The Shield Magazine of Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, Summer 2023

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School

The Shield

Summer 2023 Edition

Karen Phillips

Interim Head of School

Andrew Griffith

Associate Head of School for Academics

Laura Thigpen

Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations

Contributors

Michelle Barber, Dean of Advancement

Jessami Jacobson, Annual Fund & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Lori Jones, Director of Communications & Special Projects

Jennifer Smith, Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Saul Buda ‘18, Photographer

Editor, Layout Design & Photography

Jennifer Smith, Director of Marketing & Public Relations

How to Reach Us

The Shield Magazine

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School

117 Caldwell Drive

Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075

Email: jennifer.smith@popeprep.org

Facebook & Instagram: @jpiiknights

Alumni Contact

Jessami Jacobson, Annual Fund & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Email: jessami.jacobson@popeprep.org

Our Mission

Inspired by Faith, Pope John Paul II Preparatory School prepares students to be strong in mind, body, character, and spirit for lives of learning and service, according to the Gospel.

On the Cover Ecology Water Quality Science Lab (Tevy Fish ‘23, recipient of the Hans Broekman Service Award for the class of 2023, is pictured.)

On this Page

Photo by Jennifer Smith

Photo by Rick Murray, 2022

from the office of the INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Friends in the Pope Prep Community,

As I conclude my 22 years with Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, my overwhelming message is one of deep gratitude to each of you who has made the experience of being a member of this embracing community so rewarding. My journey began in late 2000 when Father Choby (later, Bishop Choby) invited me to assist in developing the curriculum for the new Catholic high school. And over the last two decades, I have been privileged with the unique opportunity to apply my limited experience and vision toward developing the programming that is today Pope John Paul II Preparatory School. This school, envisioned by the Catholic Diocese of Nashville and made tangible by the first Board of Trustees, was brought to life by the knowledge of inspiring and transformative educators. I was invited and challenged to “reach beyond” myself and find others whose expertise could assist in developing what would become the academic program for JPII. At the root of my career’s work, regardless of the varied capacities in which I have served the school these past 20 years, I must acknowledge how much I have been rewarded by my opportunities to teach, as they have allowed me to serve alongside amazing and dedicated faculty and staff. Partnering with them has deepened my understanding of how administrative decisions affect the important work we do daily to develop students. The classroom (as well as the playing fields) is foundational. It is where we find the answer to ‘the why’ of the school and where I have found my greatest satisfaction and reward. It is where the community is built and where one’s skills as an encourager, a validator, a coach, and a role model are confirmed. In continuing to teach, I affirmed my view

of teaching as a ministry - a way of serving others with my talents and skills. I may have concluded my career with a new title, but none will be dearer than the one I stumbled into and was so fortunate to have held for 35 years - that of a teacher.

In this final year of my tenure at Pope Prep, the gift and challenge of serving as Interim Head of School has broadened my view of the many complex components that make up a school. It has further deepened my appreciation for the importance of each individual who is committed to its success. I exit with gratitude for the grace and support of all my colleagues, the students, parents, Trustees, Diocesan leaders, and faithful donors - all of whom have acknowledged my contributions with far more praise than warranted.

As I look toward retirement, I have come full circle from the ‘early retirement’ I took to stay home with my children during their younger years. Over the extent of my ‘resumed’ work career, I have been blessed to see my five children graduate from high school and college and earn advanced degrees. I have experienced the joys of four weddings and the subsequent births of eleven grandchildren. The Pope Prep community supported and made my enjoyment of all these milestones possible, even during personal and family crises. I am indebted beyond words to the community that has helped me celebrate my family’s high points and thank my incredible children who have created great successes in their lives without the close support of their mother. In the coming years, I welcome the opportunity to turn more of my attention back to them.

HONORING

KAREN PHILLIPS

Fr. Ohanaka gave Ms. Phillips a special blessing during the final community Mass of the year. On the left page, Ms. Phillips received the traditional retirement gift and send off at the year-end faculty and staff breakfast.

As the day of my retirement has finally arrived, I must admit that while I am ready for a change of pace, I am not eager to leave the Pope Prep community. The extensive community I had the privilege to join 21 years ago is a vibrant, nurturing, caring home where evidence of what it looks like to model lives after Christ’s example is apparent every day. To have been part of building this robust school with remarkable programs and its noble mission has not only provided me with a professional career that has extended my knowledge and expertise far beyond anything I could have imagined, but it has also centered my intention in ways that, with God’s continued grace, I will always honor.

I would like to claim that my answer of ‘yes’ to Pope John Paul II High School in 2001 was brave with a seer’s knowledge of what would materialize, but honestly, I was timid, reluctant, and lacked confidence. I know now that God’s grace led me every step of the way. I have complete confidence that the leaders, faculty and staff, students, parents, and all supporters of this remarkable community will continue to embrace the challenges that lie ahead and find the wisdom and commitment to continue to make Pope John Paul II Preparatory School an even more extraordinary and transformative place to learn and live as it, “opens wide the doors for Christ,” as our namesake, Saint Pope John Paul II, so eloquently describes.

Grace and blessings,

Karen H. Phillips Interim Head of School

BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE GO!

Dr. Erick Chittle joins Pope Prep as inaugural President

written by Lori Jones

All may seem quiet to the onlooker at Pope Prep in June, but in reality, the rush of getting ready for the next school year is well underway. This summer’s preparation is especially meaningful as Pope Prep welcomes Dr. Erick Chittle as the school’s inaugural President in July.

Although the faculty and staff have had an opportunity to visit with Dr. Chittle, the community is anxiously awaiting their chance. They wonder, “Who is Dr. Erick Chittle, and why is he choosing to serve Pope John Paul II Preparatory School?”

“It was by the prompting of the Holy Spirit discerned through hours of prayer by my wife Kimberly and me,” said Dr. Chittle when asked why Pope Prep.

“Ultimately, I was attracted for two main reasons: the school’s mission is clear and compelling, and the community of students, faculty, and staff have reciprocal love and respect,” he added.

Dr. Chittle plans to lean into Pope Prep’s mission to foster community and individual excellence.

“At Pope Prep, we focus on preparing strong and joyful students ready to live, learn, and serve according to the Gospel empowered by a personal relationship with Christ. Christ is the very foundation of the school and will guide every student to become whom he or she was made to be by God and who are ultimately transformed and made ready for their heavenly reward,” stated Chittle.

This formation of our youth happens with the assistance of three essential communities: the family, the Church, and the school.

“It is more important than ever that these three communities align and provide a cohesive foundation for our students,” stated Chittle. “As a Christcentered caring community, I am confident that with the partnership of parents, we will provide a bright

Erick and Kimberly Chittle are pictured here with their nine children: Adam, Abby, Mary, Emma, Isabella, Gabriella, Julianna, Tobias, and Ignatius.

future for our graduates. Students will mature in an atmosphere that presents strong values and clear goals that give meaning and purpose to life - meaning and purpose that the world cannot give,” added Chittle.

It is not a coincidence that Dr. Chittle’s inspiration for Catholic Education for over 20 years comes from Saint Pope John Paul II. One encouraging statement of our Patron Saint that Dr. Chittle continually refers to is, “Catholic Education is a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.”

“As we strategically plan for the future of Pope Prep, this will be the litmus test for all our decisionmaking,” stated Chittle. “Every decision that we make, every interaction that we have, if we put Christ above all, then we are attempting to work in concert with His will,” Dr. Chittle professed.

Dr. Chittle is looking forward to using the professional experience he has gained with 19 years in Traverse City, Michigan as an English teacher, dean of students, principal, and superintendent. He is grateful to God for a team that worked faithfully and tirelessly to transform St. Francis High School in every way, including raising the average ACT composite from 23 to 26, growing enrollment by over 30%, and increasing sacramental, devotional, and service opportunities significantly.

He plans to spend his first year at Pope Prep listening and becoming integrated into the community. As he learns about our community, he rests knowing God is the source of all good, knowing what we need before we ask, having the best solutions to our challenges, and the right path forward to flourishing.

“I have been gratified by the many staff that I have met. Their devotion and love for the school and the students is evident. This mutual love is not something a strategic plan can create; it is the work of the Holy Spirit. We must continue to surrender to the Holy Spirit individually and collectively to understand God’s plans for Pope Prep,” expressed Chittle.

When asked what the most significant asset he brings to Pope Prep, he answered, “My family. To be a husband and father and a president works well together as there is great alignment in what we want for our children and what our Catholic schools are built for, namely, helping our children to know, love, and serve Christ. What I do at home every day is what I will do at Pope Prep every day,” declared Chittle.

Erick and Kimberly Chittle will reside in Hendersonville with their family in June. They are blessed with nine children ages 21 to 5: Adam, Abby, Mary, Emma, Isabella, Gabriella, Julianna, Tobias, and Ignatius. The oldest three children will continue their education at Catholic universities. Pope Prep will welcome the middle three children, and the youngest three will attend St. Joseph School.

During Dr. Chittle’s visits in the spring, he met with students in classrooms, talked with students in the hallways betweenn classes, and enjjoyed lunch with students in the dining hall.

Pope John Paul II Preparatory School’s Dean of Faculty and Instruction, Mrs. Jennifer Dye, has been awarded the 2022 Christ the Teacher Award from the Diocese of Nashville. The award is given annually to a diocesan employee who has designed or implemented programs that have served the school and the surrounding community, has taught in Catholic schools for more than eight years, exhibits leadership and a Christlike example, and represents the heart of Catholic education.

As a founding member of Pope John Paul II High School in 2002, Dye’s contributions to the Pope Prep community are extensive. She is credited for developing the science curriculum in partnership with the math program, pioneering science modeling pedagogy within her department, and most recently, developing the innovation and entrepreneurship program. Dye led the accreditation process that resulted in earning the STEM designation for Pope Prep. She spearheaded the effort to implement the 1:1 iPad program and to enhance the meaningful use of technology through the Apple Teacher program, ultimately earning the Apple Distinguished School designation for our school.

Dye has had a tremendous influence on her students’ success throughout her 21 years at Pope Prep. With an emphasis on using science and innovation to serve others, Dye has created opportunities for her students to use their research to influence global change. She has supported countless science students as they published and presented original research, developed service projects for the local and international communities, and received awards for design and innovation challenges. For example, Dye’s students have served local hospitals,

the Teacher Award

Diocese of Nashville

Mrs. Jennifer Dye Dean of Faculty and Instruction

supported mission programs in Haiti, and designed tools for those with physical disabilities, among other projects. She has developed opportunities for students to learn about 3D printing as design-thinking projects, study local environmental biology, and design safer and sustainably-sourced stoves for people in Haiti.

