For the past several months, Mercyhurst Preparatory School has been marking a major milestone. Through ribbon cuttings, rallies and other special events, the school community has been celebrating 100 years of faith-based education and tradition in Erie County.
Located along East Grandview Boulevard, with Mercyhurst University just beyond its campus, Mercyhurst Prep has built a legacy that spans generations of students, families and educators.
That history is visible throughout the school. Photos lining the halls, athletic achievements displayed outside the gymnasium and stories passed down from one generation to the next help tell the story of a school that has served the Erie community for a century.
Leading the centennial celebration is Mercyhurst Prep President Joe Haas, a longtime parent and father of three who has served as the school’s president for the past five years. He says the school’s foundation remains rooted in faith while continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today’s students.
Among those carrying on the school’s traditions is senior Isabella Lubowicki, who says she is proud to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps as a graduate of Mercyhurst Prep.
While tradition remains a cornerstone of the school, Mercyhurst Prep also embraces innovation. Students have access to modern learning tools, including technology used to create 3D-printed projects. The school offers a wide variety of academic opportunities, extracurricular activities and student resources.
From a spacious cafeteria and school spirit store to a library featuring a podcast room, students have access to facilities designed to support learning, creativity and connection.
The school also takes pride in its athletic heritage. Photos and displays celebrating standout athletes and successful teams highlight decades of accomplishments. Among those continuing that legacy is Sean Bear, a 1999 Mercyhurst Prep graduate who now serves as both a teacher and basketball coach at his alma mater.
School leaders say those stories reflect the lasting impact Mercyhurst Prep has had on the Erie community, combining academic excellence, faith-based values and a supportive environment where students are encouraged to succeed.
A display featuring the school’s centennial logo serves as a reminder of both its rich history and its future. As Mercyhurst Prep celebrates its first 100 years, school leaders are already looking ahead to the next century of educating and inspiring students.
Families interested in learning more will have an opportunity during Mercyhurst Prep’s upcoming Open House on November 1. Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades, along with their families, are invited to tour the school and meet teachers, coaches and staff from noon until 3 p.m. on the campus.
More about Mercyhurst Preparatory School can be found online here.