LasaLLian Founder’s aLumni awards

By Hayden Heckenkemper ‘23

Caitlyn Benedict Gonya - Outstanding Young Alumni

Working extensively throughout the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, Caitlyn Gonya is an exemplary young alumnus who has used her short time since graduating from Bishop Kelley to do big things. During her four years at Bishop Kelley, Caitlyn filled her schedule with Speech and Debate, among other things, and attended daily Mass.

After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 2011, Caitlyn attended Benedictine College in Kansas, where she got her Bachelor’s degree in Theology and English, graduating in 2015. While at Benedictine, Caitlyn served as a Totus Tuus missionary for the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma. After graduating, she worked as the Youth and Young Adult Minister of Parish of Christ the King and then spent three years in the Youth Office of the Chancery. Caitlyn graduated in 2018 with a Master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame.

Caitlyn is the current Director of Mission and Faith Formation at Christ the King. Beyond her role in the Diocese, Caitlyn has worked to implement an event called Song Praise in the Diocese, which includes food, Adoration, praise and worship, and talk. Sing Praise has been held at 11 locations, including a prison. Furthermore, Caitlyn created a five-year strategic plan for the parish and aided with the faith-based elements of the school’s strategic plan.

Simply put, Caitlyn exhibits what it means to be a servant-leader. Her hard work, faith, and service have led to opportunities across the Diocese for others to invest in their faith journeys. She’s used her education at Bishop Kelley and beyond to instill knowledge in others, especially her children.

Marilyn Troupe - Dedication to Quality Education

It’s safe to say that Marilyn Troupe has spent her life investing time in the next generation. Her dedication to education across the country has bettered the lives of others and culminate in her receiving this year’s Lasallian Founder’s Award in Quality Education.

Marilyn, a 1963 graduate, has embraced education as her vocation. She’s worked for Oral Roberts University, Tulsa Public Schools, and Lane College of Jackson, Mississippi. Beyond the classroom, Marilyn has done further work in education through the Oklahoma Department of Vocational Education and the Education & Professional Standards Board in Frankfort, Kentucky. To round out her experience, she worked for the Department of the Army at the Pentagon in Virginia. Furthermore, her volunteer work is evident, as are the results.

She’s served on numerous boards nationwide, including the St. Monica’s Parish Council in Tulsa and the Foster Care Review Board. In the Diocese, she wears many hats, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Lecturer, part of the Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of America, and as a CCD teacher. She fills her schedule by volunteering at soup kitchens, Walk for Mankind, and Special Olympics–among other activities. She’s served every generation, from helping young girls and boys with etiquette and self-esteem to volunteering with the Elderly Nutrition Program and the Adult Daycare Center for the Elderly.

Marilyn has raised funds for Catholic Schools in Kentucky, taught religious education in Mississippi, and worked with youth in Oklahoma. She has been a model for all to be great citizens and active community members.

David Nyikos - Distinguished Alumni

David Nyikos is a distinguished alumnus with extensive experience in International Security and Military Operations. His worldview is vast, and he’s used his expertise to create a safer, more secure tomorrow. His work has proved his ability as a leader and model of dedication and courage.

After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 1991, David attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences, he completed pilot training at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training and F-15 follow-on training. With the training, David flew F-15 jets in Virginia and Alaska and acted as a forward air controller at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. Upon earning his Master of Science in Engineering Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology, he was selected as a Service Chiefs’ Intern at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. He commanded a squadron in San Antonio and led men and women in ground and air combat in Afghanistan and over Iraq. He returned to school and earned his Master of Arts in Political and Military Sciences at the Royal Belgian Military Academy. He then worked as a representative for the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman at the NATO Headquarters. He served as Director of the Joint Air Component Coordination Element and Chief of Staff of the NATO Air Component Afghanistan before returning to the United States as the Deputy Director of Operations at Air Combat Command.

David successfully led military squadrons to receive awards as the best air superiority squadron and the best support squadron in the Air Force. David is the current Chief of Defense Cooperation for the United States Air Force at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague, The Netherlands, coordinating security cooperation activities between the Department of Defense and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Beyond his professional positions, David has found time to volunteer across the country and the world. He’s coached basketball for the non-profit Upwards Sports and has found opportunities to serve in each school his children have attended. David Nyikos has found a balance between serving his country, maintaining an incredibly successful career, and building a strong family with an enduring marriage.

David’s intrinsic motivation to serve others and leave the world a better place than he found has led to his successes and ultimate recognition today.

Sheila Grant MichieConcern for the Poor and Social Justice

Few have matched the volunteering spirit of Sheila Michie. Her work for people from all walks of life has provided light to those around her as she’s served in the Diocese and beyond.

After graduating from Bishop Kelley in 1971, Sheila attended the University of Tulsa and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. While at TU, Sheila served with the Benedictine Sisters as a reading tutor for students from Burroughs Elementary School and then worked with Sunshine Services to provide care to those who were homebound, either elderly or disabled. Sheila also worked at Children’s Medical Center with children afflicted by severe, profound disabilities, which inspired her obtain a certification in Special Education and a degree in Education. She taught at Burroughs Elementary School with Tulsa Public Schools and then returned to her education to earn her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and her Principal certification. She returned to education as the Assistant Principal of Burroughs and Emerson Elementary Schools and eventually Interim Principal of McClure.

