Photo cutline: St. Bernard Class of 2022: front row (l-R) - Emma Whaley, Riley Holmes, Xiran Shu, Piper Watson, Merrilee Schartung; 2nd row - Maddie McBride, Claudia Fallin, Mollie Woods, Maggie Holsomback; 3rd row - Jose Zatarain, Arturo Bonilla-Calinao; 4th row - David Parrish, Joseph Keith, Morgan Waites, Josh Kennedy, Adrian Gershfeld, David Pascual-Contreras, Joseph Sammon, Enrique Gutierrez; back row: Campbel Whaley, John Pechon.

St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman held the 123rd commencement exercises on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. with President/Headmaster Father Joel Martin, O.S.B., presiding.  Father Martin welcomed everyone and thanked them for their time to come together and give God the glory by honoring the Class of 2022.

Having graduated from St. Bernard and sharing a special love and bond of St. Bernard, Jim Miller, Class of 1972 and chief executive officer at St. Bernard Preparatory School, delivered the commencement address encouraging each graduate to be themselves and to be useful wherever their feet are planted. He challenged the Class of 2022 to “go change the world.”  

After the commencement address, Father Martin announced this year’s graduation awards.  Margaret Grace Holsomback received the valedictorian award while John Forrest Pechon was named salutatorian. In giving the general excellence medal, the highest award given to a graduating senior, Father Martin stated that “the criteria for this award requires that a student must be enrolled at St. Bernard Prep for the last two full years, be dedicated to academic excellence, exercise leadership, and represent the values of the school.” The 2022 General Excellence Medal was presented to Claudia Rayne Fallin.

Diplomas were presented to the graduating seniors by Abbot Marcus Voss, O.S.B., with Father Martin assisting him. After the awarding of the diplomas, Holsomback gave the valedictory address during which she highlighted their journey and wished each classmate much success.

Father Martin ended the ceremony calling attention to the role that challenges play in life. “We need challenges because we come alive in struggles,” he said. “We have high expectations for your future. You’re made for greatness. Go and take St. Bernard with you.”

The Class of 2022 has received $3,262,522 in scholarship offers from colleges and universities in the United States.  

Music for the graduation exercises was provided by Jannie Ratliff, as well as the Alabama Pipes and Drums Corps.  

Following the prayer and dismissal, a reception was held in the St. Bernard Dining Hall.