50 Years of Royalty Pass on McNicholas Tradition

 

 

From the appearance of the first Mardi Gras Queen during Saturday’s rehearsal to the singing of the Alma Mater at the end of the pageant, McNicholas’ 50^th Mardi Gras gala warmed the hearts all in attendance. 

 

A pre-pageant video covering the history of the event entertained the full house.  Principal Tom Bill emceed the event, providing the oral history of major events that have changed the world in the past 50 years. This was accompanied by an impressive pictorial display, documenting the events.  Assisting Tom in hosting the evening were teachers Gwyn Bush, Kathy Bollmer, John Kirchgassner and Regina Goines.   

 

The program began with the parade of past royalty who came from near and far to be part of this special event.  With the presentation of the 2002 senior court, the audience was ready for the announcement of this year’s king and queen.  Newly crowned King Jeremy Boeh and Queen Mara McCormick provided the first dance of the evening to the tunes of McNicholas’ own jazz band, lead by Director Cliff Towner.  The royal couple were joined by their court and eventually their parents and escorts for the evening.  It was truly a grand affair ending with the Grand March of the court.  The splendor of the evening was enhanced by the technical expertise of teachers Jeff Schutte and Bill Losekamp.  Visual arts effects from Mary Beth Sandmann, Willy Corbett, Mel Gaskins and Marge Stowe produced elegant decorations that transformed the school’s lobby and auditorium.

 

As the student body enjoyed the ensuing Dance, the Past Royalty, guests and Faculty enjoyed a champagne reception in the Convent.  The history and memorabilia of McNicholas is preserved in the “Heritage Room.” The reception was sponsored by the Development office members Sue Palermo, Gary Gatio Mary Ann Ey and Joann Costello.  The King and Queen along with pages, Laura Garrison and John Sandmann, and Captian John Schuster and Maid of Honor Lindsey Barlag graced the Reception with the a visit to the Convent.  Undoubtedly the spirit of the 50^th Golden Mardi Gras will be remembered for years to come.

 

The men of the 2002 Mardi Gras court were Michael Anslinger, Michael Atkins, Daniel Burridge, Anthony Calabrese, Brian Chrin, George Fels, Gregory Geisting, Geoffrey Hensley, David McClellan, Patrick McLaughlin, John Murphy, Matthew Reinhart, Andrew Rothmeeler, Thomas Russell, Nicholas Schmidt, Timothy Severyn, Bryan Westbrook, and Drew Zaugg.  The Maids of the court were Stephany Barber, Sarah Bauer, Allison Cochran, Erin Cochran, Tess Hilgefort, Kathryn Kloppenborg, Julie Koumoutsos, Ashley Luken, Maria McPhail, Amy Morsch, Leah Moyer, Lynn Oberschmidt, Maria Pongonis, Andrea Randolph, Casey Ruberg, Emily Serger, Kathryn Suellentrop and Maggie Young.