Graduation

Students and their mother or a special woman in their life are invited to attend the Mother-Daughter Liturgy and Brunch on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 10:00am. Mass will begin at 10:00am in the Performing Arts Center at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School followed immediately by brunch at Manufacturers Country Club. Please our Parent Relations page to register by April 30.

Event attire should be church-appropriate, meaning a dress or dressy -casual. Please be mindful of your necklines and hemlines. Bare midriffs and flip-flops are not permitted.

The May Liturgy/ Senior Retreat/ Alumnae Induction Reception on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 will include a morning prayer service. The seniors participate in a class retreat that includes an Alumnae Association Luncheon Induction and Tea beginning at noon. Alumnae Mothers and Alumnae Grandmothers are invited for lunch. All parents are welcome to join the class at 1 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center for the Alumnae Induction Ceremony.

Event attire should be church-appropriate, meaning a dress or dressy -casual. Please be mindful of your necklines and hemlines. Bare midriffs and flip-flops are not permitted.

Graduation practices will be May 28, May 29, May 30 and May 31.

Students should bring their white graduation shoes so we may arrange the girls correctly in line and on stage according to height. Everyone is expected to attend each practice.

Practice will begin at 8:30am each day. Practice is estimated to conclude by 1pm. Attire is casual for practice on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Practice days will include:

• Baccalaureate Mass
• Graduation
  • Graduation song
  • Procession
  • Acceptance of medals and diplomas

Baccalaureate Mass is the spiritual culmination of students' four years at Gwynedd Mercy Academy. This is the last time the class will have the opportunity to make a statement to each other and their parents, and pray for their future health, happiness, and success. Baccalaureate Mass will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 7:00pm in the Performing Arts Center.

Event attire should be church-appropriate, meaning a dress or dressy -casual. Please be mindful of your necklines and hemlines. Bare midriffs and flip-flops are not permitted.

Parents, you are a special part of this night. Please know that you and family members are invited. No tickets are required for this event. The Mothers’ Club will host a Baccalaureate Reception for students and their family members in the Gym, immediately following Mass.

On Friday, May 31, 2019 at 9:00 a.m., President, Mrs. Denise Marbach '72, Principal, Ms. Mary Kirby and Dean of Academics, Ms. Anne Casavecchia will lead the Class Day Ceremony highlighted by special awards and scholarships. Parents are invited to this event. Following Class Day, students will have one final practice for graduation.

Class Day is a special day and girls are expected to dress up.

Graduation is Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 9:30am. Graduation is a formal ceremony; students are representing graduates of the Academy originated by the Sisters of Mercy and the girls' dresses signify the celebration of their academic success.

Graduation dresses should reflect the modesty of youth. Dresses must be “summer” white (not “winter” white or ivory,) ankle length, and may not have a train. This means:

• No deep cleavage or bare backs
• Strapless dresses are not permitted
• Refrain from sequins on the dress, as they catch and reflect stage lights.
• Consider a slip if the dress is not lined because of the stage lighting.

Each girl must have formal white shoes (classic pumps are appropriate) and arm length white gloves. Some girls choose to wear flowers in their hair. Please keep in mind that a ribbon (approximately 16”) with graduation medal must be able to fit over their head.

Professional photographers/videographers will be covering the ceremony. Parents and attendees may take pictures from their seats but will not be permitted to move around the auditorium during the ceremony. Photographer will disseminate flyers with information for online viewing and purchasing.

Awarded to “the student demonstrating extraordinary leadership, scholarship, and character.” Mother Mary Bernard was responsible for moving the Academy of the Sisters of Mercy from Broad Street in Philadelphia to the present campus in Gwynedd Valley in 1947 when it was renamed Gwynedd Mercy Academy.

Awarded to the student who demonstrates school spirit in all venues of school life (student government, ministry and service athletics and extracurricular activities, academics). Karen (daughter of an alumna in the 1930’s) was an amazing young woman with a debilitating congenital disease that affected growth and caused mobility problems. She died in 1963. She was known for her school spirit, and attended sporting events to cheer on teams. An alumna was quoted: her disability “never distracted from or destroyed her spirit of Mercy.” She was known for amazing courage of spirit and dedication to GMAHS.

Awarded to the student who leads by example of her service to others (ministry and service activities, “behind the scenes” help to teachers and moderators, in every day interactions with peers). Sister Mary Loyola was the plants/grounds manager for Gwynedd when it was part of the college campus, Byrne Hall. This award was extended to recognize her great service to the school as she managed all the details with regard to running the maintenance of the school in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Sister died in 1959.

Awarded to the young woman who demonstrates these characteristics throughout her daily work and activities at GMAHS. Michele loved being a student at GMAHS and being involved in activities, especially the school musicals. (She was a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz!) Her love of GMAHS and life was cut short as she suffered from leukemia. She died in her junior year in 1985. There is a plaque in her honor on the school grounds.

Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest average of all subjects combined over four years of study. The student achieving the second highest general average over four years of study receives Honorable Mention.

Awarded to the student who has achieved the highest general average in a discipline (Art, English, French, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Spanish, Science, Theology) over four years of study. The student achieving the second highest general average over four years of study receives Honorable Mention.