Montgomery Catholic Junior, Alex Castanza named 2013 Chief Justice at the YMCA Youth Judicial Conference

After several weeks of preparation that included memorizing depositions, preparing direct and cross examination questions, attending officer training and long team practices, a total of 43 Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students participated in the 2012 YMCA Youth Judicial Conference, which was held November 10-11, here in Montgomery.  These students, along with their attorney coaches, worked diligently to prepare either the prosecution or the defense side of the case.  Trials were held in the chambers of the Federal Courthouse of the Middle District of Alabama.  While the competition was stiff, our students fared extremely well!  The following 6 teams competed:

For the prosecution:
2011 Premier League competition winners Gaton Armstrong, McKinlee Houghland, Ashley Karst, Mary McLaughlin, Alli Micher, Jennifer Tyner and Tucker Wilkinson worked with attorneys Ali and Ray Hawthorne once again this year and placed in the Top 20.   

Half of the team made up of Baines Deal, Carmen Espinoza, Zach Hulcher, Paul Overton, Dean Rodopoulos, Bennie Taylor and Michael Tyner competed for the first time this year and did very well.  They were coached by Nicole McArthur and Jacob Jeter and placed in the Top 20.

The prosecution team coached by Lydia Yancey and made up of Agnes Armstrong, Emily Barranco, Kathleen Beesley, Abaigeal Gilbert, Emily Lafreniere and Nadine Moussalli won top honors in the Premier League!

For the defense:
Coached by Mike Harper, the Premier League team made up of Ali Harper, Aubrey Lenn, Alex Nyairo, Elizabeth Overton, Taylor Pitters and Emily Walker competed well against their competition.

The defense team, made up of Ashley Barranco, Ann Marie Dean, Andrea Hayes, Monica McCann, Anna McCracken and Trey Vaughan, was once again coached by Richard Dean.  This team was fierce and placed in the Top 20.

Laurel Crawford once again coached her team to the Top 10.  This team included Chad DuBois, Sydney Jarman, Megan Karst, Katie Lafreniere (who was named the “fashionista” of the weekend), Jack Starr, Maggie Starr and Natalie Sullivan.

Representing MCPS as Officers of the Court were Judge Stefan Perritano and his Bailiff, James Sherman.  Alex Castanza served as Bailiff for the Chief Justice, his 2nd year in that position.  


The culmination of the weekend was the election and swearing in of the 2013 Chief Justice, MCPS Junior, Alex Castanza.  Alex is the son of Mike and Diane Castanza.

Special thanks go to the attorneys who helped prepare our students, to the many parents to came to watch the trials, and to Abby Beesley and Steve Perritano who were tireless chaperones!

Alex Castanza elected as the 2013 YMCA Youth Judicial Chief Justice

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Holy Spirit Pep Rally Surprise

On Monday November 19, the students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School were able to show their team pride by celebrating spirit day and wearing their favorite football team's colors.  Of course, the University of Alabama and Auburn University were well represented, but there were Notre Dame fans, along with LSU fans too, to name a few.  The MCPS Holy Spirit Elementary Campus held a spirit day pep rally to end the school day.  Led by P.E. Coach Ken Klinger for the Auburn Tigers and first grade teacher Miss Emily Yonker for the Crimson Tide, the students had a blast watching their teachers bust into the court yard through giant banners, cheering for their favorite team as game day music played. The surprise guest of the day was Aubie,  Auburn University's Mascot, who made the trip to have some fun with all of the MCPS football fans. He joined in a friendly relay game that pitted AU vs. UA. A class representative from each grade participated for each team with Bama bringing home the win. At the end of the day the Auburn fans were awarded the spirit stick by President Anne Ceasar who attended the event in a jersey that showed Auburn pride in the front and Bama pride in the back.  The students and staff enjoyed kicking off the holiday week and big football weekend with a bang.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Elementary Campuses Remember Our Veterans

