Pope John Paul students serve both on and off campus

Claire Worchel, Guest Column
Pope John Paul II High School

It has been very “cold” start to the new year at Pope John Paul (PJP) II High School in Slidell, but our spirit and hearts remain “warm.”

In just a matter of weeks, our Jaguar family committed to a new theme: “Helping Hands, Warm Hearts.”  As our school’s namesake once said, “Remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look forward to the future with confidence.”

PJP celebrated Grandparents Day, Honor Roll breakfast and Catholic Schools Week honoring these words of John Paul II.

PJP hosted its annual Grandparents’ Day on Jan. 13. This event is set aside for students to share with their loved ones and appreciate the sacrifices they made (and continue to make) for us. It brought well over 300 grandparents to our campus. The day provided games, photos, food, memories and graces and included a surprise performance from John Perkins, an original member of the Crew Cuts and a PJP grandparent, who delighted crowds with a karaoke rendition of “Sh-Boom.”

Jan. 16 recognized and celebrated second-quarter honor roll students. More than half of the student body was treated to breakfast sandwiches and king cake.

The final week of January brought an extended celebration, a sincere appreciation, and an overall effort to highlight the tremendous effects and future of Catholic schools.

PJP extended prayer time for an appreciation of parents, friends, teachers, school and community.

In an effort to show solidarity and gratitude, our student ambassadors visited members of the community throughout the week, including visits to area Catholic schools.

Each year, PJP commits to a school-wide service project. This y

ear, carnival beads were collected to benefit our friends with disabilities at STARC in Slidell, which provides a lifetime of Services, Training, Advocacy, Resources and Community Connections. Beads also went to St. Michael’s Special School to help students continue their own Catholic education. The eighth grade and senior classes collected the most and second-most amount of beads.

Coming soon to PJP will be Donor Awareness WeekFeb. 26-March 2; JagFest 2018 March 2; a St. Joseph feast day Mass and St. Joseph Altar March 19, beginning at 10:30 a.m.; and spring shadow day and campus tours March 26 (registration required).

Claire Worchel is a junior at Pope John Paul II in Slidell.
Photos | COURTESY POPE JOHN PAUL II