Presto earns Eagle Scout

Johnathon Presto, son of Philip and Karen Presto, was recognized at a Court of Honor on August 3, 2013 for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.  Johnathon is a member of Troop 321 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Cullman.  Johnathon’s Eagle Project included the removal of an old, wooden stairwell to the basement of the Church, and erecting a metal framed stairwell with a full sized door.  Johnathon is a 2013 graduate of St. Bernard Prep School.  He is the grandson of Herbert and Jo Schaffer and Jo and the late Paul Presto, all of Cullman.

Saint Bernard Prep begins new school year

Students from across the globe became residents or commuting students at St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman this past weekend.

President, Fr. Joel Martin said the school enrollment for 2013-14 remained basically the same with an increase of only one student over the ending enrollment of the previous year.  Twenty six of those students are international from six different countries.

Having travelled to four different countries in the past nine months, Fr. Joel said that his trips have been successful in recruiting students to Alabama and especially St. Bernard.  “There is a great deal of interest on the part of students to study here.  The students understand English is the language of the world for business, and they see American Universities as the best in the world and want to be well prepared for this experience.”

In the resident program at St. Bernard, there are 49 students enrolled, 21 girls and 28 boys.   There are seven boarding students in the Middle School and 42 in the high school.

Middle School principal, William Calvert was pleased with the numbers but added he has four spaces open for additional students.  “All of our Middle School students came to class in uniforms and were ready for the first day of school,” Calvert said.  “It’s a great indication of their willingness to get started on the right track. 

Calvert added that the seventh grade enrichment program would include a study of the seven habits of successful people in addition to study skills and current events.

On the high school level, Counselor Mary Mayo, also reported that the first day had gone very smoothly.  Mayo said she had to make a few schedule changes, and, in general the students were adjusting to the rhythm of academic life.

St. Bernard Prep is operated by the Benedictine Monks of St. Bernard Abbey.  For more information contact the school at www.stbernardprep.com or (256)739-6682.  Applications for the first semester will be accepted through Labor Day.

St. Bernard implements ESL Camp

Two international students from China are getting a jump start on American culture in preparation for the upcoming school year.  Kedi Mo and Travis Cai are currently enrolled in this Summer’s newly-created ESL camp at St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman.  The camp is a two-week program designed with a focus on improving English skills in speaking, listening, writing, reading and analysis.

Br. Linus Klucsarits, OSB, who teaches ESL at St. Bernard said this is the start-up of what he hopes to see continue to grow and become more popular with other nationalities around the world. 

Kedi and Travis are from China and are proficient in speaking the English language.   Their culture has prepared them well for studies in the United States as both prepare to study in the U.S.

Getting settled in was a smooth process as students found their home and got their banking completed and cell phones working.  “The people at Wells Fargo and AT&T were very patient and kind in helping students get their accounts activated in Cullman,” Br. Linus continued.

American culture is a focus of the language process.  “The students and I have enjoyed becoming familiar with the Southeast through documentaries, books and travel,” Br. Linus said. 

Student studies have included trips to the Helen Keller Museum, Space and Rocket Center, the Civil Rights Center, as well as a trip to Atlanta to watch a Braves game, explore the world of Coca Cola, and visit the Georgia Aquarium.

 

To conclude their final weeks, St. Bernard has partnered with the NASA Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL for the students to attend Space Camp.

“This has been a great experience for all of us,” Br. Linus continued.   “We are hoping to grow next year by adding more diversity to the camp.  It works best if they can process in their own language and then go back to work through it in English. 

St. Bernard Prep School is a private co-educational boarding and day school for students in grades 7-12.  For more information visit www.stbernardprep.com or like their page at www.facebook.com/stbernardprep.

 

 

St. Bernard graduate finalist for AF Award

Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. -- A member of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing, Lt. Robert Lee, has been selected as a finalist for the Air Force Association's Gill Robb Wilson Award. 

The AFA presents this award--named for Gill Robb Wilson, an American pilot, minister, military advocate, writer and the first director of the Civil Air Patrol--for the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of arts and letters, covering a wide range of activity such as writing, speaking and media relations.  

Lee earned his nomination because of his numerous writing and speaking accomplishments last year in the area of cyber security, but does not take full credit.  

"My nomination is not a singular achievement by me," said Lee, "but is more a representation of a lot of work by a lot of great people, starting with my chain of command and including my Wing Public Affairs Office. I'm very thankful for the team I get to serve with." 

Last year, Lee published papers on advanced cyber threats and direction of the cyberspace domain in four magazines; presented speeches at conferences in five different countries creating international alliances on battling cyber threats; and penned nine newspaper articles and six magazine stories on cyber security. Lee also devoted off-duty time to teaching free classes on cyber defense to more than 100 on-base personnel. 

"We are all extremely proud of Lt Lee for being recognized at the Air Force level for his contributions," said Lt. Col. Maurizio Calabrese, Lee's squadron commander. "His selection as a finalist is well deserved, and he is a shining example of how our newest generation  of  Airmen are the driving force in maintaining America's advantage in the cyberspace domain." 

Lee plans to continue his efforts on educating people about cyber defense in the foreseeable future.

