Gerold Blum '13

Gerold Blum was a proud 2013 graduate of St. Benedict at Auburndale, where he was involved in various clubs, sports, and organizations. Some of his most proud moments at SBA include being the 2009 Jr. Varsity Football MVP, a member of the varsity football team, President of Make-A-Wish club, participant of March for Life in Washington DC, and SEARCH co-director.    

After an injury caused him to end his time on the SBA football field, Gerold got creative in his attempt to show his beloved school and friends support as they continued their sports endeavors. Gerold could be found leading chants and dances at various sporting events, dressed of course in head-to-toe SBA colors and gear. Gerold started the tradition of "Parting the Nest" and was soon recognized by the basketball team as its "Sixth Man."    

 At the 2013 SBA graduation ceremony, Gerold was awarded the "Most Spirited" senior superlative, and recognized for "Outstanding Service & Leadership to Club St. Jude."    

After graduating from St. Benedict at Auburndale in May 2013, Gerold went on to the University of Memphis where he received the highly respected Army ROTC four-year scholarship, as well as the Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship. He was also the only freshman to make the Army ROTC Ranger team.    

Gerold completed only one semester of college before passing away in his sleep from a heart condition on December 19, 2013.    

Since his passing, numerous events to raise awareness and funds for heart disease research have taken place such as the Gerold Blum Memorial 5k (organized by the University of Memphis' Tiger Military Club), the Gerold Blum Speer Run (organized by the University of Memphis Army ROTC), and the SBA Dodgeball Tournament (organized by the SBA basketball teams). Gerold was also the 2018 American Heart Association Heart Ball honoree and broke the record for the most money raised at a Mid-South Heart Ball.    

 Gerold had a servants heart which was evident to all who encountered him at the University of Memphis. The Emerging Leaders program soon started the Gerold Blum Community Service Scholarship which is awarded to one freshman per year. This recipient must exemplify qualities Gerold had, such as: hands-on community service work, dedication to academics, and unwavering school spirit. These qualities, and many more, Gerold learned, practiced, and was held accountable for at SBA.    

 In 2014, St. Benedict organized and raised enough funds to grant a wish through "Make-A-Wish" in memory of Gerold. This wish made it possible for 7-year-old St. Jude patient, Bailey Parker, to go on a Disney Cruise.    

 Gerold's death also inspired St. Benedict to apply for a grant through the Speer Charitable Trust, Red Cross, and Baptist Hospital Foundation, a grant that would provide CPR training to SBA's nearly 800 students and employees. SBA was awarded this grant and recognized as the only school in the state of Tennessee to have the entire campus CPR-certified.   

 One of Gerold's most notable contributions to SBA was the creation of "The Nest." On Friday, January 17, 2014, SBA held a special dedication ceremony in memory of Gerold Blum before the home basketball game against CBHS. In remembrance of SBA's "Sixth Man" a jersey was placed above the nest with a small plaque dedicating Gerold's service to the athletic teams and school. During each home game, the starting players will "Part the Nest" from the top row as they come onto the floor. It was a tradition Gerold started and loved dearly. The dedication ceremony ended with even CBHS's student section chanting, "THANK YOU, GEROLD!"   

Gerold was a respected and proud member of the SBA family. His genuine love for God, family, friends, and St. Benedict is carried on through these events, fundraisers, stories, and memories.