November/December 2011

Editor: Merciette Lee Haggerty

The Voice of Mercy Junior Editors: Erin Bender Around Buffalo: Christmas Gift = Economy Boost! Emma English Lee Haggerty 2013 Isabella Spann The holiday season is in pick up generic gifts that owned, the money you full swing, complete with can be found all over the spend is recirculated within Moderator: millions of people looking country, a little creativity the greater Buffalo area. for that one perfect gift. goes a long way toward Instead of buying mass- Mrs. Marciniak finding that perfect pre- produced goods from a sent. Luckily for us, we wealthy corporation, your do not have to look far purchase can help local Unique shops on Elmwood Avenue offer to find unique shops in stores and invigorate the great gift alternatives our area. In downtown local economy. In these Buffalo, Elmwood Ave- tough economic times, any Inside this issue: nue is bustling with way to help the economy shoppers who have recover, no matter how discovered all that this small, is appreciated. area has to offer. While Wizard of Oz 2 you might end up spend- ing a little more than you would at the mall or out- Kissmas Bash 2 lets, the higher price is well worth it when you consider the benefits. Student Spotlight 3 And for people like me First, the gifts you buy who have put off all of are original and are sure New Clubs their shopping until the to be good quality be- 3 last possible moment, the cause these small shops idea that it is coming up so do not want to risk their CD Releases fast is absolutely terrify- reputation by selling infe- 4 ing. While it might be easy rior goods. Also, because to drive to the mall and these stores are locally Movie Review 4 Holiday Shopping Meet Hannah 5 Kaylee Cedri 2013

It's that time of them. It is also a good to be sure your gifts will year again, and Christmas idea to include a maximum arrive on time. Winter Sports 5 shopping is in full swing. amount of how much to The stores are now flooded spend so you do not end 4. Save the receipt! You with holiday shoppers look- up breaking your budget. will be thankful to have it New Music 6 ing for the perfect gifts for when your gift turns out to family and friends. Yes, 2. Go shopping during the be faulty or you buy the the season can be stress- week to avoid being run wrong size sweater. Picture Page 7 over by the huge crowds of ful, but here are some 5. Short on cash? Spend helpful tips to make your holiday shoppers swarming the mall on the weekend. some time on a DIY gift. gift-giving experience a Bake some cookies, or pull little less nerve-wracking: 3. If you are shopping out your arts and crafts if 1. Stay organized by mak- online, look for coupons, you are creatively inclined. ing a list of everyone you promotion codes, and free Your gift recipient will ap- are going to buy gifts for shipping offers to save preciate the time and effort and possible things to get some money. Also, check you spent on a thoughtful holiday ordering deadlines homemade gift. Merciette Page 2 The Wizard of Oz

