Mrs. Farwick, Mrs. Goines, and Mr. Mueller retire after dedicated service to McNicholas

As the school year comes to a close and we shift towards preparing for next year, three members of the McNicholas family are turning their focus to new adventures. Administrative Assistant Mrs. Pat Farwick, Science and RLC Teacher Mrs. Regina Goines, and Principal Mr. Dave Mueller will all close their chapters at McNicholas and turn new chapters in retirement. 

We are incredibly thankful for the many hours each has spent pouring love, wisdom, and faith into our school, the students, staff, and the community. Though they will no longer walk the halls at McNicholas, their light has shone brilliantly, and their legacies will be felt for a long time to come.

Mrs. Pat Farwick

During the 29 years that Mrs. Farwick has worked at McNicholas, her roles and jobs are almost too many to count. She has served as assistant to more than 15 people in various administrative roles, she has organized graduations and baccalaureate masses at 10 different venues, she’s helped with Prom and Mardi Gras, and even been seamstress and caterer, sewing skirts for the stage and cooking meals for numerous events. Beyond her own work at McNicholas, her family roots run deep as more than 20 of her family members over three generations have graduated from McNicholas.

“It’s safe to say there is not a corner of McNick that hasn’t been impacted by Mrs. Farwick and her heart for serving and loving this school and community,” colleague and friend Mr. Dan Rosenbaum said.

Mr. Rosenbaum added, “While finding someone to replace Mrs. Farwick’s roles will be a daunting task, I don’t think what she ‘does’ will be how she is remembered, her legacy is much bigger than that. She has made McNicholas a memorable place for so many people because she truly sees each person here as family and goes above and beyond to welcome them and help them.”

Though Mrs. Farwick is stepping down, she won’t be going far as her grandson will begin his freshman year at McNicholas this fall. She is, however, looking forward to spending time with her family and getting a front row seat now as “Grandma” instead of “Mrs. Farwick.”

Mrs. Regina Goines

After graduating from McNicholas in 1976, Mrs. Goines couldn’t stay away long and found herself back “home” teaching science. For 39 more years, she has inspired hundreds of McNicholas students through her passion for science and hands-on learning.

Inside and out of the classroom, Mrs. Goines has a huge heart for her students and dedicated her time at McNicholas to caring for them in many ways. Beyond the classroom, she led more than 20 Kairos retreats, was a moderator for the Science National Honor Society and Cooking Club, and was always an eager contributor to Mardi Gras and maintaining those special McNicholas traditions.

Fellow Science Teacher Mrs. Cat Lest said, “Mrs. Goines has provided a strong female role model to all of her students, taking the time to get to know each one and recognize their needs.”

SAIL teacher Mrs. Val Combs adds, “Her legacy at McNick is one of selfless dedication. No matter the task, Regina dedicated countless hours and energy to see it through to completion.”

Mrs. Goines is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren and to traveling in the fall, something she has never been able to do as a teacher.

Mr. Dave Mueller

Mr. Mueller has dedicated his career to the education of young hearts and minds, serving in Catholic schools for a total of 47 years. During his five years at McNicholas, his vision, leadership, and dedication to academic growth has strengthened our curriculum and inspired new programs like the Rocket Learning Community, Senior Capstone, and Leadership McNick. Mr. Mueller fully embraced the McNicholas mission to help students grow toward Full Stature in Christ and led by example with faith and compassionate leadership. 

Director of Finance Mrs. Roberta Veleta, who worked closely with Mr. Mueller, said, “Whether he was moving tables and chairs for an event, giving rides across the parking lot to his staff so they didn’t have to walk through a thunderstorm, or helping students to discern best choices, Mr. Mueller always leads with compassion.”

She added, “The adage ‘leave it better than you found it’ rings true of Mr. Mueller’s tenure. We will miss his wit and wisdom but we are thankful for his time as a Rocket and are truly better because of it.”

Mr. Mueller is looking forward traveling with his wife Barb in retirement. He is excited to explore new places and create many wonderful memories with his family.