Knight named Athletic Director at St. Bernard Prep

Fr. Joel Martin, OSB, Headmaster at St. Bernard Prep recently named Wade Knight as the new Athletic Director at St. Bernard Prep replacing James Tolbert who ended his reign at the school two weeks ago. Knight, a 38 year veteran teacher and coach, has been employed by the school for the past two years as a physical education instructor. In addition to his classroom duties and Athletic Director duties, he will serve as varsity basketball and baseball coach.

“This is what I love to do,” Knight said smiling. “I have spent the majority of my life in the classroom and coaching. I have tried other things – I sold used cars, and I sold new cars, and I even drove Bluebird buses all over the country, but I am happy to be back in the school setting.”

Father Joel comments, “God takes care of St. Bernard, and Coach Knight’s presence here at this time is proof of that. We’re fortunate to have him because of his fine reputation, dedication to students, positive approach, and long-standing family connection to St. Bernard.”

Knight has worked a number of years in the County system – Fairview and Harmony, but spent the majority of his time at Good Hope High School. His number one goal for St. Bernard is to work on the fundamentals of each sport. “We will work on the fundamentals of the game, and form a habit of playing hard all the time,” Knight added.

Knight said he is looking forward to working with the Saints. “These are some of the best kids in the world. Once we teach the fundamentals, they will learn to play with character and class. Our number one goal is to get better every day we practice, and to get better every game we play – then eventually we will win a few games,” chuckled Knight.

St. Bernard offers girls volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis, cross country/track, and soccer. Boys are offered cross country/track, basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, and wrestling.

Knight continues a family tradition at St. Bernard Prep. He is the son-in-law of the renowned Coach Charlie Richards whose name is honored in Alabama athletics. He is married to Ruth Anne Knight, who instructs at St. Bernard; and has two sons, Kurt (Tanya) Knight and Kevin; and one grandson, Jake.

Dyron's Lowcountry sponsors dinner for St. Bernard

Birmingham, AL SBP Board Member, Dyron Powell (SBP '91) is sponsoring a benefit dinner for St. Bernard Prep School on Monday, September 20, at his Birmingham restaurant, Dyron's Lowcountry. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. with the buffet dinner beginning at 7 p.m. One hundred tickets are available for $50 per person.

The menu consists of a mixed green salad; herb crusted pork roast, southern fried catfish, and wood grilled chicken served with hoppin john (low country black-eyed peas and rice), creamed corn, roasted potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread and rolls with white chocolate bread pudding. Wine and drinks included.

For reservations call (205)834-8257. Ask for the St. Bernard Benefit... - Sept. 20. All proceeds benefit Saint Bernard Preparatory School.

Coach Tolbert to Move from St. Bernard

St. Bernard Prep School confirmed that Coach James Tolbert will be moving from the private school in order to pursue other career opportunities. The move comes in the wake of the school’s decision to discontinue its football program.

“When I asked Coach Tolbert to join our staff, we were hoping to improve the fortunes of our football program,” said Fr. Marcus Voss, President. “However, we could not muster enough support to form a viable team and have had to discontinue the program for the foreseeable future.”

Coach Tolbert initiated the football in 2001. After being away from the campus for seven years, he returned in 2009 to take the helm again. Despite his leadership, the program was unable to build momentum.

“I wish Coach Tolbert well as he looks to the future,” said Fr. Marcus. “Though we have had to discontinue football, I look forward to the success of our other athletic programs.”

Saint Bernard graduate in movie

A Saint Bernard Prep graduate is set to hit the big screen in theatres everywhere this weekend. John Wright, Jr. (PS ’45-JC48) of Birmingham, Alabama landed a supporting role in an Eli Roth horror film, "The Last Exorcism" to be released in theatres by Lionsgate on August 27. Wright plays the father of the lead character, Patrick Fabian, who both play evangelical preachers.

In a facebook wall post at facebook.com/stbernardprep Wright sends a friendly warning that even though the movie is rated PG-13 it has scary scenes, but I am the grey-haired actor who plays the lead actor’s father.

Wright said, “When I go, I’ll most likely close my eyes for the scary scenes!”

SBP students exceed National Test Scores

St. Bernard Prep School reported the graduating seniors of the class of 2010 exceeded the state and national averages on the ACT exam. School Counselor, Barbara Rasplika said she was very pleased with the scores. “Because St. Bernard gives such a high priority to academic excellence,” Rasplika said, “our students traditionally do well on these national exams. Our faculty and students are to be commended for doing such an excellent job.”