Throughout her career, Dye has not only been a leader in her school community, but her outreach as an educational leader extended to the entire state from elementary to post-secondary educational programs and initiatives. She has worked with schools in the Diocese of Nashville and throughout the state to implement the modeling pedagogy in science programs. She has also assisted the state with the development of science curriculum and MTSU with obtaining federal NSF grants and writing programs that train master’s candidates to become science educators. Dye has served as the President of the Tennessee Science Teachers Association for multiple years, leading conferences and professional development opportunities for science educators throughout the state.

Other accolades Dye has received throughout her career include the Presidential Award of Excellence for Math and Science, Tandy Teacher of the Year, TSTA Science Teacher of the Year, NABT Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year, and the News Channel 5 Golden Apple Award.

Prior to coming to Pope Prep, Dye taught in Metro-Nashville Public Schools and Sumner County Public Schools as a science teacher. In the 202324 school year, Dye will be serving as the Interim Principal.

KNIGHT NEWS &

notable moments

July 2022

Pope LAX alumni and high school players gathered to compete on the turf for the annual Sinclair Alumni Game in honor of Ben Sinclair ‘10. (1)

Newly ordained, Fr. Nonso Ohanaka joined our faculty as the Pope Prep Chaplain. Students were invited to the “Bother Your Father” event at St. Joseph to get to know the newly assigned chaplains in the diocesan schools. (2)

Zane Collins ‘24 was selected as a finalist for the TSSAA 2022 Bowler of the Year. Zane averaged 218 during the regular season.

Carly Le ‘22 was a member of the design team that won 3rd place in the international Buildner Architectural Competition for “Timber Pavilion,” highlighting the promise and potential of wood construction. Carly developed the design with a team during her internship with Gant Architectural in Nashville.

Through her internship with the Diocese of Nashville, Haleigh Ryan ‘22 and her team won 3rd place for Best Use of Graphics in Social Media and Honorable Mention for Best Use of Graphics in Social Media in the National Catholic Press Association competition. She interned with Jerilyn Rost, Assistant Director of the Office of Vocations.

Kenny Minchey ‘23 was selected to the 2022 Tennessean’s Dandy Dozen as one of the top Nashville Area college football prospects.

August 2022

Pope Volleyball alumni enjoyed their annual Alumni Volleyball Game on August 1st.

The school year began by welcoming new Knights at the middle school and high school orientations and with the traditional senior blessing for the class of 2023. (3)

FAB (Fine Arts Booster) sponsored Songwriters Night, “A Knight of Song Under the Stars,” which featured Kim McLean, Billy Dawson, Hunter Rae, and Keesy Timmer. The event is just one initiative organized by FAB to support the Fine Arts at Pope Prep.

Pope soccer player Katie Shea Collins ‘24 was selected to the U17 Elite Clubs National League Girls All-American Team. (4)

Alumna Grace Lascara ‘16 returned to Pope Prep as the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach. During her career as a student-athlete at Pope John Paul II, she was named to the All-Region and All-State teams, was an All-American selection in 2016, and holds the all-time scoring record at Pope. She also played lacrosse at Kennesaw State University. (5)

September 2022

Pope Prep Counselors hosted over 90 colleges and universities in the annual college fair. A highlight of the event included alumnus Miles Robinson ‘18, who represented Belmont University. Miles is currently working toward his degree in interior design at Belmont. (7)

The class of 2012 held their ten-year reunion at Yazoo Brewing Company, and the class of 2017 held their five-year reunion at the Sand Trap at Twelve Stones Golf Club. See photos from their reunions in the alumni updates section on page 31.

Jennifer Dye, Dean of Faculty and Instruction, was awarded the 2022 Christ the Teacher Award by the Diocese of Nashville. Read the full story on page 13.

Lillian Pinkston ‘23 was named a 2023 National Merit Semifinalist, one of 16,000 students nationally recognized in the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Program.

Pope Prep quarterback Kenny Minchey ‘23 received a formal proclamation from Hendersonville Mayor Clary in honor of Kenny’s selection into the Elite 11. In composite rankings, Kenny was ranked 5th overall in the nation. (6)

Pope Prep welcomed Silvia Castañeda from WKRN News 2 and Gia Riney from the Diocese of Nashville, who produced a feature for Local On 2 to highlight the

innovative curricular options in Nashville Catholic Schools. (8)

Students enjoyed the annual fall picnic and House Games, which included competitions for everyone! Student favorites included pumpkin painting, trivia, soccer, and of course, the tug-of-war finale.

October 2022

Pope John Paul II Preparatory was named as an Apple Distinguished School for 2022-2025. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence. Read the full story on page 23.

The Pope Prep annual Service Fair welcomed 17 nonprofit organizations to campus to help match high school students to local service initiatives. Four of those organizations were led by Pope Prep students, including Community Service Club, Sew Powerful, Letters for Rose (pictured), and Relay for Life. (9)

The Sumner County Election Commission held an informational meeting with seniors to teach them about the voting process and to register eligible students to vote in the November election. (10)

Adaline Hamlin ‘25 placed 5th in the Sumner County Special Olympics held at Hendersonville Strike and Spare. (11)

Kate Joseph ‘27 won the Pope Prep middle school spelling bee, and the runner up was Carmen Shick ‘27. Both girls went on to represent our school at the Diocese of Nashville Spelling Bee in November.

November 2022

Tennessee Titan’s lineman Wyatt Ray #57, News 2 reporter Silvia Castañeda, and News Channel 2 chose Pope Prep to feature on the “Titan 2 School” segment. Ray joined the 8th grade science students for their annual Egg Drop Challenge. (1)

The University of Memphis “University Singers” visited Pope Prep on their regional tour, performing for middle school students and participating in a Q & A with high school choir students to explain the opportunities available for scholarships in music at the post-secondary level.

Alum Michael Musacchio ‘17 and representatives from the Hendersonville Fire and Police Departments visited the Pope Prep Robotics class to evaluate the student-designed search and rescue robots for use in emergency situations. Each student team researched, used a decision matrix, built and tested multiple prototypes, and submitted a final robot to be evaluated by these professionals. (2)

Pope Prep high school students attended the YMCA Model United Nations Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. Three Pope Prep delegations distinguished

themselves by being selected by their fellow Model UN delegates as having resolutions deserving of a full hearing. Noah Lim ‘25 was elected to serve as Vice President of the General Assembly in 2023. Several Delegates received special recognition as Outstanding Delegates and/or Outstanding Resolutions: Alex Kirkpatrick ‘24, Luke Waites ‘24, Rebecca Kirkpatrick ‘24, Izzy Hollman ‘25, Lake Stahlhut ‘23, Luke Cole ‘23, Drew Sikes ‘25, Priscilla Park ‘26. (6)

Pope Prep middle school Model UN club members participated in the YMCA Model UN Middle School Conference in Murfreesboro, TN. Bristol Sage ‘27 and Ben Amonette ‘27 had their resolution pass in the General Assembly, and Owen Oliphant ‘26 and Will Coleman ‘29 were named Outstanding Delegates (pictured). (3)

The Pope Prep Theatre Department presented “Clue: High School Edition” as the annual fall production. (5)

Choral students McCall Moss ‘23, Tori Smith ‘23, and Sarah Joseph ‘24 were selected to the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association Mid State Honor Choir in Murfreesboro. (4)

Visual art students Joanna Haymart ‘23, Molly Olivas ‘25, and Lizzie Nowell ‘25 had their artwork selected for display at the Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition (MTRSA) at the Parthenon. Joanna’s “Oscillopsia” placed first for her grade in Photography. Lizzie’s “War Torn” placed third in her grade/category, and Molly’s “The Theater” received an honorable mention.

December 2022

The annual Christmas Concerts featured students in the Pope Prep music programs and included the Instrumental Concert, “Home for Christmas” and the Choral Concert, “Sounds of the Season.”

The Middle School Theatre & Dance Fall Showcase featured “Container of Sharks” and “Seussical Kids” from the middle school theatre classes and a performance from the middle school dance class.

Faculty and staff enjoyed the annual Christmas Luncheon sponsored by Pope Prep PAC and organized by PAC volunteers Cherie Cline, Russha Sage, and Jason Allman. Pope family-owned Chef’s Market (Jim and Cheryl Hagy) and The Scarlet Poppie (Mandy LeMay) also contributed to make our annual Faculty & Staff Christmas Luncheon a wonderful treat. (8)

The Advent Reconciliation Service brought many diocesan priests and Bishop Spalding to campus to provide the opportunity for Sacrament of Reconciliation to the student body. (7)

The Pope Prep Baseball team collected almost 1,000 pairs of gently-used shoes for the Soles4Souls organization. They delivered the shoes and worked to help organize donations at their facilities. (9)

January 2023

Pope Prep quarterback Kenny Minchey ‘23 for being selected to participate in the 23rd edition of the AllAmerican Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. (10)

McCall Moss ‘23 and Joey Grytza ‘23 earned a Certificate of Merit from the Hendersonville Rotary Club. McCall and Joey were selected because of their strong academic record and their outstanding involvement in extracurricular activities. (11)

Two instrumental students who were selected to the MTSBOA Mid-State Orchestra: Gabriel Nardone ‘26, Violin, 9-10 Mid-State Orchestra and Samuel Whiteley ‘24 Viola,11-12 Mid-State Orchestra.

Three Pope Prep visual artists earned recognition in the prestigious national Scholastic Art Awards Competition: Carly Le ‘23 (silver and honorable mention), Molly Olivas ‘25 (silver key), and Kaylie Rickert ‘24 (honorable mention).

Pope Prep students celebrated the Lunar New Year as we transitioned into the year of the rabbit, thanks to the work of the middle school Chinese World Language students and their teacher Mrs. Diandian Lui. (12)

Priscilla Park ‘26 joined the MTVA Freshman Honors Choir, a choral audition group of freshmen in the middle Tennessee area.

Celebrating all-school Mass with Bishop Spalding was a highlight of Catholic Schools Week. After Mass, the Pope Prep community wished Bishop a happy birthday and congratulations on the upcoming Fifth Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination to the Diocese of Nashville. (1)

February 2023

We ended our Catholic Schools week celebration with a Grandparents Breakfast, which had record-breaking attendance this year!

House Council planned the first Pope Prep Unity Walk in honor of Black History Month. The community was led in prayer by Father Ohanaka and then walked together around the perimeter of the football field.

Pope Prep’s Voices uKnighted was selected for the Varsity Vocals Best of High School A Cappella (BOHSA) 2023 album. Only 20 songs were chosen nationwide, and Voices uKnighted added their song “Best Part” to the album.

Members of the Equity and Social Justice club visited the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville in recognition of Black History Month.

