Activities and Clubs

Gwynedd Girls describe life at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School as an experience unlike any other.
Instead of going to a school every day, they feel like the red and gold corridors of Gwynedd are their second home.

Clubs and Activities at Gwynedd are categorized into four different groups:
Councils, Music, Academic, and Recreational.

The list of Gwynedd's clubs and activities reflect interests of the student body which can vary each year. Clubs and activities are tiered based on levels of time commitment and activity anticipated for participants. If you don't see a club that suits your interests, you can start you own!

Councils

These clubs promote leadership development in varying levels of commitment
Open to all grade levels
Require heavy levels of commitment to create intensive projects and/or events

AAPI Alliance Club

Gwynedd Ambassadors

GWYNEDD AMBASSADORS / HOSTESSES

GOALS: Ambassadors and hostesses serve in leadership roles as representatives of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. They help demonstrate the mission of Gwynedd by exemplifying confidence and competence and a compassionate Mercy spirit. Ambassadors participate in various functions where prospective students and their parents gather. Their role is very important in providing information about our school and demonstrating that our students are our greatest asset.

ACTIVITIES: The role of Ambassadors and Hostesses is to support the Admissions Office by having prospective students shadow them for a day and by helping with the following events and initiatives: Open House, grade school visitations, high school nights, monthly 7th grader tours and Mercy Mania.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Kim Scott and Mrs. Angela Lawlor

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Diya Patel, Alexis Borelli, Natalie Plamondon, Lilly Sweeney

Diversity Club & Black Student Alliance

MEMBERSHIP is open to all students. Leaders are chosen each year and must apply for a leadership position.

GOALS: To work with the school community to increase awareness on issues of diversity and multiculturalism. The group’s efforts are aimed at promoting a community of tolerance and respect for all humanity.

MEETINGS: 2-3 times per month.

ACTIVITIES: The group will promote education and awareness through activities such as:

Discussion groups on specific topics
Movie nights with discussion hosting of multicultural celebrations
Interaction with neighboring schools’ diversity groups.

Diversity Club participates in various social service projects such as the Special Olympics event at Villanova University each year.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Caitlin Fasano and Ms. Anita Roberson

Affinity Groups:

2022-2023 Student Leaders of the Black Student Alliance: Aiden Arrington and Carli Amos

"Black Alliance club is an amazing new club this year! It offers a vital space for affinity and allyship. I have learned so much about Black culture and the importance of Black history in this club." - Calliope Beatty '25

L.E.A.D.

Mercy Effect

Ministry & Service

Ministry & Service at Gwynedd

Moderator(s): Mr. Stephen Fromhold

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Trinity Meehan & Kiera Webster

Mission: The spirit of a Mercy Girl is rooted in service. We show love and compassion to all those around us in an attempt to make the world a better place than how we found it. As Catherine McAuley put it best, "Let us take one day only in hands at a time. Resolve to do good today and better tomorrow."

The Monarch Impact Podcast

Monarch Media Productions

Moderator(s): Mrs. Caitlin Fasano Haug, Mrs. Jessica Fletcher, Ms. Anne Monsalve

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Claudia Pettinato, Sara Stoud, Kalie Mogg, Kiley McMahon, Ashley Kane, Elisa Edwards

"Being a part of the Monarch Media Productions team has been an incredible experience! As a member of the Mercy Magnet staff, I am able to write articles about topics that excite me, receive feedback on my writing, and see my work published on a real website! Our club leaders and moderators are amazing, and I am so thankful that I chose to join this club." - Lauren Ryan '25

PAL (Peer Advisory League)

MEMBERSHIP: All Freshmen are members of Peer Advisory League. Upperclass students are chosen each year to be leaders of each group.

GOALS: PAL is a peer mentoring program for all freshmen to help ease their transition to high school and integrate them socially and academically into the high school community.

ACTIVITIES: PAL first meets at the end of August for Connections Camp and continues to meet monthly to take part in group activities and discuss topics relevant to high school students. PAL participates in service activities throughout the year.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Monica Lapp, Mrs. Hartman, and Mrs. Lisa DeCicco

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Elisa Edwards, Sophia DeSantis, Gracelyn Parenti, Jacqueline McDonnell

Student Council

MEMBERSHIP: Students are elected by the student body. Each class selects its own class president and representatives. The entire student body elects the school president.

GOALS: The goal of the Student Council is to promote and strengthen cooperation between the student body and the school administration and faculty. Along with this goal, the Student Council members serve as the cohesive force of their respective classes, encouraging responsible membership from the Student Body, promoting discussion, conducting class meetings and acting as communicators for Administration and students.

