Pep rally in Monroeville celebrates Divine Mercy Academy athletics

Students at Divine Mercy Academy in Monroeville and members of their families had the opportunity to vote on a new name for the mascot representing the school’s sports teams, and the winner was revealed during a Nov. 18 pep rally celebrating Sabers athletics.

Among them was Fletcher Dagit, who bested 110 other runners to capture first place in the 2022 Diocese of Pittsburgh cross country championship. A banner on the gymnasium wall celebrating his accomplishment was unveiled during the rally, as was one for the Divine Mercy Academy boys varsity soccer team, another Diocesan champion.

Other cross country runners who fared well for the school were J.J. Cienik, seventh place in the varsity division, and Delaney Miller, ninth place in the novice division.

Divine Mercy Academy’s cheerleaders started the afternoon’s proceedings with a spirited routine, and after recognition of athletes and sports teams, students and faculty members took part in various basketball-oriented games.

The culminating event was a free-throw shootout pitting students Sean Walker and Layla Rocco against Nikole Laubham, the school’s principal, with assistance from the Rev. Michael Conway, pastor of Christ the Divine Shepherd Parish.

Sean and Layla were shooting not only for bragging rights, but the promise of free Italian ice for their classmates if they won.

No problem.

A shot by Layla that bounced around the rim and backboard before finally dropping through the net helped clinch a victory for the students, while the adults were content in knowing that they helped a gym full of people have a whole lot of fun.

One mascot, too.