 12,188

– Juniors – 10,901

– Seniors – 15,655

– TOTAL – 48,892

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.

Thanks to a few creative can-collecting activities and some friendly class competition, Mount St. Mary Academy’s annual Robin Hood Days canned food drive recently collected more cans and cash equivalent than ever before in its 45-year history: 63,328! This year’s total beat last year’s record-breaking amount (53,090) by more than 10,000 cans. The student-led schoolwide drive benefits local organizations that provide holiday meals for Arkansas families in need.

“I seriously could not be more proud to be a part of Mount and the school’s efforts to serve others,” said Sarah Johnson ’20, MSM student body president and four-year student council member. “It has been an honor to be able to participate in Robin Hood Days with such an extraordinary group of girls, and I am beyond proud to know that our efforts will help feed others in the community.”

Over the four weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break, students collected cans from family, friends and neighbors in addition to holding fundraisers like “We CAN Wednesday,” “Beans for Jeans” and “Free Dress Friday” spirit days. As extra incentive, students were also promised early dismissal days for meeting their individual class goals as well as beating last year’s record. Each grade level ultimately surpassed its individual goal of 8,750 cans and cash equivalent four days before the drive concluded on Friday, November 22. This year’s winning class was the senior class, who more than doubled their individual goal by collecting an astounding 21,343 cans. The freshman class came in second with 14,280 cans.

“I am incredibly proud of our girls this year; they always outdo themselves in generosity, hard work and creativity,” Noël Gieringer, MSM English teacher and student council sponsor, said. “I see this whole canned food drive as an example of our Mercy Value of excellence, along with our concern for the poor.”

For nearly 50 years, Robin Hood Days has helped provide food and monetary donations to local organizations, including Arkansas Foodbank, Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, Rice Depot, Union Rescue Mission, Jericho Way, Our House, OXFAM and Catholic Social Services, among others. It is estimated that more than 1 million canned goods have been collected by Mount St. Mary Academy since the event began in 1974.

“While we are all so fortunate here at Mount, we still need to give back to the community, which is something Mount has been teaching us since day one of freshman year,” Sarah said. “We get an opportunity to be the physical embodiment of Jesus and live out his mission to serve others. It is something really beautiful to watch and experience.”

View photos of Mount St. Mary students helping load donated canned goods into the vehicles of this year’s benefiting organizations at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJxkhzM.

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.

Nearly 50 MSM alumnae from near and far shared useful advice and details about their career paths with current students at Mount St. Mary Academy’s annual Career Day on Thursday, November 14. Students attended up to two sessions where they were able to hear from and ask questions of panels of alumnae representing various fields: the arts, business, communications, education, engineering, finance, healthcare, information technology, law, non-profits, public service, religious life and the sciences.

First organized in 2015, Career Day is a collaborative effort of the Alumnae Office and Counseling staff. It represents one of the many ways that Mount St. Mary Academy encourages its students to explore their interests and passions as an extension of their academic program and, in the process, better understand themselves, their community and the world.

We appreciate all of the talented alumnae who volunteered their time as panel speakers this year – including those who participated via video conference from California, Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin and even France. You are an inspiration to our young women and such wonderful representatives of your alma mater!

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.

The Class of 2019 graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy during the Commencement Ceremony held Monday, May 20, at Robinson Auditorium in downtown Little Rock. The 122 graduates, accepted to more than 100 colleges and universities, collectively received over $14 million in scholarship offerings and will be attending 40 different colleges and universities across 17 states this fall. Additionally, this year’s graduating class completed 13,386 hours of community service for the greater Little Rock community during its junior and senior years.

Cathy Hastings Owen ’76, chairman of Eagle Bank & Trust, delivered the commencement address. She encouraged graduates to recognize and take advantage of the vast array of opportunities in front of them – both big and small – and to lead with kindness and humility. “As women today, you can do and be anything you want to be,” she said. “Believe in yourself. Find your unique superpower. But never compromise your ethics, name or integrity.”

