Archbishop McNicholas High School (aka McNick to all those who know and love it) has taught me, along with so many other students, so much. I will always cherish my years there, and always be proud to be a rocket and be a part of the McNick family. The lessons I learned, both inside and outside of the classroom, have made me the person I am today and will stick with me forever.
1. A school is more than a place you learn.
It’s so much more than that. McNick was where I met my best friends, learned from textbooks and also life lessons, and grew up. Every day when I walked in at 7:40 (or a couple minutes after), I was ready for a day filled with so much. I was ready to see my friends, ready to learn, and ready to make lasting connections with my teachers.
2. Being a teacher is more than just a title.
One of the best things about McNick is that so many of the teachers are alumni. The alumni understand what it’s like to be a student at McNick and offer their advice on how to survive high school, jobs, life, and everything in between. The other teachers are just as dedicated. Every time I fell behind in a subject or didn’t quite understand a topic, I was offered help before and after school without hesitation. McNick teachers are so willing to give up their time and energy in order to see a student succeed. So many bonds are made between teachers and students at McNick, connections that last past graduation and leave lasting memories through life.
3. You don’t have to be good at just one thing.
No one blinked an eye if you decided to do sports and theater. It was 100% acceptable if you had amazing grades and were also on the football team. No one was asked to fit into a certain mold. It was encouraged to try new things and be different. Mardi Gras Court was one of the many things that celebrated students being involved, something that other schools didn't have the privilege of having.
4. Acceptance and love.
As a transfer student, I was immediately welcomed into the McNick family. Teachers would check on me to make sure I was doing okay, and students who had never met me before welcomed me to school. From day one, I was accepted into the high school I love, and I’m eternally grateful for that. From my retreat in Appalachia to my World Religions class, I learned about acceptance. Everyone’s different, and that’s okay. McNick made an effort to make sure that everyone felt welcome and also to educate about other religions.
5. It’s important to give back.
Whether it was the penny and blood drive, coat drive, or even just raising money for the Walk, McNick students sure knew how to give back to our community. The service club was (and is) the largest organization on campus, which is something to be proud of. Giving wasn’t just taught, it was expected.
6. Even at Saturday afternoon football games, it’s possible to have school spirit.
Yes, Saturday football games could be a downer sometimes, but McNick always rallied. From storming the field after a hard-earned win from the boys’ soccer team on Senior Night to taking buses out to Columbus to see our women’s soccer team claim state, Rockets were always there for one another, cheering each other on. The spirit wasn’t just limited to sports either. Theatre productions consistently sold out, with students filling the seats, and pep rallies were always filled with cheers.
7. Students, teachers, and faculty are more than just that. They’re family.
We help each other when others are down. From raising awareness about CP because of Sam, rallying behind Adrian as she fought against cancer, and now helping out one our beloved teachers, we are always there for one another. We’ve done so many other things for our tight-knit McNick community. Parents, students, alumni, and teachers never hesitate to lend a helping hand.
8. Once a Rocket, always a Rocket.
Once you leave Archbishop McNicholas High School, you don’t forget about it. You don’t forget the memories you made, people you met, and lessons you learned. You use it to your advantage in life. You look back and remember how important those 4 (or 3) years were to you. You cheer on your team, even if it’s years later. I still wear my Rockets spirit wear around campus sometimes, and I’ll always be proud to say that I went to Archbishop McNicholas High School.
