MCPS Sixth Graders Chosen to Have Work Published

Montgomery Catholic sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Lori Riggles encouraged her students to write an essay for a contest held by Creative Communication, a company devoted to the promotion of writing, teaching and appreciation of student expression. The intent of the student contest is to motivate creative writers and artists.159,000 schools entered the contest. The top entries are published in an anthology that will record the insights of today’s most creative students. Students are selected from the United States and Canada. There are 50 selected from each regional area for a grand total of  500-600 for the published anthology. 

Imagine Mrs. Riggles delight when 9 of her sixth grade students were selected for publication! The students' essays that were selected for publication are: Anna Catherine Barranco, Annie Bach, Ricky Treloar, MariCaitlin Riggles, Ethan Macchia, Melody Taylor, Jacob Flowers, Hunter Vaccaro and Isabelle Saliba.

Congratulations to our sixth grade writers and to Mrs. Riggles!

Montgomery Catholic Art Students Volunteer for Empty Bowls Project

Art students from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School participated in the 6th Annual Empty Bowls Project, a fundraiser for the Montgomery Area Food Bank.  The event was held on March 14 at Church of the Holy Spirit on Vaughn Road. Tickets were $25 and included your choice of a hand crafted bowl filled with homemade soup for lunch.  

Empty Bowls began many years ago as an art assignment at a high school in Michigan to raise money for their local food bank through the crafting of ceramic pottery bowls.  From there, the project caught on in communities across the country.  


Montgomery artist and potter Margaret Barber was asked to contribute her works to an Empty Bowls project in another community for several years.  Barber began Montgomery's Empty Bowls Project for the Montgomery Area Food Bank six years ago and it continues to grow each year.

Art students from several high schools in the area created and donated hand-crafted bowls for the event.  Montgomery Catholic students have participated for several years.  This year, in addition to their artistic donations of twenty-five unique hand crafted bowls, nine students also volunteered to serve at the event with their art instructor Ms. Joane Grant.  It has become a Lenten tradition for the Montgomery Catholic high school art department to give their time and talents to Empty Bowls each year.

Pictured:  Montgomery Catholic students Beth Vaughn, David Norris, JoAnne Spotswood, Beth Wyatt, Callie Wilkinson, Greg Rickels, Maggie Starr, Sarah Talbot and Michaela Armstrong serve at the 6th Annual Empty Bowls Project.

Montgomery Catholic Middle School Third Quarter Honor Roll Announced

Congratulations to our Middle School students who achieved Honor Roll status for third quarter. 

"A" Honor Roll students are: Amy Azar, Ivy Bach, David Bender, Lita Blackburn, Jessie Clark, Luke Craig, Jade Farah, Katie Fischer, Ryne Herbek, Audrey Kim, Morris Lottinger, Jenni Morgan, Anna Nutting, Lauren Oates, Henry Petters, Megan Revor, Lauren Smith, Annabel Starret and Matthew Taylor.

"AB" Honor Roll students are: Tyler Barranco, Carrie Belsterling, Lauren Beverly, Adam Bristol, Amanda Brouillard, Cameryn Brown, Mary Katherine Brunson, Trinity Carter, Christopher De Jesus, Danny Do, Trey Downes, Hunter Ferrall, Kylie Frank, Madison Gaston, Frank Gonzalez,
Hannaley Haigler, Marie Rose Johnson, Emily Jones, Katie Lawrence, Gabe Lewandowski, Ashleigh Little, Lizzie Londell, Taylor Lyn, Garrett McGinn, Liam McGuire, Kamryn Morris, Kyriacos Philippou, Hyunjoo Rho, India Richardson, James Sadie, Cameron Searcy, Katie Smith, Nate Smith, Katie Stark, Jordan Steele, Hugh Walker, Luke Whetstone and Clint Williams.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Welcomes Pope Francis!

Mrs. Tina Rutland's Montgomery Catholic first grade students watch  from their class room as Pope Francis was introduced on Wednesday, March 13. 

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory students have been actively involved as the Church welcomes a new Pope. All of our classes K4 - 12 were able to stop and pray as Pope Benedict stepped down on February 28 and as the Conclave began on March 12.  The excitement on Wednesday, March 13 as Pope Francis was announced as the 265th Successor of St. Peter was contagious!  As history unfolded, MCPS students were praying and actively participating in a wonderful time in our history.

MCPS 6th Grader Shines on Stage in ASF's "To Kill a Mockingbird"!

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School student Matthew Klinger is currently cast as Jem in  ASF's production of To Kill a Mockingbird.  The play runs March 8-24, as well as, school fest performances.  It is double cast and there are six students from local schools in the production. Auditions were last fall and Matthew started rehearsals with his fellow cast mates in February.  

