Wednesday afternoon the Mercy community gathered to announce the Heart of Mercy award recipients. Every year, a new student and staff member are awarded this honor for their leadership skills, kindness, and faith journey. These people are inspirational and are cared for in the Mercy Community. This year, the staff member chosen for this award was Mrs. Mary Kate Becker Director of Ministry and Catholic Identity. Furthermore, the student awardee was senior Megan Windham. 

              “I think it is important to have the Heart of Mercy award because it shares the character that people have here at Mercy and it shows who exemplifies the core values here at Mercy,” junior Lila Polakowski said. 

            Mrs. Becker started working at Mercy in the fall of 2022. Over the last two years she has made a huge impact on the community. She is someone people can go to for advice or help on anything. She is always open and kind to everyone and shows how God’s love shines through certain people. She is the head coordinator of the Kairos retreat and ensures that everyone is able to experience God in their life. As a member of her advisor group, I have seen her kindness and care for Mercy firsthand. 

            “I am so happy for her,” senior Abby Slankster said. “There is no one better to win the Heart of Mercy. She gives so much to the school.”

            Megan Windham has made a  huge impact on Mercy over the four years she has been here. She has never stopped being kind and a person people can go to during and outside of school. She is active in the community and a part of many organizations here at school. She is on the Varsity Dance Team, a NHS leader, Link Leader among countless other things. 

             Not only is she active at Mercy, she is also active in her own community. She delivers socks to those in need and always makes sure people are taken care of. When Megan won the award countless people jumped up and cheered for her. Their feelings were clear through their excitement and emotional reaction to her being the awardee.                  

             “I was so excited when I heard Megan Windham’s name,” junior Katherine Kizy said. “Istarted crying, I’ve never cried before for a Heart of Mercy winner but I did for Megan.”            

           Overall, the two winners for 2024 are deserving and are truly examples of what the Heart of Mercy award is for.