Senior Dedication held at Saint Bernard Prep

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Joyce Nix

Pictured: First row, (left to right): Lene Li, Anna Preusentanz, Katelyn Cowie, Morgan Matz, Isabella Cline, Anna Myers, Abbot Cletus Meagher, Christian Garcia, Sarah Anna McCarthy, Caitlyn Norman, Casey Guthery and Jalen Lee. Second row: Headmaster, Daniel Baillargeon, Sherry Wu, Hyeri Lee, Edson Silva, Garet Marti, Marco Tona, Benjamin Borths, Dominic Pautler, Paul Schartung, Arnel Calinao, Sam Chiodo, Miguel Sanchez, Isaias Roble, Alex Zhang, Kedi Mo and President, Father Joel Martin. Third row: Yesmin Leon, Yujin Lee, Jaden Edge, Luke Merrill, Geonwoo Kim, Clint Crumbley, Graham Sanders, Cade Broadley, Hunter Looney, Darby Dickinson, MK Dollar, Manny Rocha, Sky Pang and Brij Rama.  

CULLMAN – Forty Saint Bernard Prep School seniors were recognized by the school community, parents, grandparents and friends on Oct. 5 in the Abbey Church. The Senior Dedication Mass was held to recognize the senior class and their role of leadership in the school.

Abbot Cletus Meagher reminded all in attendance to be aware of their role of leadership by asking them to whom they dedicate themselves, and to what they dedicate themselves. 

“Life is not simply about knowledge and learning,” Meagher said.  “True life is about wisdom – leading to the truth of God, seeing reality as a responsibility for yourself and others seeking the truth of all things and finding it in God.” 

As a sign of dedication, each senior received a Benedictine Cross, and Meagher explained its symbolism. “The image of the crucified Christ is presented to remind one of the price of true wisdom and love.  If one is truly wise, he or she will learn that life is lived to the fullest in dying to oneself and coming alive to the needs of others.” 

Assisted by Mr. Dan Baillargeon, headmaster; Father Joel Martin, president and Father Bede Marcy, Meagher presented each senior with a cross  and exhorted them to wear it, “with wholesome pride, as a reminder of the privilege and dignity that are yours because you have been called to share in Christ and receive an education that is centered on Christ.“  

Following the Abbot’s homily, the faculty and staff joined the seniors before the altar as a sign of their support.  They concurred with the request that the seniors should receive the Abbot’s blessing, which assists them in taking on their role of leadership within the student body. Representing the Class of 2017, class president Isabella Cline assured those present that the seniors willingly accepted the responsibility given to them.

Choral music was presented by the Saint Bernard choir, under the direction of Mr. Joshua Agnew.

Knights of the altar were Grand Supreme Knights Arnel Calinao, Sam Chiodo, Christian Garcia, Dominic Pautler, Isaias Robles, Miguel Sanchez, Paul Schartung and Marco Tona. 

Following the services lunch was served in the Brahma Room for the senior class and their families.