Mercer Athletic Hall of Fame Induction TONIGHT

The 1976-77 Mercer Boys' Basketball team will be inducted into the Mercer Athletic Hall of Fame immediately following the varsity Boys' Basketball game versus the Greenville Trojans. This team travelled to the State Championship match in 1977. Multiple team members will be in attendance to accept this award.

Two Hour Delay for Friday, January 30th

The Mercer Area School District will operate on a 2 hour delay for Friday, January 30th.

Dalan Ealy: A Winner at Academic Games Competition

Congratulations to Dalan Ealy (9th grade) who was a member of the first place team for "Mr. President" at the Academic Games competition at Slippery Rock University on January 28, 2015. This win qualified Dalan for the Tri-Bowl State Tournament at Grove City College in March.

Tenth Grade Students To Attend Mercer County Business and Industry Fair

On Wednesday, March 4th, the 10th grade class will travel to West Middlesex to attend the Mercer County Business and Industry Fair. This event is an off chute of the program known as Lawrence County School to Work. With such success in Lawrence County, the workshop became available for Mercer County schools in 2014.  The objective of the program is to highlight potential career paths in the field of manufacturing and business. Students will learn about various levels of occupations within each company and the positions that require technical school training or other degrees. There will be 24 local employers available to field questions and present information about their respective fields. Students will hear motivational speaker, Arel Moodie. Students will also participate in games/activities that are oriented towards the main focus of this program.

Chris Ellis Named as New Head Boys' Soccer Coach

The Mercer Mustang Boys' Soccer program will have a familiar face leading the way this upcoming season. Chris Ellis has been named as the new head coach for the program for the 2015-2016 school year. Mr. Ellis served as the boys' assistant coach this past season. Congratulations and good luck to the new coach in the upcoming season.

Mike Colligan Named the New Mercer High School Golf Coach

Mr. Mike Colligan has been named as the Mercer High School golf coach for the 2015-2016 season. This is Mr. Colligan's first year with the Mercer Area School District, but not his first year in education. Currently, he serves as the instructor for Wood Shop and Intro to Tech. He has been actively involved with Ski Club and the Robotics program. Mr. Colligan does have previous coaching experience with the Elderton High School Golf Team, which used to be a part of Armstrong School District.

Physiology Students Travel to Center for Organ Recovery and Education

On Wednesday, March 25th the students in Mrs. Sevin's Anatomy and Physiology class will travel to the Center for Organ Recovery and Education. This center is located in Pittsburgh, PA. The students will attend a program on organ and tissue donation. The Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Education Project graciously covers the cost of transportation, lunch, and necessary substitutes. The students will also have the opportunity to tour the facility. Also while attending this session, the students will view an actual cadaver demonstration, via video link, from Saint Louis University. Experiences like these provide students with the opportunity to see their studies in action.

 

 

 

 

Two Mercer Teachers Traveling to Marine Educator's Workshop

Each year the United States Marines reach out to local high schools with an opportunity for educators to visit Parris Island, South Carolina. This is one of two possible training facilities that Marine recruits experience their basic training.

During the past four years, the Mercer Area School District has sent at least 2 staff representatives to take part in this exercise. The main purpose of this trip is to expose educators to the expectations and commitment of the U.S. Marine Corps, not to turn educators into Marine recruiters. This is a four-day workshop that starts on March 10th and lasts until March 13th.

Representing Mercer High School this year will be Mr. Mike Colligan and Mr. Max Creasy.

Eighth Grade Students to Travel to Mercer County Career Center

On Thursday, February 5th, the 8th grade class will travel to the Mercer County Career Center for an orientation to the facility and programs of study. The students will begin to explore various career paths and areas of interest while at the Career Center. Students have the opportunity to tour the facility and interact with students and staff who are training at the Career Center. This program is designed to introduce students to a wide-range of career opportunities.

Senior Invited to PMEA Regional Band Festival

Andrea Sajewski has been invited to attend the PMEA Regional Band Festival at Hickory High School on February 12th-14th. Andrea was the only Mercer instrumentalist to make it through the District Band Festival earlier this month. Andrea's instrument is the flute.

Mercer Talent Show Slated for February 20th

The Mercer Choral Department will be conducting their 3rd annual Talent Show on February 20th. Interested students should sign up for an audition on Tuesday, January 27th during the advisory period. This student-led production has been a great showcase of various student talents throughout the years. Check back for more details as the date approaches.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Class of 2015

On Friday, January 30th the Mercer Athletic Hall of Fame will gain one more member, or in this case, team. The 1976-1977 Mercer Boys' Basketball team will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place immediately following the Boys' Basketball game vs. Greenville. Please come out and witness this celebration, as multiple team members from the `76-`77 squad will be present to accept their spot in the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Athletic Events Week of January 26th

The following athletic events will take place during the week of January 26th:

Monday:
Girls' Basketball vs. Sharpsville @ Mercer High School (JV begins @ 6:00 p.m.)

