Cheerleaders to perform at FedEx Orange Bowl

Two Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Varsity Cheerleaders earned an invitation to perform during the pre-game show as Penn State University takes on Florida State University at the FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.

While at cheerleading camp this summer, the National Cheerleading Association nominated and selected individual cheerleaders as “All American Team Members,” which is the most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Each nominee was selected based upon motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit & enthusiasm, voice projection, and overall crowd appeal. Montgomery Catholic had nine girls nominated as “All American.” They were Mary Barranco, Lauren Bodden, Rebecca Fields, Lindsay Taylor, Kristin Sutton, Laura Barranco, Rachael Walden, Andrea Ransdell, and Emily Younker.

Two Montgomery Catholic Cheerleaders, Emily Younker and Kristin Sutton, were named to the NCA “All American Team.” These two cheerleaders have been selected to participate and perform at various NCA special events throughout the year. Emily and Kristin are excited to represent Montgomery Catholic during this year’s FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami.

Pictured above are Kristin Sutton and Emily Younker.

Queen of Mercy Sixth Grader Writes School Christmas Play

Sixth grade student, Barbara Bradley, center, is surrounded by a multitude of heavenly second graders the night of the school play, "Once Upon a Christmas Eve." The play, written by Bradley, was presented at Our Lady Queen of Mercy Catholic School. Shown with her are: (left to right) Naomi Macchia, Deja Chappell, Courtney Brodgen, Barbara Bradley (seated), Kathleen Beesley, Jennifer Westendorf, Maci Sommers, Ann Marie Kildron, and Katie McDaniel.

High School Students Shine in YMCA's Youth Judicial Program

Twenty-seven students from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently participated in the Youth Judicial program sponsored by the YMCA. Approximately 450 students from around the state spent three days in the Montgomery County courthouse reenacting actual court cases, participating in all parts of the judicial process, serving as judges, bailiffs, prosecution and defense lawyer teams, and as jurors. Each of the Montgomery Catholic teams were coached by Montgomery attorneys with Montgomery Catholic roots: Deanie (Clark) Allen ’62, Richard Dean ’78, Charlie Anderson (husband of Linda (Belsterling) ’78 Anderson, and father of Roscoe ’09), Gwen Kennedy-Zimmerman (mother of Heather Kennedy ’07), Deborah Nickson (mother of Nichole Nickson ’08), and Chip Vercelli (husband of Lisa (Miska) ’77 Vercelli, father of Chris '99, Lauren ’05 and Anna ’07).

One of the Montgomery Catholic teams consisting of Trey Griffith, Thomas Herge, Cynthia Weber, Roscoe Anderson, Kristin Sutton, and Bob Weber, who were coached by Richard Dean ’78, was named a TOP 5 Prosecution Team, and in their final trial, won the verdict. Two students from Montgomery Catholic, Cynthia Weber as a member and Trey Griffith as first alternate, were named members of the 8-person (4-member and 4-alternate) Alabama All-Star Team that will participate in the National Mock Trial Competition in the spring in Oklahoma City.

During the weekend event, two students also participated in the Talent Show where Cynthia Weber performed an original ballad while playing her guitar and Thomas Herge performed a song written by the Montgomery Catholic band director, Mr. Kerry Palmer, on his clarinet. Both received standing ovations. With the success of Youth Judicial, the Montgomery Catholic Government Club is looking forward to participating in YMCA’s Youth Legislature event planned for spring 2006.

Participating in Youth Judicial were Roscoe Anderson, Kalan Boddie, Kaila Camara, Karen Gonzales, Trey Griffith, Rebecca Hails, Amy Hall, Thomas Herge, Lauren Houston, John Ingram, Joseph Ioimo, Heather Kennedy, Mary Kimbrough, Nichole Nickson, Anna Parker, Jill Polis, Andria Ransdell, Abbie Redden, Kierra Rumph, Kimberly Smith, Kristin Sutton, Lauren Tucker, Michael Walley, Bob Weber, Cynthia Weber, Caitlin Wiggins, Kaitlyn Wilkinson, Olivia Veres, and Matt Visco.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Government Club Members.

National Honor Society Welcomes 15 New Members

During a school-wide assembly, the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School welcomed fifteen students into its membership. Founded in 1921, the National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. For students to be considered for membership, they must maintain at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be a member of the Junior or Senior Class, demonstrate leadership, scholarship, service to both the community and to others, and character. The new members of the Loretto Chapter of the National Honor Society are Robert Avery, Abby Beesley, Joey Clark, Stephanie Cochrane, Rebecca Fields, Rachel Forsyth, Trey Griffith, Thomas Herge, Aaron Margetson, Erin Plate, Abbie Redden, Kristin Sutton, Olivia Veres, Bob Weber, and Cynthia Weber. A reception for the new members and their parents was held immediately following the ceremony hosted by the entire NHS chapter members.

Pictured above: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s NHS Fall Inductees: row 1: Olivia Veres, Stephanie Cochrane, Thomas Herge, Abby Beesley, and Erin Plate. Row 2: Rachel Forsyth, Rebecca Fields, Kristin Sutton, Abbie Redden, Trey Griffith, and Cynthia Weber. Row 3: Bob Weber, Joey Clark, Robert Avery, and Aaron Margetson.

