Nerinx Hall is known for producing exceptional young women. When they arrive to Nerinx, the school becomes a platform where they can grow their talents. Frosh MacLean Blanner is doing just that.

Blanner was only 6 when she fell in love with theater. She started helping others with theater in 2016, when she and her brother wanted to start putting on shows with people both new to and familiar with theater. She produces full scale productions with the help of young men and women from all over St. Louis. The money, Blanner says, goes straight to Pedal the Cause, whose mission is “to provide critical funding for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital through our annual cycling challenge.”

Blanner says her inspiration for the project is her close friend, Payton. “She loved doing theater, but once she was diagnosed with Leukemia, the treatment prevented her from performing,” MacLean explains. She wanted to raise money for cancer research so others with cancer would have a place to perform.

Not only do they raise money at their annual cabaret night, an event at which the cast does many small performances to raise money, but they’ve also traveled to New York and other festivals to perform. “We raised enough money that 35 different projects have been able to start, so that’s very empowering,” MacLean says.

Nerinx has helped her continue this mission by introducing her to a new group of young women eager to help. Blanner notes that many Nerinx girls have already come forward to help her. If any one wants to join, she encourages you to email her at [email protected].

MacLean Blanner is an true example of a empowered Loretto woman, and we’re excited to watch her grow and continue her theater company while at Nerinx.