Terino Selected as Girls State Representative for Montgomery Catholic

Elizabeth Terino was selected as the Girls State Representative for Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Sponsored by The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, being selected to attend the Girls State Conference is one of the highest honors conferred on a high school junior. Elizabeth is the daughter of John and Susan Terino.

The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program has provided High School Juniors all across the country the opportunity to participate in a hands-on citizenship training program for over 60 years. These young ladies learn government by actually creating a mythical state through the election of public officials on local, county, and state levels and then by carrying out the duties of these respective offices. This year’s conference, held at Troy University, emphasized patriotism, community participation, and progress into the future.

A continuation of Girls State is Girls Nation where two Senators from each state are selected to participate in a simulated National government program in Washington, D. C.

Whitt Chosen to Represent Montgomery Catholic at Boys State

William Whitt was selected as Montgomery Catholic’s representative to Boys State. Alabama Boys State is one of the highest honors granted to Alabama students. Students from across the state are chosen based on their demonstration of leadership, hard work, strong morals, and motivation in school and community activities. Boys State week is a full and active week held on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. William is the son of John and Mary Kathryn O’Connor and Tim Whitt.

At Boys State, student delegates will find the opportunity to build new friendships, participate in a mock government, and hear from and meet a diverse array of Alabama leaders such as Congressmen, state elected officials, business leaders, civic leaders, and others. Delegates will have the opportunity to join interest groups that focus on their individual areas of interest such as law school, Fire College, law enforcement academy, aerospace academy, lobbyists, city government, county government, constitutional convention, engineer/computer academy, and environmental interest group. Delegates will also have activity time during which they can participate in recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, academic bowl, etc.

The American Legion believes there is no better way to assure the survival of our republic than to train our young people in the ideals and objectives of American government. By teaching youth to understand and appreciate the basic principles involved in the successful management of a democratic society, we can keep America strong and ensure freedom for future generations. These are the distinguished, long-standing objectives of American Legion Boys States.

Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheerleaders Earn Game Time Top Team at NCA Camp

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Varsity Cheerleaders recently attended a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Camp held at Auburn University with over 200 cheerleaders in attendance.

Founded in 1948 by L.R. Herkimer, NCA/NDA hosts camps, championships, and events for 150,000 cheerleaders and dancers each year.

As part of the 3-day camp curriculum, the National Cheerleaders Association selects award winners at each of the over 1,000 camps it administers around the world each summer. Awards are given for individual and team accomplishments.

Montgomery Catholic's Varsity cheerleading squad received the 1st place trophy for the NCA Game Time competition Varsity Division and was named Top Team. They also earned a bid to NCA's national competition in Dallas, Texas, earned the S.P.O.T Award for their outstanding commitment to spotting and stunt technique, earned all superior ribbons for Cheer and Mascot throughout the camp and earned the spirit stick each night of the camp.

Five Varsity cheerleaders were selected as All-American Cheerleader Nominees. All-American nominees display outstanding strength in motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, dance, or leadership. Tumbling-Meredith Kocan, Leadership-Jessica Mount, Motions-Megan Padilla, Tumbling-Madison Roberts and Tumbling-Mallyna Sessions.

Two Montgomery Catholic Varsity cheerleaders were selected to as All-American team members including Jessica Mount and Madison Roberts. Selection as an All-American is the most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Participants vying for All-American status are judged on motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit and enthusiasm, voice projection, and overall crowd appeal. These individuals are eligible to perform at various NCA Special Events.

Captain Jessica Mount received the “America Needs Cheerleaders” leadership pin.

Montgomery Catholic's 2010-2011 Varsity Cheerleaders are McKee Cronier, Peighton Jolley-Mascot, Meredith Kocan, Amanda Logan, Jessica Mount, Megan Padilla, Madison Roberts, Mallyna Sessions, and Ashley Towers.

Montgomery Catholic JV Cheer Earns Performance Top Team

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Junior Varsity Cheerleaders recently attended a National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Camp held at Auburn University with over 200 cheerleaders in attendance.

Founded in 1948 by L.R. Herkimer, NCA/NDA hosts camps, championships, and events for 150,000 cheerleaders and dancers each year.

