Saint Catherine’s military tradition is long and illustrious, and it is my honor to be associated with such a fine institution. The military program is an integral part of our cadets’ education and focuses on providing our cadets the tools for life success.
The St. Catherine’s military department’s mission is to promote and foster self-discipline and leadership within each cadet through use of enforced discipline and rewards. In keeping with the Dominican Order’s philosophy, the military department’s primary objectives are to develop within each cadet a keen sense of honor, commitment, cooperation, initiative, discipline, leadership and respect by use of proven military training methods and techniques.
The primary foundation for success is the Cadet Honor Code; a Cadet Does Not Lie, Cheat, Steal, Disrespect Others, or Tolerate Those That Do. No matter what our cadets are doing or where they are, the honor code is always reinforced and adhered to. Additionally, using tried and true military instruction methods and by strictly setting a proper example at all times, the military program teaches every cadet the meanings and application of key life success tools to include self-discipline, self-motivation, self-respect, self-awareness, integrity, moral courage, initiative, bearing, tact, and loyalty. Each cadet achieves success solely on his own merit while my military department instructors and I teach and mentor them both inside the classroom and on the drill field. Additionally, the military department augments the physical education department by further challenging each cadet through use of military style physical training and team building events.
Our military department is always looking forward and continually seeking new and innovative methods and techniques to motivate and teach our cadets the meaning of honor, discipline, respect and leadership. Whether it is challenging them during smaller team building exercises on campus or our new one-week leadership camp held at Camp San Luis Obispo every summer, our cadets are challenged both physically and mentally while always learning important life lessons.
My pledge to all of my cadets and their parents is to always treat every cadet with respect while teaching each of them the importance of discipline and honor. Here at St. Catherine’s our cadets learn much more than what is provided in a solely academic institution. They learn how to be leaders and young men of honor. The military tradition of St. Catherine’s is long standing and proud, and the members of my military team are dedicated to keeping our cadets safe while teaching them valuable lessons provided by no other Kindergarten through 8th Grade school in the United States.
Barry B. Bizzell
Colonel
United States Marine Corps (Retired)
Commandant