St. Bernard Holds Annual Athletic Awards Night

Students, family and friends gathered in the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center to honor student athletes for their dedication and hard work representing St. Bernard Prep in athletic programs for the 2011-12 academic year.

Coaches recognized each team of students and presented awards accordingly.  Athletic Director, Wade Knight, said each student contributed to the success of the athletic program and commended parents and students for their support

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Cross Country had an exceptional year.  The girls team placed 1^st in the 1A2A Sectional meet and placed 3^rd out of 12 teams in the state finals.  The boys team came in 2^nd in the 1A2A Sectional meet and was 5^th out of 12 teams in the state finals.  Ayleana Mami, who was the Cullman City/County Campion and placed 1^st for the team in 5 meets, was recognized as the Most Valuable Runner in the girls program.  Will Faulk, who was the Section 3 and Cullman City/County Champion and placed 1^st for the team in 11 meets, was the Most Valuable Runner in the boys program.   Most Outstanding Runner awards were presented to Seamus Russell, who placed 9^th in Section 3, and Logan Ayers, who was the Section 3 Champion. 

The Swim Team had a very successful season with Bennett Glasscock making All-State in the 100 Backstoke by finishing 8^th at the AHSAA Swim Meet held at Auburn University. Swimming recognizes no classifications so 1A though 6A schools complete against each other.  Despite this tough complete, Bennett and Sean Moriarty both make qualifying times to compete at the State Meet.  At the 40 team meet in the McCallie Invitational in Chattanooga, TN,  Glasscock made the “A” final in Backstoke (5^th place) and Butterfly (7^th place) and Moriarty made the “B” final in freestyle (12^th place).  Also receiving recognition were John Paul Stolz (Freshman) and Morgan Matz (Middle School).

Abigail Mescher and Zoie Wilson were standouts in the volleyball arena where both girls were named to the All Area Team.  The Lady Saints came in 2^nd in the 1A Area Tournament this year and look forward to the growth of the program in coming years.

Basketball saw a much improved year.  JaDavian Roland and Sean Moriarty were named to Basketball All-Area and the Cullman Times All  County Honorable Mention Team.  Moriarty achieved a double-double season, meaning that for the season his scoring average was in double figures  (13.8) as well as his rebounding average (12.4).   For girls basketball, Aymee Chauvin and Andrea Naranjo made All Area in the 1A competition.  Like the boys, the girls will graduate only one senior so the future looks good for both boys and girls basketball.

The girls soccer season began with the team being undefeated and not scored upon by the other teams in the first five games of the season.  The team was especially noted for its youth since over half of the players were students enrolled in the 7^th to 9^th grades.  Andrea Naranjo was recognized as the Best Defensive Player and So Hyun Park as the Best Offensive Player.  In the boys soccer program, the team took some amazing wins despite the loss of senior talent to last year’s graduation.  John Schneider was recognized as the Most Dependable Player, Jacob Mynatt as the Best Offensive Player and Michael Schartung for Best Defensive Player.

The boys baseball team steadily improved this year as it played a roster of young talent against opponents from 2A, 3A and 4A schools.  The new score board installed this season is indicative of the confidence and expectations the team has of itself as it looks to the future.  Miles Bennett received the Most Valuable Player award, Jacob Grey was the Best Offensive Player and Mauricio Rosa was the Best Defensive Player.  The girls softball team brought home some hard-fought wins and makes plans to continue along that path.  Recognized as the Best All-Around Player was Jerrica Crawford, Best Offense Player was Halle Webb and Best Defensive Player was Zoie Wilson.

The tennis team brought home several wins against strong competition.  Alex Ginas and Ethan Arndt were especially recognized for their contributions this year.

The track program won sectional and state honors.  In 1A2A the boys team placed 5^th out of 12 teams in Section and 7^th out of 34 teams in the State meet.  The girls team in 1A2A placed 5^th out of 12 teams in the Section and 6^th place out of 33 teams in the State.  Will Faulk received the Most Outstanding Performer award in recognition of the exceptional 36 points he scored in the State meet by winning the 1A State Championship in 3 events (800, 1600, and 3200).  Steven Mami received Best Young Performer recognition for his performance and by qualifying for 3 State events (1600, 3200 and 4 x 800 Relay).  Ayleana Mami, who was the 1A State Champion in the 3200 for the second straight year, received the Most Outstanding Performer award.  Logan Ayers, who placed 2^nd in the 1A 800 and 3^rd in the 1600 as well as 7^th place in the 1A Long Jump, also received the Most Outstanding Performer award.  Jaden Edge, who qualified for 3 State events (1600, 3200 and 4 x 800 Relay) was awarded the Best Young Performer.

The Cheerleading squad was commended for their great work throughout the year.  Receiving special recognition for their outstanding leadership were Danielle Klopfer and Maddie Schweers.

The Fr. Luke Fazi Award is the highest athletic recognition that is presented annually at the honors and awards event.  This award is given in recognition of leadership and performance and academic excellence to the best of one’s ability.   At the recommendation of the combined St. Bernard coaching staff, the 2012 winner of the Fr. Luke Fazi Award was Sean Moriarty. 

