MSO Cello Fellow Performs for Middle School

Katerina Juraskova, a Cello Fellow with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, recently performed before the entire student body at the Middle School of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. She played many different numbers and explained the different styles of music she performed. According to the MSO website, “Miss Juraskova has had extensive orchestral experience as Principal Cello of the McGill Chamber Orchestra, La Pieta Chamber Orchestra, The National Academy Orchestra, The Music Academy of the West Festival Orchestra, and the Prager Symphonikers. She has performed as a chamber musician to great acclaim at festivals in Canada, Belgium, Sweden, and Japan.

A native of the Czech Republic, Miss Juraskova holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from McGill University, Diplomas from The Conservatoire de musique, The International Meunhin Music Academy, and The Conservatoire Europeen de musique de Paris, and a Bachelors degree from The Prague State Conservatory.”

Middle School Principal Anne Ceasar said, "It was a magnificent musical experience for the students. They were privileged to hear this world class musician right in our very own band room."

Middle School Band Members Take Top Chair in Troy

Several Montgomery Catholic Middle School Band members placed in the top band and/or received "first chair" honors at the Southeastern United States Middle School Honor Band held on the campus of Troy University. Eight students were placed in three bands based upon competitive audition, with the top-scoring students receiving spots in the Gold band.

Here are the results of the audition:

Gold Band: Directed by Dr. Larry Blocher

Ben Szatanek - 1st Chair Bass Clarinet

Ryan Patterson - Clarinet

Joseph Sutton - Trombone

Joe Hernandez - Trumpet

Silver Band: Directed by Ms. Deborah Bradley

Alex Taylor - Clarinet

Alex Nola - Trumpet

Crimson Band: Directed by Mr. Michael Thomas

Josh Stark - 1st Chair Alto Saxophone

Dom Godwin - Alto Saxophone

These students rehearsed with their respective bands all day and into the night Friday, and presented a concert in the Trojan Arena at Troy University on Saturday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m.

Kindergarten Sings the Joys of Christmas

On Tuesday night, December 5th, the Kindergarten classes on the St. Bede Campus presented a Christmas program for over 250 of their parents, family and friends. Students wore homemade shirts and pajamas, listening to T’was the Night Before Christmas, while singing Christmas songs throughout the program. After their Christmas story skit, they listened to the real Christmas Story….the story of when Jesus was born. Students formed a nativity scene and sang Christmas carols about Jesus. Kindergarten teachers Ellie Burden, Tracey Bender, and Mary Hutchinson guided the children through a fantastic performance.

St. Bede Science Olympiad Teams Soar at State Competition

Twenty-four students from St. Bede formed two teams competing in the State Science Olympiad Competition held at the University of West Alabama and took home both First and Second Place in the contest. Eleven teams from across central and west Alabama converged on the university campus for a weekend of science competitions. The Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. The Science Olympiad is also designed to encourage classroom teachers to explore new and challenging ways of teaching science. Students who participate in the Science Olympiad are taught advanced science through active, hands-on participation. All events involve teamwork, group planning, cooperation, and promote team spirit and good sportsmanship.

St. Bede has retained the top spot at this competition for the past several years and continues to maintain its First Place ranking again this year. The team also brought home 10 First Place Medals, 6 Second Place Medals, and 9 Third Place Medals. The St. Bede Science Olympiad Teams are sponsored by 4th grade teacher Ms. Melanie Grayson, 5th grade teacher Mr. Larry Meiers, and 6th grade teacher Mr. Nick Bourke.

Participating in the State Science Olympiad for St. Bede are Broghan Freeland, Mary France Miles, Matthew Neo, Tara Bourke, Ann Marie Dean, James Sherman, Chad DuBois, Paige Barranco, Lindsay Guin, Stone Miller, Tiffany Camacho, Jordan Heymann, Marisa Pickard, Kristina Vanella, Giselle Simms, Connor Preston, Sean Federspill, Andrew Roberts, Will Littleton, Michael Moussalli, Geoffrey Myers, Zach Hulcher, Ashley Kim, and Ryan Norris.

THANK YOU Booster Club!

As you know, our Booster Club and a large contingent of our parents and students volunteered literally thousands of hours of their time this past summer renovating the interior of the Montgomery Catholic gym. The parents gutted and renovated the gym, the lobby, the concession stand, the bathrooms, the hall and the stage. This effort capped several years of Booster Club and parent volunteer projects that have made our school better for all our students, not just the athletes. Since 2001 alone, these projects have included:

(1) revamping and painting the girls locker room (2001),
(2) laying sod around the new softball and baseball fields (2002),
(3) putting together the bleachers at the new softball and baseball fields (2002),
(4) installing the sound systems for the football field and the gym (2002 & 2003)
(5) designing and installing the wrought iron Archway leading to the athletic fields (2003)
(6) cleaning, priming and painting the entire exterior of the gym for the first time in decades (2003-04),
(7) replacing all 192 of the windows into the gym with reflective and tinted glass (2005 and 2006), and
(8) painting and renovating almost the entire interior of the gym, lobby, etc. (2006).