A benchmark score is the minimum score needed on and ACT subject-area test to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in the corresponding credit-bearing college courses. Included are English Composition, Algebra, Social Science and Biology. Rasplika reported that “in every category, St. Bernard exceeded the national and state averages.”

“At a time when many schools are having to curtail their programs because of funding issues, St. Bernard is making every effort to expand its academic offerings and give students the best possible learning environment,” said Fr. Marcus Voss, President of the school. “Our average student-teacher ratio is 8-1, which means our students get a lot of attention in the classroom. Their success on national exams is yet another indicator of the integrity of our program.”

“Last year we graduated 23 seniors which is a small class even by our standards,” Fr. Marcus continued. “Yet, those seniors earned over $3 million in scholarships to college. This year we have gotten off to another excellent start in our academic program and I look forward to seeing the same success this year and for the years to come.”

St. Bernard Prep is a co-ed college preparatory, boarding school for grades 7-12. Anyone interested in visiting should contact the school 256-739-6682 (ext 7128) or visit our website at www.stbernardprep.com.

SBP student to host benefit

Jerrica Crawford, a sophomore at St. Bernard Preparatory School, will be hosting a spaghetti luncheon at St. Paul’s Lutheran Auditorium in Cullman, Alabama on Sunday, August 22, 2010 to benefit the Children’s Hospital Burn unit in Birmingham, Alabama.

At St. Bernard all students are required to earn ten hours of community service each semester. Jerrica said after giving this much thought it was like a voice inside her head reminded her of a relatives experience at Children’s. “My cousin was seriously burned nineteen years ago when at the age of two she stuck her hand into a wall heater and was burned by the pilot light,” commented Jerrica.

Though Jerrica wasn’t born and her only knowledge comes from photographs and scars on her cousin, she understands the compassion shown to these children who are in a great deal of pain.

“Sometimes we forget the little things that matter,” Crawford said. All proceeds raised from the spaghetti supper will go toward the activity room at the hospital. Every dollar raised will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Jerrica is thrilled as the excitement builds for Sunday’s event. Smiling she said, “Everyone has been so supportive of this project. I appreciate all the donations and time from my amazing friends and family.”

The luncheon of spaghetti, garlic bread, salad and dessert is being prepared by Bob Howell, Don Warnke, ladies of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and family members. Lunch donations will be accepted from noon until 2 p.m. to purchase new arts, crafts, games and toys for the activity room on the Children’s Hospital burn unit floor.

Entertainment will be provided by The Suzuki Strings of Alabama, directed by Mrs. Penney Adair.

Jerrica is the daughter of Marty and Sherri Crawford. She invites everyone to join her on Sunday, August 22 from noon until 2 p.m. in her efforts to ease the pain for children struggling with burns.

SBP students assigned responsibilities

SBP Headmaster, Fr. Joel Martin, called a special assembly with faculty and students at St. Bernard Preparatory School earlier this week to address the students on the topic of personal responsibilities, academic achievement and moral development.

For beginners, the Benedictine headmaster read a section of the school’s philosophy statement to students in attendance: …”students…will learn to discipline themselves so that eventually others will not have to do so…” Fr. Joel reminded students that it is all a matter of growing up!

One hundred and sixteen high school students have had a week to acclimate to their new environment. Students were encouraged to be in contact with the guidance office about making arrangements for travelling to take the ACT, SAT, or TOFUL exams. Students are expected to be prompt in attendance, and to keep track of their textbooks and personal belongings.

Mr. John Tekulve, Assistant Headmaster, addressed the uniform code stating students are expected to look their best by wearing single colored black or dark brown shoes while clothed in their school uniform of white shirts with plaid skirts or khaki pants for girls and khaki pants for boys which are purchased from a uniform company.

Tekulve reminded students to make sure their shirts are ironed, buttoned, and tails tucked, and urged them to be especially attentive to their appearance at Mass and other prayers. “We know God doesn’t care what we look like, but it’s respect and what we think of God that matters,” Tekulve said.

In closing, Fr. Joel reminded students of several requirements: first, presence in class is expected of all, and unexcused absences will result in Saturday school make-up work. Second, “Your parents have made a great sacrifice to send you to St. Bernard. The principal focus here is academic responsibility.” Then pass-play rule set for athletes by the Alabama High School Athletic Association was explained, and the further academic expectations set by St. Bernard for all students. Students who fail a core course are allowed to make that coursework up in summer school for athletic eligibility, however, St. Bernard Prep still requires that the course be taken again at St. Bernard.

St. Bernard Prep is a co-ed day and boarding school operated by the Benedictine monks at St. Bernard Abbey for grades 7-12. For more information phone (256)739-6682 or visit www.stbernardprep.com.