March 2023

Kim Baker was named the Pope John Paul II Preparatory School Mentor of the Year for 2023. As CEO of the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Baker has been a mentor in the Pope Prep Internship program since its inception and has served as an advisor in the program. She also attended Pope John Paul II High School during the first two years it opened. (2)

Pope Prep Theatre presented The Addams Family as the spring musical and received rave reviews from audience members who enjoyed the fantastic acting and vocal performances, creative set design, and talented instrumentalists, which were all supported by a dedicated tech and stage crew. (6)

Pope Prep spring break international travelers traveled to the United Kingdom; highlights of their trip included St. Andrew’s Square, the First Minister’s residence, and the Forth Bridges. (3)

Pope Prep Campus Ministry student leadership team organized a very successful Red Cross Blood Drive on campus for the first time in many years. (4)

The Pope Prep community wore red in solidarity with The Covenant School and church community. We continued to pray throughout the school year that their community, the first responders, and all those affected by the tragedy would be comforted by God’s presence and peace. (5)

April 2023

The following Pope Prep visual art students won awards and had their art exhibited in the James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show at the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center: Isabella Calisi ‘24, Reese Davidson ‘27, Zach Andress ‘23, Olivia Evans ‘27, Sadie Evens ‘27, and Marin Morris ‘27.

The Pope Prep math team competed in the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association (TMTA) State Competition for the first time since 2019, with 30 students from grades 8-12 representing our math classes from Algebra 1 to Calculus and Statistics. Overall, Pope Prep had 9 students who placed in the top 10 in their respective categories.

Our community enjoyed Spring Fling to celebrate Pope Prep spring sports with the KAC. Knights of all ages enjoyed KAC President Mike Donovan’s BBQ dinner, playing games on the lawn, and cheering on our Knights in the field, on the track, and on the turf.

The class of 2024 were commissioned as the newest student leaders at Pope Prep during their Junior Ring Mass, where they received their blessed senior Bibles and rings and then joined their families and friends for lunch.

Middle school robotics competitors Shiv Patel ‘27 and Griffin Lloyd ‘27, who placed 3rd in the Tennessee State Robotics competition, competed in the 2023 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas. (8)

May 2023

Pope Prep science students presented their research at the Middle Tennessee State University STEM Expo, with two teams earning awards for their research projects: Priscilla Park ‘26/Emmeline Smith ‘26 and Kate Joseph ‘27/Ben Amonette ‘27.

Thirty-one 8th grade students received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of the Lake after attending a confirmation retreat series with the Campus Ministry team, led by Ms. Heisserer. All 8th grade students were also celebrated with a special 8th grade Mass, as well as a graduation and awards ceremony. (7)

Students voted Mr. Mauthe as the Most Inspirational Teacher and Coach Childers as the Most Inspirational Coach for 2023. In addition, Mr. Mauthe was voted by seniors as the 2023 graduation speaker and by the faculty as the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award. (9)

The class of 2023 celebrated their commencement ceremony back at the Grand Old Opry House this year, reviving a pre-covid tradition (10). The 2023 Valedictorian was Sara Grubbs (12), and the CoSalutatorians were Andrew Sikes and Noah Young The 2023 Bishop Kmiec Award winners were Lillian Pinkston and Harrison DeLaney (11). The 2023 Scholar-Athletes were Chet Lax and Kathleen Smart The 2023 Hans Broekman Service Award recipient was Tevy Fish (featured on page 18).

faculty FOCUS

FATHER NONSO OHANAKA

Chaplain

Father Nonso Ohanaka joined our faculty as Chaplain of Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in the summer of 2022, and he quickly ingratiated himself with our community as he was seen joining the cross country team for a run around campus, cheering for the Knights on the sidelines of many athletic events, and working with Campus Ministry to deepen the experiences and opportunities students, faculty, and parents have to explore their faith life on campus.

Father Ohanaka grew up as the eldest of five children. He has always been Catholic, and faith played a big part in his life growing up. He was born in Nigeria, and he and his family moved to Nashville when he was five years old. He attended middle school at a boarding school in Nigeria and returned to Nashville after his sophomore year of high school. He attended Stratford STEM Magnet for his junior year and graduated from MNPS Middle College High School. Fr. Ohanaka attended Austin Peay for a year as a physics major before starting the seminary application process with the Diocese of Nashville. Fr. Ohanaka graduated from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio in 2018 with a Bachelor of Philosophy degree. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana in 2022. Fr. Nonso Ohanaka was ordained on May 28, 2022 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville.

Will you share your experience with your calling to the priesthood? The priesthood was something I had considered before I moved back to the United States. I was fascinated by the Mass and the role of the priest. This initial interest grew when I returned to Nigeria in middle school, where there were many more Catholics than I was used to seeing. While there, I gained a deeper appreciation for the liturgy and brought that zeal with me when I returned to the States. In fact, the call was part of the reason I didn’t finish high school in Nigeria. In my sophomore year, my father called me and asked if I was still interested in the priesthood and where I felt called to serve. From my perspective, Nigeria had an abundance of priests, while faith seemed to be an afterthought for most people I had met in the States,

so I felt called to be a missionary of sorts. This led me to return to the States a little earlier than I had planned.

I had wanted to go to seminary after high school, but my parents wanted me to have a backup plan in case that didn’t work out. So I ended up at Austin Peay. But God was still calling me, and my heart was restless. After talking with a spiritual director, I began the application process the summer after my freshman year. My family was very supportive through all of this.

What was your top priority during your first year as the Pope Prep Chaplain?

Before I received the official call telling me what my first priestly assignment would be, Bishop told me that I would be assigned to one of the high schools and a parish as a secondary assignment.

He emphasized that my primary assignment was to be present at the school, and if my parish assignment ever got in the way of that, to let him know and he would talk to my pastor. This mission to be present was my goal. The priesthood can be mysterious, so I try to show the human side of the priesthood, to show that living out your faith doesn’t mean you can’t be real or authentic to yourself. I hope to break down the stereotype of holiness so that all students know that they can live a holy life.

What were some of the highlights of this first year serving the Pope Prep community? What do you enjoy most about our community?

I have enjoyed getting to know the students and meeting the parents. One of the biggest highlights is watching the students grow in their faith and asking questions. It is encouraging when

students notice a small change in the Mass and ask me why afterwards. It has also been a joy to see the students grow in their level of participation in Mass. One moment I remember was when a section of the Chinese class agreed to sing “10,000 Reasons” in Chinese at Mass. By the time we got to the last verse, all of the students and teachers were singing along.

What is your ministry’s vision for our students, faculty, staff, and parents? I will borrow the words of the past three Holy Fathers as well as St. Catherine of Sienna: “The world is offering you comfort. You were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” (Pope Benedict XVI) “Do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things!”

(Pope Francis) “Let yourselves be taken over by the light of Christ, and spread that light wherever you are.” (St. Pope John Paul II) “Be who God made you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

(St. Catherine of Sienna)

Seeking Christ through service

written by Lori Jones

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

Service Learning has always been a pillar of a Pope John Paul II High/Preparatory School education. Over the past 20 years, the Service Learning program has given students the opportunity to develop as community leaders and adults who seek to make a difference in their communities, highlighting our mission to develop students for “lives of learning and service, according to the Gospel.” Over the years, the program has seen many iterations that not only challenged students to complete a required amount of service hours, but also inspired them to serve others beyond the expectations of the program.

Connecting service to faith retreats has been especially pivotal in helping students see the connections between their faith and their service to others. Director of Campus Ministry, Joshua Strope, shared the team’s vision: “Retreats are now more holistic,” said Strope. “We’ve tied it all together: Mass, faith talks, reflections, and service.”

Class retreats begin with Mass to establish the day’s focus on Christ. A special guest speaker gives a faith talk on the retreat’s theme, which focuses on foundations, community, servant leadership, or discipleship. A time for personal reflection follows, and then “they go out into the world and lead by example to act as the hands and feet of Christ, just as He commanded, and that’s what they do,” said Strope.

Service is not just checking a required box; it is designed to help students recognize Christ in others. Whether students go out in groups and serve in food banks, rescue missions, after-school programs, or senior centers, they have the opportunity to share the love of Christ with others in a personal way.

“But the retreat experience provides even more,” Service Coordinator Daniel Dion adds. Students learn more about their peers and teachers when they return to campus for group discussions. “We provided an opportunity for students and adults to reflect and share their personal experiences, which led to a deeper relationship with each other and, more importantly, God,” said Dion.

As part of the theology curriculum on Catholic Social Teaching, seniors have the privilege of serving Hendersonville and other local communities as a component of their class. Seniors learn about the dignity of the human person, subsidiarity, the common good, and solidarity and then venture out to service locations to live out these pillars. As graduates of Pope Prep, their faith foundation is reinforced with four to seven years of theology and service experiences, a foundation which we hope will inspire them as adults to be generous with their time, talent, and treasure and live by example as men and women of integrity.

Senior Mia Markham reflected on her service experience as an important part of her faith formation. She shared, “I think that being in a hospital can sometimes hurt faith because it prompts the question about why good people have bad things happen to

them (getting sick, etc.) . . . But doing service at the hospital allows you to see God in the bad. It’s seeing the patience of a nurse when a family member just won’t listen, or learning about life stories from people you probably would have never met. That’s what makes my service experience unique: it doesn’t answer the question about why bad things happen to good people, but it allows you to see God is right beside you when you thought maybe he had forgotten about you.”

Nonprofit organizations have expressed their gratitude for the work students at Pope Prep do to support their mission of service to the community. A Nashville Rescue Mission administrator commented, “Pope John Paul II has been a great partner in furthering our mission here at Nashville Rescue Mission. We appreciate their willingness to come alongside us in the daily operations by supporting our staff as they help serve our community in tangible ways, helping us provide hope for today, tomorrow, and eternity. They make an impact as they encourage our guests and show the love of Jesus to them. We are truly blessed by their continued commitment and dedication to serving our community.”

Additionally, seniors have the unique opportunity to go deeper in their spirituality and prayer with the experience of serving as faith leaders at Pope Prep in the Campus and Ministry Leadership class. This course focuses on developing missionary disciples through theological reflection, discussion, and prayer. Seniors can serve in leadership roles by (continued on next page)

“They make an impact as they encourage our guests and show the love of Jesus to them.”

SENIOR RETREAT & SERVICE DAY

On their retreat day, seniors (left and above) served several nonprofit agencies in the Nashville area.

SENIORS SERVING SENIORS

Seniors Logan LeCave and Jake Kellogg enjoyed wearing suits to call the weekly BINGO game at the Gallatin Senior Citizen Center.

2023 Hans Broekman Christian Service Award TEVY FISH

(continued on from previous page)

leading weekly liturgies, sharing their faith formation with others, and conducting annual class faith retreats.

As a bonus, they develop skills in public speaking, event planning, small group leadership, and a deeper personal spiritual life. By graduation, they better understand themselves and how they fit into the Body of Christ.