This summer’s gym renovation began immediately after school ended last year. First up was the renovating of the gym itself, including the removal and replacement of the old bleachers with state-of-the-art new bleachers and sealing and painting throughout the gym and stage. New stage doors were fabricated and hung, and new pads installed. Shortly after that project was finished, the school gave the “go ahead” to completely renovate the lobby, bathrooms, concession stand, and hall. A drainage “flume” was also constructed next to the gym to solve a decades-old gym-water problem. The parents began that renovation project on July 12, and were largely finished with the project by the time school started. We removed and replaced the ceiling and the old floor tiles, cleaned and painted throughout, installed fans, repaired electrical lines, and removed two unneeded walls in the concession stand. By the end of October, almost all of the items on the punch list were completed and we can proudly say that the MCPS gym is as nice as any in central Alabama.

We would like to take this opportunity publicly to thank ALL of our volunteers, many of whom spent all or part of several weekends this summer helping. Many people spent a few hours on the project, and some a few days. More than anything, I want to give special thanks to a small handful of parents who literally spent almost every weekend – both Saturday and Sunday – working in this gym throughout the entire summer and into the fall. These special parents are Russ Anile, Steve Maxwell, Gary & Carole Clark and Steve Parker. I do not mean to slight the time and efforts of any of the other parents who spent many, many weekends on the project (such as Beth and John Veres). However, this special group of parents volunteered almost every single Saturday and Sunday from May 27th through September 10th, all day, beginning early in the morning and ending late in the afternoon. These same people worked several weekends in September and October on this project. Our final day, October 27th, topped off the project. As before, Russ Anile and Steve Maxwell were there to help. Again, I hope that none of the other volunteers who spent many hours on this project will take offense by singling out these particular volunteers, but these particular volunteers really deserve everyone’s gratitude. I hope you take this opportunity to tell them how much you appreciate their efforts.

Finally, allow me to boost the Booster Club. I want to make two points. One, although every parent is a formal member of the Booster Club, we urgently need all parents to attend our meetings and support our students, whether or not they are athletes. The Booster Club has done many, many wonderful things for the school over the years. Without the support of the parents, these things cannot continue. In all candor, more than half of the active parents in the Booster Club are parents of Seniors who will graduate in May 2007. MCPS truly needs the parents of the freshmen and sophomore classes to step up and join our ranks in helping make Montgomery Catholic a better place. Please come to the monthly meetings. They are generally scheduled on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Two, while the Booster Club is certainly about working for the school, it is also about camaraderie and having a nice time. That camaraderie includes “Beer and Bingo” in the Fall and the annual Christmas “Tacky Lights” tour. The monthly meetings are also a lot of fun and give you an opportunity to meet your children’s friends’ parents. Each family attending brings one dish, and we all enjoy the ad hoc pot luck suppers while we hear from the various coaches and learn about the state of the school. Being actively involved in the school is an integral, even essential, part of the Catholic community. My family, Lisa Miska Vercelli ( ‘77), Chris (‘99), Lauren (‘05), and Anna (‘07), has been active for years. We meet and get to know other Catholic parents, and we strongly encourage everyone to attend the very next Booster Club meeting on December 13th at 6:30 pm for the annual “Tacky Light Tour.” Then, please regularly attend the meetings through the rest of your child’s high school career. You will not regret it, and you will even have fun while helping the school.