Ms. Owen was introduced by Fourth Honor Graduate Sophie Bravo and Fifth Honor Graduate Ashley Suffridge. Fifth Honor Graduates Madison Perreault and Annie Quo offered the invocation, and Third Honor Graduate Sophie Chier presented the class essay, “Those Who Dare.” The salutatory address, “The Highest Appreciation,” was given by Second Honor Graduate Anna Kate Manchester, and First Honor Graduate Angel Sagardui delivered the valedictory address, “Shoot for the Moon.”

Monsignor Francis I. Malone, chancellor for ecclesial affairs for the Diocese of Little Rock and pastor at Christ the King Church, presented the diplomas as MSM Principal/CEO Karen Flake ’65 announced each graduate and the college she will attend. They were joined on stage by Angie Collins, MSM principal; Theresa Hall ’78, superintendent of Catholic schools; and Greg Hartz, MSM Academy Board of Directors chairman.

The Class of 2019 leaves Mount St. Mary Academy with diplomas in hand and mixed feelings of joy, anticipation, sadness and gratitude. In the spirit of its class song, “I’ll Always Remember You” by Miley Cyrus, this year’s graduates will remain tied by the moments they shared together at the Mount – “memories they’ll hold in their hearts forever” – which will serve as the foundation and inspiration for continuing to live Mercy beyond the gate of Mount St. Mary as women of wisdom, compassion and integrity.

View photos from the beautiful celebration at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmDsSon8.

Congratulations, Class of 2019! “The best school we know of” couldn’t be more proud of you, and we are excited to see all that you continue to accomplish.

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.

It was a day full of celebration, joy and sadness as Mount St. Mary honored and bid farewell to the Class of 2019 on May 3, the seniors’ last day of school. In honor of College T-shirt and Skirt Day, a relatively new tradition at the Mount, excited seniors arrived for their final day on campus wearing college tees along with the iconic MSM houndstooth skirts decorated with the mascots, symbols and colors of the colleges they’ll be attending this fall. The group enjoyed showing off the creative and colorful attire, and taking pictures with each other and their younger classmates, during the festive all-school Pizza on the Plaza lunch.

The Closing Prayer Service was held later in the day in the McAuley Center gymnasium. After parting words from teachers, administration, classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022, as well as from their peers, the Class of 2019 took part in the fourth and final tradition experienced by all students at Mount St. Mary: the presentation of the graduation tassels. Students receive their Mercy cards in 9th grade, Mercy pins in 10th grade and class rings in 11th grade. The graduation tassels presented at the end of the students’ final year at Mount mark the completion of their academic and spiritual development during the four years of high school.

As it does at most school gatherings, the singing of the alma mater served as the closing song for the service. Per tradition, the seniors alone sung the last verse before exiting the McAuley Center through an honor guard made up of Mount St. Mary faculty and staff. The special procession served as the bookend to the seniors’ experience. The class walked through an honor guard of students as freshmen being welcomed into the MSM community during the Opening Prayer Service at the beginning of their ninth grade year. This is the only other time during the school year the honor guard takes place.

Though joyful as they move on to an exciting new chapter of their lives, the senior class shared tearful embraces on their final day of school as they reminisced on the good times and wonderful memories that were shared together at the best school we know of.

“Good-bye to St. Mary’s, the best school we know of.

You’ve given us friendship and knowledge and love.

And though we’ll be leaving, we’ll always believe in

the things you’ve taught for you’ve still got our loyalty.”

 – Alma Mater of Mount St. Mary Academy

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.

Approximately 50 MSM alumnae returned to their alma mater on Friday, Feb. 22, to share details about their career paths with current students, and provide helpful advice, at Career Day 2019. Students attended up to two sessions, where they were invited to hear from and ask questions of panels of alumnae representing a variety of different fields, including the arts, business, communications, education, engineering, healthcare, law, non-profit, public service and religious life.

First organized in 2015, Career Day is held each February as a collaborative effort of the Alumnae Office and Counseling staff. It represents one of the many ways that Mount St. Mary Academy encourages its students to explore their interests and passions as an extension of their academic program and, in the process, better understand themselves, their community and the world.

