Fourth Grade Elects Mayors; Sworn in by Bright

Fourth grade students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's St. Bede Campus recently elected mayors to run each of their "cities". As a lesson in civics, Mrs. Riggles' students create cities from the ground up: listing out job descriptions, setting up pay scales, and assigning duties from virtually every aspect of municipal management. Each office has specific duties they are responsible for each day.

The Mayor oversees class meetings, signs paychecks, and picks the "star student of the month." Vice-Mayors distribute and collect timed tests, facilitates clean up, and checks assignment pads. Even the city decorators are in charge of decorating their classroom bulletin boards. Each person has tasks and duties and all are learning valuable lessons in the process.

For the office of mayor the students ran campaigns, created posters, gave speeches, and patiently waited for the votes to come in. Margaret Ann Allen, Brian Anderson, Tori Barranco, and Will Couey were victorious in their bout for mayoral office.

Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright attended a special ceremony where each of the mayors were officially sworn into office. The fourth grade presented Mayor Bright with a token of their appreciation.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Fourth Grade Mayors Brian Anderson, Margaret Ann Allen, Will Couey, and Tori Barranco.

Miles Represented State as Student Ambassador with People to People

Mary Frances Miles, an eighth grade student at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, served as a student ambassador in the People to People program for the State of Alabama this summer in Europe.

Miles spent 20 days traveling all across England, Scotland, Whales, and Ireland. While in England, she met with a member of the British Parliament as well as enjoyed a "home stay" adventure with family during the trip.

In London, Miles watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, enjoyed a cruise of the River Thames, and explored the infamous Tower of London learning about its fascinating history as fortress, residence, prison, and home of Britain's Crown Jewels. Miles took in a few golfing lessons in St. Andrews, cruised around Loch Ness, visited the ruins of Urquhart Castle, and walked the cobblestone streets of Royal Mile while in Scotland. In Ireland, Miles visited the glass factory to see how the famous Waterford Crystal is made, strolled O'Connell Street, and kissed the Blarney Stone.

Miles' first trip as an ambassador with the People to People program was in 2006 when she attended the Yosemite Adventure for 14 days. She received an official proclamation as an Ambassador for People to People from Governor Bob Riley. Mary Frances Miles is the daughter of Dee and Sandra Miles of Montgomery.

Pictured: Mary Frances Miles, center, stands in front of the Warwick Castle in Warwick, England. Miles served as an Ambassador for People to People for the State of Alabama this summer.

Gore Named National Merit Commended Student

Fran Taylor, high school principal of Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School, announced today that Lauren Gore has been named a Commended Student in the 2009 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 principal 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 2009 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2009 competition by taking the 2007 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 spokesperson for NMSC. "The young people named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance in this highly competitive program. We hope that this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and that they will continue to diligently pursue their professional goals."

PICE Tournament Tops $100,000

The Parnters In Catholic Education (PICE) 8th annual Charity Golf Tournament held at the Robert Trent Jones Capital Hill Course in Prattville, AL on September 19th was a terrific success. The over $83,000 projected net proceeds from the tournament will significantly benefit Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School.

Tournament Co-Chairperson Liz Sutton announced 51 sponsors for this year’s tournament. The Tournament Sponsors were Dr. David Bronner, CEO, Retirement Systems of Alabama and Ben Walker, Smith Barney. There was one Platinum Sponsor and eleven Gold Elite Sponsors. The Gold Sponsors were Knights of Columbus Councils 893, 10731, 12011, 12150 & Jim McDonald, FICF, and GKN Aerospace

Silver Sponsors included: Mara Family, Lopez & Fowler Family, Carl Whatley Family, Sinclair’s/Montgomery Catering, Anderson Law Firm, Arthur & Maureen Britton, Delta Consulting Group, J. Michael Karst, MD, PA, Jenkins Brick, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., Baptist Health, AKD, Inc., EnterConference, OB/GYN Associates of Montgomery, and the Larry & Beth Russo Family.

Hole Sponsors included: Baker Family, John Lee Paint, Ialacci Family, Robert D. Reynolds – Attorney, St Peter’s Catholic Church, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Alabama World Travel.

Half-Hole Sponsors included: Church of the Holy Spirit, Murphy Chiropractic, Bass Lumber, Pinecrest Brokers Realty, United Food & Fuel, Azar, Azar & Moore LLC, Chappy’s Deli, Goins Sisters, Leon M. Kelley & Co., CPA, Montgomery Automotive Group, and The Copy Center.

Beverage Sponsors were AllState Beverage and the Coca-Cola Company. This year’s Hole-in-One sponsors were Capital Hyundai and Alabama World Travel & Carnival Cruise Lines.