Sincerely,

Chip Vercelli

Thank you to the following volunteers:
Charlie & Linda ’78 Anderson; Russ, Mary Ellen, & Meridith '08 Anile; Teddrick Arrington '09; Mike Barranco '80; Michelle & Randal ‘ 79 Beesley; Allison ‘07 & Brian ‘77 Belsterling; Steve Berher; Stephen Bodet ’08; John Carter; Anne Ceasar; Gary, Carole & Joey ‘07 Clark; Jill, Josh ’09, & Jake ’11 Clark; Matt Clarke ’07; Stephanie Cochrane ’07; Brandon DuBois ’09; John Dugan ’09; Cari, Martin ‘07 & Stephen ’09 Esmont; Bernie ’78, Traci, & Rebecca ’07 Fields; Jim Forsyth; Tim, Ruth, Tony & Josh ’10 Glenboski; Raymond Gueret; Ashton Hardwick ’07; Wallace Harvey ’09; Thomas Herge ’07; Jessica ’10 & Jordan ’13 Heymann; Brandon Holman ’10; Larry Jakel; Nick Jett ’07; Janet Jones; Reed Jones; Patricia Larruiz; John & Aaron Margetson ’09; Amanda Masier; Steve, Pam, & Troy ’07 Maxwell; Gaylon, Mary, & Jacob ‘12 McAlpine; Pat ’85 & Casie McGinn; Chip ’72, Erin ’07, & John Leslie ’12 Mullins; Brian Newmeyer ’81; Gerry & Maria Otero; Steve Parker; Jeff, Kelly, Nolan ’10, & Keenan ’12 Plate; Ed, Michelle, & Adam ’09 Pouncey; Amy & Robert ’09 Preston; Joe ’79, Donna, Emmy ’07, Toni ’09, and Josie Profio; Jim & Abbie ’07 Redden; Bob Robinson '71; Rudolph Smith ’09; Mike Strickland; Liz ’77 & Kristin ’09 Sutton; Savannah Szabo ’10; Jessica Taff ’10; Alex Taylor ’08; Scott Telofski; Jim & Merrie Tolbert; Jimbo ’98 & Jennifer Tolbert; Joseph Tolbert ’07; Tim Trokey; Roman Tubner ’07; Jimmy Tucker; Sue Vaughn, Jan Vaught; Chip & Lisa ’77 Vercelli; Anna Vercelli ’07; John ’72 & Beth Veres; Olivia Veres ’07; Aaron Weber ’10; Dennis & Karen Weber; Emily Weber ’02; Bob Weber ’07; Rene Whyard; Jim Wiggins; Bobby Williams; Chris Wilson ’08; Lauren Yates ’07; Barr & Cappy Younker; Emily Younker ’07.

Inspector Detector Stops By St. Bede

On October 31st you could find all the Kindergarten students at St. Bede dressed as Community Helpers. To conclude their monthly unit on Community Helpers and Safety, a special guest arrived. Inspector Detector, along with Rod Bourke’s puppets, put on a show for the Kindergarten and First Grade classes. Inspector and his puppet friends danced, sang, and spoke to the kids about being safe. Several students came up on stage and danced with Inspector Detector. After the show, Inspector Detector came out and met all of the children.
Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ellie Burden, said, “The children had so much fun meeting Inspector Detector. This was a perfect way to end a very fun and important unit on safety.” Inspector Detector is the spokesperson for the American Association for Children (AAC) whose focus is teaching safety and healthy lifestyles to young children. The Kiwanis Club offers financial sponsorship to help make this program possible.

Students Wander Through the Pumpkin Patch at St. Bede

On October 30th, Kindergarten students at St.Bede opened their back doors to the courtyard to find a wonderful surprise…A pumpkin patch!!! Several parents had set up a pumpkin patch for the children to go out and pick their own pumpkin. Many other pumpkin activities were done that day. The children carved a big jack-o-lantern, counted the seeds, and even tasted cooked pumpkin seeds. A lot of fun was had by all! Pictured is Kindergarten Teacher, Ellie Burden, putting Dylon Godwin’s name on his perfect pumpkin!

Erin Plate Named National Merit Commended Student

Erin Plate, a senior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, has been named a Commended Student in the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by the school principal, Sue Vaughn, to this scholastically talented senior.
About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2007 competition for Merit Scholarship® awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.4 million students who entered the 2007 competition by taking the 2005 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

“Recognition of academically talented students and the key role played by schools in their development is essential to the pursuit of educational excellence in our nation,” commented a spokesman for NMSC. “The young people being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and that they will continue to pursue scholastic excellence.”

In addition to her outstanding academics, Erin is very active in extra curricular activities. Erin is a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, President of the Key Club, Vice President of the Student Government Association, and is very active in the St. Bede Catholic Church Life Teen Group. Erin is the daughter of Lt. Col. Jeff and Kelly Plate.

Bottemiller & Visco Named as AP Scholars

Muriah Bottemiller and Matthew Visco from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.3 million high school students in 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar.
Students took AP Exams in May 2006 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’s performance on AP Exams.

Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a full year’s credit, sophomore standing, to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades. In 2006, thirty-five AP Exams were offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of multiple choice and free response (essay or problem solving) questions.

Muriah Bottemiller is the daughter of Major and Mrs. Gregg Bottemiller. Muriah attends Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina. Matthew Visco is the son of Colonel and Mrs. Stephen Visco. Matthew attends Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania.

High School "Families in Action" Program, Wednesday, October 25th @ 6:30 pm

To celebrate Drug Awareness Week, the high school Parent-Teacher Council presented our second annual “Families in Action” night on Wednesday, October 25th beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event is for both our students and parents.

There will be 4 speakers for the adults and 5 speakers for the students.
Adult speakers: Dr. Kline Johnson speaking on Teenage Depression; Mr. Alan Deighton speaking about Safe Driving Practices for Teenagers; Lt. McCullough speaking on “Drugs 101” to educate parents about the latest trends in teenage drug use; and Crystal Taylor to speak about Dating Safety.

