Students began the 2009-10 academic year at St. Bernard Prep in Cullman on Monday, August 10. Fr. Joel Martin, Headmaster at the School, said given the current economic downturn, he is very pleased with enrollment and the quality of faculty returning to the classrooms. “We have three more students than we had last year which is outstanding considering the current economy. “
Boarding students moved into the dorm rooms Sunday, and began their first day of class on Monday. Each year students move into their dorm rooms the day before school begins, to get acquainted with their new surroundings as well as to meet new friends from around the world. St. Bernard Admissions Director, John Arndt, said “The school community has 152 students enrolled. The high school enrolled 119 students – fourteen of which are international, and our Middle School has thirty-three students.”
Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin, said students were pleased to find many physical improvements in the classroom building as well as to meet three new faculty members. “Our school building was totally renovated to include new paint, new flooring, new classroom space and a new look for the foyer. The computer writing lab was relocated to the library and the old writing lab space is now being used for classroom space.”
Two monks were added to the faculty. Br. Anselm Kuehler , who will profess simple vows as a Benedictine monk on August 15, returned to teach religion and serve as Student Government sponsor. Fr. Bede Marcy, a recent graduate of St. Meinrad Theologate, is teaching religion to freshmen and sophomores as well as serving as the school chaplain.
Katie Hawkins from Canton, Mississippi comes to St. Bernard from Bishop Byrne School in Memphis, Tennessee. Hawkins graduated from Spring Hill College in 2007 where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English and minored in Spanish/Psychology. She recently received her Master’s Degree from Christian Brothers University.
John Tekulve, principal at the middle school, said his thirty-three students arrived eager to get the year started. “Students pre- registered, and appeared eager to get the new year started. We have a solid program in place that will prepare middle school students for high school.”
Fr. Joel Martin echoed Tekulve’s words by stating, “It’s good to see the students so excited about being at St. Bernard. I know our faculty will provide them with the necessary tools they need to succeed at St. Bernard and to prepare them for college.”
St. Bernard Prep is a private school for grades 7-12, and accepts students of all religious backgrounds. For more information visit the website www.stbernardprep.com or phone the admissions office at (256)739-6682 ext 7128.
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