Nearly 200 students march in Montgomery Children's Walk

Nearly 200 seventh through twelfth grade students from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School participated in the Montgomery Children's Walk in downtown Montgomery on Tuesday, December 1st commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.

Thousands of school-aged children from all over the Metro-Montgomery area participated in this landmark event. The walk began at the Rosa L. Parks Museum on Montgomery Street, which is the site of Mrs. Parks' arrest, and ended at the steps of our State Capitol. The crowd listened to songs sung by local school choirs and heard motivational speeches from Civil Rights leaders including Mrs. Johnnie Carr.

St. Bede Science Olympiad Teams Receive Top Honors at Competition

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus Science Olympiad Teams participated in a competition on Saturday, November 12 held at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL. There were two teams of twelve 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students coached by their teachers Miss Melanie Grayson, Mr. Nick Bourke, and Mr. Larry Meiers. Team Blue claimed First Place overall and Team Gold was named Second Place team overall. Individual students were also recognized with ribbons for their events. The St. Bede Science Olympiad Team members were Slade Eiland, Amanda Logan, Mallyna Sessions, Megan Padilla, Kevin Norris, Wheeler Ronan, Patrick Foran, Zach Hulcher, Giselle Simms, Jarrett Mason, James Sherman, Tara Bourke, Ben Crocker, Megan Foran, Josh Stark, Dominic Godwin, Forrest Phillips, Ian Ginnaty, Chase Forshey, Broghan Freeland, David Norris, Kristina Vanella, and Clay Ronan. Some of the “hands-on” competition events were Egg Drop, Pasta Bridge, Scavenger Hunt, and Tangram Tangle. A few of the study events were “Name the Scientist,” “Leaf and Tree Finder”, “No Bones About It,” and “Extinction is Forever.”

Sophomore Colin Newmeyer Led YMCA Capital City Streaks To State Cup

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Sophomore Colin Newmeyer not only spent the fall kicking footballs for both the Catholic JV and Varsity teams but he also spent a lot of time kicking soccer balls as the captain of the YMCA Capital City Streaks Under 16 boys soccer team. The Streaks competed in the Alabama Youth Soccer Division 1 league, the highest level of soccer in Alabama. Colin spent most weekends on the road not only playing league games all over Alabama but also in tournaments in Georgia, Mississippi, and with trips to Memphis, TN, and Raleigh, NC, still to come.

In the fall, the Alabama Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) holds a state championship tournament known as the State Cup. On Halloween weekend the Capital City Streaks competed in the preliminary tournament in Birmingham where they qualified for the Final Four. The Final Four Tournament was held November 12 & 13 in Birmingham.

On Saturday November 12, the Streaks squared off against the Jets from Birmingham in the semi finals. The Jets took a 1-0 lead late in the 1st half. The Streaks came out in the 1st ten minutes of the second half and scored twice to take a 2-1 lead. The Jets tied it late in game to send it into two ten-minute overtime periods. The Jets scored in the 1st OT period. The Streaks tied it with about 4 minutes to go in the 2nd OT period. Since the game was still tied it now goes to penalty kicks. In penalty kicks, each team gets 5 kicks. Whoever scores the most wins the game. If it is still tied, the game goes into sudden death penalty kicks. Colin came up 5th with the Jets up 4-3 and made the goal to send the game into a sudden death. The Jets next kicker went wide and the Streaks kicker scored. The Capital City Streaks won and moved on to the finals.

On Sunday, November 13, the Streaks faced Vestavia in the finals. After 80 minutes of regulation play, the score was 0-0, so on to OT again. It is still 0-0 after two 10-minute OT period so on to the penalty kicks phase. All five of the Streaks make theirs goals. Colin Newmeyer was again the fifth kicker. The Streaks’ keeper stopped the Vestavia 5th kicker giving the Streaks the win and the title of State Champs. As State Champions, the team will travel along with the champions from the other 13 southeastern states to Little Rock, Arkansas, in the summer of 2006 where they will compete in the Regional Championship Tournament. The winner of the Regional tournament will move on to compete in the National Championships.

High School PTO Hosts 1st "Families In Action" Program

The High School’s Parent-Teacher’s Guild hosted our first annual “Families In Action” program. The Families in Action program offered four 15 minute seminars for both parents and students simultaneously. Each seminar discussed topics pertinent for each group. The student presentations were “Left Behind: Reasons to Drive Safely” presented our High School Principal Sue Vaughn who lost her oldest daughter in a fatal car accident; “Driving Under the Influence” presented by the Montgomery Sheriff’s Dept. where they discussed actions and consequences; “Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices” presented by a counselor for teens from Bradford Health Services who is a recovering alcoholic and drug user; and “To Smoke or Not to Smoke” presented by Dr. Bill Saliski who is a Montgomery Pulmonologist and alumni parent. While the students attended their seminars the parents gathered information on “Depression in Teens” by Dr. Karl Kirkland; “Beginner Drivers” presented by Mr. Alan Deighton with New London Driving School; “Drugs 101” presented by Sgt. Meadows of the Montgomery Police Department where parents were shown examples of common street drugs; and “Insurance and Teenagers” presented by Mr. Robert Pelt of ALFA Insurance who spoke to parents about ways to save on car insurance for teen drivers.
The response was overwhelming with over 400 parents and students participating in this year’s program. Families in Action will be presented annually in October in conjunction with Drug Awareness Week. The High School PTG is busily planning to make next year’s event bigger and better.