As part of the 3-day camp curriculum, the National Cheerleaders Association selects award winners at each of the over 1,000 camps it administers around the world each summer. Awards are given for individual and team accomplishments.

Montgomery Catholic's Junior Varsity cheerleading squad received the 1st place trophy for the NCA Performance competition Middle School/Junior Varsity Division and was named Top Team. They also earned a bid to NCA's national competition in Dallas, Texas, earned the S.P.O.T Award for their outstanding commitment to spotting and stunt technique, earned all superior ribbons throughout the camp and earned the spirit stick each night of the camp.

All of the Junior Varsity cheerleaders were selected as All-American Cheerleader Nominees. All-American nominees display outstanding strength in motions, jumps, stunts, tumbling, spirit, dance, or leadership. Jumps-Virginia Daly, Leadership- Katie LaFraniere, Tumbling-Claire Galuzzi, Stunts-Samantha Kocan, and Spirit-Anna Mills.

Co-Captain Katie LaFraniere received the “America Needs Cheerleaders” leadership pin.

Congratulations to Montgomery Catholic's 135th Graduating Class

Montgomery Catholic's 135th Commencement Exercises took place in an outdoor ceremony on the grounds of the Athletic Complex at the Vaughn Road Campus.

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, Superintendent of Education Gwen Byrd, Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar, and High School Principal Fran Taylor were joined by Monsignor Charles Troncale, Father Patrick Driscoll '84, Father David Carucci, and Father Linn Harbour as the special guests of the class.

Salutatorian Jessica Taff and Valedictorian Hannah Carter addressed their fellow graduates, special guests, family and friends. Members of the junior class hosted more than 1,000 guests for a reception in the Dolly Barranco Activity Center following the ceremony.

Congratulations to the member of the Class of 2010! Tiffany Albath, Anna Kathryn Anderson, Thomas Ray Anile, Sarah Glenn Armstrong, Jessica Haley Barranco, Michael James Bradley, D'Jara Mychel Britton, Lora Michelle Burke, Kamyia Rene Carpenter, Hannah Elizabeth Carter, Matthew Frazier Christie, William Alcott Clark, Ryan James Crutchfield, Clarissa Asher Deal, Kelsey Michelle Donohue, James Keenan Dugan, Beverly Enriquez Sosa, Albert-Christian Graham Evans, Anna Maria Ada Freedman, Jeffrey Gunter Giddens, Joshua Ray Glenboski, Christine Catherine Held, Jessica Erin Heymann, Stanley Donald Holling, Jr., Brandon Leon Holman, Ashley Nicole Johnson, Bong Ham Kim, Soo Jeong Kim, Sarah Elizabeth Krause, Kirsten Marie Lancaster, Michael Brandon Maddox, Jovan Cordarrius McCloud, Conor Daniel McGeehan.

Molly Claire McLaughlin, Caitlin Amelia McRae, Richard Louis Mullikin, Beatriz Isabel Munoz, Shelby Lloyd Nunnelee, Amalia Otero-Ortiz, Kidiamond Sharagnes Pearson, John Clement Petters, Landon Harvey Pickens, Sara Elizabeth Pittman, Marie Lynn Quillin, Frederick Douglass Randall, II, Lisa Loraine Ranieri, Miranda Mae Rushton, Robert Frederick Schaum, Victoria Elizabeth Schmidt, Brooke Ellen Searcy, William Walton Sherman, Milton Louis Shipman, II, Latajah Shaniece Sigler, Matthew Tillman Simmons, Leighton Mizell Spigner, Preston Dean Stone, Jessica Leigh Taff, Kevin Thomas Taylor, Kyle Matthew Taylor, Elizabeth Riddle Thrower, Leonard D'Corey Burney Walker, Hayden Alexander Whyard, Courtney Elizabeth Willcox, Stuart Brandon Wood, Matthew Thomas Woods, Jamiyah Kellena Woodson, and Taylor Elizabeth Wyatt.

James Sherman and Kirstin Wood selected as Coach Tim Turner Memorial Award Winners

James Sherman and Kirstin Wood were selected for the Coach Tim Turner Memorial Award for excellence in Middle School athletics at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. The award is selected by the Montgomery Catholic Athletic Booster Club and is given to a male and female eighth grade student for excellence in athletics, sportsmanship, leadership, and academics.