ACTIVITIES: Student Council members promote spirit year round. They also function as the official hostesses of the school for assemblies, for Open House and for Entrance Test days. The Student Council selects an annual theme to call the students to spirit and cooperation. Members are responsible for reporting the results of meetings to the student body.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Kim Clearkin and Mrs. Jill Daly

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Emily Bilko, Beatrice Lemanowicz, Scarlett St. Clair, Elizabeth Romano

"I am thankful to be able to bring my classmates' ideas to the table and make their Gwynedd experience the best it can be!" - Dylan Burke '24

Student Stewards

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all students.

GOALS: Student Stewards is an energetic group that meets twice a month to learn about how the generosity of the Gwynedd community - alumnae, parents, and friends - impacts the student experience. From the inside the classroom to the athletic fields, the stage to the art center, each aspect has been made possible in some way through the support of the Gwynedd community. As a group, we are responsible to educate and encourage the philanthropic spirit among our classmates, family and Gwynedd community. Student Stewards are also responsible for writing thank you notes to donors and driving the student-focused campaign during One Week for GMA by advertising with flyers, posters, and videos; educating through morning and afternoon announcements and emails; collecting donations, etc.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Colleen Corace Connor

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Rose Mazzeo and Reiley Walsh

Performing Arts

The Gwynedd Performing Arts Department manifests itself in these clubs. From the all-inclusive Glee Club, to the highly selective Mercy Melismatics (A Cappella), these clubs vary in time commitment but offer many performance opportunities and are featured during liturgies, open houses, holidays, seasonal events, and the annual Arts Festival.

To learn more about performing arts opportunities at Gwynedd, visit our Performing Arts page!

Chorale

Chorale is a selective chorus requiring an audition for membership. This chorus is showcased at Candlelight in December, as well as the Arts Festival in the spring. Chorale occasionally participates in service events or external showcases. The group performed religious carols at St. Thomas Moore Parish in Cherry Hill, NJ in December of 2021.

Moderator(s): Mr. Michael Borton

Drama Club

Girls with Guitars

Glee Club

Jazz Band

Lights & Sound

LIGHTS & SOUND: Students in charge of theater tech for the fall musical and many other Gwynedd events such as liturgies, assemblies, concerts, and recitals. We work from the sound booth at the rear of the auditorium where we often provide many entertaining special effects involving sound and lighting. Our group is made up of freshmen through seniors and we’re always looking for additional sign-ups!

Moderator(s): Mrs. Trish Giangiulio

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Eleanor Jones

Liturgical Music

Mercy Melismatics (A Cappella)

Mercy Melismatics is our highly selective “a cappella’ group consisting of 12-14 members. Singers who are active participants in Glee Club and Chorale are eligible to audition for this group in the spring. The Mercy Melismatics perform for special occasions and events in and out of school throughout the year and serve as school ambassadors to the outside community.

Moderator(s): Mr. Michael Borton

Orchestra

Orchestra is our instrumental performance ensemble open to any student with previous instruction on a musical instrument. Students must be receiving private instruction on their instrument either in or outside of school. This group performs for our annual Candlelight and Arts Festival concerts.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Trish Giangiulio

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Victoria Starynski and Monica Buzzanca

"Orchestra has helped me learn more about music and continue my passion for violin." - Stevie MacDonald '26

Stage Crew

MEMBERSHIP: Any student is welcome to participate in Gwynedd’s stage crews, either in-house crew, the show crew or both.

Students who apply should have an interest in providing for the preparation of student assemblies and/or shows. They should be able to accept a high degree of responsibility. They derive great satisfaction from working with their hands through construction, painting, lighting, etc.

GOALS: The in-house crew serves the school by assisting in the light and sound set-up for assemblies, liturgies, Candlelight and special programs. The show crew works on set design and construction and light and sound coordination.

MEETINGS: Occasional formal meetings are called for communication purposes. Show crews work once or twice a week and Sunday afternoons and evenings during show production times. In the beginning the crew concentrates on set construction every Sunday. Eventually, they learn to run the actual show with the cast.