We appreciate all of the talented alumnae who volunteered their time as panel speakers this year, traveling from as far away as New York and conducting one session from Washington, D.C., via Google Meet. You were an inspiration to our young women, and we enjoyed having you back at the Mount!

View some of the highlights of Career Day 2019 at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmvSYFQu.

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 celebrated Founders Day on Tuesday, February 5. The special day marked 168 years since the Sisters of Mercy first opened the doors to what was originally known as St. Mary’s Academy in 1851, at the request of Arkansas’ first Catholic bishop, Andrew Byrne. Recognized as the state’s oldest educational institution in continuous operation, and the second oldest of the secondary schools operated by the Sisters of Mercy worldwide, Mount St. Mary Academy has been providing Mercy education to young women in Arkansas ever since.

As part of the celebration, the Mount St. Mary Academy community gathered in the McAuley Center for its annual Founders Day and Sophomore Pin Mass. As students entered the gymnasium, the “Angelus Bell” rang out 168 times in honor of the school’s 168-year history. The bell was given to the Sisters of Mercy by Bishop Byrne at the school’s first location in downtown Little Rock. During the special all-school Mass, the members of the Class of 2021 participated in the tradition of receiving their Mercy pins, which serve as reminders to the students to live the Mercy values in their everyday lives.

In addition to the Founders Day and Sophomore Pin Mass, Mount St. Mary Academy hosted its first-ever Day of Giving in honor of the school’s birthday. More than $22,000 in donations was received during the 12-hour fundraising event on February 5, which more than doubled the day’s original $10,000 goal. The gifts support Mount St. Mary Academy’s educational programs and services, and assist with continuing to make quality Mercy education available to young women in Arkansas.

The celebration will continue next Friday, February 15, when the school hosts its second annual Belles Birthday Bingo. Parents, alumnae, faculty and staff, volunteers and friends are invited to an evening of fun benefiting the Belle Booster Club, which supports student programs and activities at Mount St. Mary Academy. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the MSM cafeteria. Additional details and ticket information may be found here.

Happy birthday to the best school we know of!

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.

The Mount St. Mary community will celebrate Founders Day on Tuesday, February 5. The special day marks 168 years since the Sisters of Mercy first opened the doors to what was originally known as St. Mary’s Academy in 1851. Recognized as Arkansas’ oldest educational institution in continuous operation, Mount St. Mary Academy has been providing Mercy education to young women in Arkansas ever since.

In honor of Founders Day, and inspired by the spirit of Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley, Mount St. Mary Foundation is hosting its first-ever Day of Giving. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on February 5, Foundation staff members, along with MSM faculty and staff volunteers, will be available in the school’s entry foyer to take donations for “the best school we know of” – in person, over the phone or online – with the goal of raising $10,000 by the end of the day.

Melissa Stiles, MSM director of donor giving and Class of 1989 alumna, has led the efforts behind organizing this exciting addition to Founders Day and looks forward to the entire school community’s support. “February 5 is not only our Founders Day, but our first-ever Day of Giving. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our founders and this outstanding school by contributing to our future,” she said. “It’s my hope that anyone connected to the school – students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and families and friends of the Mount – will feel encouraged to participate,  no matter the size of the gift.”

Those interested in making a gift on Founders Day may do so by calling (501) 664-8006 or stopping by Mount St. Mary Academy between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5. Donations will also be accepted online. An incentive for students to get involved, the class who raises the most money during Founders Day will win a breakfast catered by Chick-fil-A later this year.

In addition to the new activities associated with the inaugural Day of Giving, the annual Mount St. Mary Academy Founders Day and Sophomore Pin Mass will also be celebrated on February 5. During this special all-school Mass, the Class of 2021 will participate in the tradition of receiving their Mercy pins. These pins serve as reminders to the students to live the Mercy values in their everyday lives.

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.

Approximately 300 students on forensics teams from junior high and high schools across central Arkansas will fill Mount St. Mary Academy’s classrooms, hallways and cafeteria on Saturday, February 1, when the MSM Forensics Team hosts its second annual Forensics Festival.

