Successful Open House

Families from across North Alabama participated in the Fall Open House held recently at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman. This annual Open House makes it possible for families to learn about the wide variety of academic, athletic and leadership opportunities that are available to students who enroll at St. Bernard.

School President, Fr. Marcus Voss, O.S.B., was among those who welcomed this year’s guests to the campus. “This Open House was one of the largest that we have had in our recent history,” said Fr. Marcus. “Families from the local community were especially interested in our Middle School which offers an expended curriculum as well as a choice of athletics, band, music, art and drama. The strong interest in our Middle School and the growth we are experiencing there has been very positive for our High School as well.”

The Open House welcoming committee consisted of students who are currently enrolled at St. Bernard. They also served as tour guides for the campus. At the conclusion of the day they participated in the question-and-answer session that is a popular feature of the day’s events. Throughout the afternoon, teachers were in their classrooms to discuss the content of their courses and the expectations they have of their students. Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin, O.S.B. said, “Having students and teachers talk with our visiting families was the best way for them to get to know about St. Bernard. When the students are happy, they make our job easy.”

Part of the growth at St. Bernard has been the addition of a boarding division for middle school students. “St. Bernard Prep has always included a resident program in our high school program,” said Fr. Marcus. “For the 2010-11 academic year, the Board of Directors has voted to expand our boarding school so that we may accept middle school students . Families who meet the criteria for our boarding school division my now enroll students from the 7th to the 12th grades.”

St. Bernard Prep is a co-ed college prep boarding school operated by the Benedictine Monks of St. Bernard Abbey. Anyone interested in knowing more about the school should visit the web at www.stbernardprep.com; contact the Admissions Office by phoning (256)739-6682; or email mrarndt@stbernardprep.com.

SBP Saints Cross Country qualifies for state meet

Fourteen students at St. Bernard Prep recently qualified for the state cross country meet during the 1A-3A Section 3 meet at Cold Springs High School. Runners were divided into 1A-3A Races.

Runners qualified two ways. Every athlete from the top three teams in each race qualified, while individual with the best times also reached state. St. Bernard Prep finished third in the boys and girls competition.

Individually, in the girls 1A-2A race, Ayleanna Mami placed third in the competition and was among the top five girl finishers.

St. Bernard’s Will Faulk took fifth in the boys completion to qualify.
Cross Country Coach, Jeff Taylor, is elated at his young team’s performance this year. “We have had a great season, and look forward to the growth of the cross country program,” he said. “Cross Country is an individual as well as team sport that is a lifetime sport.”

The Saints will participate in the state meet on November 14 at Indian Mounds Park in Oakville, AL.

Caitlin Varquez wins Poetry Out Loud Contest

St. Bernard Prep recently held the 2nd Annual Poetry Out Loud Contest at the school. Caitlin Varquez placed first; Jesse Schaffer second; and Michael Varquez, third. Pictured with the students is instructor, Stella Couch. Caitlin will compete at the District 5 Poetry Outloud Competition held at University of Alabama in Huntsville on November 20.

St. Bernard Prep to host Open House

St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman will host their annual Fall Open House on Sunday, November 8 beginning at 2 p.m. Interested families will find the afternoon very informational as students, faculty members and the staff at St. Bernard will be on hand to discuss the quality academic program offered by the Benedictine Monks at St. Bernard Abbey.

St. Bernard Prep is a college prep boarding school for grades 7-12. Students of all religious denominations are welcomed to attend. St. Bernard Prep provides a school of diverse learning. Students from the United States and International countries make up the population of the middle and high school community.

“The Middle School and the High School complement one another,” said Fr. Marcus Voss, President. “St. Bernard has a proven program that helps to prepare students for success not only in college but also in their chosen careers. Students who come to St. Bernard have the opportunity to thrive in wonderful school environment.”
Since opening the Middle School three years ago, the enrollment at that level has averaged 36 students per year in grades seven and eight. John Tekulve serves the school as headmaster and is very proud of the accomplishments to date. “We have built a great program with a huge emphasis on creating a well rounded student,” Tekulve said.

St. Bernard Middle School offers a small student-teacher ratio which allows the teachers to give more individualized attention to students especially in the areas of math and English. Students take advantage of a state of the art science lab which exhibits live animals in their native habitats. Exploratory courses include music, drama, band, art and foreign language.

At the high school level, Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin, O.S.B., says anyone desiring an academic challenge should look into St. Bernard Prep. “Our faculty is made up of monks and lay people, many of whom have many years of experience in the classroom. They challenge each student to do their best, and help them organize their lives to attain good grades in the classroom,” Fr. Joel said.

“We have so many activities available for the students, sometimes it’s a challenge to pick and choose,” Fr. Joel said. “Our students are involved in every aspect of community service, academics and athletics.”

“Our facilities at St. Bernard are very conducive to academic excellence,” he continued. “Our campus stands out from other schools. Our classrooms are large in size, but small in numbers. We have excellent athletic facilities to include soccer, baseball, cross country, football, basketball, and weightlifting,” continued Fr. Joel.“

The public is invited to attend. For more information contact the school at 256-739-6682. Visit the school online at www.stbernardprep.com or become a fan on facebook at www.facebook.com/stbernardprep.