Mr. Jim Tolbert, Montgomery Catholic Athletic Director, presented the award after the Eighth Grade Completion Mass on May 27, 2010 at the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Both students are tri-sport athletes and starting players in all three of their chosen sports. Sherman plays football, basketball and soccer. Wood plays volleyball, basketball, and softball.

The award is named in honor of the late Coach Tim Turner who valiantly coached several MCPS Middle School sports teams while bravely battling a terminal illness.

Montgomery Catholic's Josh Stark Earns Rank of Eagle Scout

Montgomery Catholic rising junior Josh Stark earned the highest award in Boys Scouts with the rank of Eagle Scout.

A member of St. Bede's Troop 4, Josh's project involved 500 hours of planning, designing, and building three reading lofts for the kindergarten classes at Montgomery Catholic's St. Bede Campus. These new reading lofts have carpeting as well as a full staircase with handrails.

Stark enlisted the help of fellow Boys Scouts, family, and friends to complete his project. Funding was provided with donations from the St. Bede Parent Teacher Council as well as the Knights of Columbus chapters at St. Bede Catholic Church and Church of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Pictured: Eagle Scout Josh Stark with his Eagle project at Montgomery Catholic's St. Bede Campus.

Montgomery Catholic Honors Top Accelerated Readers at St. Bede

Accelerated Reader is a tool that allows our students to read and then test on Accelerated Reader books. This program helps the teacher, student and parent steer the children to books that they can comfortable read and comprehend. It is most important that the student comprehends what they read. Students are to be at 85% accuracy or better.

At Montgomery Catholic's St. Bede Campus, 70 students in first through sixth grade were chosen to ride in the AR limo. Those students were Jason Flowers, Katherine O’Connor, Reed Gaston, Peter Rossi, Chas Allison, Michael Hodges, Charlie O’Donnell, Virginia Dene, Anna DuBois, Skye Alexander, Tess Casey, Julia Rodriquez, Margaret Ann Allen, Madison Gaston.

Ezequiel Gonzalez, Rachel Davis, Annie Bach, Mary Katherine Foley, Cameron White, Jeanet Stephenson, Emily Claire Talbot, Annamary Gilbert, Ethan Macchia, Anna Catherine Barranco, Jacob Flowers, Rachel Casey, Matthew Klinger, Grace Leslie, Katie Stembridge, Angela Gier, Camille Morgan, Peyton Parker, Koen McDaniel, Matthew Barranco, Eli Starrett, Abraham Preston, Carlo DeJesus, Bailey Cowley, David Bender, Adam Bristol, Will Couey, Tyler Barranco, Charles Deuter.

Brendan Benning, Steven Higgins, Eric Crenshaw, Blake Johnson, Jordan Gill, Patrick Wood, Katelyn Stark, Hannaley Haigler, Annabel Starrett, Ann Williams, Ryne Herbek, Marcelo Villena, Niko Dever, Frank Rossi, Marissa Dogan, Courtney Wallace, Madison Searcy, Lacy Herbek, Maria Rossi, Lexie Bourgeouis, Emily Barranco, Claire Fischer, Anna Marie Koerner, Nadine Moussalli, Megan Stembridge, Mary Reagan Starrett, and Tori Harris.

Thanks go to the generous donation from the St. Bede Parent Teacher Council which helped to provide funds for the limousine and prizes throughout the school year. Not only were the students driven around in style in a Hummer Limousine from Touch of Class, but they also were treated to a delicious lunch. All the students had a blast! Many students upon exiting the limo, commented, “That was so cool!”

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic’s top Accelerated Readers at St. Bede anxiously await their special limousine ride.

Montgomery Catholic Honors Top Athletes at Varsity Sports Banquet

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School honored their varsity athletes for the 2009-2010 year at their annual Varsity Athletic Banquet held at the RSA Activity Center. Montgomery Catholic fields 16 varsity team sports throughout the year. Mrs. Fran Taylor, High School Principal, recognized the four nominees for the Jimmy Hitchcock Award. They were Jessica Barranco, Hannah Carter, M.L. Shipman, and Jessica Taff. Also recognized were Montgomery Catholic's ninth grade nominees Jack Starr, Katherine Terino, Michael Tyner, and Callie Wilkinson.