The Forensics Team, comprised of nearly 30 students from all grade levels at Mount St. Mary, has been hard at work preparing for this year’s tournament with the goal of making it even more successful than the inaugural event held in 2018. If the number of entries is any indicator of the event’s potential for success, then the group will likely realize its goal. This year’s Forensics Festival has received 501 entries – nearly double last year’s amount!

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Forensics Team; proceeds from entry fees and concessions sales help cover expenses incurred throughout the busy competition season. However, according to MSM speech and drama teacher Jenny Moses, organizing a tournament like the Forensics Festival also provides students with additional opportunities to gain valuable leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.

“I love watching the confidence and poise these ladies develop in forensics, and I see a new side of this as they host other schools on campus,” Ms. Moses said.

In addition to competing, the Forensics Team will be responsible for handling several hosting duties throughout the day of the tournament, from hospitality and customer service to registration, concessions and clean-up.

“The Forensics Festival is such an exciting event for the MSM Forensics Team,” team captain Karina S. ’19 said. “It teaches us so much about teamwork, and what a good work ethic looks like.”

Though she admitted it feels a bit strange to go from simply competing to managing all the behind-the-scenes work at a tournament, Karina is looking forward to hosting. “It’s really fun when our friends from other schools get to see what our campus is like,” she said.

Ten schools, including Mount St. Mary, are scheduled to compete in the single-day Forensics Festival. Events will include dramatic interpretation, humorous interpretation, duo interpretation, oratory, informative speaking, impromptu, prose, poetry, storytelling and improv. The competition also offers two thespian events, solo musical and duet musical, for high school participants. As an officially sanctioned event by the Arkansas Activities Association, participants will be able to qualify for the Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association’s Arkansas Forensic and Debate State Championship in April at the Mount St. Mary tournament. Several members of the MSM Forensics Team have already qualified for the state competition at previous tournaments this season.

Good luck, Forensics Team, and best wishes for a fun and successful Forensics Festival!

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.

Equipped with knowledge, our graduates leave with confidence, courage, motivation and drive.  Like Catherine McAuley, they are fierce pioneers, passionate about making a difference in their communities and the world. – Mount St. Mary Academy Vision Statement

On Tuesday, January 8, a Mount St. Mary alumna returned to her hometown from Washington, D.C., as a diplomat for the nation’s lead foreign affairs agency. Special Agent Star Hy, who graduated from the Mount in 1997 and currently works for the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, visited her alma mater to speak with students about her rewarding career path, exciting experiences abroad, and the work of the State Department.

In sharing her story and accomplishments, Ms. Hy shed light on diplomacy as public service and introduced young women to the Foreign Service as a possible career path. “There are many ways to serve your country, but I think one of the outstanding options is working for the State Department,” she said. “It is an amazing career and an amazing experience.”

In addition to getting to see different parts of the world and gain valuable life experiences while being exposed to different cultures, Ms. Hy acknowledged that her work was very fulfilling, as well. “Not only do I love my job, but everyone I work with loves their job, and that’s an amazing situation to be in,” she said.

Ms. Hy, who majored in systems engineering at West Point, encouraged students to consider degrees in STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – if they are interested in pursuing a career in foreign affairs. “You need three things to be successful in this job: leadership, which you gain [at the Mount], character and integrity, and you need to be a problem solver,” she said. “Being in STEM fields is going to show that you’re a problem solver, and right away it’s going to get you a leg up.”

Ms. Hy joined the Bureau of Diplomatic Security in 2009. Her initial work involved conducting criminal and administrative investigations for the State Department in Washington, D.C., as well as providing physical protection for the Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries. Ms. Hy most recently completed a two-year assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, one of the largest U.S. embassies in the world, where she investigated U.S. visa and passport fraud allegations. Her next assignment will take her overseas to the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo.

