e-News Update Email Update Top Stories • Canonization of our Patron • Open House & Registration Night • Fiddler on the Roof • All School Retreat • Classroom News • March for Life • JP Volleyball visits Navy in Annapolis • House Update • Music Update • Sports Update • Student News • Faculty & Staff News Admissions • Applications • Visiting JP Advancement • Donate On-line • Gala Tix on Sale! …Last but Not Least: • In the News • W.A.W • Blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter! • Please Forward April 2014 Great and Saint! We are thrilled that our patron, Pope John Paul the Great, is officially being named a saint! The canonization of a patron happens only once, and we are blessed that it is happening in our lifetime! For this reason, and many others, we celebrate the life, teachings, and legacy of Pope John Paul the Great. Our school community is hosting a series of celebrations (some just for the school, some for families, and some open to the public) that enable us to pray, to give thanks, and honor the contributions that Pope John Paul II made to the world. A number of events are open to the public, so please join us! • • Canonization Celebration page Press Release – Canonization Events Events open to the public include: See the Beauty! A Professional Art Exhibit Celebrating St. John Paul the Great, Lover of Beauty Opening Night: May 6; 6 – 10pm; Free. Runs through May. Preview the professional exhibit program! Strike a Chord! Our Spring Concert Celebrating St. John Paul the Great, Actor and Patron of the Arts. May 6; 7pm. Free. Let it Steep! A Tea for Women with reflections on living the ‘Feminine Genius’ Celebrating St. John Paul the Great, Teacher and Writer. May 9; 4 – 6pm. Free. RSVP required. Event Flier. Play it Again! An encore performance of Karol Wojtyla’s play, The Jeweler’s Shop, Celebrating St. John Paul the Great, Playwright and Actor. May 9; 7pm. $10 tickets at the door. Event flier. Raise a Glass! JP Family Association Gala and Auction, Celebrating St. John Paul the Great, Friend and Lover of Life. Advance ticket purchase required. May 17. Gala Info Page. Contact Us www.jpthegreat.org [email protected] Ph: 703.445.0300 Fax: 703.445.0301 Office Hours: M-F: 7:30am – 3:30pm. Open House and Registration Celebration On March 13th the John Paul community welcomed prospective students and new Wolves to the Spring Open House and Registration Celebration. Prospective students and families were given the opportunity to tour the facilities and meet JP students, faculty and staff. Later in the evening, the school rolled out the red carpet to welcome the largest freshmen class in the history of the school, along with a record number of transfer students. In addition to securing their spot for the fall, new students were able to mingle with future teachers and fellow classmates and also sign up for clubs and sports information. A very warm welcome to the class of 2018 and our new transfer students! We are looking forward to your arrival in August! Drama Club Production of Fiddler on the Roof By Teresa Cummings, 2015 On April 11, 12 and 13 JP drama took the stage to perform the spring musical Fiddler on the Roof. Tevye (Jimmy Mullen), a poor milkman, and his wife Golde (Sabrina Morales), live in a town of never ending Jewish Traditions. Their daughters Tzietel (Christine Conner), Hodel (Felicity Moran), and Chava (Megan Krakie) guide Tevey into the changing world, each by breaking a tradition. Through phenomenal costumes, graceful choreography, and unbelievable vocalists; the JP Drama Club cast, crew and orchestra wove together a beautiful production. Congratulations to our JP Drama Club and Band! Junior Ring Mass and Dance The JP Junior class received their class rings at the Junior Ring Mass on March 19. The Mass was celebrated as an all-school Mass, and parents and family members of the Junior class were invited to attend. The Juniors were dressed in their “Sunday-best” to celebrate the day. After Mass, the Junior class heard a speech from Mr. McNulty, Assistant Principal for Student Life, and were presented with their rings by Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover, Principal. Following the Mass was a reception in the cafeteria where the Juniors could celebrate with their families and friends and show off their new rings! Just a few days later, the Juniors gathered for the Junior Ring Formal to celebrate their role as the new Senior class. The students looked fantastic as they dressed