After leaving Tulsa Public Schools, Sheila was inspired to begin the Women of Peace Ministry, where she led women’s retreats and became a public speaker. A new opportunity arose when she was asked to pioneer and direct a Youth Mentoring after-school program at St. Francis Xavier Church for Cleveland and Kendall Whitter school students. During that period, San Miguel School was being established, and a year later, she became the school’s religion and language arts teacher— a position she remained in for six years. She continues to be a beacon for those across the world who read her posts on her blog, Becoming Women of Peace, and through her husband’s company Empowerment Enterprise, where she and her husband, Charles, have organized and led leadership and team-building adventures and retreats with schools, churches, and other groups.

Sheila’s volunteer experience is extensive. Sheila has served on the Catholic Ministry team for the Tulsa County Jail, and as a Section Representative for the Diocese of Tulsa at the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre Southwestern United States. She is a Pentecost Today USA Council Member, and has led numerous ACTS retreats. She continues to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and lector in the Diocese.

Sheila has boldly shared the word of God and allowed the Diocesan community to grow through her help in recruiting some of San Miguel’s first students, and her active involvement in too many retreats to count. Her work with the poor and vulnerable has solidified her place as a role model for all.

By Candace Maggard

SiSter mary eliSha glady, rSm

By Grace Wells

Teaching is more than just a career; it’s something bigger than a classroom, beyond the pages in a textbook. Teaching is the connection between an individual and their potential within education. It is the bridge to the fullness of knowledge. This is seen and experienced on a daily basis through the instruction of Sister Mary Elisha Glady, RSM. Since becoming a member of the BK community two years ago, Sister Mary Elisha has made an extraordinary impact within her time here.

Sister Mary Elisha taught in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at Xavier High School before she was assigned to Bishop Kelley in the fall of 2021, a decision she notes as a “vow of obedience.” Currently in her third year as an educator, Sister Mary Elisha teaches various classes within the Theology and Math Departments. She is admired by her colleagues who see her as a prime example of a team player and one who is dedicated to her work.

Also known to be “naturally caffeinated,” Sister Mary Elisha brings a sense of colorfulness to her teaching, taking on the most complex of obstacles with gracious per- severance. When faced with these challenges, Sister, as described by fellow Theology teacher Ms. Allison Pollard, is always able to “make everything relateable and understandable for her students.” Mr. John Simons, Chair of the Theology Department, also reiterates this attribute by defining Sister Mary Elisha as a conscious “custodian for the students’ eternal souls.”

Sister Mary Elisha’s work with curriculum development is a unique talent; Simons describes her skillset as, “practically a Charism.” When asked what he most appreciates about Sister, student McCaleb Doyle remarked how “she tries to include all of the students in the lessons.” Mrs. Pollard noted that Sister is “constantly finding ways to reach the students where they are.”

Outside of the classroom, Sister Mary Elisha is a fundamental presence in the life of the school, bringing an energy that is irreplaceable into the daily lives of the teachers around her, always willing to offer contributions. Such contributions can be found in her work on the Theology Department curriculum, a true embodiment of the Lasallian principles of “Faith” and “Zeal.” In the words of Mr. Simons, Sister Mary Elisha is “a servant and instrument of the One True Master Teacher,” and such a role is seen in her work with “the lives of the young people…in every single class she teaches.”

Beyond connecting with her students and seamlessly moving through complex lessons, Sister is known for continuously raising the bar within her teaching, pushing her students spiritual development to new heights, as well as raising their level of thought and critical thinking. Even in the midst of all this, Sister moves through her day and her career with an attitude of humility and servitude to those around her. Sister Mary Elisha says she enjoys working at Bishop Kelley and collaborating with teachers. She views her work as a fulfillment of a blessing.

Since she stepped foot on the BK campus, Sister Mary Elisha has shared her gifts with others, ranging from her life as a Religious Sister of Mercy to her teaching. She truly is an invaluable gift to the Comet family.

Kathleen Zigler

By Amy Nagode ‘24

How do you imagine a teacher during their teenage years? A nerd, maybe a brown nose? Mrs. Kathleen Zigler, however, was like any other typical high school student. In her own words, “I was quiet, I always sat in the back, always had my hoodie up.” According to Zigler, she never imagined herself becoming a teacher. “Not at all.” She laughed when asked if her career was something she had always envisioned. “I did not like school. Math especially. It was not my strong suit.”

Zigler entered Northeastern State University in 2006, initially interested in pursuing journalism. However, she later shifted her major to English. At NSU, she got to know fellow Bishop Kelley English teacher Ms. Kylie Hendricks. According to Zigler, commiserating over their shared Linguistics class was one of their most significant bonds.

Following grad school, Zigler spent some time as a college professor before transitioning to a temporary employee at Cascia Hall Preparatory School. Mrs. Zigler’s favorite part about working at various schools was (and continues to be) the students. “I cried when I left Cascia. I loved the students and was sad to see them go.”

The students continue to be Mrs. Zigler’s favorite part of being at Bishop Kelley. “I click with a lot of students. It’s fun to see their sense of humor and how bright each student is. It is so different from a huge public school. What I love about Bishop Kelley is how you are able to foster relationships with every kid.”

Her effective teaching and positive relationships with students and faculty alike have been evident this year: she was one of the first-awarded Teachers of the Month during the 2022-2023 school year!