Midge Bishop 2013 and Emma English 2014

This year’s Timon/ and the Lion (Scott Driscoll) show. The two technical Mercy Girls star in The Wizard of Oz Mercy musical, the Wizard of fit their roles perfectly and producers Jerry Kegler and Oz, was a huge success. It put their hearts into learning Mary Lombardo (MMA ’75) was held at Timon on the their lines and mastering spent countless hours work- 3rd, 4th, and 5th of November their characters. In addition ing on sets, lighting, sound, at 7:30pm, with one show in to these excellent leads, the and props with the crew the morning on November cast featured numerous from Mercy and Timon. With 3rd for the local grammar Mercy and Timon students, the cooperation of these school students. This musi- as well as grammar school people, the cast, and the cal was considered one of students to play the extra crew, the musical became a the best musicals that Timon roles of Munchkins and huge success with extremely and Mercy have done in Ozians. Allowing grammar positive feedback from the years, and the ticket sales school students to play extra audience. exceeded those of previous roles is a feature unique to The students that years. the Timon/Mercy musicals. participated in the Wizard of One of the many The Production Oz will soon be preparing for aspects of the show that Staff was another reason for the Timon Little Theater made it such a success was the show’s success. Director production which will be the excellent casting of the and producer Bob Maggio performed the first weekend leads. The students that worked tirelessly throughout of March. These students are played the characters of the entire process on every- excited for rehearsals to Dorothy (Ashley Tombolesi), thing from blocking the start and hope that their the Scarecrow (Matt Leahy), scenes with the cast to ar- next play will be as well- “The students the Tinman (Jon Nguyen), ranging publicity for the received as the Wizard of that Oz. participated in the Wizard of Oz KISSMAS BASH 2011 will soon be Samantha Makowski 2015 preparing for the Timon Little At 6 pm on De- We the Kings were intermission that followed Theater cember 6th, 2011, fans took up next and everyone was Jason Derulo, fans started production” their seats at the First Niag- singing along to their songs. chanting out “BTR!”, waiting ara Center in downtown They asked the crowd to for the band to come out. Buffalo to hear six acts per- sing the chorus part of their When Kendall, form at the annual Kissmas song “Say You Like Me”, Logan, James, and Carlos Bash, hosted by Kiss98.5. and we couldn’t help but finally came out after much The concert was nearly sold sing out loud. anticipation, the First Niag- out, and fans from all over Demi Lovato, the ara Center went crazy! The Buffalo gathered to hear only girl performer at the whole crowd was up out of their favorite musicians concert, came out and sang their seats screaming out sing. her duet, “We’ll Be A the lyrics to “Worldwide”, First out was Pat- Dream” with We the Kings. “Elevate”, “If I Ruled the rick Stump, who sang one After that, she sang some of World”, and others. The night ended with balloons of his best known singles her own songs. She did a falling from the ceiling and “This City.” really good job at perform- many fans dancing and Next was Breathe ing “Skyscraper” and her singing to Big Time Rush. Carolina, a group who many fans were singing the lyrics Fans walked out of the hadn’t heard about. But along with her. arena with smiles on their they did a good job of Jason Derulo was faces. Kiss98.5 put on an- showing Buffalo who they another huge hit, with his other great concert. are by singing “Blackout.” songs and his dancing. The Kissmas Bash 2011 They really got the crowd in crowd really enjoyed his the mood. performance. During the Page 3 November-December 2011 Student Spotlight On: Keanna McLaughlin Julianna Diamond 2015 The Student Taking the initiative, she her grandpa took. Her Spotlight went to Mrs. Licata and it cousin called her “Junior this month all went from there. Neither Photographer” and they features of them expected such a would take pictures to- freshman big outcome! gether at parties. She really Keanna Keanna and Mrs. Licata wants to keep her McLaughlin, have many plans, but un- grandpa’s passion alive by and she is fortunately, Keanna could- making other people happy commonly known as the n’t reveal many to me. All at the same time. girl who re-started the pho- she can say is that they Keanna is very hopeful that tography club. I sat down both hope that there will be photography club will carry with Keanna and asked her a few field trips. The big- out, even after she gradu- a few questions about her gest goal for the club is to ates. “Photography is a ideas for photography club. see everyone express hobby for many people,” Keanna got the idea to re- themselves, and for every- she said. “Everyone should start photography club one in the club to just have join photo club… It’s fun!” when she heard how a lot a good time. Nicolle Tabor and Keanna McLaughlin of girls were disappointed A look into Keanna’s per- 2015 that there wasn’t a photog- sonal life also led her to the raphy club anymore, due to club. As a baby, she was their love of photography. always posing for pictures

“The biggest goal for the club is to see everyone express New Clubs at Mercy themselves, and for Lee Haggerty 2013 everyone in the club

A new school year means their love for photography. started the club as a way to just have a good new changes for students, Having a club focused on for students who like doing teachers and the school as taking pictures makes service to get together, time.” a whole. Policies change, sense because Mercy al- and plan projects as a schedules are adjusted, ready offers two art elec- group. This club usually and new ideas become tives in photography, Digi- meets about once a more concrete. This year, tal Photography, and Ad- month, and anyone can Mercy Girls Volunteer at Breakfast with Santa! Mercy has a few new clubs vanced Digital Photogra- join. Listen for announce- for students to participate phy (commonly known as ments about the next in. Every student at Mount DigiPhoto). Everyone is meeting, and bring a Mercy is encouraged to invited to join this club, friend with you too! find a club or sport that which meets after school Mercy is full of they love, and to stick with in Room 12. Also, read opportunities to meet new it for all four years. For this issue’s Student Spot- people and branch out those who have not found light about freshman from your usual group of that activity yet, now is Keanna McLaughlin to friends. Although the the time to try something learn more about this club! school year is almost half new! Here is a list and Z-Club is a club over, it is never too late to brief description of some dedicated to service for join a club that interests new clubs at Mercy: others. Because one of the you! Photography Club hallmarks of a Mercy edu- was restarted this year cation is service, this is a after many girls ap- great club to be involved proached Mrs. Licata about with! Mrs. Melonson November-December CD Releases MMA Liz Salamone 2014

