2026 Baccalaureate Mass

Mount Mercy Academy was proud to honor our Seniors as they celebrated their last Mass together on Monday evening. The Class of 2026 Baccalaureate Mass was held at the beautiful Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna, making for a truly heartfelt and memorable night.

Students participated throughout the liturgy, which was presided over by Monsignor David LiPuma. A beautiful student reflection was delivered by Lauren Szpylman, our Baccalaureate Speaker and the third highest-ranking member of the senior class. Lauren is a National Honor Society member, McAuley Scholar, and AP Scholar with Honors who challenged herself through participation in the Leadership Academy, Business Academy, and Women in the Social Sciences program. Through her dedication and involvement, Lauren has made a meaningful impact within the Mount Mercy community. This fall, she will continue pursuing her goals at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Our Mercy Choir filled the Basilica with beautiful hymns, and Senior Samantha Arcara moved everyone with a stunning performance of the meditation song “Gratitude” as she sang for her classmates one final time.

We were also honored to present several scholarships during the evening. The family of Mercy alumna Karen Sacco Blake ’76 awarded four scholarships in Karen’s memory to Nola Marrero, Lena Palmeri, Claire Przybyszewski, and Claire Rogan, a beautiful reflection of the lasting Circle of Mercy and Karen’s enduring legacy.

Patrick Govern, moderator of the Mount Mercy Business Academy, presented the Business Academy Scholarship to Lauren Szpylman in recognition of her dedication and hard work throughout her years in the academy.

Four students also received the ConnectLife Scholarship in memory of beloved faculty member Miss Catherine Luhr. Congratulations to Samantha Arcara, Olivia Gorczyca, Brigid McQueary, and Nola Marrero on this special honor.

Each senior was recognized individually, announcing their college plans and future fields of study as they prepare for the next chapter of their journeys.

Congratulations to all of our graduates. We are so proud of each and every one of you!

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