McNicholas crowns 2023 Mardi Gras King and Queen

McNicholas celebrated its 71st annual Mardi Gras on Sunday, Feb. 19 with the crowning of King Sam Noble and Queen Autumn Strebel. It was an evening full of festive tradition established by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1952.

The theme, Fleur De Lis, is symbolic of the rich history and the values that McNicholas High School has been built on. The three petals of the fleur-de-lis represent faith, wisdom, and charity. The 56 students on the court and honor guard were celebrated for the ways they have embodied these values at McNicholas and in their communities.

Click here to see the full court listing

King Sam is a four-year Honor Roll student who has served his community with over 90 hours of community service, including his work with St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference.

“Sam is a tremendous young man. His infectious personality lights up a room and makes everyone feel welcome,” Student Culture Coordinator Mr. Todd Naumann said. “Sam works hard in the classroom, on the stage, and on the soccer field, while compassionately serving others.”

Sam has been a three-sport athlete for all four years at McNicholas as a member of the soccer, volleyball, and bowling teams. He has also been a member of Cooking Club and Thespian Troupe and served as the Head Lighting Technician for seven theatrical and musical productions, earning technical theatre awards two years. Sam has served his fellow students as a Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, Freshman Retreat leader, Kairos leader, CREW leader, and a member of Hope Squad. 

“Sam has given his best to his family and friends at McNicholas these past four years. We are proud of Sam and the terrific young man he has become,” Mr. Naumann added.

Autumn is a four-year Dean’s List student and has served her community in many ways. As co-founder and two-year President of the St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference, a member of Spanish, Science and Math National Honor Societies and officer of National Honor Society, she has devoted 190 hours to community service, including 32 hours on Appalachian service retreat.

“Queen Autumn exemplifies the best McNicholas High School has to offer. She is a talented student and a wonderful leader, serving our community particularly well as this year’s Student Body President,” Mr. Naumann said.

Autumn has served her fellow students as a Peer Mentor, Student Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, Class President for three years, and current Student Body President on the Student Leadership Team. She has participated in many school activities including the Cooking Club, basketball team for one year, volleyball and tennis team for two years, and the softball team for three years, serving as Varsity Captain and earning the Rocket Award. For all her commitment and hard work, Autumn has been honored as Student of the Year, Science Student of the Year, and a St. Joseph Scholar and earned the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award.

Principal David Mueller said, “I have enjoyed getting to watch Autumn grow as a leader at McNicholas and build a positive culture here through her dedication to building relationships, communicating effectively, and focusing on the positive potential of the people and circumstances around her.”

Congratulations to King Sam and Queen Autumn for this hard-earned and well-deserved honor!

“You have been told, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.”  |  Micah 6:8