Dear daughters and sons of St. Bernard,

This morning I was visited by a father of one our Juniors. His daughter loves our school and is doing very well – 4.1 gpa in the classroom, starting on the varsity in athletics, one of the lead dancers in performing arts, class officer in student government, and one of the leaders in Christian service. Yet he has to take her out and enroll her at the local public school because of lack of finances. The father has been out of work for nearly a year after 15 years of successful television writing. He has picked up small jobs here and there but may soon lose his house – not an uncommon story in my office these days. I tell these people to pay what they can and that I will ask our alumni to help cover the tuition balance with a donation.

Many of our parents need help to cover the costs associated with a St. Bernard’s education and I am entreating you to respond to that need. Hopefully you have fond memories of your high school days at St. Bernard’s. Hopefully you benefited from the religious priests, nuns, brothers and lay teachers who dedicated themselves to your growth and development. Hopefully you will see it in your heart to keep this work of God strong and significant in the lives of our young people today. Hopefully you will help this father.

I truly believe that St. Bernard will not be able to thrive and reach its potential without your help. There is no way a Catholic school can succeed today on tuition alone. You carry in your heart a unique spirit and legacy of the proud history that is St. Bernard High School and these kids today deserve that same experience. You are an integral part of who we are and what we do each day – your spirit still permeates these halls, classrooms, courtyards and fields. Please join us in the vital mission of St. Bernard High School – to send forth scholars and saints into the world. We can’t do it without you.

May the good Lord continue to bless and keep you and your families in grace and goodness. May His face shine upon you and give you peace.

In Jesus, Our Teacher,

Michael Alvarez

Principal