Montgomery Catholic Senior Completes Eagle Scout & Invests in His School

Giving back to the community is a big deal for any high school student, but for Montgomery Catholic student Ethan Gilbert, it meant completing his Eagle Scout qualifications. Reaching the Eagle Scout level of the Boy Scouts organization is no small feat. There are many tasks to complete and it takes years to advance to the highest level. Some of these tasks include completing volunteer hours and camping hours, as well as earning merit badges. Most boys start their Boy Scout journey in 6th grade, but they must have their Eagle Scout rank accomplished by the time they reach their 18th birthday. The last task to be completed to become an Eagle Scout is a service project.

Senior Ethan Gilbert chose to refurbish the benches in the Montgomery Catholic Courtyard for his final service project. Gilbert discussed how he knew he wanted to invest back in his school because the school had invested so much in him. “It took hours to chip off the paint, and then we came to repaint,” says Gilbert. Gilbert also stated that he knew the benches would be in use even more this year because of the impact of COVID-19. 

Gilbert talked about the many skills and lessons that he has gained from Boy Scouts and explained that the organization creates well rounded citizens. He said he is “able to cooperate with others and work as a team, both in the troop and outside of the troop.” He also emphasized how Boy Scouts has provided him with connections and opportunities that he would otherwise not know about. He states “It helps you get noticed and can even help you get jobs.” When asked what his favorite part of his Eagle Scout project was, Gilbert stated “seeing the end result was probably my favorite part.” Gilbert donated his time and resources to help improve Montgomery Catholic and is thankful for the opportunity to be an Eagle Scout. 

Pictured: Ethan Gilbert has a helping hand from friend Aidan Cochran in completing his Eagle Scout project.

MCPS Student Contributors: Gracie Barranco, Maria Cervantes, Alex Hines, and John Niemi 

Photo Contributed: The Gilbert family.

Montgomery Catholic Senior Harrison Skala is a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist

On September 9, 2020, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, and Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School proudly announces senior Harrison Skala as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

Harrison will have the opportunity to compete for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing, and more than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

A member of the Montgomery Catholic Cross Country team, Skala has attended Catholic five years. He is the son of Ben (Montgomery Catholic Class of 1992) & Julie Skala of Wetumpka, and a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

Montgomery Catholic Announces State Qualifiers for Duke Talent Search

Ella An

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School proudly announces two middle school students who have earned State Recognition for their ACT or SAT scores by the Duke Talent Identification Program.

Haely McBeal

Montgomery Catholic had 24 middle school students who qualified to participate in the Duke TIP Program last fall with two students whose high scores qualified them for state recognition and four who qualified for the Summer Studies & eStudies Programs.

Qualifiers were: Ella An, Amelia Bair, Cooper Beesley, Rocky Blackburn, Stott Blancas, Todd Bonnell, Ben Chitlik, Isaac Dalhart, Harper Howell, Grace Levanda, Haely McBeal, Jamie McGuire, Bebe Neeley, Peter Riello, Matt Russo, Michael Sasser, Maria Schwarz, Isabella Shinn, Ryan Stevenon, Katie Turner, Evie Veres, Heather Walski, Ivory Williams, and Jackson Wright

Montgomery Catholic students who will be honored at the 2021 Duke Talent Search State Recognition Ceremony held at the University of Alabama are Ella An and Haely McBeal. An and McBeal both received invitations to participate in the eStudies and Summer Studies Program along with classmates Cooper Beesley and Grace Levanda.

Duke TIP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. Duke TIP works with students, their families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and help students reach their highest potential. Now in its fortieth year, the 7th Grade Talent Search identifies bright seventh graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders, which allows them greater insight into their academic abilities. In addition, they gain valuable benefits and have access to unique resources for gifted students.

MONTGOMERY CATHOLIC EDUCATOR SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM READING NEW YORK

Montgomery Catholic High School teacher - Mindy Walski was selected to participate in the College Board’s Annual AP Reading in Computer Science Principles. Each June, AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world gather in the United States to evaluate and score the free-response sections of the AP Exams. AP Readers are high school and college educators who represent many of the world’s leading academic institutions. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which an academic dialogue between educators is both fostered and encouraged. “The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer,” said Trevor Packer, Senior Vice President, AP and Instruction at the College Board. “It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful for the contributions of talented educators like Mindy Walski.” 

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies – with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both – while still in high school. Through AP courses in 38 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to analyze complex problems, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue – skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.