Mercyhurst Preparatory School and the Alumni Board of Governors will host the Laker Legends Scholarship Gala on Friday, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Marriott's Ambassador Center Crystal Ballroom.

The event recognizes outstanding alumni who have been nominated by their peers. Jessica Horan-Kunco, '89, will receive the Distinguished Alumni Career Award for her success as an Erie City Councilwoman. She is also the co-owner of Kunco Landscape Inc.

Caitlin Welsh, '97, a foreign affairs officer for the United States Department of State, will receive the Young Alumni Award.

The Rev. Donald Baxter Jr. and U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Paradise Baxter, a current board member, will be honored with the Laker Legends Philanthropy Award; and Jovon Johnson, '02, who plays for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team, will receive the Laker Legends Sports Award.

In addition, Carla Betti, a Mercyhurst Prep social studies teacher, will receive the Mercy Award.

Alumni Association President Natalie Dwyer Haller said that for the first time the organization is awarding honorary alumni status to individuals who are not alumni of Mercyhurst Seminary or Mercyhurst Prep, in recognition of their proven friendship and service to the school. These individuals are Sister Maura Smith, RSM, and Sister Mary Ann Bader, RSM.

The evening will also feature live, silent and scholarship auctions, including a sunset cruise aboard the Lady Barbara with hors d'oeuvres and beverages for 15, a condo in Montana for a week, an adult Learn to Row and Sunset Happy Hour for 8, just to name a few.

All money raised in the scholarship auctions provides scholarship and financial aid for deserving MPS students.

Contact Tina Piano Espin, '87, for sponsorship, reservations or more information at 824-2161 or tespin@mpslakers.com.

There's always Hope

Original post:
Meg Loncharic: Mercyhurst Prep toasts alumni