Two MCPS Sixth Grade Students Win Humane Society Essay Contest

Mary Hughes from the Humane Society presents
Michael Hodges and Katie Perkins with first prize
in the Humane Societies essay contest "The Power of Pets".

Two Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School sixth graders, Michael Hodges and Katie Perkins, won a city wide essay contest, "The Power of Pets" held by the Montgomery Humane Society. Michael and Katie shared first place in the contest for essays written as an English assignment. The Humane Society's Mary Hughes visited the MCPS St. Bede Campus on February 24 to present both students with a medal and a check for $50 each. After the presentation, Michael and Katie both read their winning essays aloud to their parents, classmates, teacher Mrs. Lori Riggles, principal Miss Laurie Gulley and MCPS president Mrs. Anne Ceasar. Michael wrote about how much his dog meant to his family and how hard it was at the end of his dog's life. Katie described how she and her family came to adopt her dog, Honey from the local group TAG (That Animal Group), and the love she has for her new pet. Katie very sweetly donated her winnings back to two animal groups, giving $25 back to the Humane Society and $25 to TAG.  This is the second year in a row that MCPS students have won first place in this contest. Montgomery Catholic is proud of both Michael and Katie for this accomplishment and their kind hearts. Congratulations!

Michael Hodges and Katie Perkins are joined by their families as they receive
their first place awards from the Humane Society.
From left to right: Scott, Theresa, and Katie Perkins, Heather, Michael,
Hunter and Michael Hodges.

MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC STUDENTS SHOW ART AND PERFORM AT THE MONTGOMERY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School students, Lainie Doyle (6^th) and Grant Smith (5^th), had works chosen to be displayed in the ARTWORKS Corridor exhibition "Inspired by Nature". Art teacher Mrs. Deborah Nix and principal Laurie Gulley attended a reception with them on February 11, where they were presented with a certificate of recognition, for being chosen from over 300 pieces to be in the exhibit. 

Montgomery Catholic's Kaleb Libby, a senior, also performed at the event, showcasing artists from several Montgomery High Schools . Kaleb played the drums and was chosen as the opening act of the evening.

Congratulations to Lainie, Grant and Kaleb! MCPS is excited that their creativity is being shared with the community.

  

Van Alst Claims Third Consecutive Wrestling State Championship

Van Alst, Coach Hunter and Castanza celebrate at the 2014
State Wrestling Championship Tournament.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School freshman Zachary Van Alst joined the elite of Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) wrestling as he captured his third consecutive state championship on Saturday, February 15 in Huntsville, this year capturing the title in the 113-pound weight class.

After receiving a victory by forfeit in the opening round, Van Alst recorded a technical fall in his semifinal match.  He then won the state title with a 7-2 victory in the championship match to win the state title.

In his short three-year career at Montgomery Catholic, Van Alst has recorded a 130-11 overall record (including just one loss this year to the Class 6A state champion).  He has also won two sectional titles to go along with his three state championships.

He was joined in Huntsville by his teammate, senior Alex Castanza making his first appearance in the state tournament.  Castanza wrestled three matches, reaching the consolation semifinals before falling in the tournament.

Zach is the son of Jennifer and Bob Van Alst of Prattville. Alex is the son of Diane and Mike Castanza of Montgomery.

Van Alst Claims 3rd Consecutive State Title. 

 

MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM WINS AT REGIONAL COMPETITION

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s (MCPS) young scientists came away winners at the North Alabama Regional Science Olympiad competition, hosted by the University of Alabama Huntsville.  For the third year in a row, the Knights  have been invited to compete in the State Competition on April 12 at Huntingdon College in Montgomery by placing fourth place overall in the High School Division.

The team composed of students from ninth to twelfth grade, came away with twelve medals including six fourth place, four third place, and two second place.  The medalists were: Kristina Vanella, Seulle Baek, Ann Faulkner, Adam Bristol, Frank Gonzalez, Daniel LoBello, Maddie O'Mara, Patrick O'Mara, Chase Williams, Guillermo Ravelo, Andrew Ellis, Andrea Hayes, Leo Petters, Marissa Dogan, Patrick McGinn, Kat Glasscock, and Allie Micher. 