What does the future look like for Campus Ministry? “More service opportunities,” said Dion. “More tools to develop our faith,” said Strope. Our service outreach this summer will rejuvenate an all-time favorite. A group of high school students and adults will return to Bethlehem Farms in rural West Virginia. “It’s a week where technology is left behind so we can experience nature, explore prayer, tend a garden, and help the people of Appalachia with basic needs and home repairs. We also hope to reintroduce mission trips to central and southern America,” added Dion. With travel restrictions lifted, it’s time once again to expand our reach beyond middle Tennessee.

May we live by the words of our Patron Saint, Pope John Paul II: “Do not be afraid to be saints. Follow Jesus Christ who is the source of freedom and light. Be open to the Lord so that He may lighten all your ways.”

The Hans Broekman Christian Service Award is given to one student in each graduating class in recognition of best exemplifying the works and mission of Christ through service to others. The class of 2023 recipient Tevy Fish reflected her love of service through her final reflection in theology class this year:

“I love going to our service site, Gallatin CARES, as we can help people who are in need by providing them with the basic necessities. I believe that our Catholic education is unique because we get to do these sort of these things to grow in our love for Christ by helping others. I love working for Gallatin CARES and believe that everyone should be able to experience the joy and excitement that comes with being able to provide for themselves or their families.”

SERVING A CAUSE

Seniors Kathleen Smart, Mia Markham, and Aubree Franklin recruited a Relay for Life team at the annual Service Fair.

Congratulations to the Pope Prep Class of 2023!

The 128 students in the Pope John Paul II Preparatory School Class of 2023 have been accepted to 226 colleges and universities (listed below). They will be attending 63 colleges and universities (in bold) in 20 states. They have been offered hundreds of scholarships totaling over $10,950,184 over four years. The Class of 2023 includes 19 athletes who have signed to play their sport at the collegiate level. In addition, the members of the Class of 2023 volunteered over 15,000 hours of service to communities in Sumner and surrounding counties. Congratulations to the Pope Prep Class of 2023!

Adrian College

Albion College

Albright College

Alvernia University

American University

Anderson University

Appalachian State University

Arcadia University

Arizona State University

Asbury University

Ashland University

Auburn University

Augsburg University

Aurora University

Austin Peay State University

Ball State University

Barton College

Baylor University

Bellarmine University

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont University

Benedictine University

Bethel University

Birmingham-Southern College

Bluffton University

Bowling Green State University

Brandeis University

Brescia University

Bryan College

Bryant University

Butler University

California Baptist University

Carson-Newman University

Case Western Reserve University

Catholic University of America

Centre College

Chattanooga State

Community College

Christian Brothers University

Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Clemson University

Cleveland State University

Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston

The College of William and Mary

Colorado Christian University

Colorado College

Colorado State University

Columbia College (Chicago)

Columbia State Community College

Columbia University

Concordia University (Chicago)

Concordia University (Irvine)

Cumberland University

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Davidson College

DePaul University

DePauw University

Drake University

Duke University

East Carolina University

East Tennessee State University

Eastern Michigan University

Emory University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Southern College

Florida State University

Fordham University

Furman University

George Mason University

Georgetown College

Georgia Institute of Technology

Gonzaga University

Grand Canyon University

Hanover College

Harvard University

Hollins University

Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Wesleyan University

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Indiana University (South Bend)

Kalamazoo College

Kentucky Wesleyan College

Kenyon College

King University

Lake Forest College

Lane College

Lee University

Lewis & Clark College

Lincoln Memorial University

Lindenwood University

Lipscomb University

Loyola University (Chicago)

Loyola University (New Orleans)

Lyon College

Maryville College

Maryville University

Mercer University

Metropolitan Nashville

Public Schools

Miami University (Oxford)

Michigan State University

Michigan Technological University

Middle Tennessee State University

Millsaps College

Mississippi State University

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Montana State University

Morehouse College

Mount Saint Joseph University

Murray State University

Nashville State Community College

North Carolina State University

North Central College

Northeastern University

Northwest Nazarene University

Norwich University

Oberlin College

Oglethorpe University

The Ohio State University

Ohio University

Olivet Nazarene University

Otterbein University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Pellissippi State Community College

Penn State University

Point Loma Nazarene University

Pratt Institute

Princeton University

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Purdue University (Northwest)

Queens University of Charlotte

Radford University

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhodes College

Rice University

Roanoke College

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Saint Louis University

Samford University

Seattle University

Seton Hall University

Sewanee: The University of the South

Southeast Missouri State University

Southern Methodist University

Spring Hill College

Stanford University

Stevens Institute of Technology

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill

Syracuse University

Taylor University

Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Texas A&M University

Texas Christian University

Thomas More University

Trevecca Nazarene University

Trinity Washington University

Tulane University of Louisiana

Tuskegee University

Union University

United States Air Force Academy

United States Air National Guard

United States Coast Guard

United States Navy

The University of Alabama

The University of Alabama (Birmingham)

The University of Alabama (Huntsville)

The University of Arizona

University of Arkansas

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Los Angeles)

The University of Chicago

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Dayton

University of Denver

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Hartford

University of Illinois

at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Iowa

The University of Kansas

University of Kentucky

University of Louisville

University of Maryland

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Massachusetts (Boston)

The University of Memphis

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

The University of Mississippi

University of New Haven

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Florida

University of North Georgia

University of Notre Dame

The University of Oklahoma

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Richmond

The University of Scranton

University of South Carolina

University of South Florida

University of Southern California

The University of Tampa

The University of Tennessee (Chattanooga)

The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)

The University of Tennessee (Martin)

The University of Texas (Austin)

University of Toronto

The University of Utah

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Volunteer State Community College

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Waynesburg University

West Virginia University

Western Carolina University

Western Kentucky University

Wilkes University

Wingate University

Wittenberg University

Wright State University

Xavier University

the evolution of STEM DAY

written by Jennifer Smith

On a beautiful spring morning this past April, the students were buzzing with excitement as they moved between locations for their next session on the Pope Prep second-annual STEM Day. Creating their schedules from an extensive list of options, students chose five sessions presented by each academic department that included activities like a think-tank for social justice, a language lab, an estimathon, design thinking, and a discussion about the intersection of science and theology.

Throughout the morning, students presented research, pitched businesses and products, brainstormed solutions to societal issues, and competed in challenges during these hands-on opportunities to discover more about STEM related topics. “It was fun to develop the product with my group, and presenting it to the judges on STEM Day was a great opportunity for us to learn more about what it takes to be an entrepreneur seeking an investment in a new business idea,” explained Lila Thigpen ‘28. McKayla Shea ‘28, Lila, and Brooklyn Kavanaugh ‘28 secured the top prize for middle school “Shark Tank” with their product, “The Carry Caddy.” (photo right)

“The goal is to show the wide application of STEM-related activities to many subjects and to challenge students to participate in the scientific process of theory, research, discovery, and creation,” explained Jennifer Dye, Dean of Faculty and Instruction. “STEM Day is the culmination of the evolution of our science program since our inception in 2002. We want students to take ownership of their learning and feel empowered to contribute in significant ways.”

As the inaugural science department chair of Pope John Paul II High School, Dye understood the pedagogical nuances that made for a strong high school science education program. She was a leader in the state for implementing “Physics First,” an approach that places physics in the freshman year to build a foundation for understanding the basic principles to be explored in subsequent science courses like chemistry and biology.

“Modeling” pedagogy quickly became standard in science classes, which challenged students to follow the scientific method rather than learning established theories through a textbook and

STEM DAY

Students presented their product prototypes to faculty and judges, experimented with problem-solving activities, and learned how to control the robots designed by their peers.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

STEM activities included writing LEGO build instructions, following paper-folding instructions, presenting research and business proposals, and student-led discussions. Helping students stregthen communication skills is a central component of a STEM education at Pope Prep.

series of worksheets. As science classes became more experiential, students began to take ownership of their research and learning. Dye said, “We noticed that when students were provided the opportunity to engage in discovery and discourse around scientific phenomena, they were then able to develop their own conclusions and truly began to understand what science is all about.” Students’ test scores also reflected the positive results of the changes on learning: both pedagogical updates, physics first and modeling, resulted in significant gains in ACT math and science reasoning scores in all quartiles of students, measured by PLAN and ACT scores of students after the changes were implemented.

With that same pedagogical philosophy, Dye founded the Innovate and Entrepreneurship (I&E) program in 2015, which eventually became elective

courses offered through several academic departments. Courses are designed to employ project-based learning and design thinking, allowing students to dive deeper into a subject of interest by creating a product or solution to a problem.

Through the I&E courses, Pope Prep students have designed safer and sustainably sourced stoves for people in Haiti, recycled plastic grocery bags into sandals, developed an app that helped tune instruments, and invented a ski-glove drying system, to name a few.

Along the way, Dye realized that Pope Prep’s program meets the qualifications of the Tennessee STEM designation, and in 2020, our school became the first private school to receive the STEM designation in the state of Tennessee. The STEM designation provides professional development for our faculty to continue to

grow and expand our teaching strategies so that students have the opportunity to access skills that will expand their opportunities in the future. Most recently, this meant that Amanda Peper and Eduardo Nunes have become certified as green belt trainers in Lean Six Sigma. They will be able to train and certify our students and faculty in this highly desirable industry certification.

The enthusiasm during our second-annual STEM Day in April not only highlighted the evolution of STEM education at Pope Prep but also confirmed its efficacy. One of the highlights of STEM Day includes the alumni who return to discuss their careers in STEM-related fields. Alumni STEM Day presenters have included Baylie Fadool ‘16, a researcher at the Bimini Shark Lab; Holly Houdeshell ‘16, a scientist at Aegis Sciences Corporation; and Dr. Jon Hood ‘05, assistant professor at the Hood Lab at Purdue University (pictured above).

Pope Prep Named Apple Distinguished School

Apple Representative Brittney Rowlett officially recognized Pope Prep as an Apple Distinguished School for 20222025 at an all-school assembly on November 29, 2022, following Apple’s notification to Pope Prep in October. On hand to accept the designation was the Interim Head of School, Ms. Karen Phillips, and the Board of Trustees President, Mr. Russell Marino Jr. In celebration, Pope Prep invited the community to a Technology Showcase in its Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a space dedicated to student learning through technology’s creative and collaborative power.

Pope Prep earned Apple’s distinction for its innovative implementation of a 1:1 iPad program. It allows teachers and students to engage in collaborative learning, access cutting-edge educational resources, and create original, meaningful, and professional digital products in all subject areas.

Congratulations to Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Dye and the Pope Prep STEM team for their efforts that garnered this recognition, making our school part of the small group of schools worldwide named an Apple Distinguished School.

advancing our mission

TOGETHER

POPE PREP FAMILIES PARTICIPATE IN THE FUND FOR EXCELLENCE

The Fund For Excellence (FFE) is the school’s annual fund which is supported each year by donations from current and alumni families, alumni, faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees, community foundations, and friends of Pope Prep.

