A live auction raised $60,000 in just 30 minutes from alumni and supporters at St. Bernard High School’s second annual Gala, held June 7 in Marina del Rey.

Proceeds will furnish new laptops for faculty and two carts of student machines for use during classroom instruction. “Every dollar will go towards hardware and software needed to turn St. Bernard into a cutting edge 21st century learning environment,” said Dr. Cynthia Hoepner, principal.

The Gala event was held to support the launch of the single-gender STEM program. 

The event also honored three people for their contributions to the school: Wayne Murdy, class of 1962, who has funded scholarships for student leaders; Vikki Trillo Valenzuela, class of ’72 and parent of two Viking alumni; and Carolyn Quijano, for 50 years of dedication to Catholic education, many of them at St. Bernard.