The McNicholas Milestone

By Rosie Smith The McNicholas band and choir are currently in their final practices for their upcoming performance on Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre. Vocal music director Mrs. Lauren Bridges Loyer and band director Mr. Keith Nance are working together to bring the spring concert to McNick. The student-vocalists … More Band, choir prepare for spring concert

By Maeve Rice  At McNick, many programs are offered to help students grow, and one of those programs is St. Joseph Scholars.  The St. Joseph Scholars program was developed in 2018, started by math teacher Mr. Dan Rosenbaum, who was at the time Director of Curriculum. The program was created for students who are currently enrolled in rigorous classes and want to continue striving towards excellence in academics. It allows for students to be … More Program honors high achieving students

By Meghan Runte Every year, when winter ends and spring begins, there is a change in energy, motivation, and morale among people of all ages. In winter, when the days are short and cold, many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is classified by Mayo Clinic as “a type of depression that’s related … More Change of seasons, change of feelings; Seasonal affective disorder impact on students, teachers

By Rosie Smith In the fall of 2020 when it was time to return to the classrooms after missing the final three months of the 2019-2020 academic year, Covid continued to cause academic challenges, not only for the students, but for teachers as well. In a recent survey, the McNicholas faculty shared their points of … More Pre vs. post COVID: challenges faced in the classroom

By Meghan Runte The McNicholas Theatre program is holding two showcases for students to highlight what they have learned throughout the year. The Musical Theatre Class has their showcase on April 28 at 7 p.m. in the Jeanne Spurlock Theatre, and the Theatre Appreciation and Performance, Acting Styles, and Musical Theatre Dance classes have their … More Lights, camera, action; Theatre class prepares for upcoming showcase

As prom season approaches, McNick students and faculty and staff are getting ready to celebrate the night on April 25 at Norlyn Manor. This year’s theme is “Where the Sea Meets the Stars.”  Prom doors open at 6 p.m. and close no later than 11 p.m. Students will have a provided mandatory dinner, included in the ticket cost, upon their arrival followed by many activities throughout the night.   Administrative Assistant to the Principal and prom committee chair Ms. … More McNick takes a dive into prom 2026  

New uniforms for the 2026-2027 school year at McNicholas High will begin being integrated in the fall with the incoming freshman class, the Class of 2030. The current sophomores, juniors, and seniors will be “grandfathered in,” so they can continue to wear their current uniforms. This policy will reduce financial pressure for current families. “Our … More Uniform Policy Shifts Toward Modesty

As the end of the 2025-2026 school is quickly approaching and the Class of 2026 is preparing for graduation, current seniors offered advice, tips and tricks and information to the upcoming senior class that they wish they would’ve known before their senior year.   Many seniors interviewed commented that they wished they would have been more on top of college deadlines. Ava Gerome said, “Get your common app done as soon as possible because if you get your applications submitted right away it’s a huge stress reliever,” while Caleb Link advised … More Seniors prepare Class of 2027 for senior year

By Maeve Rice  For high school students, fun drinks have become quite a trend. Ranging from coffee from Dunkin’ to refreshers from Starbucks to Alani’s from home, McNick has it all. The real question is how long it takes to finish their drink. Do students chug it in 20 minutes or keep it around all day from A bell until D bell and savor every sip?  In a recent Milestone survey, students, and faculty of McNick provided how long it takes them … More Sipper vs chugger: Students savor their sips

For many students, collecting is more than a hobby; it is a way to hold onto memories, express identity, and connect with the people and passions that matter most to them. Freshman Caleb Dickson said he collects vintage fishing poles. The item was important to him because he enjoyed fishing and valued bringing history into … More From antiques to treasure: the history of the student collectors

By Meghan Runte McNicholas High School currently has three cooking classes: Culinary Chemistry, Food Science, and French Culinary. The courses are taught by French teacher, Mrs. Ellen Bungenstock, and science teacher Ms. Jessica Mueller. Mueller said students should take one of these classes because it “allows students to learn something they will use for the … More What’s cooking in culinary? Why food cuisine classes are beneficial

By Rosie Smith For students who want to express their creativity or share interest in secondhand fashion, there is a club just for them. Junior Barrett Brandenburg introduced Thrifting Club this year as a way for Rockets to shop secondhand and fill up their wardrobes. Brandenburg explained that he created the club because others might … More McNick students welcome “Thrifting Club”

By Ayla Dickerson At the beginning of the 2024 school year, choice reading was implemented into all English classes, allotting fifteen minutes per block class for students to read. Although this opportunity has allowed students to read topics of their interests and grow their knowledge through books, the Emily Capell Society says that to obtain the full benefits reading has to offer one must read fifteen to thirty minutes daily.  According to University of the People, reading has numerous positive effects including strengthening brain activity, boosting communication skills, enhancing creativity and reducing stress levels. Along … More Not just for choice time but for all the time; the importance of reading  