Middle & High School Students Celebrate All Saints Day, Remembering Fr. Labadie

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Middle and High School students united as one to celebrate All Saints Day Mass in the Father Pat Delahunty Gymnasium. Father Stephen Martin ’87 was the main celebrant, with Father Patrick Driscoll ’84 and Father James Dean ’79 con-celebrating. Music was provided by students Lauren Tucker ‘06, Sean Valieant ‘09, Olivia Veres ‘07, Aaron Weber’10, and Cynthia Weber ’07. This Mass was our first time as a school community that we mourned the loss of Father Michael Labadie ’91. Father Martin’s homily to the students was simple and poignant: “If you want to remember Father Labadie well and do him honor, have the courage to become a saint. That’s the feast we celebrate today, and that’s what God asks of each of you.” Then, as part of the offertory of the Mass, Kelsey and Matthew Donohue, niece and nephew of Father Labadie, brought up Father Labadie’s personal chalice, which was given by the family as a permanent gift to the school and students. Following communion, Senior Mary Catherine Ingram, our SGA President and former student of Father Labadie, gave a brief talk, remembering Father Labadie. Her speech, in its entirety, can be found on our website: http://www.knights.pvt.k12.al.us/hp/Fr.Labadie.remembering.doc. The Mass closed with “Amazing Grace,” which began with a quiet solo on the xylophone leading into song by the student body. By the end of Mass, there were very few dry eyes. Father Labadie’s family members were greeted by students following the service. It was a graced moment for our students and faculty and a time of healing for all.

Sister Martha stops by the IPS Classes

Sister Martha Belke stopped by for a visit with Coach Matt Cazalet's (class of 1994) IPS classes while on her annual trip to Montgomery. The students were all very honored to meet the person for which the Science building is named. Sister was glad to spend the afternoon with the students, many of whose parents were once students in her IPS classes. Of the experience, Matt Cazalet said, "At the beginning of the school year, I was apprehensive about teaching IPS because Sister Martha is IPS. She is a CHS legend and a contributor in the textbook that we use. For Sister to sit in on my class was like having Einstein sit in on your Physics lab. I was incredibly nervous because those are big shoes to fill. But, when she told me I was doing a good job with the class, that was the ultimate reassurance and biggest confidence booster in the world. I will always appreciate her kind words and wisdom."

St. Bede Revs Up for Red Ribbon Week

Students at St. Bede Elementary celebrated Red Ribbon Week, October 24th-28th, by talking about having Healthy Hobbies to help stay away from drugs. Mr. Bruce Bright, a race car driver and the parent of Bruce Jr., brought his race car to school to show the students and to discuss the importance of following the rules and being safe while participating in your hobby. He is shown here with his son and some Kindergarten and 1st grade students.

Middle School Elects Student Council

Seventh Grade Representatives: front: Savannah Harvey, John Preston Houston, & Scott Barranco. Back: Charlie Anderson, John Talbot, Brittney Wilkinson, & Jessica Mount (Not pictured: Morgan Foxworth).

Eighth Grade Representatives: front: Autumn Guillot, Ian Sweet, Sarah Krause, Nolan Plate, & Kelsey Donohue. back: Molly McLaughlin, Stuart Wood, Kevin Taylor, & Asha Stann (Not Pictured: Matt Simmons).

Officers: President Aaron Weber, Vice President Jessica Barranco, Secretary Ashley Johnson, and Chaplain MacKenzie Thompson.

Students in the seventh and eighth grades recently elected their representatives for the 2005-2006 school year. Operating from a true middle school model, the students meet in “N.O.W.” (No Opportunity Wasted) advisory groups each morning where they discuss topics such as organization, peer relations, and upcoming school related issues with an advisor. Each NOW group elects a representative to the student council. The Seventh Grade Representatives are Charlie Anderson, Scott Barranco, Morgan Foxworth, Savannah Harvey, John Preston Houston, Jessica Mount, John Talbot, and Brittney Wilkinson. The Eighth Grade Representatives are Kelsey Donohue, Autumn Guillot, Sarah Krause, Molly McLaughlin, Nolan Plate, Matt Simmons, Asha Stann, Ian Sweet, Kevin Taylor, and Stuart Wood. Leading the Student Council this year are President Aaron Weber, Vice President Jessica Barranco, Secretary Ashley Johnson, and Chaplain MacKenzie Thompson.

St. Bede Students Shine in "Design an Ad" Contest

Fifth grade students at St. Bede recently participated in the “Design An Ad” Contest sponsored by The Montgomery Advertiser. This program provides a valuable opportunity for students to further develop and showcase their skills by creating ads for local businesses and is an initiative of The Montgomery Advertiser to enrich its Newspapers In Education (NIE) Program. Fifth graders Callie Wilkerson, Daniel Weber, and Andrea Bianchi won the ad competition for their companies. Andrea’s advertisement won Third Place over all in the 4-6 grade competition and was awarded a $50 US Savings Bond.
Pictured above are Callie Wilkinson, Daniel Weber, and Andrea Bianchi.