“The annual fund supports the school’s operating budget by covering the difference between tuition revenue and the actual cost of delivering the Pope Prep experience to our students,” explained Michelle Barber, Dean of Advancement.

“It’s the gap effect,” said Sarah McLeod, who, along with her husband Jim, served as the FFE Be the Light Campaign Chairs. “Tuition covers about 80% of the actual cost of a Pope Prep education, and therefore, it is the annual fund donations that cover the 20% gap of needed revenue annually.”

Each year current Pope Prep families are asked to participate in the “Be the Light” campaign by making a donation of any amount to support the annual fund.

“When all families participate and light their candle, then collectively we make a significant impact,” said Jim McLeod, “and this year, that collective participation made all the difference in the success of the overall FFE campaign.”

Thank you to every Pope Prep family and friend who participated this school year by making an eligible tax-deductible donation to the FFE, and we send heartfelt appreciation to the 2022-23 FFE campaign chairs, Jim and Sarah McLeod and FFE House Parents for encouraging such robust participation!

HOUSE OF GREGORY Nina and Kevin Collins, Dan Burval, & Roxanne Valentino

HOUSE OF CLEMENT Mark and Valorie Quarles & Salvador and Brenda Mendoza

HOUSE OF JOHN Clifton and Bevva Darden & Norman and Heather Tripp

HOUSE OF LEO Lance and Mary Bentley & Dale and Gretchen Van Gorder

HOUSE OF PETER Chris and Megan Buell & Keith Hargrove

HOUSE OF PIUS Teresa Frisbie & Stacy and Danielle Latham & David and Michelle Amlicke

2022-23 FFE HOUSE PARENTS: Jim and Sarah McLeod, Campaign Chairs

DUGAN FAMILY FOUNDATION HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD

Pope Prep is proud to partner with The Danny Dugan Family to support their generous efforts to provide affordable housing to low-income and historically under served families through Habitat for Humanity.

The three Dugan children, Chelsea, Daniel ’10, and Colin ’12 attended Pope, and it’s through this alumni connection that today’s Knights are privileged to partner on Habitat builds.

This past November, Pope students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff gathered in Wilson County to paint walls and trim, build and install cabinetry, attach door handles and locks, and much more!

“Our students arrive at the building site ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work on their assignments, and by doing so, they leave the experience with so much more because through their work, they make a house a home, the assigned tasks become a mission fulfilled and classmates become teammates united in service to others,” said Dean of Advancement Michelle Barber.

The experience not only produces a final product for grateful new homeowners but also impacts our student volunteers.

Junior Pope Prep student Joey Graffignino said, “The experience really opened my eyes to the hardships of those facing poverty, expanded my faith and friendships, and was an experience I will never forget. I’m inspired to volunteer again next year and for years to come. I encourage others to join in on the build because the Habitat experience is one you will never forget and will change you forever.”

Serving others is a core value at Pope Prep. We look forward to our next build in the fall on September 16 and 17. Anyone interested in participating should reach out to Michelle Barber (michelle.barber@ popeprep.org) for more information.

Thank you, Danny and Karen Dugan, for your ongoing support of Pope Prep and Habitat for Humanity!

ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS DAY CELEBRATION

The Grandparents Day Celebration highlighted a history-making moment for Pope Prep! Scott and Lori Gettelfinger, grandparents to Kylee Carman ’26, are also the alumni parents of alumKnight Chelsea Gettelfinger ’13 and spoke on “The Fine Art of Grandparenting’’ at the grandparents’ breakfast in February. The Gettelfingers are among the first alumni parents to now be grandparents to a current Pope Prep student.

CELEBRATION 2022 & AUCTION

A good time was had by all who attended Celebration 2022, including a great showing by our alumni (pictured here)! Special thanks to Bishop Spalding and Auction Chairs Susan Alfieri and Annette Hollis, along with the amazing Celebration Committee, who produced the most profitable auction in school history. Celebration sponsorships also soared to an all-time high! We look forward to Celebration 2023; mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28, 2023, and plan to attend!

ORIGINAL COMMISSIONED PAINTING DONATED BY ARTIST BILL PURYEAR

The late Mr. Bill Puryear donated a commissioned original painting showcasing the beautiful Pope campus with our beloved Mike McLaren coaching soccer on the field below the school’s courtyard. 12”x18” prints ($100) and giclees ($1,000) are available for sale with proceeds benefiting the needs of Pope John Paul II Preparatory School . You may purchase this artwork by contacting Michelle Barber. Please see our tribute to Mr. Puryear on pages 40-41.

CLASS OF 2023 ATHLETIC SIGNINGS

Signing Day is always a special moment for high school athletes and their families; a day when young men and women put pen to paper and make a life-changing decision to continue their athletic careers at the college level. In three separate signing days during the 2022-23 school year, 20 student-athletes at Pope Prep signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college. Congratulations, and Go, Knights!

Jose Angel Trevecca Nazarene Univ. Soccer

Kaelyn Burval University of Miami Dance

Scout Chaffin Barton College Lacrosse

Emerson Clausen Georgetown College Track & Field

Colin Cook Columbia University Football

Josh Mailander Austin Peay State Univ. Football

Kenny Minchey University of Notre Dame Football

Zach Montgomery Mount St. Joseph Univ. Football

Braden Raybourne Georgetown College Track & Field

Gavin Sellers Lewis & Clark College Track & Cross Country

Ellie Shaver Univ. of Alabama Huntsville Lacrosse

Kathleen Smart Cobleskill University Volleyball

Annslee Ware Kalamazoo College Lacrosse

Ansley Ware UT Martin Football

Riley Cork Bryant University Swimming

Cruz Grinolds Columbia State CC Soccer

KJ Hargrove Tuskegee University Football

Jamaar Jones UT Chattanooga Football

Chet Lax Wright State University Baseball

Julia Ledford Western Kentucky Univ. Dance

alumni FOCUS

FRED AND ALEXIS (AGBUNAG) JONES ‘06

After graduating from Pope John Paul II High School in 2006, Alexis (Agbunag) Jones studied advertising and fine art at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville before earning a Bachelor of Fine Art in Graphic and Web Design from the Art Institute of Nashville. After working for local magazines and a children’s book publishing house, she launched “A Modern Creative Studio,” a creative agency that offers brand identity, marketing, creative direction, photography, and website design. Alexis is also a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), 200hr Experience Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT), and Barre teacher. “As a gymnast growing up, movement has always brought me joy, and I have loved traveling to teach teachers, as well as leading classes in Nashville and Hendersonville over the last ten years,” explained Alexis.

Fred Jones ‘06 graduated from South College, and outside of work, he enjoys coaching and training young athletes.

Fred and Alexis have two children: Christopher (a rising 6th grader at Pope Prep) and Maia.

When you think about your time at Pope John Paul II High School, what do you remember most?

Alexis: When I think about my time at JPII, I enjoy reflecting about the traditions that made our high school experience unique - like house games and the opportunity to create traditions and culture as the first freshman class. I also recall the great friendships, coaches, and teachers.

Houses were a great way to force us to get to know one another, even outside our circles, and figure out how to work together. I think that is why our class was so close.

My favorite classes were Ms. Komando’s art classes and Mr. Aznar’s advanced Spanish classes.

My favorite programs were the National Art Honor Society and the study abroad program. I was able to travel to Alicante, Spain with fellow classmates for a summer while receiving college credits. It was a beautiful trip and a fantastic experience I will never forget.

Fred: As a student at JPII, I felt my voice was being heard for the first time by faculty. If we thought a rule or expectation was unfair, we could challenge that with facts and reasoning. We won many of these challenges with faculty, and it felt great to be part of a culture that supported our values and welcomed change on the go.

Coach Stevenson and Mrs. McLaren were my two favorite faculty members while at Pope. At the time, I was going through a lot in life, and Mrs. McLaren allowed me to use her as a listening ear. There were many times she helped me with tools to process what I was going through.

How did your experiences at Pope John Paul II High School shape you for your future endeavors?

Fred: My time at JPII made me a critical thinker and a better writer. College English felt easy compared to the learning process I went through at Pope. Furthermore, the open discussions we were encouraged to have in a diverse class allowed me to take on different perspectives on various topics. This allowed me to begin to understand how people from different walks of life understood the world. Today, I can empathize and relate to anyone on one level or another because of this experience.

Alexis: I may have not realized it at the time, but my experience at Pope helped me to embrace entrepreneurship with more confidence. As the first freshman class, we were given many opportunities to create something from nothing — new traditions, new uniforms, new policies, and a new culture. I found a passion for art and design while taking art classes at Pope but was unsure what that career path would look like as it was different from most of my family. Fast forward, and I can see how my experiences helped me feel more prepared to start something new of my own.

Also, the extracurricular requirements, like 40 hours of community service and participation in at least two sports or activities on top of school work, taught us how to be hardworking. It showed me how much I could handle if I just prioritized my time. That still translates into adulthood, inspiring me to be hardworking and give back when and where I can at home and at work.

You have explained that you plan to send your son to Pope Prep. Why are you choosing this experience for him?

Fred: We are sending our son to Pope Prep because of the love and support the school has provided us over the years. I can’t speak for every graduate, but for me, Pope has always answered when I call and has always been a welcoming place. Our son loves the fact that we both went to Pope, and he is excited to pick up where we left off and continue the legacy.

Alexis: It is exciting. I hope his experience is unique and is as inspiring for him as it was for us.

ALUMNI: THEN & NOW

Ashley Hayes ‘17 Caroline Leonard ‘17

uKnighted as Pope Prep Varsity Dance Team Assistant Coaches

In high school, Ashley and Caroline both danced and competed on the JPII Knight Stars Dance Team and stepped into leadership roles their senior year as team-elected captains. One of their many accomplishments as captains was bringing home the first State title in JPII Dance team history. The 201617 Dance team was the first to compete at the TSSAA State level, and they brought home first place in Hip Hop and runner up in Pom.

Both Caroline and Ashley continued to pursue dance while in college. Ashley was a member of the Vanderbilt Dance team, and Caroline was a member of the University of Notre Dame Pom Squad and Notre Dame Dance Company. They are both in their second year coaching at Pope Prep as assistant coaches for the varsity Knight Stars Dance team, and Caroline is the head coach for the middle school dance team.

homecoming 2022 REUKNIGHTED

FOOTBALL, FOOD, & FRIDAY KNIGHT FUN

Alumni of all ages gathered in September for the homecoming football game, a tailgate celebration, halftime reception, and post-game gathering at The Rudder in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

CLASS OF 2012

TEN-YEAR REUNION

Chair Dylon Zenga, along with committee members Ian Clausen, Ashley (Montgomery) Roberts, and Maggie Musachio, hosted The Class of 2012 Ten-Year Reunion at Yazoo Brewing Company in Madison, Tennessee.