Fr. Joel Martin, President, said he was proud of the efforts of these students both athletically and academically.  “You have represented us well!” was his closing remark.

Middle School Graduation Held at St. Bernard

St. Bernard Middle School held its annual graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 24, 2012, in the Abbey Church.  Mr. William Calvert, Headmaster for the Middle School, presented the graduates and Abbot Cletus Meagher awarded the diplomas, assisted by Fr. Joel Martin, President.

            There were twenty-eight students in the 2012 graduating class. In his remarks during the homily, Abbot Cletus reminded the graduates to be thankful for what their parents, teachers and mentors had done for them.  “You have received a great gift,” he said, “and your hearts should be full of gratitude.  St. Bernard is a great place where students excel.   You have received a firm foundation and from here many doors will be open to you.”

            The ceremony was directed by Ms. Martha Ann Warnke with Dr. Rebecca Whited providing the music.  A reception, hosted by the Class of 2013, followed in the St. Bernard Dining Hall.

 

St. Bernard to host Golf Tournament

 

Friends and alumni of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School in Cullman, Alabama are invited to participate in the school’s annual St. Bernard Prep Golf Tournament on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Cullman Municipal Golf Course.  Tournament Director, Fr. Jacob Amos, OSB is expecting a total of 36 teams.

“St. Bernard has hosted several golf tournaments, but we decided this year to step it up, and invite not only alumni, but friends and supporters of our school to participate,”  Fr. Jacob said.  “We are awarding the overall winner $1,000 per team;  2^nd place winner:  $500 per team, and 3^rd Place -$250 per team.

Individuals or teams are invited to take advantage of 18 holes of golf and to compete for a new automobile in the Cullman Dodge Hole in One Contest.  A putting contest, 50/50 hole, and lunch and awards reception will follow.  

Businesses and individuals are invited sponsor the tournament and/or field teams at the following levels:

·         Tournament Sponsor – $1,500 –

o   Sponsor name tagged onto event

o   Company name on banner

o   One team of four players

o   Inclusion on sponsor sign

·         Hole in One Sponsor - $1,000

o   Company name on banner

o   One team of four players

o   Inclusion on sponsor sign

·         Eagle Sponsor    $750

o   One team of four players

o   One company sign at hole

o   Inclusion on Sponsor sign

·         Birdie Sponsor   $500

o   One team of four players

o   Name on sponsor sign

·         Par Sponsor        $250

o   Individual tournament player

o   Name on sponsor sign

·         Hole Sponsor     $100

o   Sign at tee area for the hole being sponsored

Anyone wishing to enter can pick up an entry form at the school or download one on the website www.stbernardprep.com 

Fr. Jacob said he hopes to  have a number of teams registered by  June 1, 2012.   

Bloomin’ Festival best ever

School officials at St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman were elated with the 28^th Annual Bloomin’ Festival.  Threats of rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the school community as they hosted one of the best  festivals to date.

Festival director, Joyce Nix awoke Saturday morning and headed straight for the computer to check weather radar.  “When I checked the weather, Cullman was in a dry pocket with rain all around us.  After seeing that, I knew God had answered prayers again.  We had cooler weather with some wind but thankfully no rain!”

Visitors expressed their delight in the show by stating the quality of the arts and crafts was superb.  Monk’s Bread was a huge hit as festival goers stood in line for fresh monk’s bread and rye bread. 

Br. Thomas Jones was swamped by the attention received from monk’s bread.  “We got an early start and could have sold thousands more.  Hopefully next year we can have more prepared ahead of time.”

The artisans were very pleased with the outcome of the two day event.  Billy  and Peggy Goodman, who have been with the festival for at least 15 years said it was their best show ever.  “Our birdhouses went like hotcakes.”

Janice Beck of Boca Raton, Florida was elated with her outstanding weekend by selling four original paintings on Saturday alone.  “Just hours after the festival director posted a photo on facebook of me with my newest painting, a patron brought the photo to my booth and purchased the painting.”

Visitors enjoyed a wide variety of live demonstrations from glass blowing, broom making, blacksmithing, and a working grist mill where hot cakes were being made.  

Completing the festival was the giveaway of some fabulous prizes.  The winners were as follows:

2012 Jeep Patriot – Mr. Richard Zimmer -  Villa Hills, KY

2 nights at Zoder’s Inn – Gatlinburg, TN – Kathy Nequett - Birmingham, AL

Panasonic Lumix Camera – David Locker – Florence, AL

Magellan Road Mate GPS? – William L. Roach – Birmingham, AL

George Forman Grill – Ralph Nix – Mandeville, LA

Saint Bernard wishes to thank all who helped make this festival a huge success.  The 29^th Annual Bloomin’ Festival will be held on April 20-21, 2013.  Follow the festival at www.facebook.com/bloominfestival.