Montgomery Catholic Crowns 2005 Homecoming Court

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School crowned their Homecoming Queen and King during the half-time festivities on Friday, September 30th. Homecoming week was filled with spirited theme days and evening activities which kept the enthusiasm strong through the weekend. The 2005 Homecoming Court is Freshmen Attendant Carrie Tucker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Tucker, escorted by John L. Dugan, II, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Dugan. Sophomore Attendant is Colleen Hamilton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hamilton, escorted by Hiroshi Yamaguchi, son of Lt. Col. and Mrs. Hiroshi Yamaguchi. Junior Attendant is Rachel Forsyth, daughter of Col. and Mrs. James Forsyth, escorted by Nick Jett, son of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Jett. Senior Attendant is Lauren Bodden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bodden, escorted by Thomas Lucas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lucas. Senior Attendant is Mary Barranco, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barranco, escorted by Kyle Bois, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bois. Senior Attendant Molly Slauson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Slauson, escorted by Peter Ceponis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Ceponis. The 2005 Homecoming Queen is Mary Kimbrough, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Kimbrough, escorted by the 2005 Homecoming King Brad Cary, son of Dr. and Mrs. Hank Dahlene and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cary. The 2004 Homecoming Queen, Lauren Vercelli, crowned the 2005 court during the football game. The Homecoming Dance was held the following night at the St. Bede Family Life Center where the students enjoyed the music of “Standard Candle.”

Junior Girls Claim Powder Puff Championship

The Student Government Association at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School organized a Powder Puff match up pitting the classes against each other, adding to the celebration of Homecoming week. The teams, coached by football players from each class, plotted and practiced their plans for attack. As night fell, the crowd cheered in the stands when the girls took the field. In the first match, the sophomores shut out the freshmen 22-0. The second match was a real nail-biter between the juniors and seniors with the juniors winning 6-0. The seniors shut out the freshmen 20-0, sealing third place. The championship game came down to a battle between the middle classes. The junior girls claimed the victory over the sophomores 20-0. The juniors are predicting a repeat in 2006!

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Junior Girls Powder Puff Champions. Kneeling: Erin Plate, Heather McGinn, Abby Beesley, and Rebecca Fields. Standing: Brooke Whyard, Sarah Johnson, Olivia Veres, Abbie Redden, Coach Bob Weber, Jessica Balchunas, Sonja Karimi, Lauren Yates, Cynthia Weber, Anna Vercelli, Katie Bodet, Rachel Forsyth, Kristin Sutton, Coach Roman Tubner, Kate Cooper, and Molly McQuitty. Not Pictured: Coach David Robinson.

Respect Life Club Participates in Respect for Life Sunday Activities

Respect Life Club members from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School participated in the national Respect for Life Sunday event along with members of area churches who held signs as a silent protest against abortion. The Respect Life Club participates in this event each year as part of their community involvement. Pictured are Seniors Audrey Duke, Amanda Viox, Lindsay Avant, and Kristin Lushington.

St. Bede Elects Student Council for 2005-06

Students at St. Bede Elementary recently elected their student council representatives for the 2005-2006 school year. This year the student council will be led by Mary Ashley Allen as President, Keenan Plate as Vice-President, Megan Foran as Secretary, and Ingrid Peifer as the Chaplain.

Pictured above is the Student Council for 2005-2006.
Row 1: Tony Stojak, Anna Mills, Rachel Fry, Ashley Barranco, James Sherman, Kyle Berher, Shelby Taff, Callie Wilkinson, Sterling Anderson, & Zack Hulcher Row 2: Forrest Taylor, Kelly McGeehan, Dominic Godwin, Josh Stark,. Elizabeth Karst, Mallyna Sessions, Chaplain Ingrid Peifer, Secretary Megan Foran, Vice-President Keenan Plate, President Mary Ashley Allen.

St. Bede Second Graders Make Rosaries for Hurricane Victims

Second graders at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus answered a call by Father David Tokarz, pastor of St. Bede Church, to make rosaries for Catholics displaces by the recent hurricanes in Louisiana. Mrs. Ruth Glenboski, a second grade teacher at St. Bede, volunteered her class for the project, not knowing just how excited her students would be about making the rosaries. In the first session of the project, the class made 67 rosaries. The students enjoyed it so much that they invited Mrs. Tina Rutland’s second grade class over and taught them how to make the rosaries during Religion class. The project then extended to the third grade classes who joined them to tie a cross onto the end of each rosary.

Following the Friday school Mass, Father Tokarz blessed 183 rosaries which the students then placed in individual snack-sized bags, labeled, and prepared the rosaries to be shipped to those in need.

The experience sparked another idea. Mrs. Glenboski is preparing to teach a unit on Economics. She is planning to purchase additional supplies so that the children can once again make the product, package it, and then sell the items at the school’s upcoming Bohemian Art Fling Arts & Crafts Festival on October 15th. Together, the class will figure out the cost per unit, add a profit, and set a price. Following the sale, the class will count the money, pay back the class fund from which they borrowed the money for the supplies, give the church 10%, and determine their profit. The class will then use the profit to purchase needed playground balls and toys for the class to use.