Before joining the State Department 10 years ago, Ms. Hy served as a senior intelligence analyst for the Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. She also served five years active duty in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and is a major in the Military Intelligence branch of the U.S. Army Reserves. In addition to her undergraduate degree from West Point, Ms. Hy holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University as well as master’s degrees in management and strategic intelligence from Troy University and the National Intelligence University, respectively.

Ms. Hy’s visit was part of the State Department’s Hometown Diplomats Program, in which diplomats visit educational, civic and local organizations in their hometowns to share information about the State Department’s work and why it’s important.

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.

The Mount St. Mary Academy Concert Belles will sing in two performances of Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Spectacular at Robinson Performance Hall this month, continuing a tradition the celebrated choral ensemble has taken part in since 1997. The Concert Belles will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, and again at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9.

This year marks the 40^th anniversary of Ballet Arkansas’ treasured holiday production in Central Arkansas and will feature more than 250 local children and adults, two choral ensembles, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. For ticket information, visit www.balletarkansas.org.

Following the Nutcracker performances, the Concert Belles and the Harmony Belles will present their annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. at Catholic High School’s Auditorium. The event is free.

When life calls, listen. That’s the simple message Kathy Izard, award-winning author and motivational speaker from North Carolina, shared while discussing her faith journey with Mount St. Mary Academy’s theology classes during her visit on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Kathy’s journey, detailed in The Hundred Story Home: A Memoir of Finding Faith in Ourselves and Something Bigger, is an inspirational one. In 2007, after reading Ron Hall and Denver Moore’s Same Kind of Different As Me, she pursued what she calls a “whisper” that changed the course of her life. Kathy quit her successful career as a graphic designer to join the staff of Charlotte’s Urban Ministry Center, where she’d been volunteering for 10 years, and help launch the pilot program Homeless to Homes – a decision that led to her instrumental role in bringing about much-needed transformation in the areas of homelessness, housing and mental health in Charlotte.

The nearly 150 students in attendance were encouraged to listen for similar types of whispers throughout their lives. Kathy’s story demonstrated to them how those pesky thoughts one can’t seem to rid his or her mind of could actually hold the power to help awaken one’s true calling. “Pay attention to what won’t leave you,” she said. “Trust the whisper.”

During their time together, Kathy also shared with students sentiments mirroring the Mercy values that so distinctly permeate campus life at Mount St. Mary. Explaining that her father had raised her to believe that everyone has a responsibility to “do good” in this world, she discussed the importance of “faith in action” and challenged students to be kind and compassionate, and to seek ways to make a difference in their homes, school and communities. “The holiest thing we can do is help one another,” she said.

Kathy’s memoir has been featured on NPR and inspires people to be changemakers in their communities. She is the recipient of a Christopher Award, the Bank of America Neighborhood Hero Award, and the North Carolina Housing Coalition Volunteer of the Year Award, and recognized as a Clinton School of Public Service Distinguished Guest Lecturer.

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 students spent the past four weeks collecting canned food items and cash donations from family, friends and neighbors as part of the school’s annual Robin Hood Days drive benefitting organizations that help the hungry and homeless in Arkansas. Thanks to their incredible efforts, and a little bit of class rivalry, this year’s drive collected 52,778 canned goods and cash equivalent – shattering its goal of 35,000 and beating last year’s impressive total by nearly 1,100.

“I am very proud to be a part of a school that is such a shining light for service and humility in our state,” MSM Student Body President Sophie C. ’19 said. “These food and money donations will go to many worthy organizations in central Arkansas … and it will help the many unfortunate food-insecure people in our state to have a substantial meal for the holiday season.”

Jennifer M. ’19, MSM Senior Class President and four-year student council member, echoed her classmate’s sentiments. “I am so grateful I chose to come to Mount St. Mary, and I honestly think that this is the best tradition we have. I love how it becomes a healthy competition between the grades while having an amazing impact on our community. It is amazing to see how a group of 500 girls can come together to raise over 50,000 cans!”

Each class met its individual goal of 8,750 cans and cash equivalent well before the drive concluded on Friday, Nov. 16. The senior class, which nearly doubled their individual goal, earned bragging rights by collecting the largest amount of cans this year: 17,034.