On November 12, 2012 both Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Elementary Campuses honored our military Veteran's by reading the book America's White Table by Margot Thies Raven.  Third and forth grade teacher Mrs. Michelle Cool read to the Holy Spirit Campus and fifth grade teacher Mrs.Allison Boyd led the St. Bede Campus assembly. As the book was read, students at St. Bede's set their own little "white table" with significant items, described in the book; a white table-cloth, a single empty chair, a white plate, silver ware, a black napkin, an overturned glass, a white candle and a red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon. The students learned the symbolism of each item. All reminders that there are soldiers that are not with us and our hopes for their return. The end of the book "provides a detailed history of the origin of the White Table and how it became a symbol of caring for our MIA and POW service members after the Vietnam War."  Each campus left the table set throughout the day for the students to observe.   A moving tribute to all of those who have served our country and ensured our freedoms.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Holy Spirit Campus Flag Pole Dedicated to Raymond A. Vollenweider, Sr.

In honor of Veteran's Day, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Holy Spirit Campus held it's Flag Pole Dedication Ceremony on Friday, November 16, 2012.  The flag and flag pole were gifts to MCPS. The flag was given by Col. and Mrs. David Cool.  Mrs. Michelle Cool is a
teacher at the school, and both of their children are students at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School. Courtney is a 10th grader and Cameryn is in 4th grade at the Holy Spirit Campus. The flag pole was given by the family of Bobby and Bonnie McClure, in honor of Mrs. McClure's father, Raymond A. Vollenweider, Sr. Mrs. McClure felt the best way to honor her father's memory was by offering this gift, because of her father's love of our country and his extreme patriotism. Mr. Vollenweider, a Korean War veteran, was honored beautifully by his family, the students of the Holy Spirit Elementary Campus and Active Duty Military Officers.

This is the first school year for the Holy Spirit Elementary Campus. Up until now, students have gathered in the morning around the foundation for a flag pole and held a flag for The Pledge.  At 7:50 AM, this day began as usual, with Prayer lead by a student and followed by The Pledge of Allegiance.  Only this time, students stood and peered up towards the new flag pole on the front lawn, installed on the foundation that fellow students had stood holding a much smaller flag.

The new Flag was presented and raised by Mr. Vollenweider's son-in-law, Mr. Bobby McClure and his grandson Mr. Bryan McClure, along with  Lt. Col. William Walski. The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Marching Band played the Star Spangled Banner, while Lt. Col. William Walski and Col. David Cool, saluted.  Lt. Col. Walski is a Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School parent and is married to Holy Spirit Elementary librarian, Mrs. Mindy Walski . Finally, the students, faculty, staff and guests of Holy Spirit Elementary said The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, as they will for years to come.

The members of Mr. Vollenweider's family that were in attendance at the dedication included his wife, Mrs. Betty Vollenweider; daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie ('76) and Bobby McClure; grandchildren, Bryan ('98) and Melanie McClure, Brittany ('03) and Josh Bradley with their daughter, Ella; Brianna McClure ('09) and fiancee Woods Lisenby.  Mrs. Bonnie McClure addressed the students and guests about honoring her fathers memory.

The dedication plaque that will be installed will say:
Dedicated in memory of
Raymond A. Vollenweider, Sr.
in honor of Veteran's Day
November 2012

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School First Grader Gives for Her Birthday!

 Abby O'Donnell, a first grader at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's St. Bede Campus, celebrated her 7th birthday on November 3. For her party, she requested that her friends bring canned goods for
St. Vincent DePaul instead of presents.  Abby's gift proves that even the youngest students at MCPS are dedicated to service, we celebrate her giving heart.

Abby pictured with the canned food "presents" she received for her birthday.

Montgomery Catholic Honors Generations of Supporters

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School hosted a candlelight dinner party on November 7, 2012 to honor their donors who consistently supported the school for multi generations. The event entertained arriving guests with the music of the Montgomery Catholic Jazz Band. Dinner was preceded with a social hour where guests mingled with old friends, browsed student artwork, and refreshed memories with a revolving digital collection of photographs dating back to 1927.

