The Saint Ursula Academy (SUA) community came together in late October to honor Heidi Mechley Felton ’84 at  SUA’s St. Angela Merici Leadership Society Appreciation Reception.

Each year, Saint Ursula Academy recognizes a woman or man who stands out for their support of our work in transforming students into young women committed to making a positive impact in the world. Named after Saint Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursuline order of Sisters, the Merici Leadership Society Appreciation Reception honors those, who like St. Angela, saw the uniqueness and beauty in all women and embraced them.  The Angela Merici Award is the highest honor given to individuals who support and make a meaningful impact at Saint Ursula Academy and with the Ursuline Sisters of Cincinnati.

President Lelia Keefe Kramer ’77 presented the award to Heidi.  “Heidi was a consummate parent volunteer, a past chair of our annual fundraising event, a current trustee, and is someone who continues to see the best in our students and works tirelessly to help us meet their needs. No task was or is too small or too big. Together with her husband Mike, she has raised an incredible family of four, including daughters Audrey '18 and Greta '22. She has been a devoted SUA friend and supporter for 30 years.”

In 1535, St. Angela Merici founded the Ursuline Order, the first religious order in the Church to undertake the personal formation of young women. She was a woman who invited others to join her to serve as advisors and spiritual companions. In her effort to be inclusive, she became a woman who was respected and admired by many within the church and across the region. Saint Ursula is happy to offer this annual award in St. Angela’s name on behalf of the Academy and the Sisters.