Student Speakers: Dr. Karl Kirkland speaking about Self Esteem, Anxiety, and Depression; Teresa Johnson speaking on Eating Disorders; Deputy Kofee Anderson providing a demonstration with simulation goggles on DUI; Ms. Wood speaking as a recovering drug addict; and Mrs. McInnish from Frazer United Methodist Church speaking on Purity.

The parents met in our library with their sessions in the Belke Building. The students met in our gymnasium with their sessions in the old wing of the high school.

The Families in Action night was an overwhelming success again this year with more than 86% of the high school student body and nearly 200 parents attending the event!

Anna Vercelli Signs with AUM Lady Senators Soccer Program

AUM Lady Senators Soccer Head Coach Wulf Koch and the Auburn University Montgomery Lady Senators signed Montgomery Catholic’s Anna Vercelli to their soccer program at a ceremony held Thursday at the Physical Education Complex on the AUM campus.

Anna Vercelli is the daughter of Chip and Lisa Vercelli, both AUM alumni. Anna is currently in her senior year at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and, including the upcoming 2007 spring season, she will be a six year starter for the Lady Knights Girls’ Soccer Team. She has had a tremendously successful prep career in which she has been a star four-year sweeper for Montgomery Catholic Coach Brian Belsterling. In 2006, Anna was selected to the All-Metro team and won her team’s Coach’s Award.

Throughout her high school career, Vercelli has proven herself to be an extremely versatile athlete. In her school’s four trips to the state play-offs, she has played Right Back on the 2003 State Semi-Finalist, Right Half on the 2004 State Finalists, and Center Half on the 2005 State Semi-Finalists teams. In 2006, the Knights finished with a 9-3-3 record and lost in the State Quarterfinals to eventual State Champions, Altamont School.

The AUM Lady Senators will wrap up the 2006 regular season at number-one ranked Lindsey Wilson on Saturday, October 21, before hosting Southern States Athletic Conference tournament first round match at the AUM Soccer Field on Tuesday, October 24 at 3 p.m. against a yet to be determined opponent. Currently, the AUM Women have a record of 10-6 overall, 8-2 in the SSAC.

Montgomery Catholic Crowns 2006 Homecoming Court

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School crowned their Homecoming Queen and King during the half-time festivities on Friday, October 6th. Homecoming week was filled with spirited theme days and evening activities which kept the enthusiasm strong through the weekend. The 2006 Homecoming Court is Freshmen Attendant Jessica Barranco, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Barranco, escorted by Nolan Plate, son of Lt. Col. and Mrs. Jeff Plate. Sophomore Attendant is Rebecca Hails, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Hails, escorted by A.J. Mayhan, son of Mr. Albert Mayhan and Ms. Judy Moseley. Junior Attendant is Whitney Barranco, daughter of Mr. Pat Barranco and Ms. Kim Barranco, escorted by Stephen Bodet, son of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bodet. Senior Attendant is Rachel Forsyth, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. James Forsyth, escorted by Andrew Parker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Parker. Senior Attendant is Allison Belsterling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Belsterling, escorted by Nick Jett, son of Capt. and Mrs. Terry Jett. The 2006 Homecoming Queen is Kristin Sutton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Sutton, escorted by the 2006 Homecoming King Bob Weber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Weber. The 2005 Homecoming Queen & King, Mary Kimbrough and Brad Cary, crowned the 2006 court during the football game. The Homecoming Dance was held the following night at the St. Bede Family Life Center.
To view more photos, click here: http://www.knights.pvt.k12.al.us/athletics/fb/homecoming.htm

Profio Named a National Achievement Semifinalist

The National Achievement Scholarship Program has announced the names of more than 1,600 Black American high school seniors who have been designated Semifinalists in the 43rd annual Achievement Scholarship® competition. These scholastically talented students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards, worth some $2.5 million.

The National Achievement Program, conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), is a privately financed activity that operates without government assistance. It was initiated in 1964 to honor academically promising black youth throughout the nation and to provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding participants. To date, more than 27,000 young men and women have received Achievement Scholarship awards worth about $86 million.

Semifinalists must fulfill several additional requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. All Achievement Scholarship winners are selected from the Finalist group on the basis of their abilities, accomplishments, and potential for success in college. Approximately 1,300 Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing in the 2007 National Achievement Program, and some 800 will become Achievement Scholar® awardees.
Emmy Profio, a senior at Montgomery Catholic, is among eight local high school seniors named as National Achievement Semifinalists in the River Region for 2006-07. Emmy is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Profio. At school, Emmy is a very active member of the school newspaper staff and has been a cast member of the school musicals for the past two years.

