Shipman Schaum Receives Eagle Scout, Honored by Alabama Wildlife Federation

Shipman Schaum, a member of the Junior Class, was recently honored at a luncheon hosted by the Alabama Wildlife Federation at Lanark in Millbrook, Alabama. As part of his Eagle Scout project, Shipman designed and built a handicapped accessible wooden bridge spanning a natural stream on the grounds of the AWF’s headquarters. The Alabama Wildlife Federation is Alabama’s oldest and largest non-profit conservation organization. As an avid hunter and member of AWF, Shipman wanted to give back to the organization he has been a part of for so many years. Shipman is a member of the First United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop #15, led by Mr. Jimmy Harris. Shipman is one of six young men at Montgomery Catholic who have earned the honor and rank of Eagle Scout.

Pictured above, Shipman cuts the ribbon on the new bridge he designed and built for the Alabama Wildlife Federation during his Eagle Scout project. Below is a picture of the new AWF bridge.

Cheerleaders to perform at FedEx Orange Bowl

Two Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School Varsity Cheerleaders earned an invitation to perform during the pre-game show as Penn State University takes on Florida State University at the FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.

While at cheerleading camp this summer, the National Cheerleading Association nominated and selected individual cheerleaders as “All American Team Members,” which is the most prestigious award in cheerleading today. Each nominee was selected based upon motion technique, jumps, tumbling, spirit & enthusiasm, voice projection, and overall crowd appeal. Montgomery Catholic had nine girls nominated as “All American.” They were Mary Barranco, Lauren Bodden, Rebecca Fields, Lindsay Taylor, Kristin Sutton, Laura Barranco, Rachael Walden, Andrea Ransdell, and Emily Younker.

Two Montgomery Catholic Cheerleaders, Emily Younker and Kristin Sutton, were named to the NCA “All American Team.” These two cheerleaders have been selected to participate and perform at various NCA special events throughout the year. Emily and Kristin are excited to represent Montgomery Catholic during this year’s FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami.

Pictured above are Kristin Sutton and Emily Younker.

Queen of Mercy Sixth Grader Writes School Christmas Play

Sixth grade student, Barbara Bradley, center, is surrounded by a multitude of heavenly second graders the night of the school play, "Once Upon a Christmas Eve." The play, written by Bradley, was presented at Our Lady Queen of Mercy Catholic School. Shown with her are: (left to right) Naomi Macchia, Deja Chappell, Courtney Brodgen, Barbara Bradley (seated), Kathleen Beesley, Jennifer Westendorf, Maci Sommers, Ann Marie Kildron, and Katie McDaniel.

High School Students Shine in YMCA's Youth Judicial Program

Twenty-seven students from Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School recently participated in the Youth Judicial program sponsored by the YMCA. Approximately 450 students from around the state spent three days in the Montgomery County courthouse reenacting actual court cases, participating in all parts of the judicial process, serving as judges, bailiffs, prosecution and defense lawyer teams, and as jurors. Each of the Montgomery Catholic teams were coached by Montgomery attorneys with Montgomery Catholic roots: Deanie (Clark) Allen ’62, Richard Dean ’78, Charlie Anderson (husband of Linda (Belsterling) ’78 Anderson, and father of Roscoe ’09), Gwen Kennedy-Zimmerman (mother of Heather Kennedy ’07), Deborah Nickson (mother of Nichole Nickson ’08), and Chip Vercelli (husband of Lisa (Miska) ’77 Vercelli, father of Chris '99, Lauren ’05 and Anna ’07).

One of the Montgomery Catholic teams consisting of Trey Griffith, Thomas Herge, Cynthia Weber, Roscoe Anderson, Kristin Sutton, and Bob Weber, who were coached by Richard Dean ’78, was named a TOP 5 Prosecution Team, and in their final trial, won the verdict. Two students from Montgomery Catholic, Cynthia Weber as a member and Trey Griffith as first alternate, were named members of the 8-person (4-member and 4-alternate) Alabama All-Star Team that will participate in the National Mock Trial Competition in the spring in Oklahoma City.

During the weekend event, two students also participated in the Talent Show where Cynthia Weber performed an original ballad while playing her guitar and Thomas Herge performed a song written by the Montgomery Catholic band director, Mr. Kerry Palmer, on his clarinet. Both received standing ovations. With the success of Youth Judicial, the Montgomery Catholic Government Club is looking forward to participating in YMCA’s Youth Legislature event planned for spring 2006.

Participating in Youth Judicial were Roscoe Anderson, Kalan Boddie, Kaila Camara, Karen Gonzales, Trey Griffith, Rebecca Hails, Amy Hall, Thomas Herge, Lauren Houston, John Ingram, Joseph Ioimo, Heather Kennedy, Mary Kimbrough, Nichole Nickson, Anna Parker, Jill Polis, Andria Ransdell, Abbie Redden, Kierra Rumph, Kimberly Smith, Kristin Sutton, Lauren Tucker, Michael Walley, Bob Weber, Cynthia Weber, Caitlin Wiggins, Kaitlyn Wilkinson, Olivia Veres, and Matt Visco.

Pictured: Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s Government Club Members.