2025 CATHERINE McAULEY LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

The King Sisters: A Legacy of Faith, Service and Empowerment

The King sisters - Margie, Gigi, Beth, Kathleen, Kristen, Maura and Molly - are a living testament to the values of faith, service and empowerment instilled in them from an early age by their parents, Margie (Ellis) and Jack King. Raised in St. John Fisher Parish, where both parents were deeply involved, the King family emphasized the importance of education, community service and living out their Catholic faith. With 10 children, the Kings created a home where hard work, love and mutual support were paramount, shaping the path for each of the King sisters as they went on to make their own profound impact in their communities.

At the heart of the King sisters' shared journey was Mother McAuley High School, which became a cornerstone in their lives and shaped them into the strong, confident women they are today. McAuley's nurturing environment of academic rigor, leadership opportunities and deep-rooted faith prepared each of them to face life with resilience, compassion and dedication.

Throughout their time at McAuley, the King sisters immersed themselves in a variety of activities - Student Council, sports, theater, choir and service projects - building the foundation for their future leadership roles. The values of community service and leadership were instilled in them by the Sisters of Mercy, which continued to guide them in their respective careers, families and volunteer endeavors. Their shared commitment to these values helped shape not only their own paths but also the communities they serve.

Their brothers Jack (Brother Rice), Brian (Mt. Carmel), and Matt (Mt. Carmel) also thrived in single-gender Catholic high schools, embodying the same values of faith and service. Matt's wife Ellen is also a proud alumna of Mother McAuley, class of '93, continuing the family's strong connection to the McAuley legacy.

Leadership, Service and Lifelong Connections

Though each sister's path has been unique, the core values of faith, education and service have been a constant thread running through their lives. Many of the sisters have devoted themselves to careers in education, where they work as teachers, speech-language pathologists and school administrators, fostering a love of learning and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Margie King Elias, the eldest of the King family, graduated from Mother McAuley in 1983. She was eager to share stories with her younger sisters about her all-girls high school where she was active in Student Council, Little School, and Misericordia and most importantly, formed lifelong friendships. After attending Eastern Illinois University, she began her career in corporate business before becoming a full-time mom to her son, Jimmy. During those years, she volunteered extensively at St. Michael School. Once back in the workforce, Margie found success in Records Management and Human Resources, leading various projects and growing into leadership roles. Now living in Lakeview, Margie works at a hedge fund company in Chicago and is excited to help plan her son's upcoming wedding.

Jennifer (Gigi) Pappas, a proud member of the class of 1984, attended her 40th reunion this fall, reminiscing with classmates about the special impact McAuley had on shaping young women with confidence, work ethic and faith. As a Student Council member and senior class vice president, Gigi also volunteered with the McAuley Little School and Misericordia, which inspired her 34-year career as a speech-language pathologist. She received her undergraduate degree from St. Xavier University with a masters degree from Governors State University. Passionate about her field, she has worked with students with extensive speech and language needs and until recently served as an adjunct faculty member at St. Xavier University. Gigi credits McAuley's core values for shaping her career and was proud to see her daughter Paige ('17) experience them as well, including as a part of the 2016 state volleyball team. Gigi lives in St. Barnabas parish with her husband, Erik, and has two other adult children, Jack and Luke.

Beth King Furlong, a proud member of the class of 1985, was thrilled to attend Mother McAuley alongside her sisters Margie and Gigi, embracing every part of the experience from the Berkeley blouse to the many opportunities McAuley offered. A dedicated student, Beth was involved in Student Council, track, cross-country, McAuley Little School, retreats and more. She built lasting friendships that shaped her life and loved every moment of her time at McAuley. After high school, Beth earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Xavier University and a Master's in Speech Pathology from Governors State University. She married her childhood sweetheart, Kevin Furlong, and together they raised five children in Most Holy Redeemer Parish, where they were both active in the community. Beth's daughters, Jenna ('14) and Lily ('21), continued the McAuley tradition, while her sons Kevin, Michael and Patrick attended Brother Rice. Beth believes that McAuley empowered her to be her best and instilled the confidence to believe in herself - values she continues to pass on to the next generation, which is why she has fully enjoyed working in the preschool classroom at St. John Fisher School for the last 10 years.

