.png){kind=logo}
.png){kind=logo}
Academics
Signature Programs
Motto Senior Capstone
Empowering Seniors to Connect their Talents, Passions & Academic Interests
Mercy’s Motto Project empowers seniors to connect their talents, passions, and academic interests to a meaningful question or issue rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Women, Nonviolence, Racism, Immigration, and Earth.
This required two-semester project involves independent research, guided by a faculty/staff member, culminating in a substantial presentation. Additionally, each project includes an action component that helps students gain first-hand knowledge and real-world experience.
The Motto Project is a powerful demonstration of the Profile of a Graduate, showcasing how students embody the qualities of leadership, integrity, critical thinking, and a commitment to justice. By engaging with these values throughout their research and action, seniors demonstrate their readiness to live out Mercy’s mission in their personal and professional lives.
-
Motto Logo
The Motto Project allows students to demonstrate their research, analytical, and communication skills, making it a valuable intellectual experience. It serves as a meaningful culmination of a Mercy education, inspiring students to lead with integrity, act with purpose, and prepare for success in college, careers, and life.
-
Ada Cross: "Building a Pollinator Garden"
Critical Concern: Earth Waste Management. Ada built a pollinator garden at a local nature area which included weeding an old garden, breaking apart the hardened mulch, and spreading wildflower seeds. By refreshing an old garden, her hope is to encourage others to take action and help our pollinating species and wild spaces to flourish. "I have been a member of Green Team for four years which allowed me to recognize my love and care for the earth." -
Anna Carey: "Effects of City Parks on Society and the Environment"
Critical Concern: Earth Highland Park Conservancy. Anna created an information sheet about the history and benefits of Highland Park. Her goal was to educate as many people as possible about the park and show how they can become involved in improving this community treasure. "After attending a seminar on the beneficial effects of city parks, I wanted to apply it to our own beloved Highland Park." -
Ellie Murphy: "Women and Children in Poverty"
Critical Concern: Women Bethany House. Ellie organized and hosted a school supply drive for women and children living in poverty. With the help of her parish, Saint Louis, she collected over 4,000 school supplies and over $400, which was donated to Bethany House to help the residents and their children as they began their school year. "Not everyone has the luxury of starting the school year with new supplies. I wanted to change that for the children staying at Bethany House." -
Francesca Mezzio: "Who are you without Social Media?"
Critical Concern: Women a Change to Dance. Francesca held a fashion show for girls ages 5-11 at Sea Her Shine dance studio located in Pittsford. The girls selected outfits they already had at home; they could not purchase outfits. The homemade outfit was to impress upon the girls that they are all unique and being their best self is enough. "I hope to spread awareness to younger girls and their parents about the negative impact social media may have on their mental health." -
Gabriella Zocco: "Food Additives as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer"
Critical Concern: Women. For her project, Gabriella focused on how food additives can cause cancer. She volunteered at events with the Parkinson's Foundation and the Genesee County Agricultural Society where she taught people about clean food. "Ultra-processed foods are 52% cheaper than their healthier alternatives. That affects lower-income families and individuals who don't have the alternative to buy healthier so then they're automatically more likely to get breast cancer." -
Grace O'Connor: "Menstrual Equity and Period Poverty"
Critical Concern: Women. Grace focused on menstrual equity and period poverty for her project, and worked with the Red Party to donate more than 160 period packs to organizations throughout the community. "Women do not deserve to live with this injustice. Sanitary products are not a luxury, they are a necessary part of every female's life." -
Isabel Olena Ament: "Slava Ukraini Heroyam Slava: The War in Ukraine"
Critical Concern: Nonviolence RocMaidan. Isabel held a benefit concert raising $2,500. The money helped purchase medical supplies and pay for part of the next shipment to Ukraine from RocMaidan, a volunteer-based charitable organization located in Rochester. "One of my best friends died in a bombing in Ukraine. It is my hope to spread awareness and help others." -
Jenna Hahn: "Disparity in the RCSD"
Critical Concern: Racism IRONFit Gym and Rochester City School #23. Throughout the month of October 2023, Jenna raised funds by teaching workout classes at IRONFit Gym in East Rochester. She used the funds she collected to make Thanksgiving baskets for families of students at School 23 in Rochester. "I hope my actions influenced others to donate time or resources to those in need." -
Kristen Schulz: "How violence impacts education"
Critical Concern: Nonviolence. Kristen's project focused on the impact of violence on education. She volunteered with the Rochester Spinal Association where she spoke with people impacted by violence and RocMaidan where she worked to help send donations to Ukraine. "There are so many problems in schools that aren't really talked about because they're kind of overshadowed..." -
Lizzy Momot: "Eating Disorder Education, Prevention, and Support"
Critical Concern: Women the Healing Connection. Lizzy created a presentation for Mercy's Parent Association which explored the topic of eating disorders. Parents gained an awareness of the prevalence of eating disorders, discussed preventative measures, and learned supportive strategies to help those struggling. The information was also brought to Mercy's Wellness Center, giving students direct access. "I inspired my own journey of recovery, I sought an opportunity to help those silently struggling with disordered eating." -
Marli Simmons: "Upcycled Art"
Critical Concern: Earth Mercy's Arts Fest. With Mercy classmate Ava Benoit, Marli taught middle school students about the benefits of upcycling art. They collected plastic bottles and fashioned them into pots that the students could paint, highlighting the importance of plastic waste reduction as well as art therapy. "I wanted to find a way to combine my passion for art with my passion for environmental conservation." -
Sophia Chuang: "English Literacy and Immigration"
Critical Concerns: Immigration, Earth Local Libraries, English Teaching Program for Overseas Youth. Sophia collected discarded books from local libraries and donated them to various elementary schools in rural areas of Taiwan. Her hope was to inspire others to work for equal access to education. "As a first-generation immigrant, I wanted to take the opportunity to give back to the communities of my heritage that need it the most."
High School Signature Programs
Middle School Signature Programs
Discover More
Continue Exploring...
-
-
Photo Collage
Mercy Front Doors with Seniors
-
Photo Collage
Smiling Student 2
-
Photo Collage
Spiritual Life and Traditions Rose Mass2
-
Your Daughter Will Thrive at Mercy!
Begin the Journey Today.
.png){kind=logo}
Phone: 585-288-7120 | Fax: 585-288-7966 | Email: info@mercyhs.com
© 2026 Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women.