October 2025 Alum Spotlight: Mary P'Oryem '21

By KRISTIN SHERRARD BECK ‘05

Presentation Academy

Empathy, courage and perseverance. These are three virtues Mary P’Oryem ’21 learned at Presentation Academy and has carried with her ever since.

Mary was the guest speaker at this year’s 30th annual Tower Awards for Women Leaders, held Oct. 8, at The Galt House. All funds raised from the event benefit Presentation’s students through financial aid.

In 1995, Mary’s family left their home in South Sudan to escape war. They traveled through Uganda and Kenya before coming to the United States as refugees. They journeyed to Louisville, Ky., and attended Mass at St. Martin de Porres where they learned about Presentation Academy. “My mother, Ato Amule, wanted her children to have a good education and to be a part of a supportive Catholic community,” Mary said.

Nun Tambo ’04 was the first to attend Presentation, followed by sisters Kade ’09, Neema ’12, and finally Mary ’21. Mary’s nieces Maisha ’22, Maneno ’24 and Yasmine also attended Pres, and she hopes her youngest niece, Malena, will follow in her family’s footsteps.

“Clearly, Pres became a second home for my family and me, as I am sure it is for many of you,” Mary said. “I always knew from a young age that I would attend the same school as my sisters. Growing up I heard stories about a school unlike any other, with a tower that was enriched with the history and accomplishments of many women who came before me. I did not know what Presentation had in store for me, but I knew that when I walked through those doors, it would be special.”

Mary noted, however, that it was not always “sunshine and rainbows,” as there were times that her beliefs, feelings and opinions were challenged. Then there were hardships, particularly when her sister Neema passed away due to cancer during Mary’s senior year. “It was the most difficult thing I had ever faced, a struggle unlike any other. Her death taught me that life is short and to cherish every moment that we have together. In the midst of this difficult time, Presentation provided my family ample support through burial preparations, consistent support and community. With their support, I found the courage to search through my grief, pick myself up and persevere in the name of Neema.”

After graduating from Pres, Mary attended the University of Kentucky and earned a degree in Media Arts and Studies. Currently, she is a production operator at the Fox news affiliate in Lexington. “My passion lies in storytelling, my community, and making the world a better place,” she said. “Presentation provided a space for me to foster my love of creating, compassion and telling the stories that are untold.”

As a daughter of refugees, Mary said she understood that every choice, decision and move she made could not be in vain. “My parents sought out a better life, not just for themselves, but for their children. My mother, a firm believer in God, wanted her children to receive the best support, community and the best education. She found that space in Presentation Academy and continuously worked hard night and day to provide that for us, even in hard times.”

Attending Presentation was possible for Mary, her sisters and her nieces because of both her family’s sacrifices and financial aid and scholarships awarded to them. “If it was not for that unrelenting determination and drive in my mother, the scholarships, and financial aid that Presentation Academy bestowed upon us, I would not be here today. I would not be able to call myself a Pres Girl.”

At Pres, Mary discovered her love for soccer and track and her passion for storytelling, as well as friendships with her Pres sisters. “In short, I would not be the woman I am today, and I know there are thousands of Pres graduates who feel the same way.”

She thanked those in attendance for being there and for supporting Presentation. “Your generosity allows young women like me to receive a Pres education and to use their passions to make the world a better place.”

In a follow up interview, Mary said she aspires to be a director in either news or film. She had the opportunity to work on a documentary episode for Prosper Media Group telling the stories of nonprofits in the Commonwealth. She was a director, producer and editor working alongside other filmmakers. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had and I can’t wait to do more!”

When asked what advice she would give current Pres Girls, Mary said, “Step outside your comfort zone and join clubs that peak your interest. Use every opportunity given to you to not only prepare you for college but for whatever is in store for your future!”