An old pro, Matthew began his acting career three years ago and has built quite a resume including local television commercials, Oliver! and Big River at Faulkner Dinner Theatre as well as Fables Then and Now at Cloverdale Playhouse. ASF involvement includes Merry Wives of Windsor, ASF Academy, Capital City Players and Camp Shakespeare.  Matthew's mother Kelley said "Matthew has always had a knack for entertaining his family at get-together's by putting on 'productions' where he has each of his cousins perform something, whether it be instruments, plays or just singing.  He started taking acting classes at ASF in fourth grade and his acting took off from there." Matthew can be seen next in his role in Cloverdale Playhouse's Androcles and the Lion, May 3-5. He will begin rehearsals as soon as To Kill a Mockingbird wraps. 
.

Matthew is a sixth grade honor student and student council vice president at Montgomery Catholic. He is the son of Ken and Kelley Klinger.

Matthew Klinger as Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird at ASF. Matthew appears in the following performances:  
March 8, 9, 16, 17, 22 at 7:30 PM and March 12, 23, 24 at 2:00 PM.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Band gets results at MPA!

The Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Band got results at the Alabama Bandmasters Association District Six Music Performance Assessment (MPA) on March 12, held at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. The event contained two judged competitions: a stage performance and a sight-reading performance. MCPS received all "Excellent" ratings for the stage performance and scored "Superior" in the sight-reading performance, which is the highest score attainable. A great achievement from a young group of musicians.  

Led by Band Director Mr. Alex Johnson, the thirty-five Montgomery Catholic middle and high school students that participated at MPA were: Ashley Kim, Peter Nguyen, Jennifer Doan, Lacy Herbek, Audrey Kim, Christina DeVries, Mary Katherine Brunson, Mary Reagan Starrett, Logan Stevens, Asheigh Little, Kristina Vanella, Beth Vaughan, Kenneth Bell, David Fulton, Patrick Wood, Gavin Gaines, Roberto Calixtro, William Russell, Katie McDaniel, Michael Ester, David Bender, Adam Bristol, Will Brunson, Kaleb Libby, Alex Pierce, Joseph Thrash, Delohn Wyatt, Stone Miller, Joanne Spotswood, Berkeley Hall, Eric Crenshaw, Skye Alexander, Briana Chavez, Francisco Gonzalez, and Henry Petters.

Congratulations to our Montgomery Catholic Preparatory Band on a job well done!

MCPS Kindergarten Celebrates Clifford's 50th Birthday!

Mrs. Redden's Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Kindergarten class has finished a study of Norman Bridwell, the author and illustrator of the Clifford books.  The Clifford Books were first published in 1963, which makes Clifford 50 years old.  The class had a birthday party for Clifford on Thursday, February 14.  A stuffed Clifford dog has visited each student in the class.  Each student took home Clifford and wrote a real or make-believe story of Clifford's adventures, which he/she read to the class the next day. Mrs. Redden's Kindergarten students are: George Allison, Sydney Bass, Cooper Beesley, Ben Chitlik, Ryan Coker, Harper Howell, Amedeus Kayisavera, Avery Langan, Cameron Livingston, Lucas Macchia, Anya Montelara, Harrison Rogers, Maddie Sanderson, Maggie Sasser, Jackson Wright.

MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM WINS AT REGIONAL COMPETITION

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s (MCPS) budding scientists came away winners at the South Alabama Regional Science Olympiad competition, hosted by the Spring Hill College in Mobile.  For the second year in a row, the Knights won third place overall in the High School Division, and have been invited to compete in the State Competition on March 16 at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.

The team composed of students from freshmen to seniors, came away with 7 third place, 7second place, and 4 first place medals.  M. Kathryn O’Connor, chair of the Science Department for MCPS and head coach said, “We had a tremendous amount of effort put forth by our entire team. Faculty, coaches, and parents provided guidance, but this was truly the result of study, perseverance and plain old hard work by our students.”

