Mercy Scholar Diploma Program

The Mercy Scholar Diploma Program was designed in 2006 as an opportunity for gifted students to continue their studies outside the classroom. The program requires students to maintain a 3.8 GPA, take a minimum of three AP classes, attend two fine arts events each year, and complete service hours.

Each month, students meet with a guest speaker, who is a distinguished expert in his or her field. At the end of her sophomore year, the Mercy Scholar has the opportunity to choose an independent study with the guidance of a faculty or community member. She then presents her research and thesis paper at the Mercy Scholar Symposium at the end of her senior year.

Students have presented on topics such as the psychological effects of adoption, importance of ocean conservation, intersection of color and word association, the future of 3-D printing and more.

Check out the graduating Class of 2020's research projects:

The Irish Puzzle Piece: The Spread of Irish Culture in America by Rachel Schofield
Mentor: Mrs. Kremer

The Physical Characteristics of Serial Killers' Brains & Their Resulting Effects on Behavior by Sam Freville
Mentor: Mr. Burton

The Powerful Effect of Traditional Medicine in a Modern World by Maddie O’Daniel
Mentor: Mr. Burton

Nonverbal Communication in Law Enforcement by Margaret Mayrose
Mentor: Mrs. Schoenbachler

The Relationship Between Teens & Social Media by Gracie Zamiska
Mentor: Mrs. Sills

Fast Food in America by Leah Simpson
Mentor: Mrs. Bowman

Neuroplasticity & the Human Brain by Destyn Carlton
Mentor: Dr. Wong

The Evolution of Surgery & Its Relationship to Technology by Erika Savage
Mentor: Dr. Wong