As the 2019-20 school year came to a close, The Catholic Star Herald spent time with seniors – now graduates — from diocesan and independent Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Camden. COVID-19, social distancing and remote learning aside, we wanted to know what they value most about their high school experience. We asked them what makes their schools unique, how prepared they feel for college, how they worked with and served others, and what advice they would give to someone just starting high school.
The graduation edition of the Catholic Star Herald featured an overview of our conversations and a look at experiences students had because they were willing to try new things in high school.
Today, we’re sharing more from: Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Newfield
High School Activities:
Theater, Chorus, Crew, National Honor Society
Plans for Fall 2020: Pepperdine University
“They call us ‘small but mighty,’” said Emily Torrence about her class at Our Lady Mercy of Academy (OLMA) in Newfield. The size drew Emily to the school during her junior year. Leaving a large, coed high school where she felt “lost in the sauce,” she transferred a day after shadowing and never looked back.
“I felt so supported and loved. It was definitely the right choice for me,” she said.
Madeline Fawcett discovered OLMA when she was an eighth grader at St. Mary School in East Vineland. “I went once and I knew that’s where I should [be],” she said.
The only all-girls school in Southern New Jersey, OLMA promotes and celebrates a culture of sisterhood.
“From the outside, you don’t necessarily understand how real the sisterhood is. The whole school is just one big family, and I love it,” said Madeline.
Every new student is assigned a big sister before the start of the school year.
“The little sisters program is a really great opportunity to interact with the younger grades. We have a sleepover before the beginning of the school year where we show them around the school and where all their classes are going to be, and help them with their lockers,” said Emily.
High School Activities:
Crew, Theater, Chorus, National Honor Society
Plans for Fall 2020:
LaSalle University
“You just kind of help them into the transition,” said Madeline, adding that her own big sister made a big difference when she was a freshman.
Sisterhood days, which include challenges designed to promote teamwork and fun, are an important part of life at OLMA.
Activities “range from like hula hoop competitions, to bouncy houses, to crazy relay races. There’s a lot of opportunity to really come out of your shell,” said Emily.
Madeline added, “Those kind of [activities] really help make sure everyone is working together.”
The duo agree they benefitted from being in an all-girls’ school, where they say they grew in confidence.
“We’re comfortable around each other. There’s really very little judgment,” said Emily, adding she especially valued an environment where there is “very little drama. You just kind of get over it and move on with your day.”
“We’re definitely not afraid to be ourselves,” said Madeline. “OLMA gives you so many opportunities… They want you to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.” For example Emily, who had never tried crew, took up the sport as a junior.
OLMA also enjoys a close relationship with the all-male Saint Augustine Preparatory School in nearby Richland. The schools have a combined theater department – an important part of high school for both Emily and Madeline.
Service was rewarding as well, and they said they especially appreciated the tradition of student developed service plans. Emily spent time every week in a first grade classroom, and Madeline volunteered at an animal shelter.
As they prepare for college – Madeline at LaSalle University in Philadelphia and Emily at Pepperdine University in Southern California – the recent OLMA graduates feel well prepared. They credit rigorous classes and could not say enough about the dedication of the school’s faculty, whom they regard as family.
“The teachers push you but are there if you need help,” said Emily. “You have your home family and you have your OLMA family.”
Madeline agreed, concluding, “Those four years [went] by so ridiculously fast. OLMA is so much fun. It’s more than just a high school.”
Previous Senior Showcase 2020 entries: Paul VI; Bishop Eustace; Wildwood Catholic; Saint Augustine Prep; Gloucester Catholic; Saint Joseph; Holy Spirit
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