Earning individual honors were:
Brian Brunson – Water Quality 2^nd, Fermi Questions 2^nd, Rocks & Minerals 3^rd

Baines Deal-Water Quality 3^rd

Kenneth Dickerson- Forestry 2^nd, Astronomy 3^rd

Anne Faulkner-Forestry 2^nd, Experimental Design 3^rd

Berkeley Hall- Technical Problem Solving 2^nd, Thermodynamics 3^rd, 

                         Water Quality 3^rd

Zach Hulcher-Remote Sensing 1^st, Dynamic Planet 2^nd, Thermodynamics 3^rd

Patrick McGinn- Circuit Lab 3^rd

Allie Micher- Disease Detectives 2^ndStone Miller-Experimental Design 3^rd

Sarah Nolan-Circuit Lab 3^rd and Experimental Design 3^rd

Maddie O’Mara-Magnetic Levitation 1^st,Gravity Vehicle 1^st, Dynamic Planet 2^nd,
                           Elastic Launch Glider 3^rd

Patrick O’Mara-Magnetic Levitation 1^st, Gravity Vehicle 1^st, Elastic Launch Glider 3^rd

Leo Petters-Magnetic Levitation 1^st, Remote Sensing 1^st,
                    Technical Problem Solving 2^nd

Willie Ravelo-Write It/Do It 1^st, Thermodynamics 2^nd, Fermi Questions 2^nd

Robbie Sankey-Water Quality 2^nd

Spencer Starr- Astronomy 3^rd

Kristina Vanella-Disease Detectives 2^nd

Chase Williams-Write It/Do It 1^st, Thermodynamics 2^nd

For over 25 years, Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science education. What began as a grassroots assembly of science teachers is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to more than 5,300 teams in 48 states. Science Olympiad's ever-changing event lineup -- ranging from Disease Detectives to Magnetic Levitation to Thermodynamics -- provides a buffet of career choices and exposure to practicing scientists and mentors.  (www.soinc.org)

Montgomery Catholic Wins at TEAMS

Over 30 students from Montgomery Catholic participated recently in the TEAMS competition, finishing 1^st at the new Middle School level, 1^st for the third straight year at the 9^th-10^th grade level, and 4^th at the 11^th-12^th grade level. TEAMS is hosted by Auburn University and sponsored by the Technology Student Association.

TEAMS stands for Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science. Groups of up to eight students compete by responding to questions on a global engineering theme. Past themes include solving the world’s water needs and meeting the world’s growing energy needs. This year’s theme was “Engineering a Secure Cyberspace.” Students researched topics such as protecting private data, preventing software attacks on web sites, and securing wireless networks against hacking.  

Montgomery Catholic is the only Alabama school to compete at all three levels. Team sponsor Joe Profio explains, “TEAMS gives our students real world applications of science and mathematics on important problems with no easy solutions. Open-ended essay questions encourage them to develop and justify new ideas.” Middle school coach Vicki Petters agrees, “By adding the middle school level, young students learn the connectivity between math and science, and see why they need to be proficient in these subjects.” Senior Zach Hulcher adds, “Before TEAMS I really didn’t know the scope of problems engineers take on. After four years in TEAMS, I realize the difference engineers make in the world, and I now plan to major in engineering after graduation.”

Montgomery Catholic students that participated are: 

From the Middle School campus: Luke Craig, Danny Do, Nicolas Homsher, Morris Lottinger, Henry Petters.

From the High School campus: Gaten Armstrong, Somlee Baek, Paige Barranco, Dylan Craig, Kenneth Dickerson, Ann Faulkner, Andrea Hayes, Zach Hulcher, Derek Kelly, Ashley Kim, Jinah Kim, Joonhee Kim, Jihyun Lee, Garrett Libby, Jarrett Mason,  Mary McLaughlin, Stone Miller, Madeleine O’Mara, Patrick O’Mara, Elizabeth Overton, Leo Petters, Guillermo Ravelo, Robbie Stakey, Sang Won Seo, Giselle Simms, Katherine Terino, Chase Williams

Montgomery Catholic Names Gregg Baker Varsity Football Coach

Montgomery Catholic has named Gregg Baker its new head football coach. Baker has been the offensive coordinator at Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Alabama, this past season. The Trojans were 9-4 and made it to the Quarter-Finals of the AHSAA 4A State Playoffs.

“Coach Baker comes to us with a plethora of experience from the private and public school levels and the college level. He has a commanding presence that I feel will help mold our young men on and off the field of competition,” said Montgomery Catholic President, Anne Ceasar.

Before coaching at Charles Henderson, Baker was at Faulkner University where he served as Head Football Coach for three years and as an assistant coach in 2008.

“I am tremendously excited about being the Head Football Coach at Montgomery Catholic. It has been great to get to know Mrs. Ceasar and everyone at Montgomery Catholic. The community has been so welcoming, and I am ready to get to work,” said Baker.

Baker began his coaching career at Trinity Presbyterian School. During his thirteen-year tenure, he served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and junior high head coach. Following his stay at Trinity, Baker spent two years as the head coach at Georgia Washington Junior High School, compiling a 13-2 record and a city championship. In 2002, Baker spent a year as the offensive coordinator at Jeff Davis High School, helping the Vols to a state runner-up season. In 2005, Baker spent a year as the offensive line coach at Prattville High School before being named head coach at Alabama Christian Academy in 2006.