The inaugural event began with a welcome from Marc Starrett. Fr. Patrick Driscoll offered the blessing before dinner.  Anne Ceasar presented an overview of the school highlighting student achievement.

Fr. David Carucci introduced the keynote speaker, Archbishop of Mobile, Thomas J. Rodi, whose remarks reflected on the longevity and excellence of Catholic education in the United States for more than 200 years. He commented on their traditional inclusiveness of children, which for low income and immigrant families was key in providing their future.  Because of a rapidly changing society he acknowledged the ever increasing importance of Catholic school’s primary focus to develop what God has given each child.

Finally, Archbishop Rodi extended his sincere thanks to the donors for having recognized their value in moving Montgomery Catholic forward in spirituality and academics. He commended the school for the long history of shaping students for the future since 1873 and looks forward to their continued success.

Closing remarks were offered by Anna Lee Ingalls who acknowledged the faith of donors in supporting the school because of their faith in Christ.  

The evening was concluded with a blessing from Monsignor Charles Troncale.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Key Club joins House 2 House to Renovate Home

On Saturday, November 3, 2012 members of the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Key Club joined forces with the House 2 House Ministry to make repairs to a house on Mobile Road.  Joining the students was Douglas Ruth from the Montgomery Kiwanis Club, which is the sponsoring organization of the high school Key Club.  The Key Club helped the Kiwanis Club by working the gates at the Alabama National Fair in October, so the Kiwanis Club, in turn helped the Key Club with this renovation project.  Service and giving back to the community is the sole purpose for the existence of both the Kiwanis Club and the Key Club.  Members of the Montgomery Catholic Key Club that worked with House 2 House included Daniel LoBello, David LoBello, Anna Vail Chancey, Jarrett Mason, Geoffrey Myers and Jihyun Lee.  House 2 House is an organization that started as a result of the good work begun and still continuing through the Common Ground Ministry in Montgomery.  Both organizations work to provide safe housing for those in need.  

Left to right: Volunteers Anisa Nuanes; Douglas Ruth from Kiwanis Club; Jihyun Lee, Jarrett Mason, Anna Vail Chancey, Ryan Bravata, Amanda Chamnong, Geoffrey Myers, Daniel LoBello, David LoBello, House 2 House leader Mr. Cody.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School ~ Muffins for Moms and Donuts with Dads

The traditional morning sweet treats for the ones we love most was a huge success this year with standing room only at both the Holy Spirit Elementary and the St. Bede Elementary Campuses. 

The Holy Spirit PTC Dads stepped up to plate with muffins, fruit, juice and coffee (enough to feed Montgomery) on October 31 in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church Parish Hall for Muffins for Mom. The Moms came in droves with children in hand to enjoy the fellowship. 

The reverse was true on November 5 at St. Bede's Family Life Center where St. Bede PTC Moms hosted Donuts with Dads. The spread was equally bountiful. Capital Film Works was on site for both events to take complimentary family pictures. Parents were happy to have an opportunity to capture the moment, which was probably appreciated as much as the breakfast. You know that our school is vibrant when parents adjust work schedules to enjoy fellowship with one another and can take a break from healthy eating to enjoy a morning treat with their Montgomery Catholic students.

Knights Claim Cross Country State Championship

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Cross Country Boys are the AHSAA Class 3A 

State Champs!

After finishing as the state runner-up last season, no one could keep Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School off the podium this season as the Knights claimed the AHSAA Class 3A State Championship on the boys side.

The Knights made history last week as they claimed the section championship for the third consecutive season, and this weekend made history with their first state championship in the sport. Montgomery Catholic overcame the challenges of Westminster and Cottage Hill, as the pair challenged the Knights all season; however, they did not have enough to overcome three top 10 finishers by Montgomery Catholic on the sport's biggest stage.

