Awesome Alumni
Welcome to our new "Awesome Alumni" section! Here, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of Mount Merici Academy graduates. This space is dedicated to sharing inspiring stories about how our alumni are using the skills and values they learned here to make a positive impact on the world. From innovative careers to dedicated community service, our graduates are shining examples of the Mount Merici mission in action, proving that the foundation built here leads to a lifetime of purpose and success.
Explore their stories and see the incredible things our Awesome Alumni are doing today!
Awesome Alum:
Stacey Francoeur
Long before she was helping solve major crimes and responding to emergencies in her community, Mount Merici Academy alumna Stacey Francoeur was a student discovering her passions in the classroom.
After beginning at Mount Merici Academy in Pre-K in 1995 and graduating from sixth grade in 2003, Stacey continued her education in Waterville before earning a Bachelor of Science in Information Security & Forensics from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2013. She began her career as a Security Analyst with the State of Maine Office of Information and Technology before accepting what she described as a dream job with the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit - Special Victims. Today, as a Digital Forensics Examiner, she performs forensic examinations of digital evidence to assist in investigations regarding child exploitation and other major crimes across the state. In addition to that work, Stacey also serves her community as a Firefighter and EMT with the Waterville Fire Department.
For Stacey, these careers are opportunities to live out the value of Serviam every single day. She intentionally pursued both roles with one goal in mind: to use her unique skills to serve others and strengthen her community. While both roles come with emotional challenges, her motivation has never changed.
“It’s worth it because I know what I do makes a difference in the lives of individuals who need help,” Stacey shared.
Looking back, Stacey credits MMA with instilling values that have stayed with her throughout her life. She especially remembers her fifth-grade class, where learning wasn’t just about academics. Through creative activities like weaving, students were encouraged to find joy outside of the classroom, something Stacey still practices today through knitting and cross-stitching.
Another defining moment came when MMA recognized Stacey’s aptitude for math and encouraged her to move ahead in the subject. That decision sparked a lifelong love of math and challenged her to keep pushing herself academically. She eventually took college-level math and physics courses while still attending Waterville Senior High School.
Now, as a mother, Stacey reflects on Mount Merici Academy with an even deeper appreciation. She fondly remembers Little Buddies, Friday morning assemblies, and Christmas concerts, traditions that are still deeply rooted at MMA.
“When I look back at my time at Mount Merici, I can see all the lessons, activities, and incredible teachers that helped shape who I am today,” shared Stacey.
When asked for advice for today's Mount Merici students, Stacey encourages them to embrace every opportunity and never let fear or the opinions of others stand in the way of their passions.
"Dive in and don't hold back! If you find something you're truly passionate about, stick with it and explore."
She believes students should seek out mentors, ask questions, and create opportunities for themselves. As someone who turned childhood interests into a career dedicated to serving others, Stacey knows firsthand where curiosity, hard work, and compassion can lead.
Stacey Francoeur's journey is a powerful reflection of the Mount Merici mission. Through courage, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to Serviam, she has dedicated her life to protecting others and strengthening her community. We are proud to celebrate Stacey as an alumna who continues to embody the values of Mount Merici Academy and inspire future generations!
Awesome Alum:
The halls of Mount Merici Academy have welcomed countless students since 1911, each carrying lessons and values learned in the classrooms. The values of faith, discipline, service, kindness and perseverance that were taught during Colby Quinlan's MMA years would become an integral part of who she is. For Colby, those lessons became the foundation she relied on during one of the most challenging journeys imaginable.
Colby attended Mount Merici Academy from first through eighth grade, where she experienced the school's close-knit community. After leaving MMA, Colby attended Waterville Senior High School before pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene at the University of Maine at Augusta. While working toward her dream career, she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus in 2020, a condition that causes fluid to build up in the brain. A procedure in 2021 successfully relieved the pressure and allowed her to continue her education.
For three years, her life moved forward.
Then, in November 2024, while attending class at UMA, Colby began experiencing symptoms she recognized from her earlier diagnosis. What followed was a medical battle that included seven brain surgeries, multiple stays in intensive care, a stroke, and months of rehabilitation, including learning to walk again. Throughout every setback, Colby remained focused on a single goal: returning to school and graduating with her class.
Her determination can be traced back to the foundation built during her years at Mount Merici Academy.
“MMA prepared me for challenges by teaching me discipline from a young age, setting goals for myself, and holding on to faith in all aspects of life, even during trials," Colby shared.
Against incredible odds, Colby achieved the goal she had refused to abandon. She graduated with her class in May and has successfully passed all three of her board examinations. Today, she is working as a dental hygienist, serving patients in the profession she fought so hard to join.
When reflecting on her time at MMA, Colby remembers feeling known, supported, and encouraged to grow both in the classroom and out.
“MMA taught me how to be kind but strong, and confident but humble," she said. “Those values hold true in every area of my life."
Her message to current MMA students reflects her own journey: “Do not shy away from challenges. Growth often comes from difficult moments, and students are capable of far more than they realize.”
Colby's story is a testament to the lasting impact of a Mount Merici Academy education. Long after students leave the classroom, the values of faith, service, perseverance, and courage continue to guide them, helping them face life's greatest challenges and celebrate its greatest triumphs.
We are proud to celebrate Colby Quinlan as one of our Awesome Alumni!
Colby QUinlan