in formal attire and danced the night away! All School Retreat On February 19 the annual All School Retreat was held. Echoing the words of John Paul II, this year’s theme “#Not Afraid,” included talks from speakers Leo Chavaria, Ashley McGuire, Sister Claire Hunter, F.S.E, and Michael Storck. The talks focused on how to witness to Christ and overcome life’s tough challenges and fears. The day also included Mass, Adoration, the opportunity for confession, and a few friendly competitions including Olympic Curling and Tug of War. Thank you to all of our speakers and to Father Lundberg for organizing such a wonderful retreat! Classroom News Fr. Matthew Carroll, O.P., visits JP History classes Fr. Matthew Carroll, O.P., a native of Manassas, spoke to the freshmen world history classes on March 20th. As part of the classes' study of the Middle Ages, Father Carroll talked about the history of the mendicant religious orders and the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. Father Carroll was ordained to the priesthood for the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in May 2013, and is currently finishing graduate studies at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington. Thank you Father for taking the time to visit with us, and for sharing your knowledge! Anatomy and Physiology Classes visit NVCC Medical Campus Back in January, students in Anatomy and Physiology I took a tour of NVCC Medical Campus. During the trip the students were escorted into the facility’s cadever lab where they were able to personally observe cadavers and organs. The trip allowed students to see firsthand the different body systems they had just studied during the semester. A big thanks to Ms. Jackson for giving our students this unique opportunity! JP students attend March for Life Attending the March for Life definitely required patience and determination by JP students, faculty and staff this year! After Christmas break, the JP community gathered for a pro-life assembly in preparation for the March. Guest speakers included David Bereit, National Director of the prayer campaign to end abortion known as “40 Days for Life” along with his wife, Margaret. Several students also spoke about their past experiences at the March for Life and encouraged their fellow classmates to attend. By the time the March for Life drew near, almost 400 students had signed up to attend, which was the highest number in school history. But as January 22nd approached, weather conditions were poor and Prince William County decided to cancel school for the day. Despite this being a potential day off, nearly 200 students still arrived at JP that morning to attend the March for Life! It was quite encouraging to see their zeal and enthusiasm to support life! Before heading into Washington DC for the March, students attending the Diocesan “Life is VERY Good” Youth Rally & Mass at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. The students joined thousands of other teens from across the country to pray together before the March and celebrate Mass with our very own, Bishop Loverde. JP Volleyball travels to Army Navy Volleyball Match On November 15th, through the organization of JP parent, Michael Michell, the John Paul JV and Varsity Girls Volleyball Team traveled to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland to watch the Army V Navy volleyball match. General Ortiz, father of Victoria Ortiz was kind enough to give a tour of the Academy before the match, and introduced the John Paul team to the Navy players. Despite losing the match to Army, the Navy team gave a warm welcome to our players, and even handed out signed t-shirts to commemorate the event! House Update The Houses have accomplished so much in the past few months! Below is a list of House activities and the current House point standings. For anyone who thinks high school can’t be fun, check this out: House Events: Teacher Baby Picture Contest Epiphany Parties House of Aquino Feast Day Sadie Hawkins Dance House of More Feast Day House Basketball Competition Name That Tune Circle Competition Valentine’s Day Carnation Sale and Delivery Family Feud Jumbo Volleyball Tournament Father-Daughter, Mother-Son Dance Movie Jeopardy House Musical Chairs/Scavenger Hunt Penny War House of Castello Feast Day House of the Month: September: Ruiz October: Aquino November: More December: Ruiz January: Castello February: Martin March: Ruiz House Point Standings as of April 1: More: 361 Ruiz: 361 Martin: 