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Big Win for Oratory and Debate Team

by cnewman

Wed, Oct 26th 2011 09:00 am

Mount Mercy Academy's Oratory and debate Team opened their season with a big win on Saturday, October 15 at the annual Mount Mercy Academy Invitational. Oratory and Debate, or Forensics, deals with various forms of public speaking, including debate, drama, interpretation and oratory. Competing against various schools from Buffalo and Rochester, Mount Mercy is the only female  team in Western New York. In addition, the Mercy team also travels to state and national competitions.

Special awards were presented in addition to team awards. Victoria Allen, Sarah Emmerling, Jenna Kersten, Isabella Spann and Katie Weaver placed first in their respective categories, while Janessa Cijigar and Julianna Diamond placed second. Seniors Emily Anderson and Samantha Ventura placed third in debate as did Olivia Tackas, Olivia Crawford and Joelle Wagner all placed third in their categories.

The team competes twice a month on Saturdays through the school year. This year's state tournament will be in Albany and the national competition will be held in Baltimore, MD.

"Mount Mercy has positively changed my life forever. Through the inviting community, I was able to grow as a woman, as a daughter, as a friend, and as a member of society. Throughout my time here I have gained an education in both academic areas and life in general through the school's ongoing efforts to educate students on gender inequality, racial injustice, and environmental crisis'. Furthermore, Mercy has given me the space to gain confidence that 4 years ago I never would have guessed I would have. Mount Mercy has helped me take that initial step toward becoming the strong woman of color I am today. At Mercy you are more than just a student, you are whoever you wish to be."

Melina Courtney

Class of 2022

"My future, success, and the ability to be an empowered woman in society come from Mount Mercy. My school is a strong foundation for my role in life. From attending Mount Mercy, I can say with confidence, that I will graduate with the mindset that I can accomplish anything. Mercy is my home and my sanctuary to be whoever I want. Mount Mercy has been bringing forth generations of strong intellectual women into the world, and I am more than honored to be one of them. Mercy teaches girls more than academics, but also about the world around us. As a mercy community, we give back to the world because it is our home. From my four years at Mercy, I have been educated on pushing for equality and peace and the understanding that there is no limit to what I can do. I have the confidence to go out in the world and make a difference because being a Mercy girl has given me that opportunity. "

Cassidy Reid

Class of 2022

"Mercy is more than just a school. Mercy is my second home and a shoulder to lean on. Mount Mercy has given me the confidence and resources to pursue my passions and make the world a more inclusive place, propelling me to take strides into male-dominated fields. Mercy blessed me with an environment to grow intellectually and in the community, giving me the foundation to make a tangible impact while making lifelong friendships."

Adrianna Awald

Class of 2022

College Acceptances

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