Pictured: Mrs. Ruth Glenboski’s Second Grade Class at St. Bede with the rosaries they made for hurricane victims.

Catholic & Montgomery Academy Partner Together for Hurricane Relief

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and The Montgomery Academy have partnered together to bring teacher supplies to temporary schools in rural Mississippi. As communities begin the long and difficult rebuilding process, schools need the basic supplies for their classrooms and teachers. The following items are needed to reestablish schools in Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock Counties of Mississippi:

Pens, Pencils, Markers, Chalk, Erasers, Dry-Erase Boards,
Dry-Erase Markers, Paper, Copy Paper,
Construction Paper, Colored Paper, Hand Sanitizer,
Staplers, Staples, Paper Clips,
Push Pins, Hole Punchers, Rubber Bands,
Index Cards, File Folders, Pocket Folders,
Envelopes, Stamps, Legal Pads,
Binder Clips, Tape, Tape Dispensers,
Labels, Legal-Sized Paper, & Poster Board

This relief effort began as a result of a conversation between Montgomery Catholic’s Middle School Principal, Anne Ceasar, and her brother, Dr. Joe Olmi, who is a School and Child Psychologist and an Associate Professor of School Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi. Dr. Olmi works with the USM Teacher Training Program helping future teachers in the area of Mental and Psychological Training. Since the disaster, he has been debriefing 160 USM student-teachers in the surrounding counties on what to expect when working with the children and their post-disaster behavior while helping to set up temporary schools.

Donations may be dropped off starting with tonight’s MA vs. Catholic football game and continuing through Friday, September 23rd at the Montgomery Catholic Middle School located behind our high school building at 5350 Vaughn Road and at The Montgomery Academy Upper School Campus located at 3240 Vaughn Road.

On Saturday, September 24th, the donations will be delivered to Dr. Olmi at the Teacher Field Placement Office at the University of Southern Mississippi and distributed to schools in Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock Counties, Mississippi. For further information, contact Montgomery Catholic’s Development Director, Mary Kelley, at 272-7221, ext. 15 or Montgomery Academy’s Communications Coordinator, Jennifer Henig, at 272-8210, ext. 256.

Freshman Class Elects SGA Officers for 2005-06

The Freshman Class recently elected their leaders for the 2005-2006 school year. Pictured above are Class Vice President Austin Barranco, Class Secretary Carrie Tucker, and Freshman Class President Roscoe Anderson. An interesting fact about these officers: all three students are children of CHS Alumni. Austin is the son of Mike '80 & Judy Barranco. Carrie is the daughter of Jimmy & Tammy (Sullivan) '77 Tucker. Roscoe is the son of Charlie & Linda (Belsterling) '78 Anderson.

Montgomery Catholic Announces National Merit Semifinalist and Commended Students

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School announces Michelle Perone as a Merit Semifinalist and Mary Catherine Ingram and Audrey Duke as Commended Students in the 51st annual National Merit Scholarship Program conducted by officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). These scholastically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship® awards, worth $33 million, that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements and advance to Finalist level of the competition. About 90 percent of the 16,000 Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

Pictured: National Merit Semifinalist Michelle Perone, National Merit Commended Students Audrey Duke and Mary Catherine Ingram.

Montgomery Catholic Students Raise $5,600 for Hurricane Relief

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, our students immediately felt the need to help our neighbors in Mississippi and Louisiana. The SGA began a campaign to raise money for the victims of this natural disaster. On Saturday, September 3rd, students camped out on the front lawn of the high school with signs, posters, and hand-made banners urging the passers by to donate funds to help those in most need. From 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., the students raised $2,165.45 for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and $1,756.00 for the American Red Cross. Lowe’s Home Improvement of Montgomery then matched their $1,756.00, raising the total dollars donated to $5,677.45.

In the weeks since, students have forgone their daily 10-minute break snack and donated that money to help those in need. The SGA has also set up boxes in the breezeway collecting basic personal items (soap, diapers, cleaning supplies, insect repellant, etc.) for Father Tim Evan’s parish in Bayou La Batre.

We congratulate our student leaders and student body on their tremendous efforts in raising money for hurricane relief on the Gulf Coast.

To view the pictures from the Saturday campaign drive, go here http://community.webshots.com/slideshow?ID=446547743&key=AfJVYG .