By Alex Minella As Spring Break approaches, some students are looking forward to spending their time on hobbies they enjoy, with popular activities including reading, crafts, and exercising. In a recent Milestone survey, over 50 students shared their favorite ways to stay busy.   Whether it’s reading, making art, or staying active, students at McNicholas have a variety of hobbies to enjoy that help provide ways to relax, be creative, and stay … More Top 3 hobbies to keep Rockets busy

By Ayla Dickerson Every year, one educator from each school in the Forest Hills School District is selected as “Educator of the Year” by the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce. Administrative assistant to the principal Mrs. Jennifer Tumser said that “although McNicholas is outside of the city limits to be considered a part of Forest … More Esz named Educator of the Year

By Meghan Runte McNicholas High School’s speech and debate class, taught by English teacher Mr. Dan Freeman, has been growing in popularity since it started in 2024. Sophomores Izzy Payne and Morgan Taleff took the initiative to begin a Speech and Debate Club, focused on sharing the skills they learned through the class.   Freeman said that he was approached by “two sophomore students … More The advent of a growing club; How speech and debate club originated

By Alex Minella In a recent Milestone survey, forty students at McNicholas High School ranked their favorite cafe lunches, with chicken nuggets taking the top spot.  Cafe manager Ms. Tanya Gorden said, “Cooking is an art; it is something that comes natural.” She also explained that quality ingredients are important when preparing meals for students. “I don’t like to serve anything that comes from a can,” she said.   Gorden said some … More Chicken nuggets take top spot in the McNicholas Cafe

By Maeve Rice From January to February, the Midwest states receive an accumulation of snow over time from anywhere between 10-30 inches, according to The Weather Channel. Not only does this affect running errands, keeping warm, or being outside, but it also affects the school day.  Principal Mr. Paul Romolo, President Mr. Bob Noll, Director of Facilities Mr. Mike Orlando, both maintenance technicians: Mr. Nathan Emmich, Mr. Tony Hall, and Manager of Facilities Mr. Chris Terry are all involved in the snow day process. Romolo said that some factors they consider when deciding … More Winter flurries: How McNick snow days are called 

By Rosie Smith Every Ash Wednesday, since the 2020-2021 school year, McNicholas adopted donating rice bowls during lent as a way to help those in need of food and to bring a new reality to the students at McNick. Each CREW is asked to fill a “rice bowl” during lent with change to fight hunger … More McNick honors rice bowl tradition

By Meghan Runte The 2026 Lenten Season in the Catholic Church started on Feb. 18 with the annual celebration of Ash Wednesday. During Lent, there are many saints that teachers and students can look to for guidance, temperance, and strength.   According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Saint Katharine Drexel, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Patrick, and Saint … More A Lenten Season with many role models: Saints to guide us to Easter

By Alexandra Minella At McNicholas High School, students participate in Lenten commitments in different ways. While some students said they are giving something up, others are choosing to add new habits into their routine. Students are finding small, practical strategies to help themselves stay committed to their Lenten promises.   According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving … More Lenten life hacks: How Rockets stay committed

The season of Lent leading up to Easter Sunday, kicked off the time when millions of Catholics across the globe start abstaining from meat on Fridays.   According to Father Kevin Scalf, McNicholas High School teacher and chaplain, “Catholics and most Protestants abstain from eating meat on Fridays as a form of penance to honor the sacrifice of Jesus, who … More From penance to plate: The origins of Friday fish fries

With graduation approaching, the Milestone decided to see if the seniors of McNicholas High School feel prepared for life after graduation, whether that is attending college, pursuing a trade, joining the military, or immediately joining the workforce. The Class of 2026 shared their reasons for choosing their specific life paths and how faculty and staff have assisted them with feeling their level of preparedness.  Madison Zurmehly said, “Yes, I do feel prepared for life after graduation. I have my college decision [University of Louisville] and major [nursing] made, and I’m excited for the rest.”   Melinda … More Caps, gowns, and big decisions: McNicholas seniors prepare for life after graduation 

By Maeve Rice **Disclaimer: Information mentioned in this article is from research;, this is not medical advice. Please drink any levels of caffeine at your own risk and do your own research.  Caffeine at McNicholas High School seems to be a hot topic, from Alani’s to Starbucks cups. But do students really know the consequences of their drink decisions?   According to the National Library of Medicine, “The first energy drink … More Caffeine crazies: Research causes students to rethinks their drink

By Rosie Smith Seasonal depression is a common struggle amongst high school students, and because of that the reliance on phones becomes greater. When students have spent too much time on their phones, it starts to affect their social life. Ms. Missy Gomez, McNicholas’s mental health and wellness therapist, helped explain the benefits of a … More Taking a break: How phone breaks benefit students

