After a turbulent freshman year at my neighborhood public high school, prison-like with metal detectors, armed guards, and gang violence, my transfer to Mercy Vocational High School was little short of a miracle. My mother scraped together what little she had, and with the help of generous Mercy donors, she was spared the crippling burdens of unmanageable tuition.
My sophomore year was not an easy one. The identity that I had assumed in public school manifested itself at Mercy. I received various discipline infractions and faced expulsion which was a wake-up call: Mercy provides a safe space to build on faith and discipline!
During my final two years, I had a significant turnaround. Mr. John Hillman’s English class disciplined my ability to read and write in an advanced analytical fashion. Sister Maria Madonna’s theology class reinforced the foundations of my faith, and Ms. Catherine Glatts’ business shop prepared me for a professional environment and she herself acted as my moral compass..
The most important opportunity afforded me was the opportunity to participate in the co-op program. Managing a part-time job with academic study is the hallmark of Mercy’s career and technical education training. When I was forced into a routine of rewards and responsibilities, I realized that the faith and discipline I had honed at Mercy could serve me throughout the rest of my life.
After Mercy, I attended Penn State University where I was a tutor for both college and middle school students, a Ronald McNair Research Fellow, and a member of the Schreyer Honors College. I wrote an award-winning senior honors thesis, graduating from Penn State in 2007. I then entered a joint History M.A./Ph.D. program at the University of Chicago. I earned my M.A. in 2008 and am currently working on my doctoral dissertation.
When I reflect back, I always appreciate that the faith and discipline needed for this long journey began at Mercy.
Saalim Abdul Carter
Class of 2003
My family has been a strong supporter of Mercy Vocational High School for over thirty-five years. I was introduced to this great school at birth. Yes, literally, at birth. At five months old, I was selected to play the baby Jesus in the annual Christmas pageant. Since then, my affinity for this school has not wavered.
My parents, just like you, were strong believers in Catholic education and willingly sacrificed to send my family to local Catholic elementary and high schools. After eighth grade I was conflicted because many of my friends were going to be attending the local Catholic high school in the Mayfair neighborhood of Philadelphia. But I knew in my heart that MVHS would help prepare me for a successful career in the culinary field.
During my first few weeks as a freshman, I was apprehensive. Had I made the right decision? As the school year progressed, my question was answered – Yes! My teachers challenged, encouraged, cared and expected me to succeed. I spent the next four years, earning honors and working toward a career in culinary arts.
In 2006, I received a Ben Franklin scholarship, gave the salutatorian speech at graduation and was hired at the Union League of Philadelphia after completing a successful co-op. In addition I won a scholarship to the Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College where I earned an Associates Degree of Science in Pastry Arts.
Over the past ten years, I have managed a pastry shop in Avalon, NJ, worked in catering specializing in cakes and desserts, and most recently, returned to the Union League as a pastry chef. I am very proud of my accomplishments but my most fulfilling role has been returning to MVHS as a faculty member in the Culinary Shop.
Cathi Pastor
Class of 2006
As a freshman in high school, I had no clue that Mercy Vocational High School would have such a profound impact on my life. Mercy gave me a loving family, a strong moral foundation and an education which helped to mold me into a respectful, responsible and happy adult.
Lessons I learned at Mercy include always work hard for the things you want. Be kind to people even when they are less than kind to you. Always remain respectful and courteous in any situation. Be on time! Educate yourself on many things, but know how to do one or two things really well. Learn Microsoft Office - people will be baffled that you know how to use Excel so well and Power Points as a part of everyday life. Keep up with technology; it will get you the job. Work hard; people will notice and appreciate it. Always speak with a smile in your voice.
I not only graduated with my high school diploma but also as a PA state certified cosmetologist. Within a week I was hired at a high-end salon in Rittenhouse Square. Soon after, I went on to the Art Institute of Philadelphia to further my education. Because of what I had learned at Mercy, I was way ahead of my peers when it came to using computers, communicating to large audiences and interacting with my professors.
MERCY WORKS! Today, I am an independent marketing consultant. I help small businesses strategize to create more buzz about their businesses in both public relations and advertising venues through web design, social media efforts, newsletter writing, photography and graphic design. All of these skills are a reflection of the young professional that was produced at Mercy Vocational.
Migdalia Gonzalez
Class of 2004