Knights off to 2 and 1 start

The Montgomery Catholic Knights opened the season behind a powerful rushing attack, beating St. Jude on their home field 40-22. Tailback Jonathan Gueret led the Knights with 163 yards rushing, and Roman Tubner returned a kick-off for a touchdown early in the game, the first in recent memory, whereas Michael Thorpe sealed it late, with a 31 yard fumble recovery and return for a TD. The Advertiser wrote a nice article, available >here

In the second game, the Knights dropped a tough 34-20 decision to Lafayette. Despite a half-time lead of 14-12, featuring a 70 yard interception return for a TD by Jimmy Forsyth, the bigger Lafayette team pushed it down the field between the tackles in several long, time consuming drives, putting the game away late in the 4th quarter. Then, in the third game, the Knights were dominant in a 50-6 win over regional opponent Calhoun. In the first half, Gueret led with two rushing touchdowns, Tubner and Ashton Hardwick each added a 3rd and 4th, Forsythe returned a blocked punt by Brad Cary for the 5th, fullback Steven Bodet added the 6th, and Colin Newmeyer kicked a field goal for a commanding 44-0 half time lead. In the second half, the Knights played their junior varsity, trading one touchdown each, with Josh Soukup rounding out the scoring for the Knights. The Knights now host 2-1 Montgomery Academy Friday, September 16th, in one of the city¹s oldest rivalry games, on the Knights¹ home field. The game has important regional and play off implications. The Eagles have dominated that series over the last ten years, but the resurgent Knights should compete with the Eagles in what promises to be an exciting game.

St. Bede Students Put Their "Hats On for Hurricane Relief"

The students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus put their “Hats On for Hurricane Relief” on Tuesday, September 13th. The St. Bede students, teachers, and parent volunteers joined together to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. For a donation to hurricane relief they earned the right to wear a hat to school for the day. Teachers and parent volunteers also collected donations in the student drop-off lanes before school to collect donations from parents on their way to work. Students who donated to the relief effort used this opportunity to express themselves with a wide variety of hat styles and colors.

Pictured above: Dorothy Foran, a St. Bede parent volunteer, with her children Patrick, Megan, and Susan participated in "Hats on for Hurricane Relief".

Pictured below: St. Bede Students Ingrid and Ian Pheifer show their patriotism while celebrating "Hats on for Hurricane Relief."

Varsity Cheerleaders Earn Bid to NCA National Competition

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Varsity Cheerleading Squad participated in the National Cheerleading Association’s Summer Camp held at Auburn University this summer. The NCA Camp attracted over 300 cheerleaders from the surrounding area to the event. Montgomery Catholic’s Varsity Cheerleaders earned numerous awards while at camp including a superior rating for chants, jumps, motions, & stunt cheer; a two time winner of the Herkie Team award given for the best home cheer; a constant winner of the Spirit Stick; named a Top Team Finalist; and earned a bid to participate in the NCA National Cheerleading Championships held in Dallas, Texas.

While at camp, the National Cheerleading Association nominates and selects individual cheerleaders as “All American Team Members” which is the most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Each nominee is selected based upon motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit & enthusiasm, voice projection, and overall crowd appeal. Montgomery Catholic had nine girls nominated as “All American.” They are Mary Barranco, Lauren Bodden, Rebecca Fields, Lindsay Taylor, Kristin Sutton, Laura Barranco, Rachael Walden, Andrea Ransdell, and Emily Younker.

Emily Younker and Kristin Sutton were named to the NCA “All American Team.” These two cheerleaders are eligible to participate and perform at various NCA special events throughout the year. Emily and Kristin are planning to perform during the Orange Bowl pre-game show in December.

Jessica Brown Named Merit Finalist in Miss Teen of Alabama 2005

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Senior, Jessica Brown, was a contestant in the 2005 Miss Teen of Alabama Scholarship and Recognition Program held August 5-7th at the Governor’s House Hotel in Montgomery. Fifty-three young women aged 13-18 from across the state vied for the title. Each of the young women was judged in six categories: Scholastic Record, Achievement and Service to School & Community, Development of Talents & Skills, General Awareness Written Test, Formal Wear, and an Interview. The winner of the 2005 Miss Teen of Alabama won $1,000 cash scholarship, a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, and will represent the state for the national title of Miss Teen of America. Jessica was named as one of ten Merit Finalists at the state competition.

Jessica is the daughter of Ms. Jimmetta Gourdine and Mr. Joe N. Brown. She is a two sport athlete in Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Basketball, an active member of many school clubs, and serves on the school yearbook staff.

Four Montgomery Catholic Students Play in World Series

While most students spend their summers relaxing by the pool, four Montgomery Catholic students have been spending their time on the baseball diamond. Nick Castanza, an incoming 9th grader, Ricky Boyd, Hunter Turner, Josh Davis, who are incoming 8th graders at MCPS and playing with East Montgomery’s 13 year old All Star Team, won the State Championship in Selma last week and will now represent Alabama in the National Dixie Youth World Series, to be hosted by Muscle Shoals beginning August 4. Coach Tim Turner, on our coaching staff, is an assistant coach as well.

Each of the four young men play important roles: Nick plays catcher, pitcher and middle infield, Ricky is the 2nd baseman, Josh plays catcher, pitcher and 3rd base and Hunter is a designated hitter and outfielder. We will be watching for these talented players to hit the Catholic field this spring!

Congratulations on a super achievement!

Pictured left to right are Nick Castanza, Ricky Boyd, Hunter Turner, and Josh Davis.