“I am so proud of the girls’ diligent efforts towards Robin Hood Days this year,” exclaimed Ms. Noel Gieringer, MSM English teacher and student council sponsor. “This project is one of my favorite traditions from my time as a student, and it is so rewarding to see my own students carry on this amazing legacy at MSM.”

For more than 50 years, Robin Hood Days has helped provide food to local organizations, including Arkansas Foodbank, Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock, Rice Depot, Union Rescue Mission, OXFAM and Catholic Social Services, among others. Watch a brief video, created by students in Mrs. Burkhead’s Multimedia class, to learn more about this long-standing tradition and its impact on our community. You can also view photos of MSM students, faculty and dads helping to count and load all the donated canned goods for some of this year’s benefitting organizations at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmtJhMRa.

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.

Career Day 2018 welcomed 45 alumnae of the school to visit with our current students about their professional expertise and career paths. Students attended up to two sessions, where they were invited to hear from and ask questions of panels from a variety of different fields, including health care, arts, business, education, finance, law, information technology, and engineering. Careers and ministry in nonprofit, public service and religious life offered additional insight into life choices to help people through service.

Thank you to all of our “Mount girls” who volunteered as 2018 panel speakers, traveling from as far away as California and conducting the IT session via Skype. Many of the alumnae shared the same sentiment: Mount St. Mary taught them to give back and they wanted to give back to their alma mater and its current students.

Mount St. Mary Career Day is held each February as a collaborative effort of the Counselors and Alumnae Office. Career Day is one way that Mount St. Mary Academy encourages students to explore their interests and passions as an extension of their academic program and in the process better understand themselves, their community and the world.

photo by Caty Nosal, MSM yearbook

The Mount St. Mary Academy Class of 2018 celebrated their “graduation” to the senior class at Junior Take Over Day (JTOD) 2017: Senior Circus. The mimes, animals, cotton candy, ring leaders and plenty of clowns gathered before school to have breakfast together and decorate their cars and the school with signs to “Step Right Up to the Senior Circus.”

View photos from Junior Take Over Day:

https://flic.kr/s/aHskVC6TSp

The fourth biennial Mercy & Me Luncheon was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at the Statehouse Convention Center downtown. The signature event was created by Mount St. Mary Academy as an opportunity for alumnae, friends and family to celebrate Mercy-inspired leadership in Little Rock and beyond — from the proud mother to the business professional to the community leader.

The speaker for the luncheon was Linda Rowe Thomas—celebrity fashion designer, burn survivor and inspirational speaker. Mrs. Thomas’ keynote address told the story of her accident and her mother’s faith and encouragement throughout her ongoing recovery process, and she spoke about self-acceptance and opening herself to God’s love and plan for her life.

Prior to the luncheon, Mrs. Thomas addressed the student body in the Mount St. Mary McAuley Center, where students modeled designs from her fashion line, Romás by Linda Rowe Thomas, as well as fashions by David’s Bridal and Proposals.

Mount St. Mary Academy has the distinct honor of being the only all-girls secondary school in Arkansas. And throughout its 166-year history, the Mount remains a dignified, stately testimonial to the unceasing labors of the Sisters of Mercy and the more than 20,000 graduates who have emerged from the school stronger in wisdom, compassion and integrity.

Click here to see a video of the keynote address by Linda Rowe Thomas:

[https://youtu.be/u8yY_L1P9sc]

View photos from the event:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mtstmary/albums

Free tuition at Mount St. Mary Academy for one year.

That’s what the first-ever Tuition Raffle offered parents of current students and 8th graders planning to attend Mount St. Mary Academy next year. The raffle, presented by the Mount St. Mary Belle Booster Club, was kicked off during Catholic Schools Week in January to raise funds for student activities at Mount St. Mary Academy.

The Bray family was the winner of the full year of tuition to be applied to the 2017-2018 school year. The drawing  was held on April 26 at the Mercy & Me student program. Thank you to all the families who participated in the tuition raffle to support extracurricular programs for MSM students!