COURTESY OF DAMIEN HIGH SCHOOL Brother Karl Berndlmaier works religiously behind the scenes to help everyone in or close to the Damien community, from sports teams to non-English speakers.

Heavy work load lifts
this devoted brother

A Damien teacher dedicates
long days to helping others in
and outside the classroom

You asked
Spiritual, educational realms

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By Josef Aurelio
Damien High School

It is well past the 2:20 p.m. bell ending the school day at Damien. Through a gloomy hallway, a light still glows in Room 511. The room is empty save for a solitary, dark-clothed figure at a table, surrounded by a multitude of books, files, videos and papers.

To a foreign woman in his office, Brother Karl Berndlmaier speaks in a singularly raspy, yet powerful voice, patiently teaching the basics of the English language.

A member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers for 45 years, Berndlmaier came to Hawaii in 1994 and joined the faculty of Damien Memorial High School. Known as one of the busiest individuals on campus, Berndlmaier takes on countless responsibilities outside of teaching, such as tutoring non-English speaking adults in the community in the subjects of English, reading, and writing seven days a week.

"I've always been a workaholic," says Berndlmaier calmly. "I love to work. I like to keep busy."

Working behind the scenes these past nine years at Damien, Berndlmaier stands as an unassuming figure, never calling attention to himself or his work.

Rarely seen outside of his "blacks" (the traditional dress of the brothers), some students and faculty have reportedly seen Berndlmaier outfitted in an aloha shirt, but such spottings are rare and undocumented.

In addition to his teaching schedule, Berndlmaier also serves as counselor for all four grade levels, including the all-important job of college guidance for juniors and seniors.

"If you have questions about college, he is always there, and the door is always open," says junior Carl Castro. "He is always willing to help and will definitely be part of my college-making decision, not just for me, but for anyone. All you have to do is simply ask him."

Berndlmaier feels as comfortable on the green turf at Aloha Stadium as he does behind a desk. Berndlmaier can be seen at every Monarch football game in the fall, working tirelessly on the sidelines helping to get players their necessary water bottles and filling in wherever a need arises.

"There is much more to him than just being a manager for the football team," says varsity football coach Rudy Alejo. "He is a trainer, he videotapes our games, and rehabilitates the team's injuries. He is a man of all trades."

"In high school football and all its realm, it's nice to have a good solid Christian gentleman in the campus," says Alejo. "He is an invaluable person to our school, and a man of truly Christian service."

Berndlmaier is not one to let any part of the day slip by. "I get up at 5 a.m., say prayers, and then I go to school and teach all day. After school, I tutor foreigners in English. Afterwards I go to support Damien's athletic games, prepare and do classwork, and paperwork. I often go to bed at 11 at night."

Berndlmaier also works with the Red Cross on their Mental Health and First-Aid Team.

"He is an amazing person," said junior and senior religion teacher Father Paul Zaccone. "He is definitely a wonderful example of religious life and how to proclaim the gospel."

As one who lives the school's motto, "Viriliter Age" (Act Manfully), Berndlmaier sums it all up quite simply: "If people spent life helping other people, they'd find life way more satisfying."

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You asked

Who inspires you the most in your life, and why?

Marc Yago

Junior

"My mom, because she helps me and inspires me to do my best in everything I do."

Aaron Tacadena

Freshman

"God, because He is God. He created everything and He is everywhere."

Bryan Thomas

Freshman

"Dad, because he thought me everything I know or well at least most of everything I know and it helped me."

DesmondMiranda

Senior

"Dad, because he kept me in there. He talked me out of failing when I wanted to quit."

Richard Dupont

Junior

"Both of my parents because they are always there to support me."

Daniel Carter

Sophomore

"My brother. He is a superman because he taught me things aren't given -- they're earned."

Gabriel Gallego

Sophomore

"My dad, my superman, because he taught me to be a gentleman.

Va'a Faualo

Sophomore

"My parents, because they brought me into this wonderful world."

Fehi Sevelo

Junior

"Kyle Kawada because he works hard at everything he does and he motivates me that way."

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About this page

Each week, Hawaii's teenage reporters and photographers tell us about their high school. This week's school is Damien High School, advised by Sharaine Kim.

Address: 1401 Houghtailing St., Honolulu 96817
Founded: 1962
Students: 396
Faculty: 25
Colors: Mauve and gold
Mascot: Monarchs
School motto: "Viriliter Age -- Act Manfully"
Periods in a day: 7
Lockers: 800
Parking stalls: 99
Coconut trees: 24
Favorite nearby eating spots: Mitsu-Ken and Yuki's

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