One of the many traditions at the ball is the Mercy Honor Guard, comprised of high school seniors who escort the Grand March of dignitaries into the ballroom. The tradition of the Honor Guard originated in 1942, when high school boys substituted for their older brothers, who went off to serve in World War II, who were members of the traditional military Honor Guard.
If interested in being an Honor Guard, a senior student must be nominated by a member of the Friends of Mercy organization.
Please contact a Friend of Mercy member and he will explain the process as well as give you paperwork to be submitted to the nominating committee. Application process opens in September of the current year.
The Mercy Ball provides us the opportunity to honor and support our community hospital. Additionally, we honor three distinguished individuals for their major contributions to the success of Mercy Hospital: Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Service, Sister Nadine Casey CIJ Award, & Bishop McGann Lifetime Achievement Award.
Proceeds for 2025 will go toward purchasing Oneview Healthcare, a patient engagement platform designed to enhance the in-hospital experience by providing patients with personalized information, entertainment, and self-service tools directly at their bedside. This allows patients to take an active role in managing their care while enhancing communication and simplifying workflows for healthcare providers. Accessible via a dedicated bedside device or patients’ own mobile devices, Oneview Technology empowers patients and enhances their overall hospital stay.