ACTIVITIES: Stage crew runs the annual fall production, Candlelight and assemblies. The in-house crew is on call during the school day.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Trish Giangiulio

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Catelin Blaszczynski

Tri-M Music Honor Society

Academic

Each of these clubs pertain to a different aspect of Gwynedd's academics; they all require a certain level of time commitment
Some require travel commitments
Opportunities may arise to participate in academic competitions

Academic Bowl

GOALS: Prepare for the annual academic competition against other Montgomery County high schools

ACTIVITIES: Play trivia and compete against each other in matches. Categories include: Literature, American History, Contemporary Events, World History, Science, and Potpourri

MEETINGS: twice a month

Moderator(s): Mrs. Susan Mitchell

2022 - 2023 Student Leader(s): Trinity Meehan & Eleanor Jones

Art Club

GOALS: The Art Club members use their interest and talent in art to create artistic projects and crafts. The club also creates objects, installations, and mural paintings that benefit the school and the community.

ACTIVITIES: Members spend time doing artistic activities and creating art projects. They work individually and sometimes as a group. Themes are usually holiday or season based and are designed by club leaders, our art scholarship students.

MEETINGS: Meetings will take place during Community Period on D Days

MEMBERSHIP: Art Club is open to all 9th and 10th grade students.

Moderator(s): Ms. Lisa Hohenstein

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Paige Jalosinski and Kristen Yezzi

Astronomy Club

Moderator(s): Mrs. Diane Buckius

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Zaara Abraham and Diya Patel

Mission/Activities: Astronomy club gives Gwynedd students the opportunity to learn more about astronomy while having a fun time with their classmates. Astronomy club allows Gwynedd Girls interested in astronomy to further their passion and knowledge of the subject. Astronomy club is perfect for students looking to deepen their knowledge of astronomy in a relaxed environment. The astronomy club gives club members a deeper understanding of astronomy through fun and interactive activities.

Environmental Club

Goal: To learn about the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concern “Care for the Earth.” To use that information to raise awareness about the environmental issues we face today. To use this awareness to help Gwynedd Mercy to become more environmentally friendly. To appreciate the environment and the creatures living in it.

Meetings: Once a cycle

Activities: Compost pile (creation and/or upkeep), obtain more recycling cans around the school, especially the cafeteria, decorate current recycling cans, discuss using recyclable or reusable plates and cutlery in the cafeteria, raise awareness of what is thrown away (plastic bags) with posters or assemblies, plant flowers and/or trees, pick up trash around the campus, care for the plants around campus, hold a recycled art competition and go on a hiking trip.

Moderator(s): Sister Patricia Donlin

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): London DiIorio and Abigail Szypula

"I like being in Environmental Club because we get to learn about the world around us and how to help it. We do fun activities such as VR experiences and trash clean ups." - Olivia Slamm '25

Girls Who Code

Health Club

GOALS: Our mission will be to guide fellow students toward healthy habits in all aspects of health – spiritual, mental, emotional, physical and social

MEETINGS: Once a cycle

ACTIVITIES: Traditionally members of the Health Club sponsor speakers during the week before the prom. Health Club customarily participates in or sponsors the following activities: Dodge Ball Tournament, Health Fair, Spa Day, Fit Feast, Great American Smoke Out, rock climbing, hiking and laser tag.

Health Club also sponsors:

Powder Puff Football
Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament
Operation Beautiful
Candy grams for Valentines Day
Health Fair
Pre-Prom Speaker
Mother/Daughter dinner and presentation
NEDA speaker
Social Media Awareness Week

Moderator(s): Mrs. Kate Tobias

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Brynn Ferns, Caroline Drakeley, Penelope Gilmore

Latin Club

MEMBERSHIP: For anyone interested in learning about the Latin language and the culture of the ancient Romans. Students do NOT need to take Latin. All are welcome!

GOALS: The club’s goal is to introduce students to the ways of Roman life through fun and interactive activities, and to encourage students to make connections between the lives of the ancient Romans and their own.

MEETINGS: Monthly

Moderator(s): Dr. David Kuyat

Mathletes

MEMBERSHIP: Varsity Mathletes is open to any student who has completed Algebra 2

GOALS: To increase and develop critical thinking and deductive reasoning through the solving of challenging mathematical problems.

MEETINGS: There are six interschool competitions. Students will travel to other schools for competitions, which are held on Monday afternoons. Practice session are scheduled before each competition.

MEMBERSHIP: JV Mathletes is open to all Freshmen and Sophomore students.

GOALS: To hone math skills and to build camaraderie between sophomore and freshmen math students.

MEETINGS: Once per cycle

ACTIVITIES: We engage in math “meets” at GMAHS on the same days that other diocesan and private schools have meets at their home schools. We all work on the same set of problems provided by a central coordinator.

JV Mathletes do math in a relaxing atmosphere, with treats to eat, and always beat the timer!

Moderator(s): Mrs. Rita Talley

Mock Trial

MEMBERSHIP: Open to any girl interested in learning about the legal system, or pursuing a career in law.