Senior Jarrett Mason finished second overall in the meet, crossing the line in a time of 16:53.84 to pace the Knights.  Fellow seniors Timothy McOmber and Skip Martin helped to solidify the Knights' position with McOmber finishing sixth in a time of 17:19.65 and Martin eighth in a time of 17:24.17.

The trio paced the Knights to 54 points, but needed two more of their runners to cross the line as Westminster had their top five runners finish between 12th and 21st in the race.  The Knights led by 56 points with seven runners remaining on the cross, needing just 55 to claim the state championship.  They did better than they needed as freshman Nathan Revor crossed the line 24th in a time of 18:25.97, and clinched the title when junior Dylan Martin crossed the line 30th in a time of 18:39.43.

The Knights also had two more runners cross in the top 50 as sophomore Tucker Wilkinson finished 37th in a time of 18:52.14 and freshman James Cleghorn 49th in a time of 19:13.04.

Meanwhile, the Montgomery Catholic girls cross country team - competing in the state championship for the first time since 2009 - finished fourth overall and had two runners earn All-State honors by finishing in the top 15 overall.

Senior Katherine Terino finished fifth overall in a time of 20:03.41, while eighth-grader Kylie Frank finished 15th overall with a time of 21:15.07.


2012 State Champs are: 
Jarrett Chestnutt, James Warner Cleghorn, Josh Davis, Patrick Gregorius, Harry Harris, Devin Kelley, Dylan Martin, Skip Martin, Jarrett Mason, Timothy McOmber, Alex Nyairo, Nathan Revor, Cameron Searcy, Tucker Wilkinson
Head Coach: John Terino
Assistant Coach: Shelby Soukup

Congratulations to Our Middle School Honor Roll Students

Congratulations to our Middle School students who achieved Honor Roll status for the first quarter. For "A" Honor Roll, they are: Ivy Bach, Carrie Belsterling, David Bender, Lita Blackburn, Mary Katherine Brunson, Trinity Carter, Jessie Clark, Luke Craig, Katie Fischer, Kylie Frank, Madison Gaston, Ryne Herbek, Audrey Kim, Morris Lottinger, Lauren Oates, Henry Petters, Megan Revor, Lauren Smith, Annabel Starrett.
For "A/B" Honor Roll they are: Amy Azar, Julie Bae, Maria Barragan, Tyler Barranco, Torie Barranco, Carter Beesley, Lauren Beverly, Adam Bristol, Amanda Brouillard, Cameryn Brown
Kaeleen Brunson, Briana Chavez, Caleb Cobb, Christopher DeJesus, Danny Do, John Faulkner, Frank Gonzalez, Hannaley Haigler, Cheyenne Hayes, Marie Rose Johnson, Emily Jones, Devin Kelly, Katie Lawrence, Gabe Lewandowski, Ashleigh Little, Elizabeth Londell
Taylor Lin, Garrett McGinn, Liam McGuire, Kayanna MacKenzie, Jenni Morgan, Kamryn Morris
Anna Nutting, Michael O’Connor, Kyriacos Phillopou, Hyunjoo Rho, Ethan Ronan, James Sadie
Katie Smith, Nathan Smith, Katie Stark, Jordan Steele, Iyana Tate, Matthew Taylor, Zachary VanAlst, Lucy Waite.

Montgomery Catholic Elementary Science Olympiad Takes 1st Place at the University of West Alabama

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Elementary Science Olympiad Team brought home first place overall at the Science Olympiad Competition held at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama Tuesday, October 23, 2012.  The Team competed against eleven schools, in eighteen events, receiving 8 first place ribbons, 7 second place ribbons and 7 third place ribbons and brought home first place overall trophy for Montgomery Catholic.  

Participation in Science Olympiads has been directly related to increased interest and achievement in science and math. Events in the ESO relate directly to National Science Education Content Standards and to Alabama Content Standards for Science. 

Science Olympiad is a national nonprofit 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. Science Olympiad is also designed to encourage classroom teachers to explore new and challenging ways of teaching science. 