The team is coached by these Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School science and math department teachers, Mrs. Jeanene Crenshaw,  Dr. Monica Hamell, Mrs. Elizabeth Harbin and Dr. Joe Profio. Congratulations Knights!

Montgomery Catholic's Sherman Signs National Letter of Intent

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School held a signing for kicker James Sherman on Wednesday, February 5, 2014. Sherman signed his National Letter of Intent to play football with the Texas State Bobcats in the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Library at 2:40p.m. MCPS principal, Chad Barwick opened the event in prayer.  Montgomery Catholic President Anne Ceasar addressed guests and the Sherman family, thanking them for their service to the Montgomery Catholic community and their school spirit. Montgomery Catholic Football Coach Gregg Baker spoke about leadership, work ethic and skill James brought to the team.

Sherman's mother, Diane was next at the podium and read quotes to James from several of his coaches and mentors that were unable to attend the ceremony, including Coach Mike McCabe of One-on-One Kicking Academy, where James was named the Class of 2014 number one kicking recruit. James was introduced by Athletic Director Travis Jarome. Sherman spoke directly to his mother and father, Diane and Craig Sherman of Montgomery, thanking them for all of their support through his athletic career. He thanked his school, friends and all of his coaches for helping him reach his goal of playing college football.

Sherman, a student at Montgomery Catholic since kindergarten  is a member of the National Honor Society and was honored to be selected to play in the High School Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game in December at Cramton Bowl, the first Montgomery Catholic player to do so. Texas State is very fortunate to be receiving this hard working young man, and MCPS looks forward to following his college successes over the next four years.

Van Alst Wins at AHSAA Super Sectional Tournament

This weekend, Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School head coach Coy Hunter and the Knights traveled to downtown Montgomery for the first-ever AHSAA South Super Sectional Wrestling Tournament at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex.

The Knights had five wrestlers get to at least the consolation quarterfinals, and two of those wrestlers qualified for the AHSAA State Championships which will be held in Huntsville at the end of this week (Friday and Saturday).

Castanza, Coach Hunter and Van Alst at Super Sectionals February 7-8.

Freshman Zachary Van Alst won his third consecutive sectional championship, this time in the 113-pound weight class and will advance to Huntsville to vie for this third consecutive AHSAA state championship as the top seed.  He will joined in Huntsville by a first-time qualifier, senior Alex Castanza who finished fourth in his weight class over the weekend.

Although only two qualified for state, the Knights had three other wrestlers who challenged for a spot but came up just a match short. Senior John Haynes reached the consolation semifinals, while Gabe Keating and Cameron Harris each reached the consolation quarterfinals.

Rose Named Varsity Cheer Coach for Montgomery Catholic

Samantha Rose named Varsity Cheer
coach at Montgomery Catholic.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is pleased to announce Samantha Rose as the Coach of their Varsity Cheer program. Samantha currently serves as the Montgomery Catholic JV Cheer coach and helped the team earn top honors at NCA Cheerleading Camp the summer of 2013. She is an Auburn University Montgomery student and Captain of the AUM Cheer program. Samantha has been a college cheerleader since 2011, serving as the AUM Cheer Co-captain for the 2012-2013 season. Rose began coaching in Montgomery with the Top Dog Competitive Cheer gym, where she was a team member for five years. She is also a certified instructor through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA).

With the 3 years of experience choreographing dances and cheers at AUM, Top Dog and Montgomery Catholic, Rose said “My goal is for the girls to have a fun and safe cheerleading experience.”  She said, “I keep a positive nature to help encourage the young girls to be their very best.”   Montgomery Catholic Athletic Director Travis Jarome said, “We are excited about having Samantha lead our varsity cheer program.  She has done a great job at the junior varsity level, and we are looking forward to her moving into this coaching role.”

