Sandy Flaherty and Angie Simonetti Honored for Leadership in Mercy Education
Sandy Flaherty and Angie Simonetti, both members of the leadership team at Mercy High School in Burlingame, California, were presented the Sister Corinne Raven Mercy Education Leadership Award on October 12 at the 41st annual Mercy Education Conference in Kingston, Jamaica.
The award was established in 2022 to honor Sister Corinne Raven, RSM, a pillar of the Mercy Education community. It recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on Mercy education and inspired others through their commitment to the Mercy Education Core Values.
Sister Lisa Griffith, RSM, Executive Director of Mercy Education, presented the award to Sandy and Angie, who have each devoted more than 30 years to Mercy education. Angie serves as the Director of Campus Ministry and Religion Department Chair at Mercy High School, and Sandy as Director of Mission and Catholic Identity. “Their love for Mercy education can be seen in how they always go above and beyond for Mercy,” said Sister Lisa. “Angie and Sandy have tirelessly said yes to their call.”
In celebrating their witness to Mercy, Sister Lisa shared how this dynamic pair ensure that the Mercy Education Core Values, the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, and spiritual and faith formation are integrated in the educational mission at Mercy High School. They lead student immersion trips and have presented at faculty and board meetings, student retreats and at Mercy Education events. Locally, they lead the Mercy Associates program in Burlingame. Sandy has developed resources used in member schools throughout the Mercy Education system including A Reflection of Mercy: Prayer Services, Liturgies and Resources for Mercy School Communities; Why Choose Catholic Education: A Guide for Parents (published by NCEA in 2019); and Opening Doors of Mercy: A Mission Handbook for Mercy Boards (published by Mercy Education this year).
“Thank you for saying yes to your life of Mercy and thank you for sharing your love of Mercy with all those you meet,” concluded Sister Lisa.
Sandy and Angie each received a bronze relief of Catherine McAuley by Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, and a donation of $2,000 will be made in their name to Mercy High School in Burlingame. Learn more about the Sister Corinne Raven Mercy Education Leadership Award here. The next nomination process will open March 15, 2024.
