As Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School in Dumfries begins
its 11th year, it continues to grow and unite under the theme “Crystal Clear in
Christ.”
“St. John Paul taught us that the goal of Catholic education is
communicating Christ and forming Christ in the lives of others,” said Dominican
Sister Mary Veronica, principal. “This is the goal of all we do at John Paul.
Therefore, we must provide an outstanding education that addresses the whole
person: academically, physically and spiritually. We had a beautiful decade of
success. As we advance even more, we are going to continue capitalizing on our
call to greatness.”
The school welcomes eight new faculty members, including Jack
Anderson, Caitlyn Flay, Jim Florio, Edward Heffernan, Kerry Kaminski, Isaac
Kassock, Hassan Moore and Mary Sinnott.
Kaminski brings a strong resume as chair of the school’s Special
Services Department. She has experience in special education, paired with a
bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington and a master’s
degree in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University in
Fairfax.
New academic endeavors include expanding the Media and
Communication Department through the utilization of its own radio station and
studio.
“In addition to academic support, we have launched a formalized
program within our Special Services Department called the Laudare Program,” said
Adam Bigbee, assistant principal of academics.
“This program is a small group environment that can meet the
needs of students with specific learning disabilities,” Bigbee said. “We are
giving even more opportunities to students who beforehand were not able to
receive a genuine Catholic education at the high school level.”
New to the athletic program this fall, the school will host home
football games at a new stadium.
“It is amazing that in just a few months the facility experience
for our student-athletes has been transformed,” said athletic director Chris
Vander Woude. “Our outdoor facilities have reached an elite level through the
renovation and expansion of our playing fields, including an agreement with
Prince William County. We now have access to eight athletic fields, including
two artificial turf and Bermuda fields.”
The school welcomes new varsity head coaches — Donald Turner for
boys football, Jay Jesse for boys soccer and Laurie Stio for girls cheer. In
addition, the school has added tennis to its extensive list of sports. Girls’
tennis will compete this fall under the direction of Frank Kingett.
“Athletics at John Paul is an excellent vehicle for students to
develop a sense of Christian brotherhood or sisterhood amongst their peers,”
Jesse said. “On the boys soccer team we seek to discover a greater sense of
Christian masculinity as the boys come to understand more deeply their call to
be self-sacrificing, to persevere in the face of adversity, to pursue
excellence with integrity and to grow closer to Christ who offers his wisdom
and strength to make it all possible.”
Dominican Sister Ann Dominic, director of the house system, said,
“School has not even started and our senior servant leaders are already back on
campus to prepare a warm welcome for the incoming students. Each year the
senior servant leaders brainstorm and execute an amazing house reveal for the
freshman. We can’t wait to welcome all new students home.”
From the classroom, to the fields, stages and the sacraments, John
Paul the Great is thriving. Highlights during the coming year include bioethics
seminars, the Oct. 5 homecoming game and an open house Nov. 4.