Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND, Honored with Pope St. John XXIII Award for Service and Commitment to Roncalli Catholic

Roncalli Catholic High School proudly announces that Sr. Margaret Hickey, ND, is the recipient of the prestigious Pope St. John XXIII Award, the school’s highest honor. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions and advancements in service to the children and friends of God, reflecting the charisms of Pope St. John XXIII through their work or contributions. Sr. Margaret, whose involvement with Roncalli Catholic dates back to its merger with Archbishop Rummel and Notre Dame Academy in 1974, embodies these values in every way.

Sr. Margaret will accept this award at Roncalli’s annual Festa del Leone Development Dinner on April 5, 2025, at A View on State. For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, please visit: https://one.bidpal.net/festa25/welcome

Throughout the years, Sr. Margaret has been a steadfast presence at Roncalli Catholic, consistently advocating for the school and its mission. She currently serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Governance Committee, having played an active role in the school’s advancement over the years. Her dedication was especially evident through her countless volunteer hours during the Capital Campaign, where she helped secure resources to further the school’s growth and development.

Known for her warmth, Sr. Margaret is always ready with a kind and encouraging word for everyone she meets—whether they be former students, faculty members, or fellow board members. Her compassion and dedication to the school’s mission are evident in every interaction, reminding those around her of the Notre Dame Sisters’ and Christian Brothers’ values of caring for the less fortunate and ensuring that a Catholic education remains accessible to all.

“Sr. Margaret has played a vital role in our school now and for many years,” said Roncalli Catholic President Sean Keisling. “She reminds us through her living example of how to show compassion, love, and commitment to education and living out the Gospel. Sr. Margaret is always willing to lend a hand and graciously supports the school through her time, talent, and treasure. I can only imagine the grace our school has received due to the many prayers she has offered for our students, alumni, staff, and greater community.”

From simple tasks like preparing mailers to more complex responsibilities such as soliciting donations, Sr. Margaret has always been ready to support Roncalli Catholic in any way she can. Her contributions have touched every aspect of the school, and her enduring commitment to the school’s mission and values continues to inspire those around her.

“Sr. Margaret Hickey is a delight,” added Tim Mueting, a longtime Religion Teacher at Roncalli Catholic. “She was here when I first arrived 33 years ago and she was a model of professionalism, service, and holiness then. She still is now! I am grateful for her presence on the Board of Education because I know what her priorities are: the growth in wisdom, age, and grace of our students. I thank God for her ministry and for her presence in our Roncalli Catholic family.”

In contemplating her receiving of the Pope John XXIII Award, Sr. Margaret says she is both surprised and humbled.  She says, “I will accept this award in gratitude to my God who gave me life, to my wonderful parents and sister  who strengthened my faith and courage through their endurance, to my Notre Dame Sisters who nourished and called forth my gifts as a teacher and leader, and finally to all the Roncalli Catholic family who helped me, by their example and witness, to grow in wisdom, faith and courage.  God has led the way and has provided multitudes of people to grow me into the person I am today.  I give praise to my God and everyone!”

Sr. Margaret’s leadership and example continue to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the entire Roncalli Catholic community. Her solid commitment to the school and its mission demostrates her deep faith and love for education, making her an incredibly deserving recipient of the Pope St. John XXIII Award.