The McNicholas Milestone

By: Alex Minella

The McNicholas faculty and staff includes twenty-four alumni from the years of 1974 to 2018 all of whom have great memories and stories from their years at McNick. Their hairstyles and fashions may have changed over the years, along with the addition of a football field, parking lots and extracurricular activities, but their love for their alma mater has not. While all current alumni who are employed at McNick will eventually be featured, this story will focus on seven alumni: Mrs. Laurie Carigan, Mrs. Melissa Boston, Mrs. Angela Kramer, Mr. Drew Schmidt, Mr. Drew McMillan, Mr. Matthew Battaglia, and Ms. Ann Rieke, who graduated between the years 1986 to 2018.   

Mrs. Laurie Carigan, who graduated in 1986, talked about how the sports programs have differed since her days in high school. “I remember summer conditioning for volleyball entailed my sister and I running up and down our street a few days before tryouts. There was no organized training,” Carigan said. Carigan was actively involved in various activities, playing volleyball all four years, cheering, and dancing, while also participating in the Appalachia Retreat, Student Council, National Honor Society, yearbook, and school musicals. Carigan also had the honor of being crowned Mardi Gras Queen her senior year with the theme “The Melting Pot.” Carigan’s fond memories of McNicholas and strong connection to the school motivated her to return and work here. “It is very rewarding to be a part of making Catholic education and the McNicholas experience possible for many students and families,” Carigan said. 

Mrs. Melissa Boston, who graduated in 1990, was involved in cheer, National Honor Society, and Yearbook Club. Boston talked about how much things have changed since her high school days. She mentioned that they did not have a football field or track, so they had to use Anderson High School for games and meets. There were fewer sports then, like no swimming or lacrosse. She also said class sizes were bigger, with around 275 students in her freshman class. Lockers were used to store books and jackets, and students wore letterman jackets to show off their achievements. Fashion was different too, with big, curly hair and shoulder pads being the trend. Boston explained that she wanted to come back to work at McNick because there is “such a wonderful community family with such fond, positive memories.” 

Mrs. Angela Kramer, who graduated in 1999, was involved in volleyball, swim team, Spirit Club, theatre, and she helped build floats for the homecoming parade. “We had Homecoming parades every year where each class decorated their float, and a specific class would win,” Kramer said. Kramer shared that McNick has always held a special place in her heart due to its strong sense of community and belonging. With family ties, including three younger brothers and six cousins who attended McNick, along with her Uncle Bill Losekamp teaching here since she was a freshman. Kramer also mentioned the joy of reconnecting with high school friends. “It is truly in a special place,” Kramer said. 

Mr. Drew Schmidt, who graduated in 2006, shared his thoughts on how much things have changed since he was in school. He pointed out that the facilities and resources are better now, which gives students more opportunities for growth and career paths. He also mentioned that the theater, extracurricular activities, and sports have really improved since his time and that there’s so much more available on campus now. Schmidt played football for a year, and basketball and baseball for four years. “I had been pondering what clubs I was in, but the one that stuck out to me the most was the Spirit Club – it was the club that helped to generate school spirit and provide a foundation for students to organize support for all clubs, teams, and activities at McNick.” He said the main reason he wanted to come back to McNick was the people—the friends, families, and teachers who made a lasting impact on him during his high school years. “The teachers that are still here are a big reason why I wanted to come back – the impact they made on me helped drive my passion for McNick. Combs, Stricker, Roflow, Sandmann, Hutch, Rosenbaum, Noble, Losekamp – all played roles in my experience here at McNick.” 

Mr. Drew McMillan, who graduated in 2008, played football and was also involved in the Habitat for Humanity trip to clean up after Hurricane Katrina. McMillan fondly remembers all the trends students were involved in, including pastel polos and baggy clothes. McMillan said, “Coming back to work at McNick just felt right.” McMillan said one reason he came back to work at McNick was “the strong sense of community” with being surrounded by teachers that taught him like “Mrs. Noble, Coach Mulvey, Mr. Roflow, Hutch, Mrs. Combs, Mr. Stricker, Mr. Monahan, and Mr. Rosenbaum.” 

Mr. Matthew Battaglia, who graduated in 2012, noticed how much the school has changed not just with the building, but also how we work as a school. “The classes were much shorter; we only had a block day probably once a month and only had 7 classes for about 48 minutes,” he said. Battaglia was involved in wrestling all four years and men’s volleyball for two years. Battaglia stated the main reason he wanted to come back and work here was “the environment and community.” A lot of the community is surrounded by teachers who taught him like “Mulvey, Gillming, Roflow, and Monahan,” Battaglia said. 

Ms. Ann Rieke, who graduated in 2018, talked about how much McNick has changed classroom wise, branding wise, and how there is more enthusiasm from the students. “The school is in a better place,” Rieke said. Rieke was involved in many activities including cheer all four years, softball, soccer, Thespians, and Photography Club. Rieke said, “Being able to support the community and take pictures” are some of the main reasons she wanted to come back to McNick.