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.