Tekulve appointed Headmaster at St. Bernard

Retirement was just not an option for newly appointed St. Bernard Preparatory School, Headmaster, John Tekulve.

A native of Cullman, Tekulve and his wife Dora, who also teaches in the school, have been associated with St. Bernard for many years. A respected educator, he served as teacher and administrator in local public schools for many years before coming to St. Bernard Prep. He began as a classroom instructor and later helped found St. Bernard Middle School in August of 2007, serving as its first Principal.

Fr. Joel Martin, President of St. Bernard Prep says, “We are happy and grateful that Mr. Tekulve has accepted this position. He is a proven administrator and leader and I know the school will thrive under his guidance.”

Tekulve said he is glad to be back at St. Bernard after being away for several months. “I got a lot of my projects done at home, but you can only dust and arrange the spice rack so many times,” laughed Tekulve.

Getting acclimated to his new surroundings and reorienting himself with basic procedures has not created a big challenge to his new role at the school. Tekulve said everything was well organized and running very well so Fr. Joel made the transition very easy. “We have excellent teachers, the office is well organized and everything is in place.”

Second semester saw growth at the school. A total of nine students enrolled -five for the high school which consisted of four boarding students, two of which are international, and one day student. The Middle School admitted four new students, which consisted of three boarding students, two of which are international, and one day student.

Tekulve indicated that January will be a very busy month. Fr. Joel Martin, the newly appointed President, is taking 40 students to participate in the March of Life 2012 in Washington, DC on Friday January 20. On January 23 there is a benefit dinner at Dyron’s Lowcountry in Mountain Brook, Alabama for St. Bernard Prep. In the athletic program, Basketball Homecoming is scheduled for January 27 when SBP takes on Addison High School.

Tekulve went on to say, “The St. Bernard faculty are providing a top-notch education. Anyone who is looking for a first-rate education should consider St. Bernard Prep School.”

For more information about St. Bernard Preparatory school, contact Dr. Donna Bryant, the Director of Admissions, at 256-739-6682 ext 7128.