Sisters Academy to Honor Three at "Walk with Mercy" Awards on April 21st

Feb. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- ASBURY PARK, NJ - Mercy Center of Asbury Park will host the “Walk with Mercy” Awards Luncheon at the Deal Country Club, Wednesday, April 21st at 11:30AM. “Walk with Mercy” honorees include Dr. Edward DeFabio of Colts Neck and Mercy Center Volunteer, Mr. Laurence Downes on behalf of New Jersey Natural Gas and Mrs. Penny McDaniel of Investors Savings Bank.  The luncheon will celebrate each of their contributions to Sisters Academy. All proceeds from the luncheon will support programs at Sisters Academy, an all-girls school in Asbury Park.

“We are proud to honor Dr. DeFabio, New Jersey Natural Gas and Penny for their invaluable support of the girls and Sisters Academy,” noted Mary Louise Miller, RSM, principal at Sisters Academy. “We are truly blessed to be able to bring together our longstanding supporters to celebrate our honorees, and Sisters Academy is incredible,” added Carol Ann Henry, RSM, Executive Director of Mercy Center. The “Walk with Mercy” Awards Luncheon is just one of several exciting events this year for Sisters Academy. Mercy Center and Sisters Academy recently completed a $4.2 million, 14,000 sq. ft. addition to their existing building on Springwood Ave, Asbury Park. In addition, 2010 will see alumnae of the second class of Sisters Academy graduate from higher educational institutions. Since 1997, nearly 200 girls have walked through the halls of Mercy Center’s Sisters Academy.

Dr. Edward DeFabio, a local dentist from Colts Neck, has devoted his time and resources in helping the girls of Sisters Academy explore one of his true passions, fencing. Dr. DeFabio has helped so many Sisters Academy students learn the discipline of fencing over the last several years. A recent graduate of the school went on to receive a fencing scholarship to college, a feat that would never have been possible without the guidance and generosity of Dr. DeFabio. “We are so happy to have Dr. DeFabio in our Sisters Academy family, he not only dedicates valuable resources, he provides our girls with inspiration and hope,” exulted Mary Louise Miller, RSM.

New Jersey Natural Gas has been an incredible partner of Mercy Center and Sisters Academy. With the leadership of Laurence Downes, NJNG has been instrumental in continuously providing the Sisters Academy students opportunities. “We are grateful for the continued and unwavering support of New Jersey Natural Gas and Mr. Downes. With their support, the girls have achieved in so many ways,” said Mary Louise Miller, RSM.

Penny McDaniel has been a fervent advocate for Sisters Academy lending the school precious guidance and resources. “Penny is one of our best human resources.  She has been instrumental in coordinating not only activities on behalf of Sisters Academy, but the financial support of Investors Savings Bank,” commented Sister Carol.  
“The entire event is meant to be a celebration. A celebration of those who have provided inspiration and for those that have been fortunate to call Sisters Academy home,” commented event co-chairs Carmen Unanue and Carmen Nelson. The event will also feature past graduates and current Sisters Academy students. Tickets can be purchased for $75, for information about the “Walk with Mercy” Awards or for event sponsorships please contact Tiffany Walsh at 732-774-9397 x. 14 or by email tiffany@mercycenternj.org.

About Sisters Academy
Established in 1997, Sisters Academy is a middle school for students in grades five through eight. The Academy is dedicated to educating girls in an academically stimulating and highly disciplined learning environment. Sisters Academy graduates hold impressive records with 100% graduating from high school and 87% of alumni attending either college or other higher education.

To learn more about Sisters Academy visit: http://www.mercycenternj.org/sisters-academy.php.

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About Mercy Center
Mercy Center, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986, is a comprehensive social service and education agency, which provides hope, help and healing within the community. Mercy Center holds a special concern for women and children and structures its programs, Emergency Services, Family Resource Center and Sisters Academy to the needs of the community.

To learn more about Mercy Center visit: www.mercycenternj.org.