By Abigail Mason
Around the McNicholas school building, there are multiple symbolic artifacts that represent the culture and faith throughout the school.
Located in front of the McNicholas on Beechmont Avenue, is a Celtic cross. Designed by an artist in Texas, it represents the Irish and Catholic faith of the school.
Director of Mission and Ministry and Theology teacher, Mr. Jeff Hutchinson-Symth said that the Celtic cross “just communicates to the broader community that we’re a school rooted in our Catholic Christian faith.”
On the side of the Convent in the courtyard, previously used as a parking lot, is now known as the Saint Joseph prayer garden. Seen as a space for quiet prayer and reflection, Hutchinson-Smyth shared that “a part of that vision [for the garden] was that there needs to be more spaces for seniors to be able to eat lunch when it’s nice out, or where people can come back after mass and have a reception.”
Senior Delaney Rains shared that the garden, “represents our faith, shows what McNick is as a community, and how we all come together through the community.”
On one of the walls in the theology hallway, is a mural titled “Our Faith Inspires us to Serve,” painted by visiting artist Gerado Arias over ten years ago. This mural represents how the Sisters of St. Joseph have a mission to help serve a community of people. It also honors Sr. Margie Navarro, who was a former principal, alumni of McNicholas and St. Joseph Academy, and a missionary who served in Central America to the poor. She also co-founded the Cultural center of Batahola Norte in Managua, Nicaragua. By living through the Gospel call, she saw Jesus in the poor whom she loved and served. “With Christ at the center it’s representing the Spirit of God at work in all its ways,” Hutchinson-Smyth said.
Junior Conrad Oeder said that the mural “reminds us of the purpose of why we are here and what this school is about.”
Inside the main lobby, and near the library, is a cross made from cherry, maple, and walnut. It was designed by former Theology teacher and Director of Student Life of 30 years, Gerard Kissel, who enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. Art teacher and department chair, Ms. Mel Gaskins shared that “he made that for us to help create that Catholic identity.”
“When I see the cross, it reminds me to have Jesus’ intentions in what I do, and how I can follow through what he taught and did,” shared freshman Luke Amann. Freshman Giana Coscia said that the cross “shows that God is everywhere in the school.”
The pieces were added to improve the visual representation for McNicholas’s Catholic Identity. Gaskins shared that after adding and having the symbols around the school “helped support what we already believed.” “I encourage students to look up and just take in all the history, legacy and all the symbolism that’s at work here,” Hutchinson-Smyth added.
The McNicholas Milestone 