In early January, seniors from the class of 2024 were chosen for the Mardi Gras Court. During CREW, seniors elected the peers from their grade level who they think deserve to be on the court based on characteristics that represent the essence of being a McNicholas student on a nomination form. Characteristic categories included sports, leadership, service, and extracurriculars. Seniors at McNicholas had to choose six people from the nomination list (three people for the girls and three for the boys).
The court recognizes a captain and maid of honor early in the evening before the crowining of the queen and king. Alex Smith, theatre stage manager was elected captain of the ball and Maria Billes, captain of the varsity volleyball team, maid of honor. They began the positive representation of character at Mardi Gras this year.
“I was really excited being on the court,” Smith said, “[court] is such a huge honor I mean it’s something you work to for all 4 years, so it was really exciting and thrilling to be announced on and be a part of McNick history and get to live on such a tremendous honor that many have taken on before. I’m just glad that I can do it,” Smith states.
Each year, a faculty representative announces each person as the court members from the senior, junior, and sophomore class are recognized. During the announcement, the MC, this year Latin teacher Mr. Paul Romolo, recites the student’s involvement they have had in their years at McNick. It is an honorable experience that the students are grateful to be a part of in front of their parents, special guests, teachers, and the student body.
“I’m excited to be a part of this experience and I felt very honored” states Abby Dorschug, 2024 senior court member. Mardi Gras has been a tradition at Mcnicholas since 1953 as a celebration of the leadership and community McNick has to offer as shown by the court this year and in all the past court.
At the end of the evening, the king and queen descend the gym stairs to reign over the paegent. The king and queen of the 2024 Mardi Gras court was Calla Garretson and Remington Holder. Sadly, the king couldn’t be there because he was in Nashville for an interview for a full ride scholarship at Vanderbilt University, called Ingram Scholars Program, but Call regaled the event with elegance and grace.
The McNicholas Milestone 