St. Bernard expects increase in enrollment

                School officials at St. Bernard Prep in Cullman are expecting an increase in enrollment for the upcoming 2012-13 academic year.  Headmaster, John Tekulve, said the school is anticipating an enrollment of 170 students.

                In a letter to the faculty and staff, Tekulve said, “This increase is due to the reputation for excellence in educating students that you have helped to develop.  Your hard work and dedication toward molding our students in body, mind, and spirit are much appreciated and recognized by many.”

                Additionally, the following changes in faculty have been made:

·         Rodney Fike will assume the position as Librarian, replacing Br. Leo Borelli.

·         Br. Charles Manning will teach part-time.

·         Shelley Pery will teach classes full-time in the Science Department.

·         Br. Linus Koch is taking on the duties of teaching ESL classes

·         Misty Howse will  substitute teach for Spanish while Katie Aguilar is on maternity leave.

·         Miriam Stella will teach Mathematics at the middle and high school.

·         Br. Leo Borelli will teach Latin.

Students  move into the dorms on Sunday, August 19^th and classes begin on Monday, August 20. 

Follow St. Bernard Prep on Facebook or  www.stbernardprep.com.

Cullman Area Athletes participate in running camp

Sweltering Alabama temperatures in the high 90’s did not  hamper thirty-seven young athletes at the St. Bernard “A Step Ahead” Running Camp.  Athletes recently finished three weeks of running camp with an emphasis on promoting good racing techniques and strategies.

St Bernard coaches, William Calvert and Stephen Calvert as well as Mason Dye of Cullman High School have spent the past three weeks leading workouts and running in the early morning hours training student athletes on the wooded trails of St. Bernard.  Dr. Eric Fillinger, DPM also assisted as a camp instructor.

“We have put a lot of work into these trails, and are happy that coaches from the county have trusted us with their athletes and allowed them to participate in the running camp,” Coach William Calvert said.   

Attending the camp on the last day before the July 4^th Holiday was Palee Myrex of Cold Springs.  Myrex, a former student of SBP Coach William Calvert, is currently attending the University of Alabama where she is a member of the UA Track Team.  

“Always be a motivator for someone else,”  Myrex said to runners.  “When I first started running, I remember setting goals for myself.  I just wanted to win a t-shirt, then I wanted to win a race and be done, but after winning state title I was on top of the world.”  Her journey continues at the University of Alabama where she recently ran the 5K with a time of 17:43 and was an SEC Championship qualifier.

Myrex was pleased to see such an interest in young athletes.  When speaking with students just before awards, Myrex said, “You are very fortunate to have access to these awesome trails.  Keep taking advantage of them, but most importantly listen to your coaches and to yourself.”

‘A Step Ahead’ awards were presented to the top male and female athletes running the 5K and 2 mile races.  St. Bernard’s Steven Mami captured the first place male spot with a time of 19:40; Logan Ayers, also from St. Bernard, took the first place female spot with a time of 22:37.  Second Place was claimed by Cullman’s Devin Hall 20:13 and St. Bernard’s  Ayleana Mami 22:42.  Third place went to Cullman’s Nicholas Fillinger 20:17 and Megan Pendley 25:54.  Finishing in fourth was St. Bernard’s Oscar Perez 21:46 and fifth place was Fairview’s Reese Walker with a time of 22:32.

The two-mile male and female  ‘A Step Ahead’ awards were as follows:  1^st place Graham Sanders 15:05 and  Leah Rose Mami 17:29.  Both winners are St. Bernard Middle School students.  Second place finishers were Cullman sixth grader Elijah Miller 15:06 and St. Bernard’s Cailin O’Donnell 17:38.  Third place was awarded to Cullman’s Emily Little.

The camp will resume after the July 4^th Holiday with practice sessions on Monday and Thursday mornings until August 2. 

St. Bernard hosts Annual Alumni Reunion

St. Bernard celebrated a busy weekend recently at their annual alumni reunion.  Activities began on Thursday evening when golfers and friends gathered in the Garden Room at Ave Maria Grotto for a golf reception.  Individual golfers received their team assignments and had the opportunity to meet other players.  Traditionally, teams “bid on a monk” at this reception, raising funds for the school by vying for the best golfers among the monks of St. Bernard.  Fr. Jacob Amos, OSB, served as director of the tournament and was very pleased with the number of golfers participating.

Eighty golfers took to the greens at Cullman Municipal Golf Course to participate in the St. Bernard and Cullman Dodge Open Golf Tournament on Friday, June 22.  Over $1,750 in cash and prizes were awarded to the winning teams.

“To do a tournament of this size requires much work and detail,” Fr. Jacob said.  “It’s a huge undertaking, but we had some great sponsors and volunteers who made it all come together.”

A delicious lunch of barbeque chicken and ribs, potato salad, baked beans and banana pudding was served under the tent where awards were presented.  

Festivities continued for reunion participants on Friday evening with a fiesta party held in the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center.  Classmates and their families renewed acquaintances while feasting on a Mexican-themed dinner provided by Buena Vista restaurant of Cullman.
  

