Our Lady of Mercy School - Lore Yearbook (Detroit, MI)

Page 88 text:

Mermaids entertain in annual water ballet Hard work and long hours of practice under the careful supervision of the swimming instructor Mrs. Doloris Yager have made Mercy’s water ballet a success. Perfecting intricate synchronized swimming techniques, such as the catalina, oyster, crane and the marlin turn is the group's main objective. Girls par- ticipating in this activity are from all grade levels. The routines performed are frequently created by the students with advanced abilities. These routines are then set to music and presented at the annual water ballet show. The theme of this years production was “Dreamland,” based on a little girl’s experiences in her dreams. She becomes the mystical Blue Fairy and meets several storybook characters including Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan and Snow White in numerous comedy sketches. Far above; Water ballet members in costume. Ist row (I. to r.) Terry Livingston, Sue LaBelle, Debbie Sackey, Marcia Brooks. 2nd row: Ann Bunker, Mary Beth Culver, Karen Smith, Therese Macielak, Mary Gadbaw. Above: Mrs. Doloris Yager, our smiling coach, who perfects the water ballet team, and urges the Marlins on to victory every year. Right: Swimmers get in shape for the annual water ballet show.

Page 87 text:

Sports essential element of Mercy life Girls with athletic abilities or simply those who like to have fun had many opportunities to prove themselves through the several athletic clubs Mercy offered. The track team, new this year, was coached by Miss Jeanette Geier, and competed against several schools, includ- ing Divine Child and St. Mary's of Redford. This was the first season for Catholic high schools’ girl track team competition. Due to changeable weather conditions, ski club mem- bers were unable to ski as often as hoped. However, they did take a weekend trip to Sugarloaf Mountain in northern Michi- gan. The riding club, student-sponsored, met weekly to ride at nearby stables. It was divided into three sections: begin- ners, intermediates, and advanced. The first two sections worked on the basic fundamentals of horsemanship. Adv- anced riders perfected equestrian skills previously acquired. Mercy’s softball team challenged several Catholic schools this year, competing for first place under the direction of Miss Geier and Mr. Ralph Yager. Above: “Boy, what I wouldn't do for a walnetto right now,” ponders Terri Hassett while enroute to Sugarloaf Mountain.

Page 89 text:

Classes compete in Powder Puff football games In the fall of every year, schools like to show off their athletic prowess. Mercy is no exception. But we have a problem—no boys. So the girls in each class formed the magnificent football teams. The first game was between Seniors and Juniors and was held in the gym due to bad weather outside. Unfortunately, the change of scene did not help the Seniors who lost to the Juniors. But the Juniors did not escape without a few injuries and bruises. The Sophomore-Freshman game was held outside complete with floats and cheerleaders. Despite their valiant efforts, the Freshmen fell to the Sophomores. In the finals, held outside, the Juniors met the Sophomores. After much struggling on both sides, the Juniors triumphed. Above left: Cheerleaders Tom Sklut(L.) and Karl Kolby lead the juniors and seniors in rooting for their teams at a powder puff game in the gym. Left: Mr. Ronald Ezcurra, coach, gives his smiling benediction on Claudia Skomski and the game in general. Above: Organization is a key characteristic of every Mercy powder puff game. -