The All Bernardian is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a graduating senior. It is designed to recognize one male and one female student from the senior class who epitomizes the St. Bernard’s tradition of excellence in Catholic education. In the early spring, faculty cast their ballots for All Bernardian using the following criteria:
“Academic Seriousness, Personal Ethics and Leadership, The Golden Rule, Spirituality, and School Involvement for love of the school”
The two All Bernardians are announced at the Senior Awards Night preceding Graduation. The earliest All Bernardian dates back to 1948 with the selection of Robert Bruneau. The first female All Bernardian was named in 1960 with the selection of Nancy Turcotte. All Bernardian photos are currently displayed in the Bernardian Room on 45 Harvard Street.
The trophy for Male All Bernardian was first donated by the Catholic Men of Fitchburg group in 1950. Later, the St. Bernard’s Class of 1953 began a tradition of awarding All Bernardians with a commemorative scholarship. This tradition continued for decades until 2009 when the Class of 2008 adopted a new tradition in which the preceding year’s graduating class awards the All Bernardian scholarships to next year’s worthy recipients.
The naming of the All Bernardians each spring continues to draw interest and excitement from the St. Bernard’s community, as the award truly exemplifies what it means to be a Bernardian.