Other Sponsors included Pat Mullen, Drs. Wilson & Goerhring, Frier Planning Concepts, McGriff Auto Service, and Dr. Rachelle Janush.

Special Guests this year included Fr. David Carucci, Pastor of St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, for the innovation and welcoming by an LPGA player. Fr. James Dean, Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Mercy Catholic Church, and Fr. Patrick Driscoll, Pastor of St. Peter's Catholic Church, were also in attendance.

This year, the top three Net and top Gross teams were recognized for the Senator and Legislator courses. They are as follows: Top Gross – Casals Clinic Team: Dr. Leon Casals, Mark Brooks, Mike O’Connor & Patrick Wood, and Anderson Law Team – Charlie Anderson, Scott Loftis, Buster Russell & Matt Williams. First Place Net was the Mara Family –Duane Mara, Matt Mara, Darrell Sager & George Tombacaris, and on the Legislator Eddie Eiland, Mike Nelson, John Sadie & Bryan Kelley. Second Place Net was Goodwyn Mills Cawood Architects – Ferrell Duncombe, Tracy Bassett, Feagin Johnson & Eddie Hill, and the Jenkins Brick Team Joe McNair, Mark Sadie, Greg Crews Sr. & Greg Crews Jr. Third Place Net was Doster Construction – John Stivender, Fletcher, Tony Wayman & Mike Grim, and the Irwin Team – Bubba Turner, Dr. Mike Irwin, Sid Schroll & Robert Reynolds.

Serving on the committee with Liz Sutton were Co-Chairperson Jerry Lopez, Jim Baker, Mike Barranco, Dean DeLongchamp, Debbie Harvey, Mary Kelley, Mark Sadie, John Sadie, Merrie Tolbert, Gary Tomlin, and Jimmy Tucker.

The proceeds of the tournament will greatly enhance the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s educational programs and capital improvements.

To view photos from the event, click here: http://family.webshots.com/album/567378536bfCvep

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic’s administration, members from the Marching Knights and tournament co-chair pose with special guest Dr. David Bronner. L to R: Phillip Spotswood, Joseph Sutton, Michael Jones, Toni Profio, High School Principal Fran Taylor, MCPS President Anne Ceasar, special guest Dr. David Bronner, Middle School Principal Maria Nolen, PICE Tournament Co-Chair Liz Sutton, Drum Major Nelson Jancaterino, Ben Petters, Thomas Anile, Gavin Duke, Tommy Hatcher, and Tony Hatcher.

Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders Host Cheerleading Camp

Montgomery Catholic's Varsity Cheerleaders hosted their annual cheerleading camp on Saturday, September 20th in the Father Delahunty Gymnasium. With 95 girls in grades Kindergarten through Sixth Grade, this was a banner year for the girls' camp. The campers were grouped by grade and taught several chants, cheers, and a dance routine.

The camp participants will perform a pre-game show on Friday, October 17th when the Knights host the St. James Trojans. The Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders are Captain Kaitlyn Roberts, Co-Captain Haley Scanlan, Hannah Been, Sarah Armstrong, Marissa Marmolejo, Jessica Barranco, Brittany Wilkinson, Jessica Mount, and Molly McLaughlin. The cheerleaders are coached by Mrs. Debbie Barranco and Miss Michelle Vinson.

Sixth Grade Girl Scouts Work on Communications Badge

The Sixth Grade Girl Scouts in Troop 9276 at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School invited a guest speaker to their weekly meeting as part of the work for their Communications Badge. Montgomery Catholic's Public Relations Director, Mary Kelley, spoke to the girls about the different aspects of communication at their school. Mrs. Kelley brought all sorts of school promotional items for the girls and discussed the many facets, both internal and external, of communication at Montgomery Catholic. The members of Girl Scout Troop #9276 are Marissa Craig, Mandy Jones, Ashley Sulzby, Paige Barranco, Tori Barranco, Sarah Hunkins, Ellen Jane Bergman, and Caitlin Smith.

Middle School Elects SGA Officers

Middle School students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently selected their officers for the 2008-2009 academic year. Robbie Sankey was elected as SGA President, Gabriella Hayes as SGA Vice President, Jack Starr was elected Secretary and Maggie Starr will serve as the SGA Chaplain. All of the eighth graders are looking forward to a great year!

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's 08-09 Middle School SGA Officers Secretary Jack Starr, SGA President Robbie Sankey, Vice President Gabriella Hayes, and Chaplain Maggie Starr.

