Knights on Broadway: A Smash Hit!

       What do you get when you put monks, students, parents, donors and performances of famous Broadway plays together? You got it, the 16th annual Night of Knights. As always, the Night of Knights brought some fun, excitement, and a little bit of money to Mount Michael. “This night allows everyone associated with Mount Michael to have fun together and, at the same time, help the school,” said sophomore Pat Witt.
       This night of fun was started with a mass at 4:45 said by Abbot Rapheal Walsh. After mass, the Armory, stage and cafeteria began to fill with people checking out the items they want to walk away with at the end of the night. After an hour of talking, looking at items and watching the Final Four it was time to get the show on the road. Keith Allerton, Development Director for Mount Michael, welcomed everyone to Mount Michael then called for Alex McKnight, student body president, to give a speech on the Night of Knights. After McKnight’s speech, Abbot Theodore led a prayer honoring Pope John Paul II with the prayer before meals. Then the guests were served with gourmet meals while the silent auction started to heat up. Student ambassadors were running to helping the guests to get what they wanted. Some even parked themselves right next to the item their guests wanted to insure victory. “Some people don’t know how serious this job can be,” said Dylan Parlor. Silent Auction items ranged from silverware to Barry Switzer signed footballs.
       Once the silent auction wrapped up, the action didn’t stop with the start of live performances. Allerton led the singing performances of famous Broadway plays which were the entertainment during dessert.
       After the great singing, the live auction began. This is where the most expensive items are auctioned. Some live auction items were ruby earrings, a trip to the nation’s capital, and a sculpture of an eagle done by Fred Hoppe. This eagle brought the highlight of the night. It was sold at $30,000 then donated right back to the school by Walter and Suzanne Scott, the guests of honor.
       The conclusion of the live auction brought the great night to an end. This was another very successful Night of Knights, like all 15 before it. We need to thank the monks, parents, students and all others who helped create another great Night of Knights. - Article by Jack Horgan