The 2026 Festival & Cook-off was a huge success! We are so grateful for the priests who participated, sharing their culinary talents and joyful witness to their vocation.
October 19, 2026 - It’s been busy at St. John Paul II Academy! Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from last week, capturing the heart of life at JPII.
We are filled with gratitude for such a beautiful celebration of liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition here at St. John Paul II Academy! Thanks to our business sponsors and to the many volunteers who brought the event to fruition. We express particular gratitude to the Festival Committee and the Sous-Chefs for their work and dedication.
From the delicious soups the lively Irish band, Festival + the Collar-nary Cookoff was a night to remember. See more photos here. Same time next year?
The high school held a lively parliamentary style debate on "Resolved: Technological progress has surpassed humanity's ability to use it ethically." Mr. Fletcher chaired the debate, and Mr. Ramsgard and Mrs. Thorpe gave the opening docket speeches before the floor was opened to questions and further speeches.
Girls Leadership made rosaries for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, and Boys Leadership immersed themselves in the great outdoors for a nature hike at Wildwood park.
High School Geometry took a break from Euclid’s proofs for a day, integrating their art, theology, and mathematics classes by doing an art study on “Christ the Geometer” - a classic medieval iconographic motif that shows Christ shaping the cosmos with a pair of drafting compasses.
1st Grade has been working diligently at spelling and reading, while diving deeply into Native American culture, learning about and decorating their own tipis.
Some Upper School Lunchtime scenes… Wood shop class meets to put some final touches on their pinewood bench (auctioned off at Festival), while the remainder of the students play 9-square, tetherball, and kickball, with some faculty jumping in to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine as well.
A Featured Glance into Art Classes
The 9th and 10th graders began working with oil paints on canvas to create beautiful landscapes in Ms. Fletcher’s high school art classes.
6th & 7th graders got an Intro to Iconography class with Ms. Simons, creating their own copies of the Theotokos image while diving into the rich history and techniques traditionally used in writing icons.
Kindergarten has been living seasonally, doing crayon rubbings with fresh fall leaves and a guided still life drawings with Ms. Sawicki.
The 2nd & 3rd graders learned print-making, integrating their history lesson on the printing press into art class.
Griffin Sports Update! 🏐🔥⚽️❤️
CHAMPS! 🏆 After a challenging season learning new skills and growing in their love for the game, 4th Grade Griffin Volleyball SWEPT the championship tournaments and brought home the 1st Place Trophy in their league! Way to go, ladies!
The 6th Grade Team remained undefeated all season, and the 8th Grade Team clinched 2nd place in their league. We are so proud of these ladies, and can’t wait to cheer them on as they take on their championship tournaments next weekend! Verso l’Alto!
And did you know that Pope St. John Paul II loved to play soccer? This year, our Kindergarten boys and 1st/2nd grade girls have been following in the footsteps of our beloved patron. It’s been a delight to watch them blaze a new trail in Griffin athletics.
Hope you enjoyed this week in the life of JPII. Stay tuned for more glimpses in and out of the classroom as we continue to form saints, fully alive!