Tuesday:
Middle School Boys' Basketball vs. Sharpsville @ Sharpsville High School (4:00 p.m. start)
Boys' Basketball vs. Sharpsville @ Mercer High School (JV begins @ 6:00 p.m.)
Wrestling vs. Hickory @ Hickory High School (Junior High begins @ 6:00 p.m.)

Wednesday:
None

Thursday:
Girls' Basketball vs. West Middlesex @ West Middlesex HS (JV begins @ 6:00 p.m.)

Friday:
Middle School Boys' Basketball vs. Greenville @ Greenville HS (4:00 p.m. start)
Boys' Basketball vs. Greenville @ Mercer High School (JV begins @ 6:00 p.m.)

Saturday:
Junior High Wrestling @ Meadville Tournament (9:00 a.m. start)

School Board Meeting Set for January 26th

The Mercer Area School Board will meet at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26th. The meeting will take place at the Mercer High School Library. As a special note to Mercer High School seniors, this will be the final board meeting that will take place before the senior project deadline.

Two-Hour Delay for Monday, January 26th

The Mercer Area School District will operate on a Two-Hour Delay for Monday, January 26th.

Mercer Speakers Successful at Greenville High School

On Thursday, January 22nd the Mercer Speech Team traveled to Greenville High School to compete in an Erie Catholic Forensic League competition. Six Mercer speakers were awarded ribbons, as well as $200.00 college scholarships to Gannon University for placing first in their respective events. The following students were recipients of these awards:

Original Oratory:
Elizabeth Ludwig

Oral Interpretation:
Sarah Turton

Dramatic Performance:
Ian Ollila
Andrew Brinker

Duo Interpretation:
Adam Hoge
Ryan Hamilton

Mercer Speech Wins 41st Annual Mercer Invitational

On Saturday, January 24th the Mercer Speech Team hosted the 41st Annual Mercer Invitational, sponsored by the Mercer Rotary Club. Over 225 students from 19 high schools took part in this competition. In winning this tournament, the Mercer Speech Team bested North Allegheny by 10 points and Upper St. Clair by 16 points. The following Mercer speakers placed in their respective events:

Dramatic Interpretation:
1st- Janalyn Miklas
4th- Kendra Walker

Duo Interpretation:
1st- Ryan Hamilton and Adam Hoge
4th- Abby Grabigel and Hailee Ostapko

Poetry Interpretation:
1st- Sarah Turton

Humorous Interpretation:
3rd- Ian Ollila
5th- Andrew Brinker

Original Oratory:
3rd- Emily Kirila
6th- Elizabeth Ludwig

International Extemporaneous:
7th- Mary Hogue

High School Musical Selected as the Spring Production

Mercer High School students will be performing High School Musical from March 26th-28th. The evening shows will begin at 7:00 p.m. with a matinee production on the 28th @ 2:00 p.m. The tickets will be $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. Please come out to show your support for the students in March.

Students...Chamber Choir Auditions Approaching Week of February 2nd

Any students in grades 9 through 11 that may be interested in joining the Mercer High School Chamber Choir should see Mrs. Christy for auditioning music. The auditions will take place during the week of February 2nd. The audition piece will be Alma Redemptoris Mater.

Mercer Competitive Spirit Travels to Hershey, PA

On Friday, January 23rd the Mercer Competitive Spirit team traveled to the PIAA State Championship event. The event was held in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Mercer Competitive Spirit squad will be representing the "medium school" division from District 10. The members of Competitive Spirit are as follows: Maggie LaBarge, Molly Hancock, Taylor Moon, Makenzie Guidace, Demi Skoofalos, Rachel Bish, Brandi Edwards, Julianne Slagle, Allie Cameron, Tera Porterfield, Anna Brunson, Carlene Murray, Sierrah Gibson, Megan Hazelet, Alexa Stanton, Kylee Hollowell, Laura Shaw, Jensen Sirofchuck, and Morgan Winland. The advisor for Competitive Spirit is Elizabeth Burk.

Two Mercer Students Represented at District Festival

Seniors Matthew Juergens and Kaitlin Wiggins travelled to Greenville High School on January 22nd/23rd to attend the District Chorus Festival. There were a total of 160 students at this event. Students were directed by a guest conductor from Penn State, Dr. Chris Kiver. Congratulations to Matt and Kaitlin for representing Mercer.