318 Aquino: 314 Dominic: 295 Castello: 292 Gianna: 267 Diego: 235 Music Update Several JP students recently participated in the Prince William County All District Band and Choir Competition. Congratulations to the following JP students who were selected to be a part of this select group of musicians: Mike Wood (Band), Jarrett Littles (Band), Eric Maxwell (Choir), Grant Tabler (Choir), Erin Stout (Choir), Caroline Strickland (Choir), Allie Wright (Choir), and Sammie Hundessa (Choir – alternate). For the All District Assessment, the Wolves scored very well, with Band earning a II overall and a I in sight reading, and Women’s Choir earning a II both in sight reading and their overall score. Luke Morris, Grant Tabler, Sarah Cunningham, Julia Stubbs, and Erin Stout traveled to Catholic University on April 12th to participate in Honor’s Choir. They had a great day with professors who really help them and brought out the best in their voices! They came back singing their praises. Several of our students also played in the pit orchestra for Fiddler on the Roof. They are Celina Alvarez, Will Schaefermeier, Kelly Taylor, Mike Wood, Sabrina Judy, Morgan Taylor, Brooke Guenther, Chris Byrne, Keri Degan, Wil Adams and Sherry Xu. The Music department is currently preparing for the Canonization Concert “Strike a Cord” on May 6th at 7 PM. The theme this spring is Hooray for Hollywood! The JP musicians will showcase the seniors who are leaving and we will be performing songs from movies and television over the years. The guitar ensemble is also working hard to prepare for their own concert on May 15th. It will include a variety of music from the Renaissance to contemporary rock. Our seniors, Andrew Lane & John Treanor will also perform their senior solos. Please come out and support our students! Sports Update Fall Varsity Athletic Award Ceremony On Wednesday, December 11, the athletic department hosted JP’s first Fall Sports Varsity Athletic Award Ceremony. The ceremony honored athletes who earned Varsity Letter Awards and also recognized the major accomplishments of the fall season. This fall our teams were composed of 227 student-athletes who played on 12 teams for 6 different sports. During this ceremony the athletic department awarded a total of 137 Varsity Athletic Letter Awards for Cross Country, Cheerleading, Field Hockey, Football, Boys Soccer, and Volleyball. In addition, each varsity team awarded three plaques for major award winners from the season. Those award winners included: • Cross Country (Boys): Mr. Cross Country (MVP): Andre Gallant; Coaches Award: Sean Tully; Team Wolf Award: Mark Choe • Cross Country (Girls): Miss Cross Country (MVP): Denise Gallant; Coaches Award: Emily Conner; Team Wolf Award: Clare Starrs • Cheerleading: Most Valuable Cheerleader: Emily Clement; Coaches Award: Lauren Laws; Most Improved Award: Caitlin St. Amour • Field Hockey: Most Valuable Player: Renee Paquette; Coaches Award: Sydney Stryker; Most Improved Award: Maria Reese • Football: Most Valuable Player: Zak Perroots; Coaches Award: DJ Stefonsky; Most Improved Award: Austin Otter • Soccer (Boys): Most Valuable Player: John Yates; Coaches Award: Patrick Frick; Team Wolf Award: Patrick Gelbach • Volleyball: Most Valuable Player: Katherine Duquiatan; Coaches Award: Brooke Guenther; Most Improved Award: Melissa Strickland VISAA ALL STATE RECOGNITION ANNOUNCED At the conclusion of each season, the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) selects an All State team to recognize the top players among the private schools in Virginia. This fall, John Paul the Great had several students who garnered these awards. Congratulations to Nyakeh Braima for being named to the 2nd Team All State Boys Soccer team. In Cross Country, All State honors went to Denise Gallant, Andre Gallant, and Sean Tully. For Football, congratulations to DJ Stefonsky who was named to the 2nd Team for All State Football in the defensive back position. Honorable mention All State Football players included: Zak Perroots (running back), Michael Horan (running back), John Simms (offensive line), Sam White (offensive line), Cameron Kotwicki (tight end), Michael Nguyen (punter), DJ Stefonsky (wide receiver), and Austin Otter (punt returner). Winter Varsity Athletic Award Ceremony On March 12 the Athletic Department honored our Winter Sports Athletes for the 2013-14 season. Student-Athletes who participated in basketball, cheerleading, swimming, and wrestling were awarded their