New academic year underway at St. Bernard

Students at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman recently completed their first week of school.  Many were new students making new friends in a new town with new faculty members.  Many were returning to their school to begin a new chapter in their book of life. 

One hundred and eighty students in grades 7-12 began classes on August 11.  Sixty-three students reside at  St. Bernard from nine states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, West Virginia; and five countries:  Africa, Germany, China, Taiwan, and Korea. 
 

Min Gao

Each of the St. Bernard schools, Middle and High, began the first school day with an assembly.  Mr. Dan Baillargeon, high school headmaster, welcomed new students, faculty and staff, and informed students of new programs being offered.  He invited three faculty members to describe new programs being offered at St. Bernard Prep.  Miss Min Gao, a native of Shanghai, China, spoke about her opportunity to work at St. Bernard Prep teaching Mandarin Chinese.  St. Bernard is pleased to have Miss Gao, a recent Samford University master’s program graduate, on staff to assist our Asian community as well as teach the Chinese language and culture. 

Regina Willoughby

Mrs. Regina Willoughby, an alumnus of St. Bernard, spoke to the group about a competitive archery team as well as adding bowling, recently sanctioned as an interscholastic sport by the Alabama High School Athletic Association.



Br. Bruno Bravata

Br. Bruno Bravata, is serving as campus ministry coordinator, and invited students to get involved.  Students will be adopting residents at one of the several area nursing homes, each having on-going visits and completing a book to be presented to the resident and his or her family at the end of the year.  He also described a planned mission trip, and shared his enthusiasm for the Christian faith and life..

A Blessing concluded the assembly.  Faculty, staff, and students renewed  their commitment to education and community life.  All in the school vowed to renew their commitment to be men and women of integrity.  Each person promised to fully use their talents and gifts; to strive to be a good example for one another and to follow the way of Christ; and to dedicate themselves to the task of learning and to the pursuit of wisdom. 

Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., Chairman of the Board at St. Bernard Prep, closed the assembly with a prayer.