By Rosie Smith From a young age, I knew I was different. I couldn’t brush my hair like my other friends who had fine hair. My skin got dry easily, and I had this skin disease, eczema, that I would itch until I created open wounds and had to use an Aquaphor mixture to heal … More Rocket reflection on living as an African American

Five icons of the 20th century: Black musicians who shaped the music industry  Black musicians have shaped the music industry throughout the eras because of their notable influence on a variety of genres such as jazz, soul, gospel, pop, R&B and rap. Although they have impacted and formed the music industry to what it is today, they often go unrecognized by the general population due to being overshadowed by the newest artists or … More Five black musicians you need to know 

By Alexandra Minella McNicholas High School will celebrate its annual Mardi Gras Pageant and Ball on February 15, 2026. The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the school gymnasium with the presentation of the sophomore and junior honor guards and senior court, followed by the announcement of the king and queen. After the ceremony ends, the event will transition into a dance.    The structure of Mardi … More Mardi Gras tradition continues into 74th year

By Whitley Sway As McNicholas celebrates the 74th annual Mardi Gras ceremony, the tradition continues this year with the court being announced on January 16. Recognized for their service and commitment to McNick, this year’s Maid of Honor is Grace Emmaline McCafferty and Captain of the Ball is Steven Daniel Meltebrink. Here is a Q and A to get to know them.   Maid of Honor: Grace McCafferty  Q: How did it feel … More Get to know the Maid and Captain

By Meghan Runte The Annual Science Fair occurred on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, where seven students were recognized with two honorable mentions, two special awards, and the four overall winners.  Students presented their research to a group of judges and answered questions from the judges before receiving their final scores on their projects.   Science teacher … More McNick’s Science Scholars shine at Annual Science Fair

The new McNicholas club, Stronger TogetHER, which is focused on empowering young women, was founded by senior Gracie Mastruserio in the fall of 2025. Mastruserio is one of ten girls and twenty women selected to serve The Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls to represent Hamilton County in local policy decisions. The August 2025 … More Stronger TogetHER: Empowering women for a better tomorrow  

By Maeve Rice For many teens, screen time begins with their morning alarm, then checking social media accounts then moves to tablets during school hours with Teams messages popping up. The growing number of screen time causes daily struggles in students’ lives.   In a recent survey, students and faculty of McNick ranked their most used category on their devices. The vast majority of students ranked social … More Screen teens: Studies show the effects of a high screen time 

By Alex Minella Catholic Schools Week is a nationwide celebration during the last week in January each year that highlights the importance of faith-based education and strong school communities. Theology teacher Mrs. Mary Beth Sandmann explained that Catholic Schools Week is important because it shows how “Catholic schools commit to an education rooted in faith.” Sandmann also shared that “faith and community go hand in hand; we are … More Rockets celebrate faith, community, and service

By Rosie Smith For the past ten years, McNicholas has participated in Poetry Out Loud, a national dynamic poetry recitation competition for high school students.  The 1st place contestant from the school competition continues to the regional competition that will take place on Friday, Jan. 30. The top three winners from the McNicholas competition held … More Junior wins Poetry Out Loud; Reflects on experience

By Meghan Runte During winter break, many McNicholas students and teachers spent time watching movies. But do students and teachers prefer going to a movie theatre, or streaming movies at home?  In a recent survey, 55% of students and teachers said that they would prefer to watch a movie at home.   Freshman Alexis Hood shared that she prefers … More At home or at the theatre? Rockets decide how they prefer to watch movies

By Abigail Mason At McNicholas, students can participate in a program that helps get into fields of IT early in their high school career.   The Cyber Patriots is a group of students at McNicholas, involved in a bigger National Youth Cyber education program connected to the Air Force. The group works on activities sent from the Air Force to build technology skills. Students who are a part of this group work to find cyber security flaws and vulnerabilities.   “Our team is built … More CyberPatriot program builds future careers for Rockets 

By Lydia Woodburn McNicholas High School student athletes across several winter sports described their goals, experiences, and expectations for winter season.  Elizabeth Wolfer, a swimmer, said she had participated in the sport since she was young. “I’ve been swimming since I was four,” Wolfer said. She said her goal for the season was to improve her performance. “I want to get better at my backstroke,” she added.  … More Freshman athletes share goals, expectations

By Lauren Korchok Every part of McNicholas High School has a story about its history, but how much of the history do students know? The students know the hallways by the subjects they house, but the hallways have given names that represent the roots of the school.   The original name for the “SAIL Hallway” is McNicholas Hall. McNicholas Hall was the first hallway added to the convent building. “When we started letting in boys, we had to add more rooms,” Theology teacher and Mission and Ministry Team member, Mrs. Mary Beth Sandman said. McNicholas Hall was named after former Cincinnati Archbishop and … More From original to present day; McNick’s hallways take on different names