Mercer Wrestling Recognizes Seniors

On Wednesday, January 22nd the final home wrestling match of the season took place in the high school gym. There were four senior wrestlers and two statisticians that were recognized as seniors in the program. Aundria Gregory and Stephanie Young served as statisticians for the wrestling team. Rodney Brant, Preston Hoover, Clay Ruffo, and Ben Shaffer were the senior members of the wrestling team. The season continues with the Fred Bell Tournament on Friday, January 23rd at Grove City High School.

Students of the Month

Two students at Mercer Middle-High School are being recognized in the month of January for their demonstration of four principles: Honor, Excellence, Respect, Determination. Congratulations to Garrison Lutch (7th Grade) and Richard McDowell (11th Grade) for being such a positive presence in the school.

Athletic Events- Week of 1.19

The following events will take place this week:

Monday:
Girls' Basketball vs. Greenville @ Mercer High School (JV starts @ 6:00 p.m.)

Tuesday:
Middle School Boys' Basketball vs. West Middlesex @ West Middlesex (4:00 p.m. start)
Boys' Basketball vs. West Middlesex @ Mercer High School (JV starts @ 6:00 p.m.)

Wednesday:
Wrestling vs. West Middlesex @ Mercer High School (Junior High starts @ 6:00 p.m.)

Thursday:
Middle School Boys' Basketball vs. Wilmington @ Mercer High School (4:00 p.m. start)
Boys' Basketball vs. Wilmington @ Wilmington High School (JV starts @ 6:00 p.m.)
Girls' Basketball vs. Sharon @ Sharon High School (JV starts @ 6:00 p.m.)

Friday:
Competitive Spirit @ PIAA State Championships (Hershey, PA)
Wrestling @ Fred Bell Tournament (Grove City High School @ 4:00 p.m.)

Saturday:
Competitive Spirit @ PIAA State Championships (Hershey, PA)
Wrestling @ Fred Bell Tournament (Grove City High School @ 4:00 p.m.)

Mrs. Michalee Christy- 2015 VFW Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year

Michalee Christy, teacher of Chorus and 8th Grade English at Mercer Middle-High School, was recently named as the 2015 VFW Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Christy was nominated by VFW Post #6345. Mrs. Christy will now travel to the national competition where she will compete against 52 teacher finalists from across the United States. This is a tremendous honor for any teacher to be nominated, let alone receive top honors from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Congratulations to Mrs. Christy!

School Events Week of 1.12.15

The following events will take place during the week of January 12th

Monday
Girls' Basketball vs. Lakeview @ Lakeview High School (JV begins @ 6:00)

Tuesday
MS Boys' Basketball vs. Reynolds @ Mercer High School (4:00 start)
Boys' Basketball vs. Reynolds @ Reynolds High School (JV begins @ 6:00)

Wednesday
MS Boys' Basketball vs. Lakeview @ Lakeview High School (4:00 start)
Wrestling vs. Grove City @ Grove City High School (Junior High starts @ 6:00)

Thursday
Boys' Basketball vs. Lakeview @ Mercer High School (JV begins @ 6:00)

Friday
Mercer VFW Wrestling Tournament @ Mercer High School (5:00 start)

Saturday
Mercer VFW Wrestling Tournament @ Mercer High School (10:00 start)
Girls' Basketball vs. Jamestown @ Jamestown High School (2:00 start)

Two Hour Delay for Monday, January 12th

The Mercer Area School District will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule for Monday, January 12th.

Speech Team Has Strong Showing at North Allegheny

On January 10th the Mercer Speech Team competed in the 10th Annual North Allegheny Invitational. Over 200 students from more than 25 schools traveled from the various locations in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Here are the results from the competition:

Dramatic Interpretation
3rd place- Janalyn Miklas
4th place- Kendra Walker
7th place- Maddie Rowe

Duo Interpretation
7th place- Ryan Hamilton and Adam Hoge

International Extemporaneous:
7th place- Mary Hogue

Original Oratory:
6th place- Elizabeth Ludwig
7th place- Emily Kirila

Humorous Interpretation:
7th place- Andrew Brinker

Speech Team Successful at Iroquois High School

On Thursday, January 8th the Mercer Speech Team traveled to Iroquois High School. This was a highly successful tournament for the team, winning the top honors for four out of a possible five events. The following students won their respective categories:

Duo Interpretation:
Adam Hoge and Ryan Hamilton

Dramatic Interpretation:
Janalyn Miklas

Original Oratory:
Elizabeth Ludwig

Extemporaneous:
Mary Hogue 

Mercer Competitive Spirit Claims District 10 Title

On Saturday, January 10th the Mercer Competitive Spirit team traveled to McDowell High School (Erie) to compete in the District 10 championship. The squad was formed in the summer of 2014, thus this was the first opportunity that the team had to compete in District 10. With a total score of 188 out of possible 300 points, defeating the second-place team by twenty points, the Lady Mustangs became the District 10 Champions. The Competitive Spirit team will travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania on January 23rd to compete in the state competition.

