Rising Leaders Cohort 2 Completes Year of Leadership Formation

Mercy Education’s second cohort of Rising Leaders officially completed the program on September 29, 2026, with a virtual prayer service celebrating the participants’ dedication, growth, and commitment to Mercy leadership.

The year-long Rising Leaders Program provides leadership formation and support for outstanding teachers and staff nominated by their school administrators for their leadership potential and commitment to Mercy values. Throughout the year, participants gathered regularly to explore the qualities of effective leadership, strengthen their capacity to lead within their school communities, and build relationships with colleagues across the Mercy Education network.

In the closing prayer service, participants were blessed as they prepared to continue empowering others, fostering welcoming communities, and bringing the spirit of Mercy to their leadership roles.

Congratulations to:

• Allison Stevenson, Assumption High School (Louisville, Kentucky)
• Rosalyn DeLuna, Mount de Sales Academy (Macon, Georgia)
• Ryan Neach, Cristo Rey High School (Sacramento, California)
• Amanda Sorice, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School (Chicago, Illinois)
• Vinnie Pollaro, Notre Dame High School (Elmira, New York)
• Esca Stumpf, Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women (Rochester, New York)
• Emily McCullough, Mercy Academy (Louisville, Kentucky)

As they conclude this year of formation, we thank them for their dedication to Mercy education! If you have questions about the Rising Leader program, please contact Susan Smith.