Varsity Letter Awards. In addition, the teams awarded various individual awards for the season. This season we honored a total of 101 Varsity Letter recipients. Congratulations to all of our award winners. This past Winter Season’s major award winners are: • Boys Basketball: Most Valuable Player: Michael Coyle; Defensive MVP: Pernell Adgei; Wolf Award: Chauncey Wallace • Girls Basketball: Most Valuable Player: Christina Leary; Coaches Award: Gabrielle Gordon; Most Improved Player: Madison Judge • Winter Cheerleading: Most Valuable Player: Julia Settle; Coaches Award: Reniah Carlos; Most Improved Cheerleader: Mikayla Patrick • Boys Swimming: Co- Most Valuable Swimmers: Steve Miller & Andre Michell; Most Improved Swimmer: John Donovan; Wolf Award: Alex MacDonald • Girls Swimming: Most Valuable Swimmer: Corrie Michell; Most Improved Swimmer: Nikole Skaines; Wolf Award: Julia Ranieri • Wrestling: Most Valuable Wrestler: Stephen Corbett; Coaches Award: Paul Roder; Wolf Award: Matt Keller SPORTS BLOG! Visit our sports blog: John Paul Wolf Pack for more information on JP athletics and games! Student News JP Students Place in Local Essay Writing Contest! The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) awarded third place to Michael Vasquez and honorable mention to Kyle Horan in their annual essay contest about Irish history, “The Book of Kells – It’s Origin & Present Day Influence”. The LAOH is an order of Irish and Irish-American Catholic women committed to living out their faith and Irish heritage through their motto: Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity. LAOH Division Historian and JP parent, Mrs. Laura Corbett, presented Michael and Kyle with their certificates at a small ceremony after the Junior Ring Mass. Both essays will now move to the statewide essay contest. Congratulations and well done Michael and Kyle! JP Seniors and alumnus receive nominations to West Point Senior Jeremy Collier, and alumnus Caroline Collier (2013) pose with Representative Rob Whittman at the Congressional Nomination Ceremony in February. Jeremy and Caroline both received nominations to West Point. Jeremy has accepted an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Also receiving nominations to West Point at the Nomination Ceremony were JP seniors Andre Michell and Jack Shofi. JP Basketball Player makes Washington Post Play of the Week Congratulations to Eryn Crosby whose winning shot made the Washington Post’s play of the week in December! To view the video click here! Faculty News Pope John Paul the Great would like you to share in the joys of the recent milestones and accomplishments of faculty and staff. Please continue to pray for each of them as they celebrate the beauty and abundance of life. Marriages and Engagement Miss Cara Mitchell (Math teacher) married Mr. Tim Thrun at St. Rita Catholic Church on November 9, 2013. (now Mrs. Thrun) Miss Mary Kate Brock (Chair, Physical Education) married Mr. Marion Miner on March 1, 2014. (now Mrs. Miner) Mr. Nicholas Fonte (Religion teacher) married Miss Serra Ann Boland at St. Rita Catholic Church in March 1, 2014. (still Mr. Fonte. ) Ms. Sierra Correa (Religion and Digital Photography teacher) is engaged to marry Mr. Peter Nolan in June 2014 Mr. Joseph Healy (History and Religion teacher) is engaged to marry Ms. Erin Kinsley at St. Rita Catholic Church in June 2014. Ms. Tricia Zackrisson, (School counselor) is engaged to marry Mr. Jerry Laguilles at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church in Washington, DC in June 2014 Mrs. Laurie Krauss (Math teacher) looks forward to wedding of her daughter, Alyssa Krauss, to John Cogill in June 2014 New and Anticipated Births Mr. Jerry Sarchet (History teacher) and his wife welcomed their fourth child, Vincent Donald Sarchet, on October 13, 2013. Mr. Jay Jesse (Asst. to the Principal) and his wife welcomed their first child, James David Jesse, on November 14, 2013. Mrs. Erin Dove (Physical Education teacher) and her husband welcomed their first child, Nicolas Leo Dove, in March 2014. Mr. Adam Stanislawski (Options Program teacher) and his wife welcomed their first child, Chiara Marie Stanislawski, in April 2014. Mrs. Jessica Zoeller (ASP teacher) and her husband will welcome their first child in May 2014. Mr. Bobby Murphy (Religion teacher) and his wife will welcome their third child in July 2014. Mr. Mark Moran (Chair, Science dept.) and his wife will welcome their third child in July 2014. Mrs. Rosemary Boersma (English teacher) and her husband will welcome their first child in August 2014. Ordinations Dr. Scott Ross (JP team physician), a family medicine physician with Bull Run Family Practice in Manassas, was ordained a permanent deacon on Jan 18, 2014. With the loving support of his wife and two children, Deacon Dr. Scott Ross now serves his patients, our student-athletes and the parishioners of Holy Trinity in Gainesville Anniversaries Mr. O’Connor (Chair, Art dept.) and his wife celebrated 10 years of Holy Matrimony on August 15, 2013 Dr. McIlheran (Chair, English dept.) and her husband celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in July 2013 Accomplishments Mrs. Kingett (Music teacher) received acceptance of her Master’s thesis in Theology in July 2013. Dr. McIlheran (Chair, English dept.) is chairing a paper session at AERA, the American Education Research Association, entitled “Fostering Student Awareness of Literacy Strategies and Processes” Mr. Fonte (Religion teacher) will graduate with a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame in July 2014 Miss Boyle (Chair, Social Studies dept.) has been selected as a Fellow of the Catholic Information Center’s inaugural Leonine Forum. The Leonine Forum provides a monthly opportunity to study of the main tenets of Catholic Social Teaching. Over the course of the academic year, Miss Boyle joins young Catholic professionals and Catholic scholars for discussions on the common good, natural law, and moral theology. “It’s an honor to be a part of such an exciting program,” said Miss Boyle. “I am grateful for the opportunity to ponder some of the most important ideas in the Church today. Programs like these prove that the Christian serves as a necessary voice of reason in the national discussion of political and social issues.” From Admissions Applications are still being accepted for the 2014-2015 school year on a wait-pool-only basis. All rising 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students are welcome to apply! Click here for an overview of the application process! Visit JP the Great: Come see for yourself what all the buzz is about! • Prospective students are welcome to ‘shadow’ and spend a school day at JP. Current 7th grade students are also welcome to come in May! Click to here to schedule a visit. • Tours will continue to be offered throughout the school year and summer. For available dates please visit our website. Want more information? Visit the Admissions pages of our website: www.jpthegreat.org, or call 703-445-0218. From Advancement Support JP Your gifts of time, prayer, and treasure help to make John Paul a GREAT school. Please click here to see how you can participate in our mission of Catholic education! Raise a Glass! Gala Tickets Available! Tickets are still on available for the Family Association Gala and Auction on May 17! Please visit the Gala web page for more information! In the News A showcase of Catholic schools The Arlington Catholic Herald – April 9, 2014 Wolves to be visit JP The Arlington Catholic Herald – April 1, 2014 What was the top play of the high school basketball season? The Washington Post – March 18, 2014 Silence gives voice to the unborn The Arlington Catholic Herald – February 14, 2014 Wolves Around the World (WAW) e-News is always taking WAW submissions! Please email photos of you or your loved ones in Wolf Ware to: [email protected]. Don’t forget to include your name and a brief description of when and where you visited while showing off your JP pride! On a cold February morning, JP teachers Jeanette Morin and Bobby Murphy took the Polar Plunge at nearby Tim’s Rivershore to benefit Special Olympics! Mr. Keane’s AP Art History class visiting the National Museum of African art in Washington, DC. Students attending the JP Band and Drama field trip to NYC. JP teachers and administrators pose for a picture on the NYC band and drama field trip. Blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter! Holy weeks begins with a beautiful rendition of Living Stations of the Cross, courtesy of Sister Mary Brigid and her students in religion and drama club. We wish all e-News readers a blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter! PS: Please Forward e-News! Share the good news about JP the Great with your friends, relatives, and neighbors! Forward e-News! (AOL users, please mark us as “safe” so e-News will be delivered to your in-box!) (To be removed from our e-News list, please email [email protected].)