Heritage Week inspires Class of 2026 through history of service leadership

The Theology Department held their annual Heritage Week, a mini course for the freshman class highlighting the history, legacy, culture and vision of McNicholas High School. Students learned about our founders the Sisters of Saint Joseph, our namesake Archbishop John T. McNicholas, and the values and mission we continue to strive toward today.  

The Sisters of St. Joseph are a group of strong, humble women with a long history of service, social justice, and a deep abiding faith in Jesus. They founded McNicholas High School to instill these values in the next generation.  

“Heritage Week was created to teach the freshmen about the path laid out by the Sisters and inspire them to carry on their mission of service leadership. It is important that students understand that, by attending McNicholas High School, they are taking part in something bigger than themselves,” Theology Teacher Mrs. Mary Beth Sandman said.  

As part of Heritage Week, the members of the Class of 2026 were given opportunities to put their faith into action by practicing service and generosity. They wrote nearly 150 letters of gratitude and encouragement to the current Sisters of St. Joseph. They delivered goody bags with thank you notes to some of the behind-the-scenes staff at McNicholas. Many also participated in random acts of kindness, inspired by the organization Brad’s Blessings.   

“We want students to understand these values are all encompassing and hope they learn to extend them beyond theology class into math and science, into sports and extracurriculars, and into their communities and families,” Theology Teacher Ms. Teresa Davis said.  

Faculty and staff new to the school were also invited to attend Heritage Week.  Ms. Lauren Tibbs, the newly-hired Assistant to the Director of Communications and Marketing, said, “I, and hopefully the Class of 2026, walked away from Heritage Week understanding that being a Rocket is more than cheering from the Launch Pad, Mardi Gras, and good cookies in the lunchroom. Being a Rocket is meaningful, empowering, and important. It requires us to take up the mission handed down through history and choose to follow in the faithful footsteps of those who came before us. Being a Rocket means actively living out our faith and striving toward Full Stature in Christ. It means finding our unique, God-given brilliance and using it to serve and share God’s love with others at McNicholas and beyond.”