Mount Mercy Academy had its annual fourth quarter honors assembly last week. Students were recognized for their contributions to the music department and other school organizations.  Highlighting the assembly was the announcements by the guidance department of the members of the junior class who were awarded scholarships to specific colleges and national organizations.  The students will be awarded a scholarship to that college, contingent on the student's attendance at that school.  Nominations are based on numerous factors, such as academic achievements, leadership qualities, community involvement and standardized test scores, as well as faculty recommendations.

                The University of Rochester's George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award was presented to Alyssa Lickfeld of Buffalo.  The award is given to a junior who displays strong leadership skills, is receiving excellent grades in a challenging curriculum, and participates in and shows dedication to varied, extensive, and time-consuming extracurricular activities.

                Kathleen Collopy of Buffalo was given the University of Rochester's Xerox Award for Innovative and Information Technology. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and an appreciation for the possibilities of technology.

The University of Rochester's Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award was awarded to Madeline Szwed of Cheektowaga. The award is presented to a student for her outstanding academic achievement and superior intellectual promise in the field of science. 

                Grace Willert of West Seneca was the recipient of the University of Rochester's Frederick Douglass & Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and the Social Sciences, This award recognizes a student who demonstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues and is dedicated to continuing her unfinished life's work.  Equal emphasis on study, community action, and dialogue is encouraged. 

            Clarkson University recognizes high school juniors that demonstrate strong leadership qualities, outstanding academic achievement, have made positive contributions to our school and community, and have expressed an interest in the fields of science, engineering, or business. Allison Mazurkiewicz of Blasdell earned the Clarkson University School Leadership Award and Chloe Diebold of West Seneca received the Clarkson University School Achievement Award

                Angelina Pacholczak of Orchard Park was honored with the Rochester Institute of Technology's Computing Medal Award.  The award is given to a high school junior based on her accomplishments as a student, her involvement as a member of the school and community and her commendable computing abilities.

The Rochester Institute of Technology also recognizes a student who has not only attained outstanding academic achievement, but has also shown exceptional creativity and innovation in doing so.  Emily Eberl of West Seneca received this award.

The Niagara University St. Vincent de Paul Medal is awarded to a student who exhibits compassion for peers, initiative, empathy for those less fortunate, humility, and leadership in the community.  This year's medal recipient was Cecilia Lauciello of Orchard Park.

Lauren Zimmer of Hamburg was given the St. Michael's College Book Award.  St. Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont, grants this award to a student who has demonstrated a sustained and sincere commitment to scholarship, volunteerism, and leadership within her community. It recognizes an individual who believes in serving others as an extension of her Catholic faith.

                The Elmira College Key award was presented to Kaitlyn Morris of Orchard Park in recognition of exceptional scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and participation in extra-curricular activities. This individual excels in all areas, is a true role model, and exhibits qualities which may be seen as the "key" to success.

                The Randolph College Book Award was awarded to Alana Szumla of West Seneca based on her achievements in academic excellence and her leadership potential.   

Keuka College's George H. Ball Community Achievement Award was given to Abbigayle Reid of Buffalo, a student who has qualities that embody the values of Keuka College, including: integrity, academic excellence, diversity, leadership, service and social responsibility. 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York awards their Rensselaer Medal to a student who excels in advanced math and science courses and exhibits significant interest and involvement in extracurricular activities. This year the medal was awarded to Mariah Rullan of Buffalo.

Wells College in Aurora, New York awards their 21^st Century Leadership Award to a student who embodies the spirit of sincerity and intellectual qualities of a strong leader in her school and community activities.  Katherine Pappas of Buffalo has demonstrated superior integrity, trustworthiness, self-confidence and intellect, while possessing the characteristics of the highest form of ethical leadership. 

                Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania offers their Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award and Scholarship to a high school junior who shows leadership and passion for sustainability and the environment, social justice and policy studies, or an interest in writing and the sciences.  The scholarship was given to Maranda Dziadaszek of Buffalo.

In addition, Roisin Lynch of Buffalo was recognizing as an outstanding and talented artist in the junior class. She participated in the Empire State 2018 Dr. King Fine Arts and Essay Display and her creative work is a meaningful commentary on the life of a visionary leader and civil rights advocate who understood the importance of education in the lives of our youth.  Her artwork was proudly displayed on the concourse of the Empire State Plaza from January 8^th through February 28^th. 

                Since 2014, The Ronald Reagan Leadership Award has been given to four juniors who show leadership through their example of service and character. The four winners this year are Zoe Gonez of Hamburg, Julia Jaworski of Lackawanna, Madeline Kotwica of Orchard Park and Alana Szumla of West Seneca.