Ever After by Marianas Trench Pioneer was released on December RCA Records. This album came out 2nd. The sound is more mature and on November 29th .This album shows off a different, new style for shows how much of a giant leap Hot The Maine. This album is now being Chelle Rae has made with their new sold at Hot Topic, Best Buy, and sound and it has worked for them as ITunes. their single, Tonight Tonight, has been played on most radio stations around the country. This is one of This is Glee: the music, the Christmas album, Vol.2 those albums that you listen to with Marianas Trench’s fourth album your windows down and the wind in with 604 Records. This album came your hair but we all know that’s not out on November 21st. Ever After possible right now because it is has the usual Marianas Trench winter. This album has a summer feel sound that compliments Josh Ram- that we can also enjoy in the winter say’s amazing voice but it shows a season. You can buy their album at more developed pop rock sound Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and compared to their older records. This is ITunes. You buy can their album on their Glee’s second Christmas album. This album came out on November website or on ITunes. Pioneer by The Maine 11th .This CD is made to get you in the spirit of the holidays so don’t be afraid to get your glee on and sing Whatever by Hot Chelle Rae along to all the holiday classics while enjoying your holidays hits such as Santa Baby, Little Drummer Boy and

much more. This album is available

at Target, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and This album is The Maine’s fifth ITunes. album. They have switched record companies numerous times to find a record company that understands

This is Hot what they want in a record. This Chelle Rae’s second album with album was well worth the wait!

