New Dining Hall Management at Saint Bernard

Students at St. Bernard Prep are being welcomed back to campus with a free “appreciation” luncheon and a new motto in the Dining Hall – Eat. Learn. Live. 

Chef Edward Frederick with Flik Independent School Dining of Leland, NC has joined the St. Bernard Community with a staff to create fresh daily menus and a new style of dining at the co-educational day and residential school.

Flik provides culinary-trained chefs who prepare foods from fresh ingredients, limiting the use of processed foods and avoiding artificial colors, flavorings, M.S.G. (monosodium glutamate), preservatives, or trans fats.

Frederick emphasizes, “We only purchase meats graded choice or higher, and our fresh ground beef and hamburger is 80% lean. We roast our deli beef and turkey on-site. To support the communities of which we are a part, we make every effort to use seasonal fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. This dedication to fresh, healthy cooking lets us meet a wide range of nutrition requirements and standards, including Vegan, Vegetarian, Orthodox Kosher and Hallal. We also provide a full range of exceptional catering services.”

A few items students and guests will never see on the new Saint Bernard menus include items such as instant mashed potatoes, prepared convenience foods, frozen vegetables (except corn and peas), or high-risk foods associated with food-borne illness such as steak tartar or egg-based custards.  Flik works closely with the school nurse to provide adequate meals for students with allergies or diabetes, or those who have special dietary needs such as vegetarians.

To help students understand the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, Flik offers a Balanced Choices® program which gives kids information about dietary choices through in-classroom and in-dining room components. The goal of all nutrition education programs is to educate students through engaging activities and to teach them the importance of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

Abbot Cletus Meagher, OSB, after welcoming students to the fall term, expressed his excitement in having Flik at St. Bernard.  “I am very happy to have Flik partner with the Abbey and our school and I am looking forward to a healthier lifestyle for all.” 

School menus are posted online at www.stbernardprep.com.

Saint Bernard Prep Renovates Middle School and Welcomes New Faculty

 

Saint Bernard Middle School Principal, William Calvert, was all smiles this summer as he watched the improvements being made to Founders’ Hall.  Several years ago, the upper level of the facility was renovated to house the Middle School.  However, window replacement was postponed due to budget constraints.  In June of this year, alumni and supporters of St. Bernard were contacted through the Summer Appeal, asking for their assistance in replacing the single-pane windows of the school.

Through their generous support, St. Bernard alumni and friends answered the call, and funds were raised to make the much-needed capital improvements.   Workers completed the window project by removing the remaining single-pane windows in Founders’ Hall and replacing them with environmentally-rated, double-pane windows.  School officials expect these new windows will result in a significant reduction in the utility usage for Founders’ Hall.  

In addition to the new windows, instructional areas were expanded.  “We have added more classroom space to the building, and improved traffic flow throughout the Founders’ Hall facility.  A passageway to the Northeast corner of the building has been opened allowing students to walk inside the building without weathering the elements,” Calvert said. 

The basement was renovated by adding new walls, science lab stations, a restroom, and an additional classroom.  In addition, the Middle School has access to a new mobile wireless lab, which includes 18 fully-loaded laptops and a secured cart with recharging capabilities.  Calvert said, “This lab enables students to do research, student projects, and word processing without having to cross campus to the high school.”  

John Tekulve, Saint Bernard Headmaster, welcomes two new faculty to the staff.  With the addition of new faculty member, Shelley Perry, the school has updated another classroom with a state-of-the-art smart board and document scanner.  Miriam Stella, a graduate of SBP, joins the faculty to teach math at the Middle School as well as Algebra I at the Middle and High School. 

Fr. Joel Martin, President of St. Bernard Prep, is pleased with the outpouring of support to assist students in their academic years at St. Bernard.  “As out enrollment grows, I am delighted that we have the support which enables us to enhance the educational program at St. Bernard.”

“Our supporters have been generous in helping us achieve our goals at St. Bernard,” said Fr. Joel.  “For this we are truly thankful.”

For more information about St. Bernard Prep visit www.stbernardprep.com or like them on facebook  www.facebook.com/stbernardprep.

Saint Bernard welcomes Shelley Perry as Faculty Member

Ms. Shelley Perry has joined the faculty at Saint Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman and will begin her teaching assignments this Fall Semester 2012.  Perry, a twenty-nine year veteran teacher, will teach classes in biology and chemistry.

Ms. Perry attended college at Saint Bernard College, Athens State College, and the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) where she majored in Chemistry and earned a double minored in Math and Biology.  

John Tekulve, Headmaster at St. Bernard Prep, said, “I am eager to have such an outstanding teacher join the faculty.   Ms. Perry will teach two classes of Biology as well as two classes in Chemistry.  In addition she will teach a course in AP Chemistry and serve as Senior Class Moderator,” Tekulve continued.  “We know from our own experience what Ms. Perry can do.  She has taught many students whom she has guided to enter the medical field other related professions.”  

Perry brings a great deal of enthusiasm to her new job.  “I have a brand new smartboard with a built-in document scanner that I can’t wait to start using.”  This technology allows Perry to record lessons, which can be saved to a file.  St Bernard students can then review, study or watch lectures given in class.

“I want my students to develop a love of the sciences.  I want them to enjoy being lifelong learners, and to appreciate the world around them,” Perry said.  

Perry’s commitment to students in the classroom is evident in her own life.  She has received many honors and accolades including the UAB Master’s Program Secondary Student of the Year, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Secondary Teacher of the Year as well as the Cullman City Schools Teacher of the Year.  She is expected to complete her graduate work at UAB during the coming year.

Perry is the mother of Nick (Lindsey) Perry; and Lauren Perry.  She is the grandmother of Acelyn, Ryne, and Rhett who live in Ft. Drum, New York where their father, Nick, is a Captain in the US Army.

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.