To read an article published by The Montgomery Advertiser, click here: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060927/NEWS01/609270370/1007/ARCHIVES

MIX 103's JT & Leanne Visit St. Bede 1st Grade

First grade students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus met MIX 103’s Morning Show hosts JT and Leanne on Thursday, September 21st. JT and Leanne visited with the students through the “Reading Rewards” program in conjunction with Mayfield Ice Cream. The special guests donned their Dr. Seuss hats as they read “I Am NOT Going To Get Up Today” by Dr. Seuss. All of the first graders had paper versions of the Dr. Seuss hats for the occasion. As part of the program, JT and Leanne also brought delicious Mayfield Ice Cream for all of the students to enjoy at lunchtime. The children recited the Pledge of Allegiance which was played back on MIX 103 Friday morning at 7:20 a.m. The group picture was also featured as part of the “Trivia Challenge” with MIX 103 and WSFA at 6:45 a.m. Friday morning. St. Bede was the first stop for JT and Leanne as they visit area schools with the “Reading Rewards” program.

To see more from their visit, click here: http://community.webshots.com/slideshow?ID=554276997&key=IiaYqz

Photo: St. Bede first grade students pose with MIX 103 Morning Program Hosts JT and Leanne.

Middle & High School Students "Imagine Whirled Peace" with Art Project

In today’s world, peace needs to become more than just a word. On September 21, 2006, art students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School took part in an International art and literacy project, Pinwheels for Peace “planted” pinwheels with messages of peace in the front lawn of the middle and high school, located at 5350 Vaughn Road.
Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started by two Art teachers, Ann Ayers and Ellen McMillan, of Coconut Creek, Florida, as a way for students to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world and in their lives. Groups in over 400 locations throughout the world have committed to spinning pinwheels on September 21st. Locally, the Middle & High School Art Instructor, Ms. Joane Grant, coordinated the Pinwheels for Peace project.
In this non-political art project – Peace is not necessarily associated with the conflict of war, it can be related to violence/intolerance in our daily lives, to peace of mind. To each of us, peace can take on a different meaning, but, in the end, it all comes down to a simple definition: “a state of calm and serenity, with no anxiety, the absence of violence, freedom from conflict or disagreement among people or groups of people.”

The Montgomery Catholic middle and high school art students created pinwheels of all shapes and sizes. As part of the creation process, the students wrote their thoughts about "war and peace / tolerance/ living in harmony with others" on one side. On the other side, they drew, painted, created collages, etc. and visually expressed their feelings. The students assembled the pinwheels and on International Day of Peace they "planted" their pinwheels in the front lawn of the high school as a public statement and art exhibit/installation.

To see photos from this event, go here: http://community.webshots.com/slideshow?ID=554361339&key=HfTmRP

Pictured: Middle School Students Regis Sims, Corey Cotter, and Chance Williams help to set up the “Imagine Whirled Peace” Art Project on the school lawn.

Redden & Weber Nominated for Wendy's High School Heisman Award

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Seniors Abbie Redden and Bob Weber have been honored with a nomination for the prestigious Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. The program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom.

Principal Ms. Sue Vaughn nominated these two promising leaders for their academic aptitude, athletic talent, and exceptional commitment to their school and community.
“At Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, we prepare our students for success by encouraging them to develop in all areas of their lives. Wendy’s High School Heisman is the ultimate award we can bestow on our students for their achievements throughout high school,” said Ms. Vaughn.

“These students are the future community leaders,” said Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the prestigious Heisman Memorial Trophy and Wendy’s High School Heisman program spokesperson. “It gives me great pride to see young people strive for excellence on and off of the field.”

Abbie Redden is a three-sport athlete for Montgomery Catholic playing on the Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Girls Soccer teams. Abbie, the daughter of Jim and Debbie Redden, is very active in numerous school clubs including National Honor Society, Pep Club, Government Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Yearbook staff all while maintaining a 3.985 grade point average.

Bob Weber is also a three-sport athlete for the Montgomery Catholic Knights as the starting quarterback on the Varsity Football Team, a guard on the Varsity Basketball Team, and outfielder and pitcher for the Varsity Baseball Team. Bob, the son of Dennis and Karen Weber, is also extremely active in clubs at school where he serves as an official School Ambassador, Senior Class Treasurer, Government Club, FCA, NHS, and leads the school for Morning Prayer each morning while maintaining a 3.704 grade point average.

For more information and to track Bob & Abbie’s progress in the competition, please log onto www.wendysheisman.com. All nominees will be posted on the Wendy’s High School Heisman Web site in early October of this year.

St. Bede Invites Parents to Spend "Third Thursdays with the Principal"

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s St. Bede Campus has started a new monthly program for parents to spend the “Third Thursday with the Principal.” This monthly event invites parents to enjoy a cup of coffee, share questions, express concerns, and offer discussion in an open forum with the principal in a casual setting. The next scheduled date is Thursday, October 19th beginning at 7:45 a.m. in Room 205. Please make plans to come!