GOALS: Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to understand the roles played by lawyers and witnesses in criminal and civil trials.

MEETINGS: Weekly, E & F Days

ACTIVITIES: Students participate in the Montgomery County Bar Association's Mock Trial Competition. They receive a packet filled with case information, including witness affidavits and police reports. In February, they compete against local high schools at the Montgomery County Courthouse in a real-life trial situation.

Moderator(s): Mr. Andy Hopkins & Mrs. Bonnie Keagy P'24 (attorney advisor)

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Zoe Surratt, Laura Tereshko, Mia MacDonald

"I love mock trial because it has helped me become more assertive and confident." - Zoé Mackey '24

National Honor Society

MEMBERSHIP: Juniors who qualify by achieving a pre-determined grade point average are eligible to apply for National Honor Society membership. Applications are reviewed by the Faculty Council. Admission is based on Scholarship, Leadership, Service (students must demonstrate 25 hours of service over their first 2 ½ years at GMAHS) and Character.

GOALS: The goal of the McAuley Chapter of the NHS is to serve the school community through a tutoring program and other service projects that benefit the school and local community.

ACTIVITIES: Members are called upon to represent the school when the Principal deems it appropriate. The organization sponsors the annual induction ceremony, a volunteer peer tutoring program, and sponsors service project throughout the year to benefit the school and/or local community. Each year NHS members plan a group trip.

Moderator(s):

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Megan Myers, Hannah Griffin, Alexis Borrelli, Diya Patel

Pottery Club

GOALS: The Pottery Club members use their interest and talent in clay to create artistic projects and crafts.

ACTIVITIES: Members spend time hand-building and throwing on the pottery wheels. They work individually and sometimes as a group. Themes are usually holiday or season based and are designed by club leaders. Projects include low-fire and stoneware clay and glazes.

MEETINGS: Meetings will take place during Community Period on G days (except for the last G day of the month)

MEMBERSHIP: Pottery Club is open to all 11th and 12th grade students.

Moderator(s): Ms. Lisa Hohenstein

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Olivia Carlo and Megan Halstead

Psychology Club

Respect Life Club

MEMBERSHIP: Open to everyone.

GOALS: Our club is dedicated to living out the belief that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death and must be protected. Our goal is to promote awareness of various life issues such as abortion, chastity, and the dignity of life at all stages.

ACTIVITIES: A variety of activities such as the March for Life, Stand Up for Life Dinner, workshops, movies, speakers and any event or forum which foster a respect for life and a desire to defend.

Moderator(s): Ms. Judith Wilson & Ms. Elizabeth Williamson

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Gracelyn Parenti and Julianna Fayette

Rho Kappa (History Honor Society)

Robotics

Robotics Club – DPlex Robotics

MEMBERSHIP: Open to any student who wants to combine excitement with the rigors of coding and robotics. We need all types of talent from all types of girls! Bring your creativity, varied skills, and differences to the club.

ACTIVITIES: The Robotics Club seeks to get students engaged with computer programming and robotics. We build and program the robots to complete challenges or compete in games so that we can make coding and robotics, which can be really daunting, a lot of fun!

Moderator(s): Mrs. Melinda O'Neill

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Victoria Starynski

"Robotics is a really fun club to be in. You learn to code, get to drive robots, and more. All of the people are really nice and they all support you." - Kathryn Goettner '26

Signing Sisters Club

Membership: Open to all students who want to learn sign language to acquire new skills and spread awareness about the ASL community.

Meeting Frequency: First B Day of the month

Meeting Location: Lecture Hall

Club/Activity Goals: To learn signs in ASL through collaborative activities to spread awareness about the signing community. This club is a fantastic opportunity to learn a new/different way of communicating.

Club Moderator(s): Ms. Kimberly Naucodie

2022 - 2023 Student Leaders: Kristen Yezzi and Katherine Fighera

"In Signing Sisters, we learn ASL for everyday use. Every holiday, we celebrate by learning how to sign in celebration of the day." - Chloe Helenski '26

Spanish Club

Membership: Open to all students who are currently taking Spanish.

Activities: The Spanish Club gives the girls an opportunity to learn more about Hispanic cultures and customs throughout the world and to practice their speaking, writing, and listening skills all in the target language. We discuss and learn about different holidays, customs, and traditions of the Hispanic culture. We also incorporate tasty Spanish foods and popular Spanish music and dance into our meetings.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Christine Cheeseman & Mrs. Cristina Cimorelli

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Mia Hudak, Ava McCafferty, and Marlena Henkles

Speech & Debate

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all GMAHS students. Whether you like to read poetry, act out a scene from a play, write your own speech, or debate, or are interested in Congress, there is an event for everyone.

