McNicholas crowns 2025 Mardi Gras King and Queen

McNicholas celebrated its 73rd annual Mardi Gras on Sunday, Feb. 16 with the crowning of King Benjamin Jones and Queen Julia Cheek. 

The theme, Through the Looking Glass, provided the opportunity for us to reflect on the legacy of service that is part of our past, present, and future. As we peered through the looking glass, we saw how we are all connected because it is in serving others that we fulfill our our mission as Catholic Christians. Emcee and faculty member, Mr. Shawn Young, shared examples of the Christian service our students have participated in throughout the year as well as the history and tradition of service that began with the Sisters of St. Joseph. 

The evening celebrated 56 students on the court and honor guards as well as the McNicholas community as a whole. 

Click here to view the full court listing.

King Ben is a 4-year Dean's List student with 228 hours of community service. 

"Ben is THE example of a McNick student. He is a leader in his actions, and his peers see his kindness and thoughtfulness," Theology teacher Mrs. Mary Beth Sandmann said. "He lives his faith each day, giving of himself, learning and growing more and more into the good young man that he is." 

Ben is a 4-year soccer, bowling, and volleyball athlete and a member of Science National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, and is a St. Joseph Scholar. 

Ben is involved in Engineering Club and Faith on Fire Club and serves his fellow Rockets through his involvement as a CREW leader, Eucharistic Minister, and Kairos leader. 

"Ben Jones is one of the most dedicated students I have ever taught. It has been very rewarding to watch him grow into the fantastic leader that he is today," Science teacher Ms. Cat Humphries said. "Ben is an unfailingly kind person and will always be the first person to step up to solve a problem, help a friend, or clean up a mess. He has the strength of character and integrity that all should strive to achieve." 

Queen Julia is a 4-year Dean's list student with 542 hours of community service including 56 hours at Stepping Stones summer camp. 

"Julia truly exemplifies everything that it means to be a Rocket," School Nurse Mrs. Powderly said. "Her accomplishments in academics, service, athletics, faith, and leadership highlight her well-roundedness and dedication to excellence. She is kind and courteous and consistently demonstrates these values in every interaction, big or small." 

Julia is a 4-year football cheerleader, basketball cheerleader, and lacrosse athlete. She has served her fellow students as Student Body President, a member of the Student Ambassador Leadership Board, Magnified Giving team leader, Hope Squad Leadership team member, Eucharistic Minister, member of St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference, Kairos leader, and freshman retreat leader. 

She has also been recognized for her academic achievements, having been named Theology Student of the Year, Scholastic Silver Key award recipient, AP Scholar, and has earned membership to the Science National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, French Honor Society, National Honor Society, and the St. Joseph Scholars. 

"Julia has faithfully served our McNicholas community during her four years here," Student Culture Coordinator Mr. Todd Naumann said. "She is positive, determined, bright, and caring. Julia has humbly led her peers this year as our Student Body President and it has been a great joy to watch her lead and grow." 

English teacher, Mrs. Angie Noble, said, "Both Ben and Julia are so deserving of this honor! They serve for the right reasons - to help others and not for the recognition. They show kindness to all who they encounter and live out the values of McNicholas set forth by the Sisters of St. Joseph when they began the first Mardi Gras in 1953: that every person is a child of God and should be treated with compassion." 

Congratulations to King Ben and Queen Julia for this hard-earned and well-deserved honor!