Photo: St. Bede PTC President Kelly Plate, Pastor Fr. David Carucci, and PTC Secretary Teresa Norris chat with Principal Eleanor McCormack (2nd from right) during the September “Third Thursday with the Principal.”

Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale Extended Through Monday, Sept. 25th

Each fall, the junior class at Montgomery Catholic sells Sally Foster Gift Wrap to raise money for the Jr./Sr. Prom to be held in the spring. The selling dates were previously published from Sept. 1 through Sept. 15. However, the dates have been changed to September 8th through Monday, September 25th. Monies raised from the Sally Foster Gift Wrap not only help to fund the upcoming Prom, but it will also help this class host the Homecoming dance '07 for their senior year. Every junior and senior received a packet and is asked to sell at least $50. Half of all of the money from the orders goes directly to this effort. Sally Foster is known for their fine gift wrap and gourmet gift items. Packets are also available at the offices at the Middle School and High School. To view samples of what Sally Foster Gift Wrap has to offer, click here: http://www.sallyfoster.com/sally/home.jsp
Thank you for your support of the junior class.

St. Bede Collecting Box Tops, Campbell's Soup Labels, Bruno's Green Receipts, & Tyson A+ for Education

St Bede is actively collecting Box Tops for Education, Campbell's Soup Labels, Bruno's Green Receipts, and A+ Tyson Food Labels. Send yours through your child to your teacher. The teachers all have collection bags or boxes in their classrooms. High Schoolers and middle schoolers can send box tops to the middle school in an envelope marked for Mrs. Gigi Pickard. These food labels are returned for money and supplies for the school. Thanks for participating and saving for us!

Three Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to announce three of their students as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. They are Thomas Herge, Trey Griffith, and Cynthia Weber. The names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 52nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program were announced today by officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). These academically 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 advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling several requirements. About 90 percent of the 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.
Established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Program, NMSC is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. Scholarships awarded through this program are underwritten by NMSC’s own funds and approximately 500 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

To read an article published in The Montgomery Advertiser, click here:http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060913/NEWS01/609130370/1007/NEWS05

Photo: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists Cynthia Weber and Thomas Herge. Not pictured Trey Griffith.

Mr. Bernard Frye Named National Honor Roll Outstanding American Teacher

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, together with the National Honor Roll, are pleased to announce that Mr. Bernard Frye has been accepted as a member of the National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers for 2005-2006. NHR’s Outstanding American Teachers recognizes educators who have made a difference in their community.

Mr. Bernard Frye, who is in his 37th year of teaching mathematics at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, will appear in the NHR Outstanding American Teachers 2005-2006 Commemorative Edition. In addition to teaching full-time at Montgomery Catholic, Mr. Frye is an Adjunct Instructor of Mathematics at Alabama State University, a position he has held for the last 19 years.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School President Faustin Weber remarks, “I regard Mr. Frye as one of the real heroes of our school, someone who through the entirety of his adult life, has embraced the legacy of teaching excellence passed down to us from our founding order, the Sisters of Loretto. Students describe him as “tough, but fair”, and alumni often remark they find mathematics in college “quite easily done” (a Frye-ism) because of the foundation he gave them. His impact on two generations of students here is immeasurable, so we are very happy and proud that he is being honored as an outstanding teacher by the nation’s Honor Roll.”

Partners In Catholic Education (PICE) Plans 6th Annual Golf Tourney Sept 22

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Partners In Catholic Education Organization (PICE) is planning their Sixth Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting the school. The tournament will be held at the Capitol Hill Course in Prattville, AL, on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail on Friday, September 22nd. Registration and lunch will begin on the veranda at 11:00 a.m. with a shot-gun start at 1:00 p.m. There will be a putting contest, hole-in-one contest, predict your distance, and closest to the pin, as well as numerous door prizes. The entry fee is $135. For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to register a team, call (334) 272-3463.

Serving on this year's Montgomery Catholic’s PICE 6th Annual Golf Tournament Committee are Jim Baker, Mary Kelley, Dean DeLongchamp, Cookie Ruth, Ken Carlson, Jimmy Tucker, Co-Chair Liz Sutton, Co-Chair Jerry Lopez, and Gary Tomlin.

Senior Skis in Regional Championship

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School rising senior, Jessica Balchunas, won her division in several water ski tournaments locally, in Pensacola, Florida, and went on to ski her personal best while competing in the Regional Water Ski Championships held at Whitestone Lakes in north Georgia. The regional competition hosts the best skiers from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama. Jessica began her love for water skiing when she was only four years old and has been competing for the last eight years. In addition to skiing, Jessica is a member of the Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleading squad.

Photo: Montgomery Catholic Senior Jessica Balchunas skis in Regional Water Ski Championship in Pensacola, Florida.