Mercer High School Competitive Spirit Travels to District 10 Championships

On Saturday, January 10th the Mercer Competitive Spirit squad will travel to Erie-McDowell High School to compete in the District 10 Championships. This is the inaugural year for Mercer Competitive Spirit. The competition begins at 1:00 p.m.

Girls' Basketball Game vs. Wilmington 1/9 Postponed

The Girls' Basketball Game vs. Wilmington High School, scheduled for January 9th has been postponed.

Two-Hour Delay for Friday, January 9th

The Mercer Area School District will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule for Friday, January 9th.

Two-Hour Delay for Thursday, January 8th

The Mercer Area School District will operate on a 2-hour delay schedule for Thursday, January 8th.

Logan Clarke Reaches 1,000 Career Points

On January 7th, Logan Clarke reached a milestone that only seventeen others have achieved at Mercer High School. In a non-region basketball game against the Shenango Wildcats, Clarke scored the first three points in the game, enough to become the newest member of the 1,000 career points club. Congratulations to Logan for this great accomplishment.

Students Raise Over 400 Canned Food Items

The Mercer High School Student Council conducted a canned food drive from November 17th until December 12th. First period classes competed to submit the largest number of items. Mrs. Gilmore's first period class won the competition by collecting 125 items. The first period classes of Mr. Gadsby and Mrs. Oates came in second and third place, respectively. In total, more than 400 items were collected and donated to the Salvation Army.

January 16th- End of Second Marking Period

The first semester for the Mercer Area School District will come to an end on Friday, January 16th. The second semester will begin Tuesday, January 20th. Report cards for the middle and high school will be distributed on Tuesday, January 27th.

Speech Team Wins 1st Annual Sterner Steel City Invitational

On Saturday, December 20th the Mercer High School Speech Team won its second consecutive team sweepstakes award. There were more than 175 student participants during this event from various schools in western Pennsylvania. Here is a quick look at the award winners from Mercer High School.

Dramatic Interpretation:
1st- Janalyn Miklas
2nd- Kendra Walker
5th- Kate Shaffer

Humorous Interpretation:
1st- Ian Ollila
6th- Andrew Brinker

Duo Interpretation:
1st- Adam Hoge and Ryan Hamilton
4th- Abby Grabigel and Hailee Ostapko

Original Oratory:
2nd- Emily Kirila
4th- Elizabeth Ludwig
6th- Rachel Bish

In-Service Day 1.19.15

On Monday, January 19th, 2015 the Mercer Area School District will operate as a full In-Service Day. Students will not report to school on this day.

Financial Aid Night for Senior Parents

On Thursday, January 8th there will be a Financial Aid informational meeting for the parents of the Class of 2015. The meeting will be held in the LGI Room at Mercer High School. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will serve as a great information source for those students pursuing further education upon graduation.

Athletic Events Week of 1.5.15

Monday:
Girls Basketball vs. West Middlesex @ Mercer High School (JV begins at 6:00 p.m.)

Tuesday:
Wrestling vs. Sharon @ Sharon High School (Junior High begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Boys Basketball vs. Vision Quest @ Mercer High School (Varsity only beginning at 7:00 p.m.)

Wednesday:
Boys Basketball vs. Shenango @ Mercer High School (JV begins at 6:00 p.m.)
Girls Basketball vs. Cambridge Springs @ Cambridge Springs High School (JV begins at 6:00 p.m.)

Thursday:
Wrestling vs. Reynolds @ Mercer High School (Junior High begins at 6:00 p.m.)

Friday:
Girls Basketball vs. Wilmington @ Wilmington High School (6:00 p.m.)

Saturday:
Middle School Wrestling @ Northwestern Tournament (9:00 a.m.)
Boys Basketball vs. Rocky Grove @ Rocky Grove High School (1:00 p.m.)
Competitive Spirit @ District 10 Championships at Erie McDowell HS (1:00 p.m.)

Welcome to the Mercer Middle-High School News page!

As a way to better provide students, parents, and community members about our school system, this blog has been created.

Please check this blog for updates regarding important dates, academic achievements, athletic events, and other school functions.

If you have any questions or would like to see other information included in this blog, please email me at gacre@mercer.k12.pa.us or call me at 724-662-5104 ext. 13.