On Saturday morning, guests were treated to a Waffle Bar in the school Dining Hall, presented by Chef Andy and crew.  Alumni and families strolled around the campus to get reacquainted with their alma mater and to revisit favorite school haunts.  Many former students were found in the Administration building, looking at the class photos, which date back to 1928.  Numerous stories were told of campus antics and dorm escapades. 
 

An informational town hall meeting took place in the Brahma Room of the school, delivered by Fr. Marcus Voss and Abbot Cletus Meagher.  Attendees were thanked for their loyal support and told about all the accomplishments St. Bernard students have achieved in the past year, as well as the progress the Abbey has made in capital improvements.  Abbot Cletus announced the launch of The Clairvaux Society, a planned estate gift program, and invited alumni to participate.  A pasta bar lunch was provided in the Dining Hall, again hosted by Chef Andy.  Many alumni took the opportunity on Saturday afternoon to attend the Vigil Mass held in the Abbey Church.

An unexpected highlight of the Saturday afternoon mass was the renewal of wedding vows by Bob (class of 1958) and Peggy Stewart, currently of Haymarket, VA.  Bob and Peggy were actually celebrating their 50^th wedding anniversary that very same day, and at the suggestion of Fr. Marcus Voss, OSB, renewed their pledges during the Vigil Mass, with Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, officiating.

The culmination of the reunion was held on Saturday evening with a dinner of Beef Wellington.  Alumni and guests were served by current students and junior monks of St. Bernard.  Gorgeous table decorations of silver and black, provided by Cathy Gray and family, set the stage for this special evening, honoring the classes of 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007.   St. Bernard has operated, in their 121-year history, a college, a junior college, a seminary, a high school, and a preparatory school at various times throughout these years.  

The prep school class of 2002 opened their time capsule, revealing old pictures, posters, class assignments, and other memorabilia; the capsule was resealed with additional items, to be opened at a future reunion in 2027.

A member of the college class of 1973, Ron Rooks, proudly shared his recent induction to the Cherokee County Sports Hall of Fame by showing Fr. Marcus Voss his award; Ron was given a 4-yr. basketball scholarship to St. Bernard, and was proud to say that he was “the first black athlete to be recruited by Coach Charlie.”   Guests were entertained by a slide show of pictures taken during this year’s reunion, as well as a special tribute slide show to the classes of 1971-1974, created by alumnus John J. King, college class of 1973.  A silent auction, hosted by Joyce Nix, provided further entertainment in addition to music and dancing, courtesy of Universal Sound DJ.

Sunday morning found many alumni embracing and making promises to “meet again next year.”  An Omelet bar was presented in the Dining Hall with Chef Andy manning the griddle, followed by mass with the monastic community in the St. Bernard Abbey Church.

Fr. Marcus Voss, Director of Development at St. Bernard said, “I always look forward to this weekend.  It is a great time to have our alumni back on campus, to visit with them and have them reconnect with their Alma Mater.”

Caitlin Varquez named Cullman County Distinguished Young Woman

Representing Saint Bernard Preparatory School, Caitlin Varquez warmed the hearts of both competitors and judges as she competed recently in the Cullman County 2013 Distinguished Young Women’s (DYW) Competition held at Wallace State Community College.

Caitlin prepared for weeks for this extremely fierce competition, in which young women are judged in areas of self-expression, talent, academics, and personal interview poise.  DYW is not a typical beauty contest, but instead, is an academic program designed to help promote women and to recognize them for their academic excellence as well as community involvement.

“It was one of the most memorable evenings of my life,” Caitlin said.  “I prayed that God would give me what I deserved, and that the person who wins, be most deserving.”   Evidently Caitlin’s fellow contestants thought her to be very deserving as she was chosen by them to receive the Spirit Award, earning her a $250 scholarship.  

The honors did not end there.  With her uplifting rendition of “If They Could See Me Now,” from the Broadway Play, Sweet Charity, Caitlin captured the talent portion of the pageant, earning her an $800 scholarship.

With alarming statistics and an obvious passion for the subject, Ms. Varquez did an excellent job of explaining her platform to the judges and audience members:  to educate women about the risk associated with heart disease, and to promote wellness and fitness among women.  Before the evening was over, this petite young woman with a bright, engaging smile, earned not only a dual-enrollment scholarship to Wallace State Community College for her academic achievements, but garnered the overall $3,000 scholarship when she was named the Distinguished Young Woman for Cullman County 2012.

 “We are delighted to have Caitlin represent St. Bernard Prep and Cullman,” said Fr. Joel Martin, President of Saint Bernard Preparatory School.   “She is a remarkably talented young lady, and we know good things are in her future.”

Caitlin is the daughter of Dr.’s Genaro and Mir Varquez of Cullman.  She will represent Cullman County in the state competition to be held January 12-19, 2013 in Montgomery, Alabama.

