Archbishop McNicholas High School

Archbishop McNicholas High School in Mt. Washington has a public memorial honoring military veterans between its two parking lots. The memorial is used by the American Legion for observances, and the school hosts an annual Veterans Day breakfast for area vets.

5 McNicholas alumni honored by the memorial
Marty Mugavin (’65)
Greg Iding (’65)
Joe Berning (’69)
Chuck Kiser (’85)
Nick Erdy (’02)

In early 2020, 40 McNicholas students accompanied 41 World War II veterans to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans through the Gary Sinese Foundation’s Soaring Valor project.

Fun Facts:

• In 2009, the memorial was dedicated.
• $50,000 in funds was raised for the memorial plaza in one year.
• There are 6 granite markers honoring each branch of service and alumni veterans who died in the line of duty.
• $80,000+ was raised for memorial maintenance and scholarship money since 2009.
• Paradise is the alumni name for a large field behind the school; site of the ongoing “Project Paradise” athletic field construction.
• “McNick” is the school nickname.
• Rockets is the school team name.
• The school motto is “That youth may attain full stature in Christ.”
• Mardi Gras Pageant and Ball was brought to the school in 1952 by the Sisters, who were based in New Orleans. The school’s Mardi Gras tradition is unique in the city. The event honors 40 senior students, crowns a Mardi Gras King and Queen, and ends with a formal dance.

“The power of the McNick community is strengthening us now that we need to connect online rather than in person. Our mission of growing toward ‘Full Stature in Christ’ binds us together.” Principal David Mueller

“I’ve gone by and seen people visiting the memorial, sitting there, leaving flags and other items. It’s open to the community and getting a lot of use!”
Jim Hay, Military Memorial Committee

“Mardi Gras is a very big deal at McNicholas! It was begun by the Sisters in 1952 to honor students who sold a lot of tickets for a raffle, and has grown and grown since then. The faculty and staff really get into it, too. There’s nothing like it in Cincinnati.”
Shannon Kapp, Director of Marketing and Communications

Rocketoberfest
Launched in 2019, this craft beer tasting and Oktoberfest replaced the annual dance that raised funds for maintaining the memorial and for the four $1,500 military scholarships the Military Memorial Committee awards each year. This year’s event: 10/10/20