Broken into three main divisions, Science Olympiad caters to students of all ages. Division A encompasses students from kindergarten through the sixth grade. Through a series of hands-on events, young students gain valuable experiences that encourage further exploration into the world of science. The Elementary Science Olympiad offers a unique opportunity for students to test their creative and cooperative skills, interact with other motivated students, and expand their minds with science. The emphasis is on learning, participation, interaction, and having fun. 

The MCPS Elementary Science Olympiad Team Members are:
Fifth Graders: Jack Allen, Megan Bourke, Sarah Rose Burden, Michael Hodges, Gabriel Myers, Scott Nation, Katherine O’Conner, Katie Rose Perkins, Meaghan Pineda, Michael Russo, Anna Sadie, Eric Shin, Elizabeth Speirs, Kyla Stinson, Hannah Vaccarro, Clare Wilson

6th Grade: Annie Bach, Anna Catherine Barranco, Erica BlackburnNick Bowden, Rachel Davis, Sydney Downes, Jacob Flowers, Mary Kathrine Foley, Connor Frank, Jonah Gier, Annamary Gilbert, Ezequiel Gonzalez, Mason Lawrence, Grace Leslie, Maddie Losik, Ethan Macchia, Gabriel McBeal, Thomas McLaughlin, Jevon Murdock, Zoe Rutland, Virginia Speirs, Ricky Treloar, Hunter Vaccarro, Skylar Watson

 

Coaches: Lee Anne Barranco, Allison Boyd,  Ellie Burden, Nick Bourke, Shelley Herbek, Tina Rutland, Laci Taylor,  Bryan Teegardin 

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Students attend All Souls Day Mass

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Students joined other members of the Catholic Community to celebrate Mass on All Souls Day at St. Margaret's Cemetery in downtown Montgomery on November 2, 2012.  Celebrating the Mass were Father Pat Arensburg, Father David Carucci, Father Patrick Driscoll, Monsignor Charles Troncale, Father Augusty Puthanpura with Deacon Jim Labadie. The MCPS Senior class, along with the Middle School SGA Officers & Elementary Student Council officers attended the Mass commemorating the faithful departed.

Montgomery Catholic St. Bede Elementary Showcases Art

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School St. Bede Elementary Campus students presented the Art Show "Horse of a Different Color," a tribute to the art of Franz Marc. Artwork was displayed in the St. Bede main hallway the week of October 29 - November 2, 2012.  Art Teacher Deborah Nix had all of her students create their own Horse of a different color. With over 200 beautiful horses to display, she was thankful to all of the parent volunteers who made the exhibit possible.

 

Montgomery Catholic Knights Cross Country - State Bound!!

Knights Cross Country - State Bound!!

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School cross country teams qualified for the AHSAA State Championships next week in Oakville, placing in the top three at the AHSAA Sectionals held at Gateway Park on Thursday afternoon.

The girls qualified as a team for the first time since 2009 for the AHSAA State Championships, finishing third in the section behind Bayside Academy and T.R. Miller.  Senior Katherine Terino was the top finisher for the Knights, crossing the line fourth overall.

Meanwhile, the Montgomery Catholic boys team made history by winning their third consecutive section championship - the first time the feat was accomplished in the section in Class 3A.  The Knights, who had been ranked second most of the year in Class 3A, outran the team holding the top ranking for much of the season, Cottage Hill, for the championship.

The Knights had three runners finish in the top 10 in the race, led by senior Jarrett Mason in third with a time of 16:20.85.  He was followed by Skip Martin in fifth with a time of 16:48.99 and Timothy McOmber in eighth with a time of 17:06.48.

Other runners to score for the Knights included Dylan Martin in 14th with a time of 17:56.22 and Nathan Revor in 15th with a time of 17:56.84.  Both Tucker Wilkinson and James Cleghorn each finished in the top 25 for the Knights, crossing the line in under 19 minutes.