Gristmill added to festival

Tim Hobbs of Bon Aqua, Tennessee will make his first debut at Bloomin’ Festival this weekend. Hobbs started his Bristol Branch Mill Works in the mid 70’s as a hobby while he spent thirty-two years teaching auto mechanics in Tennessee public schools. Since his retirement he has taken his art of auto mechanics in the classroom live and on tour, but in a historical way.

“It’s a hands-on living history show,” Hobbs said. “We take several hand items to the shows to let children shell and grind corn on a small mill. However, meeting people is the neat thing about doing this. It is fun to listen about early days when they went to the mill to get their corn ground,” continued Hobbs.

“I have always had a fascination with grist mills. So I found a mill in bad shape and rebuilt it for myself to take on the road and participate in craft shows,” Hobbs said.

The grist mill is a 1914 meadows mill built in North Carolina, pulled by a 1954 International U2 engine.

Hobbs and his wife, Frances will demonstrate how to make corn meal and grits, as well as prepare hoe cakes on site for visitors to sample.

While visiting the Hobb’s grist mill, make sure to say hello to St. Bernard’s track and field standout Ayleana Mami. Mami currently holds the 1A title for the 1600 meter run as well as the 3200 meter run. She is an outstanding athlete who has captured the eyes of several coaches from the State of Alabama who think she will be the perfect addition to the Alabama and USA International Team to participate in the Down Under Sports Competition in Sydney, Australia in July.

Mami is delighted and grateful to work with the Hobb’s family on this project. Mami smiled when asked about working a grist mill. “Having grown up in Fort Drum, New York, I’m not sure I know what a hoe cake is, and am quite new to the pinto bean craze. However, I have never travelled out of the country either, so this is going to be an interesting learning experience for me too.”

Mami’s parent’s Anthony and Dorothea Hunter Mami are very thankful for the generosity of the Hobb’s family and the kind people associated with St. Bernard who have helped Ayleana in their efforts to raise $3,500 or the $5,000 needed to participate.

The gristmill we be up and running at 9 a.m. on April 21-22. For more information on Bloomin’ Festival visit www.bloominfestival.com.

Bloomin' Festival set for April 21-22, 2012

Cullman, Alabama is more than just a rural small town in North Alabama. Imagine visiting the Coliseum, Great Wall of China or Leaning Tower of Pisa all in one day. Every day of the year with the exception of Christmas, visitors are welcomed to Ave Maria Grotto at St. Bernard Abbey in North Alabama’s beautiful Mountain Lakes Region.

April 21-22, 2012 the small Benedictine community of monks at St. Bernard welcomes more than 140 artist and craftsmen from across the United States to demonstrate and display their handiworks. Aside from the backdrop of the stone-cut buildings to the beautiful flowering dogwoods and azaleas, St. Bernard is proud to host one of the South’s top festivals – The 28^th Annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair.

Little did anyone know a small school community like St. Bernard Prep could become a destination stop for thousands of visitors? Festival Director, Joyce Nix, said Bloomin’ Festival has been a tradition in Cullman for the past 27 years, and the 28^th one is taking shape nicely too.

“I remember when we started the show 27 years ago, and it was just an idea for a quick fundraiser. We blazed a trail through Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi looking for quality artist and quickly became a favorite in the Southeast,” Nix said.

“We are very selective about the quality and the quantity of each booth,” continued Nix. “We take only the finest artist and craftspeople, and bring them together for one premier showcase of talent.”

Bloomin’ Festival features a demonstrating blacksmith, glassblower, potter, as well as personalized gift items or items for the home and garden such as handmade quilts, birdhouses, clothing for ladies and children, toys, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, and monks raisin bread baked by real monks. An added attraction for 2012 is a corn gristmill which will be operating. Children will be allowed to shuck corn and turn it into grits or cornmeal.

On Saturday, April 21 there will be a 5K/10K Race through St. Bernard Abbey’s Treasure Forest. To register visit www.bloominfestival.com.

At the conclusion of the festival a drawing for a 2012 Jeep Patriot, 2 nights at Zoder’s Inn in Gatlinburg, TN, and many other valuable prizes will be held.

Adjacent to the grounds, one can visit Ave Maria Grotto, a four acre garden park created by Benedictine Monk- Br. Joseph Zoettl.

“Many people refer to Ave Maria Grotto as ‘Little Jerusalem,” Nix said. The Grotto includes many years of intense labor by a monk who devoted his time to building miniature replicas of buildings from Jerusalem and the Holy Lands.

A very simple man, Br. Joseph used photographs as his model diagrams.

Br. Joseph was very meticulous with his work. His 125 miniatures were constructed of cement, and decorated with cold cream jars, colored glass, marbles, costume jewelry, and anything else he found striking and useful. He was grateful for whatever the community offered his garden.

Bloomin’ Festival is April 21-22, 2012. An admission donation of $5 is requested at the gate. Children ages 5 and under are free. Admission to Ave Maria Grotto is only $3 the entire weekend.

For more information visit www.bloominfestival.com or www.facebook.com/bloominfestival