JV Cheerleaders Shine at NCA Camp

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Junior Varsity Cheerleaders attended a National Cheerleading Association Camp hosted by Troy University this summer. The squad received numerous awards during the three day event. Among the honors were Technical Excellence in Motions for Home Cheer, four Blue Ribbons for Cheer & Chant, one Red Ribbon for Home Cheer, Most Improved Team Award, Hearkie T.E.A.M. Award, Champion Chant Award Winner, Spirit Stick Winner, and the squad was selected to compete in a Top Team Competition on the final day of the camp. In addition to the overall squad’s success, Emily Madore, Kaitlyn Roberts, Jaycie Watts, and Katie Cummins were nominated as All-American Cheerleaders with Emily and Kaitlyn being honored with that distinction. The Junior Varsity Cheerleaders are looking forward to continued success this fall during the upcoming football and basketball seasons.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Junior Varsity Cheerleaders (L to R): Kaitlyn Roberts, Jaime Marler, Emily Madore (Captain), Hallie Turner, Haley Scanlan, Ashley Guillot, Jaycie Watts (Chaplain), and Katie Cummins (Co-Captain).

5th Annual PICE Golf Tournament Set For September 23rd

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s PICE (Partners In Catholic Education) Organization is planning for their best tournament ever! The Golf Tournament Committee is busily planning for the Fifth Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the school. The event will be held at The Legends at Capital Hill on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Prattville, AL, on Friday, September 23rd. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. There will be a $5,000 putting contest, a $25,000 hole-in-one contest, Predict Your Distance Contest, Closest to the Pin Contest, Hole-in-One trip for two to Scotland or a trip on a relaxing cruise, as well as many other wonderful door prizes. The entry fee is $135 and teams are forming now. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of a premier golf tournament on one of Alabama’s premium courses! For more information and to register your team, call 272-3463.

PICE Golf Tournament Committee Members: seated Mary Kelley and Event Co-Chair Liz Sutton. Standing: Jim Baker, Event Co-Chair Jerry Lopez, Gary Tomlin, and Ken Carlson. (not pictured: Bobby Harvey, Marian Saliski, Mike Barranco, Jimmy Tucker, Mark Sadie, and Dean DeLongchamp.)

St. Bede Student Keenan Plate Receives Top Honor in Essay Contest

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, St. Bede Campus student Keenan Plate won first place in a recent essay competition. Officials received more than 60 entries. Divided by age-groups, the children either colored or wrote essays depicting influential women of their choosing. All participants were able to gain appreciation for the marks women have made throughout history. Awards included trophies, Savings Bonds and gift certificates. Twelve Maxwell/Gunter youth received awards after winning the Women Changing America Artwork/Essay contest.

Essay Contest Winners: From the back left are: 42nd Mission Support Squadron Commander Col. Theresa Carter, Courtney Noonan, Allison Eaves, Shelia Willis, Elizabeth Monroe, Keenan Plate and Master Sgt. Lisa Skinner. First row are: Janessa Simmons, Abigail Roux, Canaan Grant, Jordyn Joines, and Angela Haynes.

MCPS Junior Skis to the Top in Competition

MCPS Junior Skis to the Top in Competition
Originally uploaded by fnwchs.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School rising junior, Jessica Balchunas, won her division in a water ski tournament held at the Faith Lake Ski Club in Shorter, AL on June 18-19, 2005. Jessica is a three event skier competing in slalom, short board, and jump. Jessica began her love for water skiing at the age of four and has been competing for the last seven years. Jessica set a new personal best in the slalom this weekend which qualified her for the US Water Ski Southern Regional Championships in Paducah, Kentucky. She also qualified to compete in the National Championships in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jessica is a member of the Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleading Squad and a member of the Montgomery Ballet Senior Company.

MCPS Announces New Varsity Basketball Coaches

MCPS Announces New Varsity Basketball Coaches
Originally uploaded by fnwchs.

After an extensive search led by Athletic Director Tony Taylor, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to announce Coach Tiffany Frederick as the new Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach and Coach Jimbo Tolbert as the new Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach.

A Birmingham native, Coach Tiffany Frederick will serve as a full-time member of the Physical Education Department teaching Health and Physical Education classes in our 7-12 programs. Tiffany began her college basketball career at Northwest Shoals Community College where she led the state in assists, was ranked 7th in the nation in assists, was named the Most Valuable Player at Northwest Shoals. Additionally, her team won the NJCAA Division 1 State Championship in 2001. Transferring to Auburn University Montgomery in 2002, Tiffany continued her success both on and off the court. Tiffany was AUM Lady Senators’ team captain for two years, helped lead them to a National Tournament appearance in 2003 and a Sweet 16 National Tournament appearance in 2004. Tiffany was also very active with volunteer work through the Big/Little Sister Program, Lady Senators Adopt-A-Highway Program, Angels for the Elderly, “Reading Makes a Lifelong Difference” Initiative, and worked with the Special Olympics at the 2004 Basketball Nationals. Although she was very active in athletics and extra-curricular activities, Tiffany also maintained her place at the top of her class. While at AUM, she was inducted to the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society where she served as Vice President, was named to the Dean’s List and to the Vice Chancellor’s List. In 2005, Tiffany was named a member of the Who’s Who Among America’s College Students.