“I am very excited to add Gregg to our community. There were countless hours put into finding the right coach for Montgomery Catholic. Gregg is a great fit, with experience at every level, ” said Athletic Director Travis Jarome. “Gregg brings with him a great work ethic and success along every stop.  He comes in with a strong plan for our football program, and we are looking forward to great things.”

Gregg holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University at Montgomery. He and his wife, Dana, have been married for 23 years and are lifelong Montgomery residents.

“My goals at Montgomery Catholic are to have a successful program that teaches these young men to expect nothing less.  I look forward to teaching them on the football field but also to help them  carry that success off the field as well,” said Baker.

On March 13, Coach Baker will be on campus to meet the Montgomery Catholic community at a reception in the MCPS Library at 6:30 p.m. Baker begins his new position on March 18 and will be working with his athletes and organizing his coaching staff immediately.

Laura Mackley Named as Montgomery Catholic's New Varsity Volleyball Coach

Laura Mackley has been named the new varsity volleyball coach at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School beginning this summer.

“I am very excited to be joining the Family at Montgomery Catholic and extremely excited to have a positive impact on the volleyball program,” said Mackley.

"I am really looking forward to working with the young ladies at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School and being able to help them grow and develop into strong, talented ladies on and off the court.  One of my main goals is to continue to develop the love for the game with these girls while helping take the program to a whole new level of competition by increasing their skill set.  I am very thankful for this opportunity to be a positive role model for the young ladies at MCPS, and I am really looking forward to this new chapter of my life! "

Mackley comes to Montgomery Catholic from Lincoln Memorial University, in Harrogate, Tennessee, where she served as a graduate assistant for the volleyball program this past season.  She was also the head coach of the Phoenix Rising Volleyball Club (17 and under team) this past year.

“I am excited about the experience and enthusiasm Coach Mackley will bring to our program,” said school president Anne Ceasar. “She is not so far removed from the playing court that she has forgotten her love and passion for the game. She will be a vital part of these girls’ lives on and off the court, helping them become persons of faith, virtue, and wisdom.”

Mackley is a graduate of Troy University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Physical Science. She lettered in volleyball for four years at Troy under head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick. During all four years at Troy, Mackley coached club volleyball for Deep South Volleyball Club.  

“Laura comes to Montgomery Catholic with a great plan and aspirations of where she can take our volleyball program,” said Athletic Director Travis Jarome. “She is a great addition to our staff, with coaching experience at the club level and in college.  She learned from some of the best while playing at Troy and will use that experience as a collegiate player to elevate our volleyball program.

She brings a great work ethic, and I am excited to see what she brings to the volleyball program for the future.  The future looks bright for the Montgomery Catholic volleyball program.”

Mackley, who is originally from Centerburg Ohio, will begin her coaching responsibilities at Montgomery Catholic in May.

MCPS Middle School Science Olympiad does well in Auburn

Montgomery Catholic's Middle School Science Olympiad Team competed in Auburn on February 23 and received medals or ribbons in 13 categories, including a first place medal for Henry Petters and Frank Gonzalez who won the "Write It Do It" competition. 


MCPS medal recipients were: 1st place, Henry Petters and Frank Gonzalez - Write It Do It; 3rd place(tie), Henry Petters - Metric Mastery; 4th place, Katie Lawrence and Lucy Waite - Water Quality; 4th place, Adam Bristol and Frank Gonzalez - Sounds of Music. MCPS ribbon recipients were: 5th place, Lita Blackburn - Food Science; 6th place, David Bender and Jordan Steele - Crime Busters, David Bender - Boomilever, David Bender and Lita Blackburn - Experimental Design, Ledariane Moore and Henry Petters - Shock Value, Adam Bristol and Frank Gonzalez - Road Scholar, Cheyenne Hayes and Clint Williams -  Rotor Egg Drop; 7th place, Cheyenne Hayes and Katie Lawrence - Keep the Heat. 8th place, Lita Blackburn and Henry Petters - Reach for the Stars.


Congratulations to the team and their sponsor Mrs.Vicki Petters!  2012-2013 MCPS Middle School Science Olympiad Team Members are: David Bender, Lita Blackburn, Adam Bristol, Frank Gonzalez, Erica Harris, Cheyenne Hayes, Katie Lawrence, Ledariane Moore, Henry Petters, Dylan Riley, Jordan Steele,  Lucy Waite and Clint Williams.  

Go Knights!