Movie Review: Breaking Dawn Part 1 Megan Sheehan and Kaylee Cedri 2013

One of the most of view as he struggles The movie had its popular recently released with his wolf pack. He also fair share of graphic and films has been the fourth has issues dealing with slightly disturbing scenes, installment of the Twilight losing Bella to Edward. but it still featured the series...Breaking Dawn romance between Edward Part 1. Again, the movie Even skeptical and Bella and the contro- stars Robert Pattinson, moviegoers will enjoy the versial friendship between Kristen Stewart, and Tay- special effects and dra- Jacob and Bella. We defi- lor Lautner. The movie matic scenes of this movie. nitely recommend seeing follows Edward and Bella's It is full of suspense, and this movie, whether at relationship as it pro- twists and turns that will home or in the theaters, gresses into marriage keep the audience guess- and we cannot wait for shortly after high school ing. Even though it only Part 2! graduation. During their covers the first half of the honeymoon, the couple is bestselling novel written surprised to discover that by Stephenie Meyer, it Bella has become preg- follows the plot very Breaking Dawn Part I nant. closely and will satisfy Twilight lovers and casual hits theaters The movie also fans alike. follows Jacob Black's point Page 5 Merciette Meet Hannah Schneider Lee Haggerty 2013 In the last Merciette issue, while you attend Mercy? What do you like the most Hannah Schneider: we introduced you to Lena The Voorhees family, they about Mercy? New Face at Mercy! Stox, and Thea Raunsbaek. have a daughter Mary Beth, Everyone is very nice, and Now it is time to meet an- who is a freshman this year wants to know how you are. other exchange student: at Mercy. I heard that other schools Hannah Schneider! Hannah don’t really care about ex- is from Germany, and is a How many siblings do you change students but I don’t junior this year at Mercy. I have in Germany? have that feeling here. asked Hannah about her I have one older brother, experiences and thoughts who is 19 years old. What surprised you the about being in America. most when you came to What is your favorite part of America? LH: Where in Germany are America so far? People are very kind in you from? Everything is pretty cool, I America. Even when I am HS: I live in Unna, in west- really like the chicken finger walking down the street and ern Germany. The biggest subs. I had never had a don’t know the person, they city near my town is Dort- chicken finger sub before, always say hi. Where I’m mund. but now I love them! They from, no one would do that. are my new favorite food. Also, everything looks just Who are you staying with like it does in the movies! “People are very kind in WINTER SPORTS! America. Even Marissa Stack 2013 when I am With the fall sports ending and this year. The JV team has team and is always looking to walking down snow starting to fall on the come off extremely strong assist her team or score her- ground, it is the time of the with a 3-0 record, defeating self. Jackie Kane, also a sen- the street and year again for the three winter Williamsville North, Springville, ior, has also been a leading sports to begin. Bowling has and Eden, all by twenty points scorer and was extremely don’t know already competed in five or more. Sophomore Carolyn important as the main scorer the person, matches, beginning on No- Grandits has proven to be very in the twenty point win over vember 17th. The JV team has important not only because Will. North. they always a 10-10 record thus far, in- she is one of the top scorers, The final winter cluding a tough 3-1 win but because she shows strong sport that Mercy offers is say hi.” against St. Mary’s of Lancaster leadership both on and off the hockey. Select individuals and a blowout 4-0 win against court and turns every situation from each school in our league Holy Angels. The team is lead on the court into a potential are picked to be on the Monsi- by Junior Meaghan Cullen and basket. Also, freshman Emily gnor Martin High School Ath- sophomore Caitlin Matuszak, Sheehan has rose to the chal- letic Association hockey team who both can always be lenge of being the main point and this year, MMA has four counted on to lead the team. guard and has done so very representatives: junior Morgan The varsity team has also effectively. She continuously Haettich, sophomore Shannon been in tough matches already keeps the game under control Moran, freshman Katherine and for the time being has an and not only gets points for Lauber, and freshman Maddie 8-12 record. The biggest herself, but sets up everyone Stoklosa. The MMHSAA team surprise of the team this year else on the court to get bas- is 2-0, after two 3-1 wins comes from freshman Susan kets as well. The varsity against Orchard Park/Frontier Thomas, who has continuously team, starting off with a 2-1 and Amherst/Sweet Home. had one of the highest scores record, has also shown that The MMA girls are extremely and showed that age does not this season can be very victo- influential on the team and it matter. There is great prom- rious. In a recent game is a privilege for Mercy to have ise from both teams for the against Eden, MMA came from so many girls that were cho- games ahead because Mercy behind and kept their heads sen to be on the team. All of Fall Sports Wrap-up as Winter Sports has the potential to keep up up the whole game and ended the winter Mercy sports teams and players can be victorious take over Mercy with every other team in the up winning by just three league. points. Senior Emily Barrett is this season so best of luck to a huge force down low and is all teams! Basketball has also the main rebounder for the started off on the right foot Page 6 November-December 2011 It All Begins Bethany Clancy 2014 bassist. Later on, Jamie rabe, and The Breathing Smonsa was added as Tree. Currently their the drummer, along music is not on Itunes with Brendan Dough- but you can listen to it erty as second guitarist. on facebook. When you “like” the page you also The most com- can get two free monly asked question Throughout the downloads!! http:// by every fan is “How years Buffalo has al- www.facebook.com/ did you name the ways had a thriving itallbeginsBUFFALO? band?” Kelsey says music scene. Each year sk=app_178091127385 that “It All Begins” was more and more bands written on Homecoming Be sure to catch come out with hopes of posters around the them live with City Un- “making it big” and school and Erik thought der Siege and Start The sharing the stage with it would make a cool Fight at Club Infinity on big bands. It All Begins band name. January 14th! With their is a band that has got- It All Begins catchy lyrics and fast ten quite popular over Over the past beats you’ll be easily the past six months. year, they have shared hooked! They formed in the stage with well- early 2010 as a base- known bands such as ment project consisting Sparks The Rescue, He of Kelsey LePiano, the Is We, and These vocalist and guitarist, Hearts; along with local and Erik Corrie as the bands like Canoe, Lar- “Each year more and more bands come out with hopes of “making it big” and sharing the stage Happy Holidays! with big bands. “

The Merciette Staff Picture Page! Senior Trip to Chicago!!

The Bean

Seniors visit The Bean in Chicago!

Holiday Concert!

Holiday Concert!

Advent Mass

Mercy girls visit Mercy Hospital

Advent Mass