As a 1998 alumni of Montgomery Catholic, James “Jimbo” Tolbert is looking forward to returning to his alma mater. Jimbo will lead the Boys’ Basketball program at Montgomery Catholic. Jimbo attended Auburn University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance in 2003. While at Auburn, Jimbo served as the manager for the Men’s Basketball team for two years working with the coaches and players during practices and with the individual players during off-season workouts. In the 2000-2001 season, he was promoted to head manager where he coordinated the activities of six other managers to ensure the program ran smoothly. In addition to working as a manager at Auburn, he participated on the practice team during the 1999-2000 season and was added to the team for the NCAA Tournament in 2000. Jimbo transferred to Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina, where he played basketball for two years. While at Lander, he was one of only three players to participate in all 28 games of the 2001-2002 season, averaging 16 minutes per game, and started in 22 games in the 2002-2003 season, averaging 17 minutes per game. Following reconstructive knee surgery, he transferred back to Auburn University to finish his college career. Throughout his college years, Jimbo participated in a number of basketball camps including the Cliff Ellis Basketball Camps, the Joe Dean, Jr. Dixie Camps, the Jimmy Tillette Basketball Camps at Samford University, the Lander University Basketball Camps, and basketball camps hosted by the University of South Alabama. Most recently, Jimbo has served as an Assistant Coach for the John Carroll Catholic High School Basketball Program in Birmingham, Alabama, which posted a 54-12 overall record in two seasons, winning the 2004 Class 6-A State Championship and a 2005 Class 6-A appearance in the Sweet 16 Northwest Regional Tournament.

Montgomery Catholic Athletic Director Tony Taylor says, “We are excited to have Tiffany and Jimbo join our basketball staff. They are both very fine people and bring a lot of talent and energy to the table. Coach Klinger and Coach Robinson left the program in a good place and we look forward to building on the momentum they have started.”

Mr. Weber Receives Marbury Technology Award

Weber Receives Marbury Technology Award
Originally uploaded by fnwchs.

(Birmingham, AL) Mr. Faustin N. Weber, president of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, received the "Marbury Technology Innovation Award", given by the State Department of Education to "recognize exceptional creativity, leadership and instructional excellence in the use of technology to improve learning in his or her school." State superintendent Dr. Joe Morton presented Weber the award in the opening session of Alabama Technology Conference in Birmingham, AL, on June 15.



Among the reasons for receiving the award, Mr. Weber was recognized for working with school PTO to establish a regular means of funding technology at his school. The annual Seafood Dinner has allowed the school to purchase well over $200,000 of computer equipment for use by teachers and students over the last ten years. This has helped the school purchase nearly 100 computers, outfit two complete computer labs, install digital projectors and create a first rate school administration program. Because of these things, teachers have access to email at their desks and are able to send report cards to parents at any time in the school year on request. The school has a digital security system which can be accessed anywhere on line. An email list serve keeps families informed on a week to week basis. The school web page has on-line calendars for school and athletic events, a 360-degree virtual tour of the school, a new family information page, athletic web pages full of photos and team news, on-line applications and registration information, information for teachers to assist them in teaching and on-line photo albums. Recently Mr. Weber conducted a series of on-line evaluations of school programs and teachers, soliciting feedback to assist the school in improving services to families.



In accepting the award, Weber reflected: " I am grateful to the parents, teachers and students of Montgomery Catholic for supporting our school in so many concrete ways. In addition, I am sure that one reason I have received this honor is because I design our school's web page, and for that, I owe a debt of gratitude to my son. Three years ago, our web design teacher had to leave us be with his sick mother. There was no one on the faculty to teach basic html code to our students, so I inherited the class by default. Each night, my then 10 year old son would tutor me on a section of html code, which I would then dutifully teach the next day to our high school students. Such has the world changed that ten year olds can teach principals of high schools!"

MCPS Welcomes Mrs. Sue Vaughn as High School Principal

Mrs. Vaughn
Originally uploaded by fnwchs.

Mrs. Sue Vaughn officially became principal of our high school on June 15, 2005.

She comes to us from Roswell, GA, where she taught both middle school and high school Spanish for 15 years. She has a Master's degree in languages and an Administrative certificate.

She is the first lay woman to be named as principal of the high school in its 130 year history!

Belsterling and Vercelli named on all state team!

Belsterling and Vercelli named on all state team!
Originally uploaded by fnwchs.

Congratulations to Alison Belsterling, shown above, who made first team all-state in soccer and all metro, and Lauren Vercelli, who was named first team all state in softball and all metro.

Also gaining recognition are: Dwight Hause, all metro in baseball and honorable mention, all state; Amanda Beeseley, all metro softball and honorable mention, all state; Kristin Lushington, all metro in soccer, and honorable mention, all state; Anna Vercelli, all metro, soccer; Abby Beesley, all metro in softball; Jennifer Tudor, all metro honorable mention in softball; Colin Newmeyer, all metro honorable mention in soccer. Lee Wright and Bob Weber, honorable mention, all metro in baseball.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Class of 2005

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's 130th graduating class!
Originally uploaded by fnwchs.

The Class of 2005, the 130th graduating class in our school's distinguished history, had over 40% receive scholarship offers, totalling over 1.4 million dollars! Kate Griffith was the valedictorian and Chad Margetson was the salutatorian. Faus Weber and Jenna Golson were the ideal grads, whereas Tony Chen and Lauren Vercelli were the leaders of the year. Congratulations to all; we will miss them.