Bernardo, Athletics Programs

Bernardo was a student struggling in many aspects of school. During Bernardo’s 6th and 7th grade school years, his GPA hovered at 2.17. Comments from his teachers on his report card included remarks such as “poor effort,” “not handing in homework,” and “disrupts class.” He was tardy often and caused regular distractions in the classroom. Thus, Bernardo spent time in the principal’s office on a regular basis.

Something changed in 8th grade when Bernardo began participating in the Athletics program. His GPA jumped to an average of 2.9 and teachers began to recognize a change in attitude, class room behavior, and performance. The comments on his report card were now mainly positive and included “great effort,” “hands in homework,” and “participates well in class.” He was only tardy once and his visits to the office declined dramatically to just once during the year.

Right before his 8th grade year began, Bernardo became Captain of the school football team, the Gauchos. He led them to their best record in school history at 4-2-2. “Bernardo was the first at practice and the last to leave; he worked very hard and always gave his all!” said Gauchos’ head coach Jerrod Taylor.

Bernardo was also captain of the Bruce-Guadalupe basketball team, leading them to an undefeated season and the first UCC league basketball championship in school history. In addition he was also a member of the coed intramural volleyball team at the school.

“Bernardo’s leadership skills are tremendous. He leads his teammates on and off the field,” says Eric Roecker, UCC Athletic Director. When asked, Bernardo credits his participation in Athletics to helping him at school. Being a key part of team, Bernardo knew that if he messed up his team would suffer. He did not want to let his teammates or himself down and began to take more pride in his work at school.

This past summer Bernardo took his leadership to a new level and participated in the Youth Volunteer Corps. As a member of YVC, Bernardo worked all summer assisting with the younger students in the afternoon Summer Recreation Program. He enjoys teaching the students the value of working hard and team work. With his leadership, academics on track, and athletics success, Bernardo is now taking his newly-found talents to Pius XI High School, where he plans on playing football, basketball, and track.