"I will use this nomination as another piece of motivation to continue speaking and writing on the important topic of cyberspace and how we approach national security in that domain," noted Lee.

The Air Force had just three nominees for the award, putting Lee among an elite group of people.

"I'm honored to be considered for this award" said Lee, "especially with competition such as the Air Force Band and 22d Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation.

Lt. Lee  is currently an Adjunct Professor at Utica College in their graduate-level Cybersecurity distance program and is publishing a book titled "SCADA and Me" in September.    He  is the son of Cullman residents James and Mary Lee.  Lee  is a  2006 graduate of Saint Bernard Prep School in Cullman.  In 2012 he obtained his Bachelor of Science  from the United States Air Force Academy , and in 2013 received his Master of Science from Utica College.

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2013 HUGH SUCCESS

St. Bernard again held its 4-day Alumni Celebration June 27-30, welcoming approximately 300 of its alumni and family members back for the annual reunion.  Although many alumni return every year, this year St. Bernard honored the classes of 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008.  

Thursday

A Golf Reception held in the Brahma Room was the first event; golfers and friends gathered to receive 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 monks to become members of their team. 

Registration was handled in the Conference Center of Boniface Hall, manned by Carol and Chris Rooney (C’63).  St. Bernard memorabilia and yearbooks were on display.

Friday

Alumnus Fred Frye (C’55), coordinated the Golf Scramble.  Fifty-four golfers took to the greens at Chesley Oaks Golf Course to participate in the St. Bernard Scramble on Friday, June 28.    The overall winning team, with a score of 57, consisted of members of the class of 1972, Harry Davies, Carl Kuchler, Bill McCann, and Tom Martin.  Tom Dallett, Joe Franey, and Jim Lewis took second overall awards.  The first place College team was the Class of 1957 which included Jim Smith, Richard Calvin, Jerry Sullivan, and Carol Rooney, as well as Fr. Jacob Amos.  The winning Prep School team was made up of Wade Knight, John Arndt, Josh Arndt, and Keith Messick.  Fred Frye donated all prizes, including an original artwork by Joe Jahraus for each winner.   Jahraus is an award-winning artist who was Hallmark’s Creative Director.  A delicious lunch of BBQ, potato salad, slaw, baked beans and cookies prepared by Carey Craig of Chesley Oaks, and was served in the Clubhouse where awards were presented. 

Festivities continued for reunion participants on Friday evening with a Barn Hoedown held in the new Performing Arts Center, the Abbey Byre.  Julie Butts welcomed each attendee with a souvenir bandana.  Classmates and their families renewed acquaintances while feasting on hoedown-themed hor d’oeuvres  provided by Chef Allie Foster (C’2005) and crew.  Mini BBQ sandwiches, BLTs, Shrimp Cocktail, Polenta & Mushrooms, and Strawberry Shortcake were on the menu.  Current students of St. Bernard Prep served the alumni, while Mark Pudles and Buster Ross, both parents of current students, volunteered to serve libations; Mark and Buster also volunteered for Saturday’s festivities as well.

Saturday

Bright and early on Saturday morning, about two dozen alumni plus other friends and family gathered at the trailhead of The Trails of Saint Bernard, to brave a 5K Run/Walk, coordinated by Roger Blaylock.  Meanwhile, less awake guests were treated to a breakfast in the school Dining Hall, presented by Chef Allie 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 1890s.  Numerous stories were told of campus antics and escapades. 

Mid-morning, a large number of alumni gathered at the new Abbey Byre for the Arts (renovated Barn) to take part in the Rededication and Blessing of this new performing arts center.  Abbot Cletus Meagher invited everyone to join in the blessing of the “new” facility. 

Fr. Marcus Voss followed the blessing with the Annual Town Hall meeting in which he thanked attendees for their loyal support and told about all the accomplishments St. Bernard students and monks have achieved in the past year, as well as the progress the Abbey has made in capital improvements.  He presented a number of materials, including the new Capital Campaign for St. Bernard, and the Prep School Viewbook.  

Abbot Cletus continued the meeting with a presentation on the status of The Clairvaux Society, St. Bernard’s planned estate gift program, and an update on The Columbarium.  A short documentary trailer of “Brother Joseph and the Grotto” was presented and all were invited to return on October 17, 2013 for the Film Premiere of the documentary to be held here at St. Bernard in the Abbey Byre.  Materials on each project were made available to the alumni. 

After lunch in the Dining Hall, several alumni took advantage of St. Bernard’s many athletic facilities including an Alumni Soccer Game and a Tennis match on the Robert Blevins Courts.  There were no takers on the Softball game that Robert Bucella tried to organize—“too hot!”  Late in the afternoon the alumni attended the Alumni Vigil Mass held in the Abbey Church.

The culmination of the reunion was held on Saturday evening with a plated dinner of roast beef with all the accouterments .  Joyce Nix oversaw all the table décor which included an elegant theme of black/white with fine china and gorgeous blue hydrangeas.  Alumni and guests were served by current students of St. Bernard Prep School.  Guests were entertained by a special tribute slide show to the classes of 1969-1979, created by alumnus John J. King, college class of 1973.