Montgomery Catholic Announces 2008 Homecoming Court

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is pleased to announce their 2008 Homecoming Court. Freshman Attendant is Amanda Logan escorted by Jacob McAlpine. Sophomore Attendant is Mary Allison Tyner escorted by Kenny Davison. Junior Attendant is Sarah Armstrong escorted by Michael D'Argenio.

The Senior Attendants are Hannah Been, Mara McCracken, and Kelsey Steffen. The Senior Escorts are Austin Barranco, John Dugan, and Cater Elliot.

The 2008 Homecoming Queen and King will be crowned during the half-time festivities by the 2007 Queen Meridith Anile and 2007 King Brad Kondrak. The Knights will host the St. Jude Educational Institute Pirates. Kick off is set for 7:00 p.m.

McPhillips Named Leader with Alabama Citizens For Life

The Alabama Citizens for Life presented their "Individual Community Leader Award" to Montgomery Catholic senior David McPhillips during their 35th Anniversary celebration held at the RSA Activity Center. The event honored Alabama citizens for their work in the pro-life community. All honorees were adults, except for David.

David is the son of Julian and Leslie McPhillips who also received an award.

Montgomery Catholic Junior M.L. Shipman Honored at Montgomery Quarterback Club

Montgomery Catholic's M.L. Shipman was recognized by the Montgomery Quarterback Club as one of their players of the week at the Club's September 8th meeting. Mr. Tony Barnhart of The Atlanta Joural-Constitution was the featured speaker.

Shipman was selected for his performance in Montgomery Catholic's 13-0 shut out of rival Montgomery Academy, breaking an 11 year streak. The junior running back rushed for 147 yards on 20 carries.

Montgomery Catholic's football team is coached by Tim Trokey and is 3-0 on the season and will host Bullock County High School in 4-A Region 2 game on Friday, September 19. Kick off is at 7:00 p.m. at the Montgomery Catholic Athletic Complex.

Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders Shine at UCA Cheer Camp

The Lady Knights recently returned from a Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) summer camp held at Auburn University. As part of the four-day camp curriculum, the cheerleaders were awarded numerous Superior Ribbons and the Spirit Stick each night for demonstrating teamwork, spirit, enthusiasm, and ability. The girls earned a Spirit Stick to bring home for their trophy case as well as a Superior Trophy for the final day Cheer & Extreme Routine evaluation.

Six Montgomery Catholic cheerleaders were nominated for "All-Star" status. Seniors Kaitlyn Roberts, Hannah Been, and Haley Scanlan. Juniors Molly McLaughlin, Sarah Armstrong, and Jessica Barranco. Each of the girls were judged on motion technique, jumps, spirit, enthusiasm, and voice projection. Jessica Barranco was selected as a UCA "All-Star."

Pictured with Auburn University's Mascot Aubie are the Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders: kneeling Haley Scanlan, Sarah Armstrong, Hannah Been, Marissa Marmolejo, and Jessica Barranco. Standing are Kaitlyn Roberts, Brittany Wilkinson, Jessica Mount, and Molly McLaughlin. The cheerleaders are coached by Mrs. Debbie Barranco and Miss Michelle Vinson.

Montgomery Catholic Cheer Camp, September 20

Montgomery Catholic's Varsity Cheerleaders will hold their annual Cheerleading Camp for girls in grades K-6 on Saturday, September 20th from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Father Pat Delahunty Gymnasium on the Vaughn Road Campus.

Participants will be divided into small groups according to age and taught cheers, beginner stunts, chants, and a dance. The girls will showcase their new cheers during a pre-game show on Friday, October 17th when Montgomery Catholic hosts St. James.

A camp t-shirt, lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided. Space is limited, so please stop by the St. Bede Campus office to sign up. The cost of the clinic is $50.

St. Bede Collecting Soup Labels, Box Tops & Green Reciepts

Montgomery Catholic's St. Bede Campus is collecting Campbell Soup Labels, Box Tops for Education, and Bruno's Green Receipts.

Bruno's Supermarets are offering 100 bonus points on Campbell soup labels until 9/07/08. If you purchase 10 Campbell’s participating products, you get a coupon worth 100 labels. Participating products include Red & White condensed soup, Pace salsa, Swanson canned poultry, Campbell’s tomato juice, Campbell’s Harvest Fruit cans, Spaghettios, Campbell’s chili, Campbell’s baked beans, Prego, Campbell’s gravy, ready to serve Campbell’s soup (does not include Chunky Healthy Request) and Campbell’s Super Bakes. Save your Bruno's Supermarket green receipts and give them to Mrs. Foran at St. Bede!

There are hundreds of products and food items you use everyday that participate in the Box Tops for Education program. For a full listing, go to www.boxtops4education.com