CLASS OF 2017

FIVE-YEAR REUNION

Chair Madeline Barber, along with committee members Caroline Leonard, Kieran (Altenbern) Madden, and Branden Sanford, hosted The Class of 2017 Five-Year Reunion at Twelve Stones Golf Club in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

alumni UPDATES

— 2005 —

— 2008 —

Kelsey (Stinnett) Carlisle has her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and lives with her husband Steven and their child Elijah in the Memphis area.

Alyse (Berry) West lives in the Nashville area with her spouse Aaron West. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Tennessee Technological University, and is currently working at the Tennessee Library for Accessible Books and Media as a Reader Advisor.

Lauren (West) Anderson has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders, and a Masters in Speech Therapy. Lauren lives in the Nashville area with her husband Patrick and their two children, Asher and Lilia.

Crystal (Johnstone) Johnson lives in the Nashville area with her husband Josh and son Parker Johnstone, who currently attends Pope Prep. She is an Escrow Assistant for Lenders Title Company, and as a member of the first graduating class of JPII, it means a lot to her that her son is now able to attend Pope Prep.

Veronica (Vicente) Ford has a degree in Business Administration from Aquinas College, and is the Assistant Director of Development for Vanderbilt University. She and her husband Josh live in the Nashville area with their children Lillian, Addison, Vivian, and Baby Ford joining the family in October 2023. Veronica is also representing the class of 2008 by serving as Class Agent, an important liaison between her fellow alumni and the Pope Prep Alumni Office.

Patrick Wilkinson graduated from The University of Tennessee Knoxville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and went on to attain his Masters Degree in Accounting from Samford University. He is the Assistant Vice President at Planters Bank, and lives with his wife Victoria in the Nashville area.

— 2010 —

Lindsay (Bowman) Baldwin lives in the Nashville area with her spouse Matthew and their child Ryland. Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tennessee Technological University. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Alabama at Birmingham, worked in The Birth

Center at Hendersonville Medical Center, and is currently a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Hendersonville OBGYN.

— 2011 —

Maci Arms graduated summa cum laude from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, and moved to New York City to pursue her career as a professional dancer. She has performed all over the world on cruise ships, as well as in shows in New York, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Biloxi, MS. Maci also works in TV and film, and has been featured in commercials for Ari Melber’s NBC show Mavericks x Cadillac, the North Carolina Lottery, and Lancôme. Some of her favorite theater credits include An American In Paris, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Broadway Bares, and Christmas In The Air. When Maci isn’t performing in a show, she works as a piano bar singer and bartender at the legendary Duplex Piano Bar and Cabaret Theatre in NYC.

Lennart Funke is currently enrolled in Stanford University’s two year joint degree program to attain a Master of Business Administration as well as a Master of Arts in Education. Prior to enrollment, Lennart spent three years at Mercedes-Benz where he was one of the youngest managers in his role as Head of Program Management at corporate FinTech, Mercedes pay.

— 2013 —

Joseph Lascara graduated from University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Accountancy and a Masters of Accountancy, and is currently a Senior Global Compliance Auditor of AbbVie.

Zach Pelka is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Une Femme, a brand that works with women winemakers across the country and focuses on developing premium, sustainable sparkling wines, all while giving back to women-centered charities. Since its inception in 2020, Une Femme has raised $16.6 million, led by KarpReilly, a private equity firm in Connecticut.

Une Femme is on pace to sell over 200,000 cases of sparkling wine this year, making it the fastest-growing sparkling wine brand in the country. They are the official Sparkling Wine Partner of Delta Airlines (domestically, internationally, sky lounges), and the official partner of all Marriott Luxury Properties (Ritz, JW, St. Regis), Target Superstores, Neimann Marcus, Caesars, Hyatt, Kimpton, and Sprouts to name a few. They are partnered with many celebrity investors and professional athletes, and you can find more information on them by visiting their website www.unefemmewines. com. Zach is actively angel investing in companies and developing his own investment fund with players from the top investment firms in the country. Zach serves on the Pope Prep Board of Trustees and also represents the class of 2013 as a Class Agent, an important liaison between his fellow alumni and the Pope Prep Alumni Office.

— 2014 —

Angelo Calvo currently lives in the Austin, TX area. Angelo earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Tennessee Technological University and graduated at the top of his class in 2018. He moved to Fort Lauderdale to start his career and now works as a Lead Solution Engineer for Okta, a cyber security company in Austin.

UPDATES

— 2014 — (continued)

Chelsea Fair graduated from Austin Peay University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Mental Health. She is a Mental Health Counselor for Hampton House Counseling, and is working on getting her licensure for the state of Tennessee. Chelsea specializes in BIPOC and LGTBQIA+ counseling, and she loves being able to help others feel heard and safe.

Josh McConnell attended the University of South Carolina Honors College, the #1 ranked public honors college at the time. He graduated summa cum laude with a double major in Finance & Economics, and a minor in Information Technology. Since graduating from USC, he’s been heavily involved in construction sales within the greater Nashville metro area. For four years, he worked in outside sales with United Rentals, providing construction equipment to many of the large contractors who were driving Nashville’s rapid expansion. Last year, he made a career move and joined Renovia, one of his previous customer accounts. Renovia provides large-scale painting and repair services in the commercial real estate space. In his new role, Josh oversees sales in TN, AL, and GA, and is an active member of the BOMA and IFMA Nashville chapters.

Caleb Pracht graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Art in Public Policy, and a Juris Doctor degree. He and his wife Mikayla recently purchased their first home. They also welcomed their first child Madelyn earlier this year and they are over the moon! Caleb started a new job as a Staff Attorney in the Mississippi Senate, where he drafts bills and provides legal advice to state senators. They travel to the Nashville area often to visit family and attend Titans and Preds games. Caleb is looking forward to the Class of 2014 ten-year reunion next year!

Joseph Tan graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences in 2018. After graduation, Joe attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and continued on to Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. Joe commissioned as a 2LT in January 2020. He completed the armor basic officer leadership course and the scout leader’s course and moved back to Nashville to join the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Upon completing Air Assault school he took charge of a reconnaissance scout platoon for 13 months. In September of 2021, his unit executed with Operation Allies Welcome to assist with the Afghan refugees that were brought to the U.S. after the withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Afghanistan. He then continued on to become a Troop Executive Officer and conducted multiple training exercises in various locations across the country as the second in command of a unit of 93 soldiers. He is currently stationed at Fort Jackson, SC.

— 2015 —

Christian Cook got married in Nashville on May 22, 2022. Following the wedding, Christian and his wife Mandy moved to Charleston for six months, where Christian worked remotely and Mandy worked as a travel nurse. They have since moved back to Gallatin, and Christian has worked with Oracle NetSuite for just under a year and a half, where he is loving his role and the company. Christian is also representing the class of 2015 by serving as Class Agent, an important liaison between his fellow alumni and the Pope Prep Alumni Office.

— 2016 —

Garrett Taylor graduated from University of Mississippi in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Economics. He interned at the White House in the fall of 2019 in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. Taylor graduated from Regent University School of Law in May 2023, and will take the bar exam in July 2023. Following the bar exam, he will be an attorney for the American Center for Law and Justice. The ACLJ is a nonprofit organization dedicated to upholding religious and constitutional freedoms.

Ben Silverman received two degrees from the University of Alabama through the Honors College; one in Political Science and one in English, with Departmental Honors, for which he wrote a thesis on a delightful poem by James Merrill called “The Book of Ephraim.” After graduating in May 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, he was offered the position of Personal Aide to the Governor of Tennessee. He worked alongside the governor daily, traveling to all 95 counties, working on the reelection campaign, and driving way too fast with the troopers who protected him, until January 2023, when he accepted the position of Director of Appointments for the Office of Boards and Commissions in Governor Lee’s office. Most recently, Ben has agreed to serve as the 2016 Class Agent, an important liaison between his fellow alumni and the Pope Prep Alumni Office.

UPDATES

— 2017 —

Ashley Hayes graduated from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While in college she danced at Vanderbilt University for four years at various football, basketball, soccer games, and community events. Ashley is an Emergency Room Nurse in the Level II Trauma Center at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville. Ashley is an Assistant Coach for the Pope Prep Varsity Dance team.

Kristy Ilia graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Communications in Advertising. She is currently residing in the Knoxville area, and working as a Marketing Coordinator for the Emerald Youth Foundation.

as well as social media and various choreography projects. Caroline was also a member of the Notre Dame Dance Company during this time, which involved practices, choreography, and management efforts outside of her Pom Squad commitments. Caroline is a Project Management Analyst for Deloitte for the State of Tennessee. She is a faculty member on the competitive EDGE dance company at Smartt Steps Dance Studio, where she also runs the studio’s social media platforms. Caroline is Head Coach of the Pope Prep Middle School Dance team and an Assistant Coach for the Pope Prep Varsity Dance team.

— 2018 —

attend the SPJ National Convention at Washington D.C. in October 2022. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, and since June 2022, she has worked at WBKO News in Bowling Green, KY as an evening producer, producing the weekday 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. newscasts.

Caroline Leonard graduated from University of Notre Dame in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Digital Marketing. She continued her education at University of Notre Dame the next year, earning a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Marketing in 2022. Caroline was a member of the University of Notre Dame Pom Squad for four years, serving as Captain for two of those years. She managed the team’s fundraising and outreach efforts,

Katy Beth Boyers graduated cum laude from Samford University in Spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi (Rho Delta chapter) in college, and is now an alumni member. Katy Beth was one of 23 students who applied and was chosen to participate in the Student Leadership Institute in July 2021, and was later invited to

AnMei Little graduated from Yale University in May 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and graduated from Boston University with a Master of Engineering in May 2023. AnMei is now working as an engineer at Boston Scientific in Boston, Massachusetts.

Audrey Barber graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, and a certification in Data Analytics. Audrey is a recruiter at Franklin, TN based RHM Staffing Solutions, and will reside in Nashville.

— 2021 —

Hays Clinard attended Lipscomb University and earned a Certificate in Career Exploration Studies. She graduated from the Lipscomb IDEAL Program in May, and will be continuing her education in the IDEAL Advanced Program at Lipscomb in the fall.

alumni spotlight TYLER DORR ‘15

After graduating from Pope John Paul II High School in 2015, Tyler Dorr attended Vanderbilt University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science double major. He worked full time for the YMCA Youth in Government program, and eventually decided to attend law school. He is currently a Vanderbilt Law J.D. Candidate for 2025 with an interest in Administrative Law. In the summer of 2023, he will be working with the Metro Nashville Department of Law.

