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