Posted September 16, 2016

The former Mercy Vocational High School, founded in 1950, announced its new name this week with a pep rally at the school located at 2900 West Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia.

The change emphasizes the Sisters of Mercy-led school’s focus on immersive, project-based education to prepare students to start a career in the workforce or continue their education after graduation. The school aims to provide contemporary job options and a non-traditional path to higher education.

Mercy’s new motto of “Forging Futures with Faith and Focus” reflects its faith-based model of empowering students to thrive in the workplace, build vibrant families and positively influence the local Philadelphia community. Also watch a video of the pep rally here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Students proudly sing their alma mater at the pep rally in honor of the school’s new name.

  • Ashlee Upchurch, Mercy CTE Student Council president, and George Matysik, class of 1999, unveil the new sign in front of the school on Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia.

  • Students and those in attendance extend their arms over the new sign in prayer for the blessing.

  • Balloons fall from the top of the school as students celebrate the new name of Mercy Career and Technical High School.

  • Student ambassador Alexes Epps, class of 2012, proudly shows off the commemorative pin she received indicating the new school name.

  • Sister Rosemary Herron, R.S.M., president of Mercy Career and Technical High School, announces the new name of the school.

  • Students pray together at a rally for the newly named Mercy Career and Technical High School.