Kathleen King Buck, a proud member of the Class of 1987, embraced her Mother McAuley journey with the vibrant spirit for which her family is known. At McAuley, she was active in choir, track and Student Council, forming lasting friendships and developing a love for reading and math. A highlight was her sophomore American Studies class with Ms. Christensen and Ms. McKenna, where the connections between history and literature left a lasting impression. In her senior year, Kathleen was honored with the Sister Brian Costello Scholarship, guided by the mantra, "Unto Whom Much is Given, Much Will Be Required," a philosophy her mother, Margie, instilled in her. She was also privileged to speak at graduation. Kathleen continued her education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and earned her Master's Degree from Governors State University. With over 30 years in teaching, she has inspired students at McAuley, Chicago Public Schools and Carl Sandburg High School. A dedicated leader, Kathleen heads the Orland Park Kiwanis Key Club, founded the Lincoln-Way Girls Lacrosse Club and champions initiatives like the Thirst Project. Outside her professional accomplishments, Kathleen finds joy in her family-her husband Matt, and their four children: Madeline, Matthew, Michaela and Max. The family is active in St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Parish and supports the Chicago Special Olympics.

Kristen King Prendergast, a proud graduate of the class of 1996, has over two decades of experience in education, blending leadership and innovation to foster academic excellence. With two master's degrees in Education, she has spent the last 20 years at Dawes School, where she spearheaded the Algebra Initiative to enhance mathematical proficiency and boost student confidence. Kristen is also an active member of her community, coaching girls' basketball and organizing events to strengthen school-family partnerships. As a mother of three - Lucy ('27), Evan, and Colin - enrolled in Catholic schools, she, along with her husband Mike, continues to nurture the values of collaboration and engagement. Kristen's time at McAuley shaped her leadership journey, where she was a dedicated Student Council member and advocate for service. Her experiences at McAuley, both on the court and in the classroom, continue to inspire her commitment to empowering others and building strong, supportive communities.

Maura King Finn, a proud graduate of the class of 1997, has the unique privilege of being an alumna, current parent and employee of Mother McAuley. At McAuley, she embraced every opportunity, including volleyball, chorus, the National Honor Society, leadership roles in Officer's Council and participation in Kairos. After graduating in the top 3% of her class, Maura pursued Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, earning her BS in 2001. She then launched a successful career in semiconductor sales, blending her technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills to excel in a male-dominated field - thanks to the confidence and leadership skills developed at McAuley. In 2016, Maura transitioned to raising her four children with her husband, Brian, while becoming actively involved in her parish, St. Barnabas. Her passion for STEM outreach led her to return to McAuley in 2021 as a teacher. Now in her fourth year, she teaches Math and Engineering and moderates Professional ABCs. Maura is proud to see her daughters Maura ('26) and Madison ('28) following in her footsteps and continuing the Mighty Mac legacy. Lindsey (future class of '31) and Sean are still enjoying their time at St. Barnabas.

Molly King Samansky, a proud graduate of the class of 2004, was the seventh sister to graduate from Mother McAuley. During her time at McAuley, she was involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, choir and led a Kairos retreat, embracing the values that shaped her. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication and Hearing Sciences from the University of Illinois in 2008, followed by a Master of Science in Speech Pathology from Saint Xavier University in 2011. Now in her 14th year as a speech-language pathologist, Molly has worked in various settings, helping individuals reach their communication goals with compassion and expertise. Molly is also a devoted mother of three to Sadie, Gus and Jake, and a dedicated wife to her husband, Jason. She actively serves on the St. John Fisher School board and as President of the Women's Club. Molly credits much of her success to the academic foundation and lifelong sisterhood she gained at McAuley and looks forward to the day her daughter joins the McAuley legacy.

Continuing the Legacy

The King sisters' story is one of devotion to family, faith and service. From their shared experiences at Mother McAuley to their individual careers and community contributions, each sister has carried forward the legacy of their parents, building on the values of Catholic education and the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy. Whether through their roles as teachers, leaders, volunteers or mentors, the King sisters have made a lasting mark on their communities, inspiring others to live lives of service and leadership.

Together, the King sisters embody the timeless values of Mother McAuley - faith, service and empowerment. As they continue to support one another and serve their communities, their legacy is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education, family and faith.