Lasallian Founder's Alumni Award: Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, Sheila Grant Michie

May 26, 2023

From the Bishop Kelley Class of 1971.

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.


Lasallian Founder’s Alumni Award

Recognizing the accomplishments of Outstanding Bishop Kelley Alumni who exemplify the five core principles of the Lasallian Mission; Faith in the Presence of God, Quality Education, Concern for the Poor & Social Justice, Respect for All Persons & Inclusive Community.


If you know a deserving BK Alumni, please nominate them here:

https://www.bishopkelley.org/alumni#LasallianFoundersAlumniAwardsNominationForm

Ryan Klerekoper Named Bishop Kelley’s 2025 St. Francis of Assisi Teacher of the Year

September 24, 2025
Ryan Klerekoper is in his fourth year as a teacher at Bishop Kelley. In his short tenure at the school, Ryan has quickly distinguished himself as an adept, informed, reflective and engaging teacher of English. Ryan has taught freshmen through seniors at Bishop Kelley, though his mainstay is freshman English. When Ryan arrived at Bishop Kelley, he moved into the English Department seamlessly; he has become an integral part of the department. His students meet his high expectations, and judging from the flock of students who gather around him between classes, he is beloved of current and former students alike. One peer teacher describes him as, “One of Bishop Kelley's best teachers. He creates engaging lessons for his students who thrive in his classroom and who enjoy his teaching immensely as well; Ryan prioritizes keeping rigor high while also keeping learning fun.” Ryan displays a genuine concern for the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of his students. He holds his students to high standards but supports them in their efforts and struggles. He makes strong personal connections with each of his students. If you walk by his room before and after school, you find a room filled with animated students seeking his advice and affirmation. To help foster his own as well as his students’ spiritual growth, Ryan joined a faculty PLC to explore ways to integrate faith into his curriculum; he is genuinely focused on helping to develop the whole child. A fellow teacher describes him, “Ryan inspires his fellow English teachers to maintain the highest academic standards. He maintains humility by sharing and critiquing ideas as a team, incorporating new works of literature, and offering usable feedback with encouragement. It is a blessing to work with him; he is an outstanding teacher. “ Ryan holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in English from Northeastern State University. At Northeastern he won the Academic Achievement Award as the Most Outstanding Student in 2019. Prior to Bishop Kelley, Ryan taught both middle and high school English in the Union school district after a ten-year career with Mazzio's Pizza. The admiration and respect he inspires in both students and colleagues stand as a testament to the transformative impact he has on the lives of Bishop Kelley students. The 2025 Saint Francis of Assisi Teacher of the Year from Bishop Kelley is Ryan Klerekoper. Bishop Konderla will celebrate the SFOA Annual Mass and Teacher Awards: 👉 Friday, October 3, 2025 ⛪ 6 pm at Holy Family Cathedral

Thank You 2025 Auction Sponsors!

August 25, 2025
With over 350 in attendance on April 26, 2025 at Jarboe Hall, the BK community raised just over $312,500 (net) towards purchasing school bus transportation.