The prep school class of 2003 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 2023. 

The highlight of the evening was a special presentation of The Abbot Benedict Menges Medal for Outstanding Service that was awarded to Miles Maxted, Business Manager of St. Bernard Abbey.  Abbot Cletus Meagher also presented Miles with a beautiful cross in addition to the certificate, given “in recognition of his many accomplishments, commitment, and dedicated service in financial management and in the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School.”

Special thanks and recognitions were shared with several class coordinators, including Bob “Stewart” Keighery for the Class of HS 1958, and John Wojcik for the college classes of the late 1960s.   In addition, Dr. John King, coordinator for all the 1970 classes, and Fred Frye, Golf Scramble Coordinator, were each given a Certificate of Appreciation for all their work and dedication to making the Reunion a success.

The evening drew to a close with a photo taken of each class(es) by Dorenda Doyle.  All pictures from the Reunion Weekend can be found either at the Facebook or the FlickR links on the www.stbernardprep.com website.

Sunday

Sunday morning found many alumni saying their fair wells  and making promises to “meet again next year.”  An Omelet bar was presented in the Dining Hall by Chef Allie’s crew, 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 catch up with what is taking place in their lives.”

St. Bernard to host 2013 Alumni Reunion

Alumni will gather on the campus of St. Bernard the weekend of June 27-30 to celebrate this year’s annual reunion.  Fr. Marcus Voss, Alumni Director, and his staff have prepared an exciting schedule of events.

“We have a big weekend planned and encourage all of our alumni to attend,” he said.  “The Alumni reunion is a great time for everyone to return to campus, renew friendships with their classmates,  and see how their support has enabled us to grow and expand our facilities.” 

Fred Frye of Little Rock Arkansas is heading up a golf tournament at Chesley Oaks Country Club located east of Cullman.  The weekend will kick off with a reception on Thursday evening,  June 27, where all golfers will receive their team assignments and invite monks to play with their team.   Tee time is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Friday morning.

Also on Friday morning, a ladies outing to tour the city of Cullman will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 4 p.m.  This outing will include antique and specialty shopping as well as a dutch-treat lunch.

Friday evening the school will host a hoedown in the new Abbey Byre (Barn) which serves as the school theatre and assembly facility.  This unique facility is the latest addition to the campus.

Saturday is filled with various activities to include a 5K run/walk of the trails of St. Bernard scheduled to begin at 7 a.m.  The re-dedication and blessing of the “Abbey Byre for the Arts” will be at 10 a.m. followed by a town hall meeting at 11 a.m.

Soccer and Tennis matches will round out the afternoon at 2 p.m. at the soccer field and the Robert Blevins Tennis Courts.

An Alumni Vigil Mass will be held at 4:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at 6 p.m.

Anyone wishing to attend can find information at www.stbernardprep.com or by contacting the school at (256)739-6682. 

 

Commencement Held at St. Bernard

St. Bernard Preparatory School celebrated the accomplishments of its graduating seniors in grand style at its 114^th Commencement Exercised held on Sunday, May 26^th.   With sounds from the Alabama Pipes and Drums Corps filling the air, a capacity crowd filled the Abbey Church as thirty-six seniors completed their high school course of studies and were offered college scholarships amounting to just under three million dollars.

Fr. Joel Martin opened the ceremony with a word of welcome to the parents and families of the graduates.  Special recognition was given to the seniors who had enrolled as 7^th graders and were now completing six years of education at St. Bernard.   Also recognized were several families who had several sons and daughters who graduated from St. Bernard in previous years.

School Chaplain Bede Marcy gave the invocation and led the National Anthem.

St. Bernard honored Robert L. Blevins and William J. Breslin, III as distinguished alumni during the commencement ceremony.

Blevins enrolled at St. Bernard College in 1976 where he completed his two years of basic studies.  Transferring to the University of Alabama , he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1981.   In 1985 he founded the Texican Natural Gas Company.  Under his leadership the company has become the largest independently-owned natural gas marketing company in the United States serving municipalities, hospitals, and commercial customers in the management of gas systems.

William J. Breslin, a native of Pennsylvania, enrolled in St. Bernard College where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1971.  Working in the insurance industry, he received the top J.D. Power Award for Service-in-Insurance as well as recognition by Business Week for his work as a World -wide service provider.  He is the founder of Wenonah Consulting.

Sister Cecilia C. Zamobini, MC , who serves as Director of the Catholic Center of Concern for the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama was the keynote speaker.  Sister Cecilia encouraged the students that, no matter road they decided to travel, they should always give it their full and complete attention. “Be your best,” she said, “always living high Christian values.”

Abbot Cletus Meagher, Chairman of the Board; Fr. Joel Martin, President, and John Tekulve, Headmaster, presented the Salutatorian award to Jerrica Crawford.  The Valedictorian award went to Siohban Russell and the General Excellence award was presented to John Schneider.

After the presentation of diplomas, Siohban Russell delivered the Valedictory address, followed by the singing of the Alma Mater.

Music for the occasion was led by organist, Rebecca Whited; and the Alabama Pipes and Drums.  A reception was held following the ceremony in the Dining Hall.