In the spring of 2023, Tyler and his teammate Logan Smedley participated in the Vanderbilt 1L Mock Trial Tournament, which included 40 teams of pairs of first-year students playing the role of attorneys in a bank robbery trial. In any given weekly round, a team of attorneys could have represented the prosecution or the defense, and they were tasked with delivering an opening statement, direct examinations of their witnesses, cross-examinations of the other side’s witnesses, and a closing statement. Throughout examinations, the attorneys were also required to object to violations of the rules of evidence. During the final round, Tyler and

Logan represented the prosecution before a “‘jury” of real-life judges, including Justice Campbell of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Tyler and Logan eventually secured first place in the tournament.

Tyler credits his experiences at Pope John Paul II High School for building a foundation for his endeavors as a law school student at Vanderbilt. He explained, “Throughout this experience, I was very grateful for Pope’s Mock Trial program! I spent several years on the mock trial team at Pope preparing materials, practicing, and traveling for tournaments. When I was at Pope, our team used the same rules of evidence and tasked attorneys with the same assignments: delivering opening and closing statements, building a case, introducing evidence, and cross-examining witnesses from the other team. Logan and my strategy throughout the Vandy tournament relied on creating likable witnesses and tying each piece of the case to a simple theme: things I learned on the mock trial team at Pope. Most of the folks that my partner and I faced had no opportunity to do mock trials in high school or college, so Dr. Barrow’s and Mr. Hooper’s coaching was a real advantage.”

Tyler Dorr (second from left) is pictured with Will Nicolaides (who played the role of the FBI agent), Logan Smedley (his tournament teammate - also pictured below), and Kathleen Fink (who played the role of the bank manager).

AARON WEBER ‘10

Aaron Weber spoke to the Pope Parent Association Committee (PAC) about his career and the significant impact of his JPII experience. His presence drew a large crowd, and he was welcomed home by many of his Pope faculty fan club. Aaron is the youngest standup comedian ever to step into the Grand Ole Opry circle in 2019 at 27. You can hear Aaron anytime by tuning into The Nateland Podcast or by catching his act, which is touring nationwide.

AVA EVANS ‘17

Ava Evans served as the publicist representative to country music vocal group Chapel Hart (Danica and Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle) at the Country Music Television

(CMT) Artist of the Year 2022 Awards night, where she introduced the group to Dean of Advancement Michelle Barber while enjoying the awards show at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Evans is an account executive with Wortman Works Media.

WINTER ALUMNI GATHERING

In December, Pope Prep alumni gathered at Lou/na at the Grand Hyatt Nashville to catch up before the holidays.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS ALUMNI LUNCHEON

In December, Pope Prep welcomed many alumni back to campus for a special luncheon in their honor.

ALUMNI TENT AT SPRING FLING

Alumni dropped in to visit during the annual Spring Fling community event. Pictured here is Jordan MacConnell Lawson ‘08, her husband Earl, and future Knight, their son Clayton.

NEW YORK CITY ALUMNI REUNION

In April, the Pope Prep Alumni Office hit the road to organize an alumni reunion for the many alumni who live in New York City, including Maci Arms ‘11, Hunter Foulke ‘11, Julia Ross ‘11, Zach Pelka ‘13, Lucas Pulliza ‘14, Jacob Telli ‘15, Stratton Clausen ‘17, Katie Noble ‘17, Miles Robinson ‘18, Annie Le ‘22, Devin Devrai ‘11, Andrew Hnilica ‘12, Seth Kyriakidis ‘17, and Garrett Wencel ‘18.

TEE LINE ALUMNI SOCIAL

In April, the Pope Prep Alumni Office hosted an Alumni Social at Tee Line where alumKnights from 11 different classes met to reconnect while bowling, learning to curl, and enjoying some time together!

IN MEMORIAM

Pope John Paul II High/Preparatory School has been blessed with many generous benefactors who have played a pivotal role in the formation of our school community. Two of those men were Mr. William Puryear III and Mr. Richard Stephenson, both men of deep faith who shared a love of literature and art. They each contributed to the school community and to Sumner County in many ways, and their legacies continue to influence who we are today.

Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Puryear are pictured above with student writers at the 5th Annual Writers Cafe where they were both featured authors. That evening, they shared their work: Mr. Puryear read from his award winning series on the Cumberland Trail, “Thoroughfare for Freedom,” and Mr. Stephenson read several humorous and heartwarming poems written for his son when he was a young boy. They both encouraged young authors through their work and example.

MR. WILLIAM PURYEAR III 1933-2023

Mr. William Puryear III was a Reaissance man, much like our namesake St. Pope John Paul II. He was founding Treasurer of Nashville Memorial Hospital and of Pope John Paul II High School. He served as Chairman Emeritus of The Memorial Foundation and retired in 2000 as Senior Partner of the CPA firm he founded in 1962 to devote full time to painting and writing. Inspired by his mother’s legacy as a teacher, Mr. Puryear was dedicated to edcuation as his focus of civic service.

Mr. Puryear was instrumental in starting Pope John Paul II High School with Bishop Kmiec and brought the dream of a Catholic high school in Sumner County to fruition. He served on the board of trustees from 2002-2006 and was honored for his contribution when Bishop Kmiec named the Claudia and William Puryear Library after him. Mr. Puyear had grandchildren who attended Pope Prep: Pierce Weber ‘06, Ellen Weber, John Puryear, James Puryear ‘14, and Anna Puryear ‘22. Mr. Puryear left a legacy to Pope John Paul II Preparatory School by sharing his gift of a an original artwork that pays tribute to Mike McLaren’s work as the first Dean of Students (see page 26 for more information).

MR. RICHARD STEPHENSON 1945-2023

Mr. Richard “Coach” Stephenson was a founding faculty member and English department chair of Pope John Paul II High School in 2002. After teaching English at Castle Heights Military Academy for five years and Gallatin High School for 30 years, he taught in our English department and served as department chair until 2010, when he officially retired. He was the first varsity Golf coach at JPII, and he was known for his love of the Bible and British literature and for his theory of the historical “development of literature.” Mr. Stephenson sponsored several school trips abroad and had a passion for sharing his extensive knowledge of English history with students and faculty alike. Richard Stephenson’s legacy for our community was establishing the culture of the English department by emphasizing a deep study of the traditional canon of literature paired with extensive writing instruction, both of which have been proven effective as our alumni return to tell stories of their positive university experiences in English and writing. Mr. Stephenson was a captivating teacher in the classroom: he was known for the stories and histories that he had gathered over a lifetime of study and during his 43 years of teaching and coaching experiences.

GRATITUDE REPORT

2021-2022

During his Apostolic visit to Toronto, Downsview Park, on Saturday, July 27, 2002, for the 17th Annual World Youth Day, the then Holy Father John Paul II reminded the crowd that,

If your friendship with Christ, your knowledge of his mystery, your giving of yourselves to him, are genuine and deep, you will be “children of the light”, and you will become “the light of the world.” For this reason I repeat to you the Gospel words: “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16).

Saint Pope John Paul II calls each of us to be the light of Christ and to spread His light by sharing our time, talents, and treasure within our community. We asked, and you shared your time, talents and treasure with us. The 2021-2022 “Be the Light” campaign for the Fund For Excellence (FFE) was the most successful fundraising campaign in school history, allowing for enhanced and expanded programming school-wide, technology upgrades, facility improvements, faculty/staff employment expansions, and more.

On behalf of everyone who is touched by the good work of Pope John Paul II Preparatory School, know we are grateful to the current and alumni parents, current and alumni students, grandparents, friends, and foundations included in the following gratitude report who have been generous with us for the direct benefit and future health of our school. Your generosity allows us to continue to offer the Pope Prep experience that our community has come to expect of the Shining City on the Hill. Thank you for being the Light of Christ through your participation in this effort, and know that your time, talents, and treasure are appreciated beyond measure.

Lord, please bless all those who have been good to us for your sake. Amen.

KNIGHT’S COURT SOCIETY - ($10,000.00 + )

Anonymous

Stephen and Shannon Cook

Diocese of Nashville

Daniel and Karen Dugan

Joseph and Kim Fox

Greg and Mary Garretson

Alexander ‘10 and Bridget Isaacson

Allison Isaacson-Beahm ‘09 and Chad Beahm

Jody McLaren

Russell and Charlotte Marino

Nashville Catholic Business Women’s League

Sumner Special Housing, Inc.

Golden ‘07 and Elise Tate

The Memorial Foundation

Terry and Cindy Wallace

William and Jennifer Wood

LORDS & LADIES SOCIETY - ($5,000.00 + )

Anonymous

Larry and Terri Borders

Bobby and Wendy Brantley

CarSmart

Chip and Christina Englander

Britt and Wendy Hunt

Chris and Amy Jackson

Mathews and Asha Joseph

Gino and Jeanne Marchetti

Pedestal Foods/TASBB, LLC

Simmons Bank/Gallatin TN Branch

Dan and Ann Singelyn

Jonathan and Amy Smithson

John and Colleen Sooker

Stewart and Samantha Stowers

Mark and Jennifer Uhl

Wayne and Chris Wantz

Legacy Giving/Planned Giving

Legacy Giving refers to donations that a donor promises to a non-profit organization now, but the donation will actually be received by the non-profit organization, such as Pope Prep, at some time in the future, often at the end of the donor’s lifetime. Legacy Giving is also commonly referred to as Planned Giving since a donor “plans out” this type of gift in advance. If a donor has a Will or Trust, the donor may list the intention to make a Legacy/Planned Gift in such documentation. If a donor does not have a Will or Trust, the donor can work with an attorney or financial advisor to make the Legacy/Planned Gift known and documented. In either situation, if you wish to remember Pope Prep with a Legacy/Planned Gift or if you have already done so, please contact Dean of Advancement Michelle Barber so she can document your intentions and ensure your wishes are known to Pope Prep.

While most Legacy/Planned Gifts are made through a bequest in a donor’s Will and/or Trust, there are many financial tools that allow a donor to make a significant gift during their lifetime and benefit from tax breaks and other financial benefits during the donor’s lifetime. If this is of interest to you, please contact Dean of Advancement Michelle Barber to connect with suggested allied partners who will assist you in devising and executing a beneficial plan.

PAGE & SQUIRE SOCIETY - ($2,500.00 + )

Stephen and Patricia Aud

Barton and Angela Bagsby

Scott and Christine Bryant

Gordon Carroll

Caterpillar Foundation Matching Gift

Matthew and Evelyn Clausen

Coca - Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, Inc.

Mark and Patti Deffendall

Bryan and Sharon Edwards

James and Kathy Galvin

Mark and Louise Griffith

James and Leslie Harrison

Joseph and Elizabeth Hobbs

Jeffrey and Rhonda Holt

James and Sarah McLeod

Kevin and Kathleen McNatt

NovaTech

Shay and Julie Oliphant

Daryl and Jennifer Price

Kyle and Sara Reynolds

Sean and Lisa Stevison

Stephen and Catherine Strickland

The Nancy M. & Victor S. Johnson, Jr. Foundation, Inc.

