DAPHNE, Ala. — Sam Covert, a former Christ the King School parent, said he knew CKCS parents had gotten the leader they’d prayed for the first time he met Sr. Maureen Nolan in 1986.

The former school board president recounted his story to 400 people gathered in Christ the King Church on May 14 to honor Nolan and the Presentation Sisters’ almost four decades of service to the school and church. Covert, and other grateful parents, spoke at the end of the Mass of Gratitude and Thanksgiving.

The Southern Company executive remembered getting a call in July 1986 from the school office, alerting him that the new principal had arrived and wanted to meet some of the school parents. He recalled rushing to the school, getting out of his car to greet a small figure who shook his hand and then led him to an ugly, prominent Dumpster nearby.

“THIS has got to go …” Nolan said sternly, with her arms crossed, he recalled.

Covert said he knew then that the parents’ prayers for a strong leader had been answered.

The farewell Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Timothy Deasy, Fr. Brendan Keller and Fr. Maurice Shields prior to a reception in the school gym. Six members of the Presentation Sisters attended the Mass.

Alumni Jennifer Morgan, Mary Hutson and Daniel Tillman read the Mass readings.

The CKCS Junior High choir, led by music teacher Barbara Hutson, sang some of the former principal’s favorite hymns: “Table of Plenty,” “Surely the Presence,” “Amazing Grace” and “Go Make a Difference.” CKCS Student Council officers, Lucy Johnston, Kayla Thomas and Sage Blackwell, brought up the gifts.

Dr. Cindy Sheets and George Brown, a former CKCS parent and grandparent, also spoke before Mass concluded, recounting how Nolan had made such a difference in their lives.

CKCS school board President Jan Finney spoke last, and highlighted Nolan’s numerous accomplishments at the school, including academic honors and a physical plant improvement program.

The reception was coordinated by the CKCS PTO officers, led by PTO President Kacey Keeney.

Nolan will begin a sabbatical year in June at her home in Ireland.