Varsity Cheerleaders Named All-American Team at NCA Camp

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Varsity Cheerleaders recently attended the National Cheerleading Association Camp held on the campus of Auburn University.
The girls came away from camp with a multitude of awards including 5 superior ribbons for all evaluations of cheers, chants, and stunts. They were awarded the Herkie Team Award, which is voted on by other squads for the team that most exemplifies leadership and teamwork. The Technical Excellence Award was given for their outstanding jumps. The squad received a bid to compete at the NCA National Championship and nine cheerleaders were nominated as All-American Cheerleaders: Jessica Balchunas, Rachel Castanza, Rebecca Fields, Rachel Forsyth, Gabby Lopez, Andria Ransdell, Kristin Sutton, Lindsay Taylor, and Emily Younker. Kristin Sutton and Emily Younker were selected as All-American Cheerleaders for the second year in a row. Kristin and Emily were also two of five cheerleaders from the 200 camp participants to audition for an opportunity to be NCA instructors at cheerleading camp next summer. The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Varsity Squad received the Top Team Performance Award, which was awarded to the team scoring the highest in the cheer competition on the last day of camp. This award then led to an All-American Team Award, which makes the entire squad eligible to perform at the pre-game show of the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, in December. The Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders are looking forward to an exciting season and the opportunity to cheer in Miami over the Christmas holidays.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders: Row 1: Gabby Lopez, Emily Madore, Rebecca Fields, Andria Ransdell, Lindsay Taylor, Rachel Castanza. Row 2: Jessica Balchunas, Cecily McAlpine, Elizabeth Daly, Emily Younker, Kristin Sutton, Kaitlyn Roberts, Rachel Forsyth.

Four Rising Seniors Score Perfect on AP American History Exam

Freshmen year of college just got a little easier for four rising seniors at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Trey Griffith, Thomas Herge, Erin Plate, and Cynthia Weber sat for the Advanced Placement American History Exam this spring and scored 5 out of a possible 5 on the test. These students are enrolled in the honors program at Montgomery Catholic and took A.P. American History as part of the curriculum during their junior year of high school. These outstanding seniors will continue to take Advanced Placement courses their senior year and look forward to advancing their academic experience for college. Advanced Placement American History is taught by Mr. Mike Petrof, a class of 1970 Montgomery Catholic graduate and veteran Catholic school teacher of over twenty years.

Middle School Cheerleading Squad Sparkles at NCA Camp

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Middle School Cheerleading Squad recently attended the National Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Camp on the campus of Auburn University. The sixteen member squad brought home the spirit stick each night, two excellence ribbons during the first evaluation, one excellent and one outstanding ribbon on the second evaluation, and two superior ribbons for their final evaluation. During the camp, NCA awards the “All-American” status to cheerleaders who display superior qualities in all aspects of cheerleading including leadership, showmanship, and technique. Six members of the Middle School Cheerleading Squad were nominated to the NCA All-American Team. They were Elizabeth Walker and Liz Armstrong for tumbling, Taylor Lawhorn and Caitlyn Sears for jumps, and Captain Jessica Mount and Co-Captain Marissa Marmolejo were nominated for leadership. Of those six members who tried out for the team, Caitlyn Sears and Jessica Mount were named as NCA All-American Cheerleaders. As an All-American Cheerleader, Caitlyn and Jessica are eligible to participate in national NCA events, including performances at the Hula Bowl in Hawaii or the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. The Middle School Cheerleaders enjoyed their cheerleading camp experience and are looking forward to cheering on the Knights this fall.

Pictured Above: Montgomery Catholic Middle School Cheerleading Squad. seated: Co-Captain Marissa Marmolejo, Captain Jessica Mount. Kneeling: Elizabeth Walker, Christine Spotswood, Tonya Tousignant, Brittney Wilkinson, Morgan Foxworth, Madison Roberts, Rachel Ingram, and Mary Ashley Allen. Standing: Caitlin Sears, Blakely Savage, Liz Armstrong, Taylor Lawhorn, Murrey McDonald, Alex Kitchens.
NCA All-American Nominees: in front: Elizabeth Walker, standing L to R: Taylor Lawhorn, Caitlin Sears, Liz Armstrong, Jessica Mount, and Marissa Marmolejo.

Junior Varsity Cheerleaders Shine at NCA Camp

The Junior Varsity Cheerleaders from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently returned from NCA summer camp held at Auburn University. The girls won numerous excellent and superior ribbons as well as brought home the Spirit Stick for their hard work and enthusiasm. Five JV Cheerleaders were nominated for All American; they are Sara Armstrong, Jessica Barranco, Sara Krause, Molly McLaughlin, and Haley Scanlan. Jessica Barranco was named to the All American Team. The All American Team members are eligible to perform at various NCA special events throughout the year.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Junior Varsity 2006-07 Cheerleaders seated: Jessica Barranco, Sara Armstrong, Jessica Heymann, Sara Krause, Kelly Berher. Standing: Lora Burke, Hallie Turner, Haley Scanlan, Molly McLaughlin, Summer Rogers.