Prep School sponsors $1750 Prized Golf Scramble

St. Bernard Prep in conjunction with Tournament Sponsor Cullman Dodge is preparing for one of the largest golf tournaments in the 28 year history of the school’s tournaments. Tournament Director, Fr. Jacob Amos, OSB said he is excited about hosting this tournament to coordinate with the Prep School’s annual Alumni Reunion.

On Thursday, June 21 all golfers who are pre-registered are invited to attend a golf reception at Ave Maria Grotto, where golfers can buy mulligans and bid on a monk to golf with their team. Anyone wishing to enter the tournament may register at the reception or at Cullman Municipal Golf Course early Friday morning.

“We have a shotgun start scheduled for 8 a.m.,” Fr. Jacob said. This year’s tournament is being sponsored in part by Cullman Dodge who will sponsor a ‘hole in one’ contest on the 10^th hole of the course. Grinning Fr. Jacob said, “Of course the tenth hole is a tough par 3 at 170 yards, but anyone nailing the hole will win a 2012 Jeep Wrangler.”

After the tournament there will 50/50 Cash Hole in One where golfers can try for a closest to the pin.  The Putting Contest is always an exciting event.  There are a number of other challenge holes where golfers will win other prizes.

Lunch and awards will follow after tournament play. 

The first place team will split $1000; Second place team members will split $500; and the third place team will split $250.

St. Bernard appreciates the support from Merchant’s Bank, First Community Bank, School Board Member, Fred Frye;  Pepsi, Jim Phillips of Coldwell Banker, Cullman Jefferson Gas, and Dr. Paul Freeman for their generous contributions. “I have been blessed with good people to work on the scramble. Their work in gathering sponsors and prizes as well as coordinating food, and set-ups has definitely contributed to the success of this tournament,” Fr. Jacob said.

Anyone wishing to participate should visit the school or the website at www.stbernardprep.com for registration information.  You may also email Fr. Jacob at: frjacobosb@yahoo.com.

St. Bernard holds 113th Commencement

St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman graduated twenty-one seniors on Sunday, May 27^th  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.

St. Bernard Recognizes Alumni at Commencement Exercises

            St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School recognized two St. Bernard College alumni as part of the 113^th Commencement Ceremonies held on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2012, in the Abbey Church.  Phillip B. Rooney, college class of 1966, and Bernard F. Morrey, college class of 1965, were the recipients of the St. Bernard Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2012.  The awards were presented by Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., Chairman of the Board.

            After his service in the Marines, during which time he received the Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal, Phil Rooney began his business career in Chicago, IL, his home town.  He joined Waste Management Corporation in 1969 and by 1984 was the President of the company.  When he resigned as President and CEO in 1997, the company had reached $10 billion in revenues.

            Recognized for his business acumen, Rooney has served on many and various boards including Illinois Tool Works, Caremark International, Van Kampen Fund and Stone Container Corporation.  ServiceMaster, Wheelabrator Technologies and Rust International likewise benefited from his leadership.  Today his chairmanships include Nationwide Studios, Claddagh Investment Company and the Edgewater Fund which takes in Bolder’s Specialty Testing Group.

            In concert with his leadership in business, he serves on educational, civic and community boards including Notre Dame University, After School Matters, Children at the Crossroads Foundation and the Chicago Cultural Center.  The Heart Institute of Hinsdale Hospital, named in honor of his father, stands as a witness to his concern for the human community.   A dedicated family man, Rooney and his wife, Sue, have four children and eleven grandchildren.

            “It’s with a sense of high regard that we honor Phil today,” said Abbot Cletus.  “It’s my hope that the education he received at St. Bernard played a significant role in his outlook on life and helped prepare him for his success.  With that success has come his philanthropy to so many.  We take great pride in recognizing Phil as an alumnus of St. Bernard.” 

            Bernard Morrey, a native of Fort Worth, TX, enrolled in the medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch soon after his graduation from St Bernard College.   An internship and residency followed at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, during which time he received a Master’s Degree in Biomechanics from the University of Minnesota.  After two years of military service, he joined the staff of the Mayo Clinic in 1978.

 

During his medical career, Morrey has received numerous awards and honors, not to mention professional memberships and recognitions. He holds seven patents for orthopedic devices and has authored twelve major textbooks under four different titles that have become standard fare for doctors training to become orthopedic surgeons.  These works have been translated into five languages. 

For eight years he served on the Board of Governors of the Mayo Clinic.  He is a Fulbright Scholar and has been a consultant to the National Football League and to the Orthopedic Device Panel of the Food and Drug Administration.  A master surgeon, he has treated not only Presidents of the United States but also countless others who have found healing because of his dedication and zeal. A proud father and husband, he and his wife, Carla, a registered nurse, have four children and twelve grandchildren. 

“Bernie has had a tremendously positive influence in the science and art of medicine,” said Abbot Cletus.  “St. Bernard was his spring board not only in his education but especially in his dedication to helping others through the medical arts.  We hold him in high esteem as a member of the St. Bernard alumni family.”

In concluding his remarks, Abbot Cletus said, “This has been a wonderful opportunity to honor both of these men.  Not only are we proud that they are graduates from St. Bernard but, even more, we are proud that they are our friends.”