St.
Bernard Prep School in Cullman graduated twenty-one seniors on Sunday, May 27th
in an impressive ceremony conducted in the Abbey Church and under the
direction of Fr. Joel Martin, President of the School. After welcoming
members of the Board of Directors, the faculty, the staff and the invited
guests, Fr. Joel noted that this year’s graduating seniors had the distinction
of earning almost $2 million dollars in scholarships and were accepted into 36
colleges and universities.
As
part of the 113th commencement exercises, the St. Bernard Board of Directors
recognized two alumni who received the “Distinguished Alumnus Award.”
Bernard F. Morrey, M.D., Emeritus Chair of the Department of Orthopedics, and
the John and Posy Krehbiel Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic,
Rochester, Minnesota, and Phillip B. Rooney, philanthropist and retired
President and CEO of Waste Management Corporation, were inducted into the St.
Bernard Distinguished Alumnus Class of 2012. Fr. Marcus Voss, Director of
Development of St. Bernard Prep School, presided over this portion of the
graduation ceremonies.
Abbot
Cletus D. Meagher, O.S.B., was the main celebrant and homilist at the
Baccalaureate Mass held earlier in the day. During his homily he reminded
the graduates of the challenges they will meet, especially as they learn to
exercise their freedoms as young adults. Dr. Bernard F. Morrey delivered
the Commencement address, demonstrating a true gift for storytelling by
emphasizing three pieces of advice for each graduate: 1) Choose a career path of which one is
passionate, 2) Be willing to try new challenges so one may live up to one’s
potential, and 3) Don’t be afraid of failure along the way to success. 
After
the commencement address, John Tekulve, Headmaster of Saint Bernard Preparatory
School, announced this year’s graduation awards. Goun Choi received the
valedictorian award while Savannah Faye Beaver was named salutatorian. In
giving the general excellence medal, the highest award given to a graduating
senior, Fr. Joel stated that “the criteria for this award requires that a
student must be enrolled at St. Bernard Prep for the last two full years, be
dedicated to academic excellence, exercise leadership and represent the values
of the school.” The 2012 general excellence medal was presented to Madeline
Grace Schweers.
Diplomas
were presented to the graduating seniors by Abbot Cletus Meagher with Fr. Joel
Martin assisting him. After the awarding of the diplomas, Goun Choi gave
the valedictory address during which she highlighted the importance of the
journey that will lead this year’s graduates to their life goals.
Fr.
Joel Martin ended the ceremony calling attention to the role that challenges
play in life. “We need challenges because we come alive in struggles,” he
said. “We have high expectations for your future. You’re made for
greatness. Go and take St. Bernard with you.”
Music
for the graduation exercises was provided by Dr. Rebecca Whited, as well as the
Alabama Pipes and Drums Corps. The Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree
Honor Guard of the Fr. Leo Carter Assembly 2624 also participated in the
ceremonies.
Following
the prayer and dismissal by Abbot Cletus Meagher, a reception was held in the
St. Bernard Dining Hall.
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