Tolbert Leaving Montgomery Catholic

Jim Tolbert, athletic director at Montgomery Catholic for the past five years, has resigned to take another position in athletic administration. Tolbert’s resignation is effective June 30.

“Leaving Montgomery Catholic is bittersweet,” Tolbert said. “God truly blessed me with the opportunity to work at Montgomery Catholic and be a part of the wonderful Christian family environment. Leading the athletic program and working with student-athletes and their families has been extremely rewarding, and certainly made my decision to leave very difficult.

“But, the new job opportunity will allow me to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of even more student-athletes and their families, and it is one I cannot pass up,” he said.

Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar said Tolbert will be missed.

“I wish Jim much happiness and success in his new position,” said Ceasar. “He is a professional in every sense of the word and has helped lead Montgomery Catholic to a new level in athletics.”

During Tolbert’s tenure as athletic director, Montgomery Catholic established its varsity wrestling program and added other sports teams, such as junior varsity softball, and middle school and junior varsity soccer. More than two-thirds of the students in grades 7-12 at Montgomery Catholic participate in at least one sport.

“It’s hard to put into words how much I have enjoyed being at Montgomery Catholic. I so appreciate the many people who have supported Catholic’s athletic department. It has been a tremendous experience.”

The search for a new athletic director has begun with the appointment of a five-person search committee. Applications for the position will be open from June 10 until June 23, with a goal of having a new athletic director in place by August 1.

Montgomery Catholic Hosts Petanque Tournament; Davis and Starr Champs

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's French Club sponsored their bi-annual Petanque Tournament.  This three-day event drew multiple teams, including several faculty members, in several close matches.  Spring 2011 champions were Gerald Davis and Jack Starr who narrowly defeated Sterling Hebert and Alex Castanza, who were the runners-up.  Petanque, a game closely resembling the Italian game of Bocce, is played in southern France with almost as much intensity as was evidenced in Montgomery Catholic's high school courtyard!  Montgomery Catholic also held a intra-school competition with students from Montgomery Academy.  Pictured:  Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Petanque champions Gerald Davis and Jack Starr.

Montgomery Catholic Concert Band Showcases Talent at Spring Concert

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Concert Bands recently showcased their talents at their annual Spring Concert held in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center.  Members of the Beginning, Advanced, and Concert Bands all performed numerous selections.  The event was emceed by Mrs. Ruth Glenboski. 

The evening started with the Beginning Band members who played Marche Militaire by Franz Schubert, Dancin' on the Bayou by Ralph Ford, and Dragon Slayer by Rob Grice.  The Beginning Band section members are flute: Audrey Kim, Amber Williams, Alejandra Vasquez, and Ansley Rohde; trumpet: James Sadie, Tristian Parish, Ledarianne Moore, and Ansley Taylor; clarinet: Ashleigh Little, Denise Jaimes, Ashley Donohue, Madison Bednarz, and Iyana Tate; low brass: Adam Bristol, David Bender, and Michelle Warrick; saxophone: Kenneth Bell and Nathan Smith; and in the percussion section: Briana Chavez, Francisco Gonzalez, and Skye Alexander.

The Advanced Band member played Mountains of Mohon by Sean O'Loughlin, As Winds Dance by Samuel Hazo, Shackelford Banks by Jay Bocook, and Groovee! by Richard Saucedo.  The Advanced Band section members are flute: Elizabeth Overton, Ashley Kim, Peter Nguyen, Jennifer Doan, and Nia Averett; clarinet: Mary Reagan Starrett, Logan Stevens, Beth Vaughan, Brian Lee, Kaitlyn Kornosky, and Joshua Seals; saxophone: Mandy Jones, Drew Edwards, and Brian Brunson; trumpet: Patrick Wood, Gavin Gaines, and Jacob Atchley; French horn: William Russell and Caroline Mullikin; trombone: Jonathan Miller and Katie McDaniel; tuba: Lorie Moody; and percussion: Eric Crenshaw, McGowin Moore, Delohn Wyatt, and Joseph Thrash.

The Concert Band members played The Cluster Fluster Bluster March and Prairie Dances by David Holsinger, Whispers by Sandy Feldstien and Larry Clark, Concerto for Faculty and Band by James Ployhar featuring the musical talents of special guest soloists our school administration: school president Anne Ceasar, St. Bede Principal Laurie Gulley, Middle School Principal Maria Nolen, and High School Principal Fran Taylor, and The Great Locomotive Chase by Robert W. Smith. 

Concert guests enjoyed a reception immediately following the performances and were entertained by the Montgomery Catholic Jazz Band.

Kindergarten Takes Flight

Students in Mrs. Wilson's Kindergarten class at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School let their kites soar after learning how to craft their own through the monthly family project.  An easy summertime craft project, the students and their families created unique kites using ordinary printer paper, which they personalized through decorations and paper color choices.  Mrs. Wilson and her students took their kites to the playground to test kite aerodynamics and had a great time! 

Montgomery Catholic Concert Band Students Receive Superior Ratings at ABA Competition

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Concert Band students participated in the Alabama Bandmasters Association's Solo and Ensemble Festival this Spring and received Superior ratings at the competition.  The festival is an individual event where students perform either as soloists or as small ensembles and are judged on their performance.  Our Middle School Band students who received Superior ratings were Ashley Kim, Caroline Mullikin, Brian Lee, William Russell, Delohn Wyatt, Logan Stevens, and Mary Reagan Starrett.  Our High School Band students who received Superior ratings were Joseph Sutton, Justis Davis, Nick Smith, Trey Riggles, Will Brunson, Rebecca Kornosky, and Allison Hermann.  Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School will host the 2012 festival next Spring.