Scholars Bowl Team defeats Holly Pond

Congratulations to the St. Bernard Scholars Bowl team on their win yesterday afternoon against Holly Pond High School at Wallace State Community College.

St. Bernard 5K Run deemed successful

St. Bernard Prep School hosted the first Annual Octoberfest 5K Invitational on October 17, fielding 22 teams and 208 runners. Cold, and dreary rainy weather may have hampered the open race which kicked off with only nine runners.

Longtime local runner, Duane Ricketts finished the 5K course in 19:18.42 in the open race.

St. Bernard Cross Country Coach, Jeff Taylor said for the day to be so cold and wet, we had an outstanding meet. “North Alabama is fortunate to have so many gifted athletes. Overall it went well. We learned a lot, and definitely plan to do this again.”

The 5K open course was hosted on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey’s Treasure Forest. The race started on the north side of the softball field, and traversed Boniface trail at the North property line of St. Bernard, then travelled Perimeter Road onto Seminary Trail toward Eight-Mile creek and back toward the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center. “Because of the nature of our trail, the athletes find it fun to run,” Taylor said.

The initial scholastic race of the day featured Saralyn Miller leading the Cullman Bearcat Jr. High team to a first place finish in the Girls 2-mile race with a time of 14:20.79 followed by Shayna Cooper of Arab High School, leading her team to a second place finish with a time of 14:57.98; followed by Albertville, led by Jenny Carbajal with a time of 17:06.35.

Arab’s Conner McClendon claimed the title for the JV Boys division with a time of 13:02.38, followed by teammate, Caleb Marshall (13:11.09) and Cullman’s Nick Harbin finished third with a time of 13:28.35. The team competition was won by Arab, followed by Cullman, and Albertville placed third.

The Varsity competition began with Pisgah High School winning the girls 1-3A 5K race. St. Bernard finished second and Belgreen third.

Cullman’s Kelsey Crawford blistered the 5K course in a 19:28.92, leading the way in the Girls Varsity 4-6A race. Scottsboro’s, Maggie Thompson (20:11.92) and Decatur’s, Sally Adams (21:11.10) placed second and third respectively. Scottsboro’s girls won the team competition with 27 points, followed by Cullman (44), Decatur (56), and Austin(97).

The Boys Varsity races began with Pisgah’s Corey Wheeler leading the way over the 5K course with a 19:27.11 time to take medalist honors in Class 1-3A. St. Bernard’s Will Faulk (20:24:19) and John Russell (20:26.59) finished out for second and third place finishes.

Taylor said the 4-6A completion featured several of the state’s elite runners. Lucas Sieb of Scottsboro covered the 5K course in 16:04.83 leading his team to a first place victory. Matthew Dunn of Austin High School finished second with a time of (16:54.14), and Brig Kilgore of Cullman finished third. Cullman finished second in the competition followed by Austin, Arab, Albertville, and Decatur. “This competition was outstanding. “Considering the course conditions, the times for this event were phenomenal,” continued Taylor.

Taylor wishes to thank all parents, students and sponsors for their participation in the invitational run. Taylor humbly said, “We would also like to thank the schools for their participation, The Alabama National Guard for directing traffic, the Cullman Rescue Squad, and the Cullman Track Club for their assistance. We invite everyone to return for the Bloomin’ Festival 5K Run on April 17, 2010.”

St. Bernard presents seniors with cross

Twenty-four seniors at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman were honored recently during a Senior Dedication Mass in the Abbey Church. Abbot Cletus Meagher, Chairman of the Board; Fr. Marcus Voss, President; Fr. Joel Martin, Headmaster; and Fr. Bede Marcy, School Chaplain concelebrated the Mass.

Abbot Cletus defined the meaning of a Senior Dedication Mass. “Senior means elder or wisdom gained through age and life experiences. Dedication means to concentrate or set aside for a noble purpose. Our Mass is a prayer of Thanksgiving and a celebration of the mystery of salvation by God’s generosity,” Abbot Cletus said. “We celebrate with the senior class that they may all share in that which is ours in Christ, dedicated to a divine purpose, and as they dedicate themselves to the principals and beliefs on which St. Bernard was founded.”

Following the homily, the faculty and staff joined the seniors at the altar as a sign of their support and concurrence with the decision of Fr. Joel and the administration that the seniors should with receive a blessing dedicating to roles of leadership in the student body of Senior Class by St. Bernard Preparatory School.

Each senior was recognized individually and presented a Benedictine Cross which symbolized their lives of service not only in the St. Bernard community but in whatever they do “Wear your cross with pride as a reminder of the privilege and dignity that is yours as you share in Christ,” Abbot Cletus said.

The 2010 senior class at St. Bernard Prep accepted their leadership roles. Abbot Cletus concluded the blessing by saying to the class, “You have been blessed with many gifts and talents. Recognize these gifts and be a blessing to others. You stand at the head of those who have gone before you. Strive for the gifts that have lasting value; and dedicate yourselves to seeing things with the eyes of faith. Embrace life with love.”

Dr. Rebecca Whited directed the St. Bernard Choral Music group and served as organist for the ceremony. St. Bernard students Jesse Schaffer, Jonathan Gray, Sean Nowocin, Christopher Presto, and Louis YuTiamco served as Knights of the Altar.

At the conclusion of the service, the Senior Class enjoyed a nice Italian Meal with their parents in the Brahma Room.