Montgomery Catholic has four awards which honor individual team members for their hard work and dedication to their sport. Three of these distinguished awards honor individuals who had tremendous influence on our athletic program: Father Patrick Delahunty, Mr. Joe Fields, and Coach Jack Kresek.

The Father Pat Delahunty Sportsmanship Award, named for the founder of our athletic program, honors the athlete who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship. The Fr. Delahunty Sportsmanship Award winners were Sarah Armstrong, Leigh Ellen Cannon, Jake Clark, Hannah Carter, Jessica Taff, Jarrett Mason, Miles Jordan, Aidan Gilbert, Lindsey Guin, Brandon Maddox, Kathy Edwards, Kelsey Donohue, Christine Held, M.L. Shipman, and Corey Jackson.

The Coach Jack Kresek Coaches Award, named for a much-beloved football coach who led the Knights (then the "Saints") from 1956 until 1961, recognizes the athlete who exhibits strong determination, team effort, dependability, and a winning attitude. The Jack Kresek Coaches Award winners were Christine Spotswood, Caitlin McRae, Patrick Freeman, Christine Held, Allie Micher, Josh Stark, Graham Evans, Meghan Hodge, Corey Cotter, Katherine Terino, Fran Mount, Thomas Woods, Alex Manning, Courtney Willcox, Tripp Whatley, Sarah Talbot, Connor Wright, and Jack Starr.

The Joe Fields Leadership Award, named for an outstanding student-athlete from the 1970s who displayed outstanding leadership while attending Montgomery Catholic, honors the athlete who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills to their teammates. The Joe Fields Leadership Award winners were Molly McLaughlin, Christine Spotswood, Brandon Holman, Kelsey Donohue, Lizzie Terino, Meredith Kocan, Landon Pickens, Leonard Walker, Kirsten Lancaster, Matt Simmons, Sara Pittman, Hayden Whyard, Will Clark, Jessica Barranco, Anisa Britt, Leyton Spigner, Tahj Vaughns, Rich Mullikin, and Matt Christie.

Each varsity sport names one Most Valuable Player. Montgomery Catholic's MVPs were Jessica Barranco, Jessica Mount, M.L. Shipman, Elizabeth Karst, Katherine Terino, Corey Cotter, Kenny Davison, Courtney Willcox, Preston Stone, Shannon Guin, Wheeler Ronan, Hayden Ellis, Kirsten Lancaster, Jake Clark, MacKenzie Colvin, and Jacob Stinson.

The top athletes from each sport are nominated for the Knights of the Round Table Award, which recognizes the top male and female athlete of the year. The Knights of the Round Table nominees were Sarah Armstrong, Jessica Barranco, Hannah Carter, Kirsten Lancaster, Jessica Taff, Courtney Willcox, Rich Mullikin, M.L. Shipman, Matt Simmons, and Leonard Walker. The Montgomery Catholic Knights of the Round Table Winners are Jessica Taff and M.L. Shipman.

To close the banquet, Monsignor F. Charles Troncale, Pastor of Church of the Holy Spirit, led the parents and guests in a final blessing for all of the senior athletes.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Knights of the Round Table Athletes of the Year M.L. Shipman and Jessica Taff.

Bach Winner of "Be Kind to Animals" Poster Contest

Ivy Bach, a fifth grade student at Montgomery Catholic's St. Bede Campus, is the winner of the "Be Kind to Animals" poster contest held by the Montgomery Humane Society in honor of National Be Kind to Animals Week. Bach's artistic depiction of all types of animals and children playing harmoniously with a simple message of "Don't leave anyone out" was chosen from nearly 200 entries for the contest. Mary Hughes, the Humane Education Coordinator, presented Ivy with a special gift on behalf of the Montgomery Humane Society and her framed artwork will hang prominently in the Shelter's board room.

Pictured: Montgomery Humane Society's Education Coordinator Mary Hughes poses with the poster contest winner Ivy Bach.