Under blue skies and temperatures nearing 90 degrees, the stirring melodies of bagpipes drifted across the grounds of the beautifully adorned Abbey Church as St. Bernard Preparatory School celebrated its 127th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 17. Family members, faculty, alumni, and friends filled the church to honor and celebrate the graduating Class of 2026. The commencement ceremony was presided over by President Father Joel Martin, while Chaplain Abott Emeritus Cletus D. Meagher offered the invocation.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus Award to John Maguire Dowd, Class of 1963. A nationally recognized attorney and former attorney for the United States Department of Justice, Dowd built a distinguished legal career defending clients in high-profile white-collar crime cases. He is perhaps best known for leading Major League Baseball’s investigations into sports betting and bribery during the 1980s and 1990s, including the landmark 1989 Dowd Report, which led to Pete Rose's permanent ban from baseball. Dowd also served as legal advisor to President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2018 during the special counsel investigation into Russian election interference.

The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award was presented to Casey L. Daniel, (PS’03), who also delivered the Commencement Address. Dr. Daniel is widely respected for her work in cancer prevention, early detection, and survivorship research, particularly in pediatric, colorectal, and skin cancers. A graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, she earned both her Master of Public Health and Ph.D. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham before completing postdoctoral fellowships at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She currently serves as a researcher and educator at the University of South Alabama.

Dr. Daniel accepted the award and dedicated it to her former classmate, Andrew Gerrard, who tragically passed away from cancer in 2022. 

“This was such a loss for the world. Andrew is among a small group of individuals I would describe as a genuinely good person. I told his sister, Shelly, recently, that he just made my heart happy with his presence, and he did that for so many. He radiated joy and love, but in such an unassuming manner. He didn’t seek recognition for his kindness and generosity. He did everything with sincerity and humility—because that was the type of man he was. The world could use several million more Andrews. We know he is at peace, smiling down on us, and we hope to do justice to his memory by living our lives with the grace and kindness that Andrew did. He will be cherished and loved forever.”

In her soft-spoken address, Daniel reflected on her own cancer diagnosis during her senior year of high school and the determination that carried her through treatment, doctor visits, and ultimately into a career devoted to helping others.

“Let me say to each one of you,” Daniel told graduates, “I was not Valedictorian or Salutatorian or may not have been in the top of my class, but I knew I wanted to kick cancer, and I didn’t want anyone else to have to endure what I faced at such an early age.”

Her powerful message of perseverance and purpose resonated deeply throughout the church and served as a moving reminder of the impact one life can have on others.

Academic honors were also recognized during the ceremony. Parker Guthery was named salutatorian, while Sarah Jane Woods earned the distinction of valedictorian as well as the General Excellence Award.

Following the presentation of diplomas, Valedictorian Sarah Woods addressed her classmates. Graduates then joined together in singing the school alma mater before the ceremony concluded with a final prayer and dismissal.

Music for the afternoon was provided by Jacob Emmanuel Viola, Titular Organist of St. Bernard Abbey, along with the ceremonial bagpipe music performed by Alabama Pipes and Drums.

Following the ceremony, graduates and guests gathered for a reception in the Abbey Church.