For boarding students at St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman, weekends are anything but ordinary. Since arriving on campus in August, students have balanced their academic responsibilities with a mix of adventure, friendship, and service that stretches well beyond the classroom.

From the start, their weekends have been filled with memorable experiences. A night at a Trash Pandas baseball game in Madison, capped off with an Italian dinner at Francesca’s in Decatur, set the tone for fun-filled outings. Soon after, students soaked up the sun at Wild Water Cullman before heading to Atlanta, where they explored the Georgia Aquarium and toured Emory University.

For junior Yulissa Wang, who came to St. Bernard from China as a freshman, these opportunities have made a lasting impression. With the encouragement of her aunt and a little online research, Wang discovered St. Bernard and quickly found her place in the community. “I know St. Bernard has helped me academically, shaped me personally, and helped me mature. It has allowed me to grow by participating in team sports,” she noted.

Service is also central to boarding life. Students recently volunteered at the Bernard Blues and BBQ Festival, lending their hands and hearts to support their school while connecting with the Cullman community. Their efforts reflect the school’s Benedictine values of hospitality and stewardship.

Weekends are equally about friendship and fun. From bowling nights in Cullman to dining in a cave at the unforgettable Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia, boarding students are creating memories to last a lifetime.

“Boarding life at St. Bernard Prep is designed to provide balance,” said Assistant Headmaster Father Dominic Lee. “Our students experience academic growth during the week, and on weekends they enjoy opportunities to build friendships, explore culture, and serve others. These experiences enrich their education and make their time at St. Bernard truly memorable.”

Operated by the Benedictine monks of St. Bernard Abbey, the school is a Catholic, coeducational day and boarding school for grades 7–12. St. Bernard is set to host Open House on Friday, Nov. 7. For more information, call 256.739.6682 or visit www.stbernardprep.com.