Weber competes in National Right to Life Oratory Contest

Cynthia Weber, a senior at MCPS, competed in the National Right to Life Oratory contest this weekend in Nashville, TN. She qualified for the national contest by winning the state contest in early May.

The central thesis of her talk was that permitting abortion is a movement away from of our country’s historic commitment to “liberty and justice for all”. This trend is based on a contemporary misunderstanding of liberty as freedom from all restrictions, rather than as freedom within the parameters of justice toward others. “Liberty AND justice, not liberty at the expense of justice”, Cynthia argued. Justice must be reclaimed as the “fence” if humanity is to progress in this next century, or else we will be forced as a society to stay “huddled near the back porch” of our fenceless (valueless) yards, worried about the exercise of unfettered liberty by others at our expense. The protection of human life is the foundation of all civil liberties, essential for human progress.

The 20 state winners who competed in the contest were broken into groups of five for round one, with the top two in each group advancing to the second round. Cynthia came in third in her group, losing narrowly to the eventual national champion and the national runner-up, so she did a great job!

Beesley Named to All Metro & All State Fast-Pitch Softball Teams

Abigail “Abby” Beesley, a rising senior at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, has been named to the first team All Metro Softball Team by The Montgomery Advertiser and the first team All State Softball Team by The Birmingham News. Abby’s love for softball began on the t-ball fields of AUM when she was only 6 years old. She has been a starting player for the Knights since seventh grade playing short stop, catcher, and pitcher. In the 2006 season, Abby recorded 216 strike outs, 16 stolen bases, an E.R.A. of 1.75, and a .577 batting average. Also from the Lady Knights, Olivia Veres received Honorable Mention to the All Metro Softball Team by The Montgomery Advertiser. Both Olivia and Abby will begin their sixth season as starters for the Lady Knights Softball program in 2007.

Belsterling Named All-Metro Female Soccer Player of the Year, Three Named to All-Metro Team, Two Named Honorable Mention

Rising senior, Allison Belsterling has been named the All-Metro Female Soccer Player of the Year by The Montgomery Advertiser. A life-long soccer player, Allison surpassed 100 goals scored in her high school career this spring, with 103 at the close of this season. Three Lady Knights were named to the All-Metro Team and one named Honorable Mention.
They are at Forward Allison Belsterling, Mid-field Kristin Lushington, and Defense Anna Vercelli. Stephanie Cochrane was named as an Honorable Mention. The Lady Knights finished the 2006 season with a 9-3-3 winning record and advanced to the second round of the State Play-offs. Allison Belsterling and Anna Vercelli were also named to the first team, All-State by The Birmingham News. The All-Metro Male Soccer Team recognized rising junior Colin Newmeyer as Honorable Mention. While Colin is not playing for the Knights, he serves as Captain of the Capital City Streaks 16 & under team.

Three Athletes to Play in AHSAA All-Star Sports Week, July 10-14

The Alabama High School Athletic Association will host the 10th annual All-Star Sports Week July 10-14 in Huntsville, AL, which includes in-state all-star games in volleyball, baseball, basketball, soccer, and softball, as well as featuring clinic and special sessions for coaches, principals, athletic directors, cheerleader coaches and officials. A product exposition and other related activities are scheduled throughout the week in addition to the games.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to announce three players who will participate in this year’s games. Representing our school on the girls’ South Soccer Team will be Allison Belsterling and Anna Vercelli. Abigail Beesley will represent Montgomery Catholic as an in-fielder on the South’s Softball Team.

These outstanding junior players join others from all over the state as being named to the North and South teams for the 10th annual Alabama All-Star Sports Week in Huntsville July 10-14, according to Steve Bailey, director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Association.

The soccer teams will square off in a Tuesday doubleheader, July 11, at John Hunt Park, beginning with the girls’ game at 5 p.m. The all-stars softball players will play a doubleheader on Wednesday, July 12, at the Metro Kiwanis Sportsplex at 6 p.m.

Kristin Sutton represents Montgomery Catholic at Alabama's Girls State

Kristin Sutton has been chosen to represent Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School at the 2006 session of Alabama Girls State, held on the campus of Troy University in Troy June 4-9. For one week, she became a citizen in an imaginary state, taking part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county, and state offices. Kristin learned about the operation of government by participating in party caucuses and through the election process. Well-known speakers and other state, county, and city officials visited with and enlightened the young women on their civic responsibilities. Kristin campaigned for and won her party’s primary nomination for State Treasurer. Kristin Sutton, daughter of Bill and Liz Sutton, was selected to attend Alabama Girls State because of her outstanding participation in many activities both at school and in our community including Key Club, Pep Club, Respect Life Club, National Honor Society, Government Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Student Government Association.