Around the Community St. John Paul II Catholic High School Opens their New Gymnasium

On February 13, St. John Paul II Catholic High School opened their newly constructed, 27,000 sq ft. gymnasium. This marks a historic day in the life of the school: to host a home game on campus, the first since the school opened in 2009.

The new gymnasium boasts gorgeous, branded championship volleyball and basketball courts as well as 3 auxiliary volleyball courts and 2 auxiliary basketball courts making it ideal for hosting tournaments and community events. In October, students participated in a highly successful oneday fundraiser to raise funds to outfit the space with two digital LED scoreboards (one 18 ft!) and audio video equipment to give the fans and athletes a one-of-a-kind experience when attending games and events in their home space. The gym also has a large concession area and lobby that proudly displays the spirit of the school and welcomes guests. The second phase, which includes a large weight room, men’s and women’s locker rooms, training room and laundry has already begun.

This gymnasium project was a combined partnership between the school, led by Principal Andrew Iliff, and the Archdiocese of San Antonio, led by Archbishop Gustavo as one of the special projects of the Archdiocesan wide “On the Way, Andale” capital campaign.

The project was designed and constructed under the management of Kim Lehmann Gonzalez, Director of Advancement at St. John Paul II CHS and project manager, Bill Norton of the Norton Co. The construction team included General Contractor, Kopplow Construction Co, Architect, Sterling and Kap Architects of Waco, and Civil Engineer, Westwood Professional Services. This gym would not have been possible without the generous donations of parents, alumni, school benefactors and community partners. Several local companies came together to support the school’s efforts through in-kind support including Anderson Columbia, Clark Asphalt, Brauntex Materials, Cemex, Associated Concrete, and The Hanson Group.

The Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club has established this scholarship program for high school seniors who are residents or attend school in Schertz or Cibolo, to encourage higher education or training and assist the applicants’ achievement of personal goals.

The Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club works as a service club organization and partners with the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Foundation to raise money for worthy local causes such as this scholarship program. All funds raised are used for charitable purposes; administrative costs are kept strictly separate and paid for by members.

The scholarship award may be used for tuition, fees, or expenses for any full-time post-secondary institution of higher learning. Acceptable institutions include traditional two or four-year colleges or universities accredited by a state, regional or national agency, or an educational, vocational, or technical training program of at least one year in duration.

In the past, up to 5 scholarships of $1,000.00 each have been awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible students must:

■ Be currently enrolled high school seniors (including home-schooled students)

■ Have a graduation date in May/June 2023

■ Reside or attend school in Schertz, Cibolo, or Selma.

Completed application packages must be received (not postmarked) no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Scholarship winner(s) will not receive direct payment from the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Foundation; instead, awards will be made in the name of the recipient to their selected institution of higher learning upon receipt of evidence of registration or enrollment.

For more information, contact Dr. David L. Scagliola, Scholarship Committee Chair, at (830) 606-1130 or visit the Schertz-Cibolo Lions Club website Calendar page and click the ‘view flyer’ tab on the scholarship listing.