MEETINGS: Tuesdays at 3:15PM

ACTIVITIES: Students compete in weekend tournaments throughout the school year at various high schools and universities. There are local tournaments held at schools such as La Salle College High School and Saint Joseph's University. Additionally, students will travel to schools such as Princeton University in New Jersey and The Bronx High School of Science in New York to compete. Students compete to qualify in State and National tournaments.

Moderator(s): Ms. Danielle Greenberg

2022 - 2023 Student Leader(s): Ava Harvest & Mary Alice Meehan

"Speech and Debate is the kind of club that allows you to be yourself, but also to grow as a speaker and person." - Matilda French '25

STEM Club

Recreational

These clubs embody the diverse interests of the student body and require no experience and light time commitment. These are open to all students and offer opportunities to take a break from a vigorous academic day.

Alchemy Club

Animation Analysis Club

Book Club

Dance Club

GOALS: The mission of Dance Club is to provide a fun and interactive experience for all members, while teaching them various styles of dance. Dance Club will offer an educational atmosphere for students to learn to appreciate a variety of dance styles in an inclusive and non-judgmental environment.

ACTIVITIES: At each meeting, Dance Club will teach a new style of dance in a way that is instructional but also interactive for members. These styles might include hip hop, jazz, tap, salsa and much more. Dance Club will create a positive and inclusive environment for all members and will be a place for girls to enjoy time with friends and step outside of their comfort zones by learning new things. Dance Club will be represented at school functions to expose other members of the school community to the art of dance and help them to develop an appreciation for various dance styles.

MEETINGS: Monthly

Moderator(s): Mrs. Jill Daly and Mrs. Kim Clearkin

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Brynn Ferns and Lilly Sweeney

Flag Football

Foreign Film Club

Health Careers

Herstory

MEMBERSHIP: This club is open to all students interested in discovering more about History that what is covered in a traditional course.

GOALS: To provide interested students with an opportunity to experience history in a fun and hands-on manner. The club strives to promote a greater appreciation and understanding of the past.

MEETINGS: Monthly

ACTIVITIES: Students will engage in discussions and debates, visit historical sites, and organize projects in an effort to gain a better understanding of American history, and become more aware and engaged American citizens.

Moderator(s):

Investment Club

Jigsaw Puzzle Club

Knitting & Crocheting Club

Meditation and Mindfulness Club

Moderator(s): Ms. Kimberly Naucodie

2022-2023 Student Leaders: Claire Van Mater and Olivia Slamm

Goals: To teach students about meditation and mindfulness through fun, interactive activities. The club aims to provide students with strategies to destress and be more mindful of their surroundings.

"This club is a great way to have a few quiet moments in your day! I love the activities and guided meditations that the amazing leaders provide." - Catherine Baker '25

PRISM

Sewing Club

Spirit Club

MEMBERSHIP: Open to all students.

Team leaders should be Juniors or Seniors. Freshmen and Sophomores are encouraged to join.

GOALS: The team’s goal is to promote enthusiasm and support for those involved in all school activities, to heighten audience/student participation at games, performances, and other school events, to encourage student involvement in fund-raisers, and to broaden each student's appreciation of school spirit.

MEETINGS: Bi-monthly or as needed.

Moderator(s): Mrs. Caitlin Fasano

Tennis Club

Women Empowerment Club

GOALS: To raise awareness in our community concerning issues such as: human trafficking, girl's education rights, pop culture and women, media messages and body positivity. All of which that greatly affect girls worldwide.

ACTIVITIES:

Increase self-esteem and recognize personality development
Increase skills to take public action to prevent violence against women
Provide a healthier understanding of womanhood and femininity

Moderator(s): Mrs. Kate Tobias

2022-2023 Student Leader(s): Katherine Burgess and Kiley McMahon

Activities and Clubs

Gwynedd Girls describe life at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School as an experience unlike any other. Instead of going to a school every day, they feel like the red and gold corridors of Gwynedd are their second home.

Clubs and Activities at Gwynedd are categorized into four different groups: Councils, Music, Academic, and Recreational.

Summer at Gwynedd

Gwynedd Girls describe life at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School as an experience unlike any other.
Instead of going to a school every day, they feel like the red and gold corridors of Gwynedd are their second home.

Clubs and Activities at Gwynedd are categorized into four different groups:
Councils, Music, Academic, and Recreational.