Rose begins her role as Montgomery Catholic Varsity Cheer coach with Cheer Tryouts for the Knights scheduled for the week of February 10-14.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School celebrates Catholic Schools Week January 27 - 31

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School celebrated Catholic Schools Week, January 27 - 31. The 2014 theme was “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”  K4-12 students participated in special events throughout the week celebrating Community, Nation, Vocations, and Faculty & Students.

Grandparents were invited to our St. Bede elementary campus for Grandparents Day on Monday, January 27 and the Holy Spirit campus held a book fair all week. The St. Bede campus art show "Once Upon a Time" Art show - A look at the art of illuminated lettering, was on display in the main hallway all week. The MCPS Parent Teacher Council treated students, faculty and staff to several special events throughout the week. Although the winter storm interrupted the middle of the week, each campus kept all those who touch Catholic education in their prayers. 

A week to celebrate all that Catholic Education is. Montgomery Catholic is blessed by its wonderful community of "Faith, Knowledge and Service."

Fifth grade Montgomery Catholic student Grant Smith
welcomes his mother, Kiki Smith and his "GG and Papa" (also known as Joni and Charlie Gulley) to Grandparents day at the MCPS St. Bede Campus. GG and Papa also visited Grant's brother third grade student John Russell.

Montgomery Catholic's Kelly Elected Key Club Division 14 Lieutenant Governor

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School (MCPS) junior Derek Kelly will serve as Key Club Lieutenant Governor for Division 14 which includes all Montgomery High Schools, both public and private. Kelly's responsibilities will include publishing a monthly newsletter to all area schools with news and information from the State Key Club Board, reaching out to area schools to help build the Key Club at all area schools, as well as, helping schools reach out in service to the community.  Derek has been a member of the Key Club for three years. He served as club Secretary as a sophomore and currently serves as the Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Key Club Co-President.

Kelly will be installed as District 14 Lieutenant Governor on March 8, 2014 at the State-Wide Key Club conference in Birmingham.  MCPS Key Club sponsor, Mrs. Jeanene Crenshaw said, "Derek has been a valued member of Montgomery Catholic's Key club for the last three years. He has always been eager to serve in the community. He is a leader, inspiring the other 50 MCPS Key Club members to get involved in service to our community." Derek is the son of Sharon and David Kelly of Montgomery.

Congratulations Derek!  We applaud your willingness to serve in this leadership role and will support you with our prayers and help.  

MCPS Key Club members from left to right: Madison Searcy, Ashlyn Rolison, Megan Stembridge, Brett Foxworth, Josh Johnson, Chloe Campbell, Pam Williams (ministry coordinator), Andrea Hayes, and Derek Kelly. (not pictured Reggie Jackson), volunteered at One Church Mission in downtown Montgomery.

Montgomery Catholic Band Members selected for Alabama State and District Honor Band

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School is proud to announce the Knight Band members who have been selected as part of the Alabama All State and All District Honor Band. Auditions were held in Opelika on January 18. Band director Alex Johnson commends every student who made the trip to Opelika and tried out. He feels that with the effort to audition, his band members "distinguished themselves as dedicated musicians and top members of the MCPS Band." Those band members accepted to the State and District Honor Bands are listed below.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School All-State Honor Band Members are Johnathan Green, William Russell, Logan Stevens and Beth Vaughn.

MCPS students chosen as All District Honor Band members are: Adam Bristol, 4th chair; Jonathan Green, 1st chair; Henry Petters, 2nd chair; William Russell, 3rd chair; Mary Reagan Starrett, 18th chair; Logan Stevens, 11th chair; Beth Vaughan, 1st chair.

The District Honor Band members will perform together at Central High School in Phenix City on February 21 and 22.  The All-State Honor Band members will perform in Huntsville on April 9 through 12. 

Congratulations on a job well done!