Norman Tripp

CABALLARIUS SOCIETY - ($1,500.00 + )

David and Michelle Amlicke

Matt and Vanessa Anderson

Allen and Laura Arender

Chad and Becky Bone

Carter Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Keith and Velma Chesser

Michael and Catherine Morgan Curlee

John and Chris Donnelly

Tom and Pat Givens

Griffin Family Charitable Account

Bryan and Wendy Hawkins

James and Jennifer Houdeshell

Christopher and Courtney Johnson

Josten’s Inc.

Walter and Christine Koscienski

Thomas and Marcia McCarthy

Jerry and Sarah McNair

Our Lady of the Lake Church

Karen Phillips

Jeremiah and Brittany Pierce

Brian and Casey Raybourne

Shane and Lori Smith

St. Patrick Catholic Church

Jeff and Margaret St. Peters

Stiles Impressions LLC/DBA GradPro TN

Matthew and Laura Thigpen

Truist/SunTrust Bank

Greg and Jayne Tuerff

YourCause, LLC Trustee for The HCA Foundation

COAT OF ARMS SOCIETY - ($1,000.00 +

Anonymous

Andy and Bethany Arbuckle

Jon and Maureen Backstrom

Scott and DeAna Bagwell

Clark and Carolyn Baker

Hogan and Mary Katherine Bryant

Dan Burval and Roxanne Valentino

Zac and Tara Campbell

Terry and Angie Evans

William Gavigan

Scott and Lori Gettelfinger

William Michael and Tanna Hannold

Rebecca Jansing-Kaestner

Travis and Jenny King

Ed and Betty Mayberry

Michael and Jennifer O’Neill

Edward and Kathleen Pearson

John and Rochelle Reding

Grant and Shannon Rice

David and Margorie Snow

Jamie and Rhonda Spurlock

Chad and Kelly Swan

The Blackbaud Giving Fund/YourCause

Mike and Carole Tidwell

Charles and Cara Wade

Justin and Jennifer Webb

Newton and Kendall Welch

IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions

)

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 +

Karen Abbondanza

Victor and Greycha Acevedo

WM and Wilma Adams

David and Renee Aguiare

Houston and Debi Akin

Stephen and Jennifer Aleman

Sean and Sarah Alexander

Guy and Susan Alfieri

Jason and Amy Allen

Jason and Tiffany Allman

Jeff and Molly Altenbern

Adam and Jessica Alvarez

Anthony and Heidi Amorese

Heather and David Anderson

Donald and Angel Andress

Jose and Claudia Angel

Apex Building Services, LLC

Gene and Cissy Arender

Luis and Norma Asencio

Christopher and Toni Ashley

Bryan and Erin Atkins

Dennis and Pamela Autry

Casey and Jaime Bailey

Dusty and Stephanie Baker

John and Stacie Baker

Marcus and Shannon Baldini

Eva Bangert

Van Banks

Kevin and Michelle Barber

Dave and Molly Barbuto

Jennifer Barrett

Troy and Kristine Bartlett

Tracy Bates

)

Another donation option to know about and to consider using as a way to benefit Pope Prep and the donor during the donor’s lifetime is through the use of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) distributions for donations. On Roth IRAs, you may withdraw funds tax-free if the account has been open for at least five years and if you are over 59½ years old. On traditional IRAs, you are required to take annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) at 72½ years old, and you can avoid paying taxes on the money by donating it to a non-profit, such as Pope Prep. This type of donation, called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), was made permanent in 2015, and MUST be made directly from the IRA to a qualified charity, such as Pope Prep. Starting at age 70½ or older, a donor can use the QCD and donate up to $100,000 without it being considered a taxable distribution. Why consider this type of tool for donations? Because the QCD effectively lowers the donor’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), thus lowering the donor’s income tax liability. This tool is especially beneficial to those donors required to take distributions and trying to keep their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) at or below a particular income tax threshold. If you are considering using an IRA QCD, please contact Dean of Advancement Michelle Barber to ensure your maximum tax advantage.

Doug and Vivian Batson

Robert and Susie Battey

Gary and Angela Baum

Sean and Christina Baumgartner

Scott and Melissa Baxter

Patrick and Piroska Bazarne

Mary Beasley ‘18

Robert and Brenda Beasley

Beem Pizza LLC/Long Hollow Pizza and Pub

Gregory and Kathleen Bender

John Bentley

Lance and Mary Bentley

Jason and Jill Berry

James and Audrey Bills

Steve and Tracy Black

Scott and Jill Blackwell

Kevin and Tracie Blaser

Bruce and Elizabeth Boling

Mark and Jennifer Botsko

Karen Bourg

Rob and Marlis Boyce

Michael and Crystal Boyle

Diana Brackmann

Mary Brahos

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

LaTishah Britt

John Paul and Abigail Brizzolara

Malik and Sonya Brooks

Kendra Broome

Mike and Karen Brown

Russell and Dana Brown

Sonia Brown

Whit Brown ‘07

Matt and Melissa Browning

Mark and Linda Bruchas

BSN Sports, LLC

Craig and Denise Buck

Chris and Megan Buell

Erica Byrum

Jon and Angela Calisi

Ryan Calonge

Rick and Suzanne Calvin

Mark and Connie Cambron

Scott and Julie Cameron

Maria and Ricado Caratachea

Josh and Brooke Carman

Christian and Kristen Carpenter

Elbert and Linda Carter

Jake and Julie Carter

Larrice Carter

Timothy and Roben Carter

Jeffrey and Wendy Case

Jamie and Jessi Castleman

Terri Castleman

Greg and Christie Catignani

David and Julie Cavalli

Connie Centrella

Jason and Katherine Chaffin

Paul and Kim Childress

Cyndi Clark

Dan and Laurie Clark

Kevin and Emily Clavin

Darnell and Michelle Clay

Steve and Shelly Cleek

John and Donna Clinard

Tony and Cherie Cline

Kellen and Amber Cole

Michael James and Jean Marie Colello

James and Jo Collins

Kevin and Nina Collins

Marty and Roxanne Collins

Mark and Cathy Compton

Patrick and Diane Connolly

Daniel and Karen Connow

Gary Cook

Travis and Ginger Cork

Ryan and Christy Crawford

Jeffry and Ramona Creager

Timothy and Rose Crean

Brent and Priscilla Crouch

Nathan and Dana Croy

Joseph and Jennifer Crum

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Zach Crum ‘20

Nicholas and Tuzdy Currlin

CyberGrants LLC

Patricia Casey Daley

Luke and Sarah Dalske

Arthur D’Angelo

Rita Daniel

Eula Daniels

John and Georgia Carolyn Davis

Julie Davis

Robert and Constance Davis

Russell and Terri Davis

Troy and Carol Deason

Mike and Susan Deely

Gary and Maria DeJoseph

John and Kimberly DeLaney

Rich and Kelly Delmotte

Robbie and Kim deMarigny

David and Madeleine DeMoss

John and Cathy Dempsey

Brandon and Jessica Denton

Frank and Dana Denton

Joachim and Jennifer Detlefsen

Luke and Amanda Diamond

Charlie and Karen Dickerson

Daniel and Brandy Dion

Anhminh and Tran Do

Jewell Dobson

John and Kay Dodd

Stephen and Patricia Donnelly

Michael and Tiffany Donovan

Brad and Vicki Dorr

Tyler Dorr ‘15

Alex and Yolanda Dorsey

Roberto and Timeeka Downes

Greg and Cherie Drennan

Keach and Tandy Driver

Robbie Drueck

Matthew and Beverly DuBois

Rick DuBois

Charlotte Duerksen

James and Lucy Dugger

Adam and Mary Dunn

Jennifer and Kevin Dye

Tony and Sarah Earley

Scott and Ingrid Easter

Ronald and Pam Eatman

Doug and Jeannette Ebelhar

John and Sally Edwards

Chris and Allison Egan

Jim and Elizabeth Elfers

Rhett and Susan Emerson

Craig and Vickie Ennis

Matthew and Melanie Espindola

Kerry and Emily Evans

Scott and Kelly Evens

Jason and Stephanie Everhardt

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Brad and Laura Fair

Sarah Farmer

Glenn and Lisa Farris

Mark and Heather Faulhaber

Cathy Ferone

Thomas and Lori Ferranti

David and Jennifer Fesmire

Margaret Finaly ‘12

FitRev LLC

Kenneth and Danette Flowers

Sean and Julie Forrest

Al and Barbara Foster

Lisa Fowler

McLean and Kara Fowler

Christy Franklin

John and Megan Friel

Elizabeth Frisbie

Teresa Frisbie

Stephan and Suzanne Gaffney

Douglas and Julie Gafney

Matt and Arrione Galvin

Corey and Kirby Gardner

Ashley Garris

Thomas and Michele Gautsch

Justin and Jasmine Geisinger

Jesse and Carmen Gentile

Teno and Diana Geritano

Faye and Ron Girten

Jeff and Cindi Givens

Jinny Glasco

Christian Laura Glaser

Rob and Lori Gleason

Allison Glenn

Milton and Kristin Glidewell

Maurice and Sharon Golden

Ana Gonzales

Darrell and Laura Goodwin

Rachel Gordon

Cameron and Brenda Goss

David and Ellen Gould

Erin Gould

Chris and Heather Graffagnino

Jim and Linda Griffin

Johnny and Evelyn Grimes

Carmey Ground

Scott and Jacquie Grytza

Charlie and Caroline Guerry

Caleb and Jayne Hallock

Chris and Rebecca Hammel

Tim and Hilda Hammond

Patrick and Janette Hannon

Matt and Evelyn Hanson

Samuel Hargrove

Martia Harris

Rachel Harrison ‘13

Kenneth and Juliet Hartlage

Michael and Nayeli Hartman

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Banning and Alicia Hatchett

James and Michele Haymart

Onnessia Head

John and Mary Beth Hearn

Anthony and Glenda Heath

Delon and Ennas Hebron

Mike and Lori Hemmelgarn

John and Angela Henderson

Rick and Imee Herauf

Jeff and Tracey Herrmann

Mason Hickman ‘17

Jason Higgins

Debbie Hill

John Hill

William and Meredith Hilleary

Catherine Hiller

Lorenzo Hines

Ed and Julie Hisrich

Jeff and Amanda Hite

Gene and Deanna Hixson

Brian and Jeanne Hock

Kelly Hogan

Paul and Amy Hogg

Wesley and Angela Holley

Dan and Annette Hollis

Andy and Jami Hollman

Jarrod and Robin Holman

Jason and Jennifer Holzen

James and Laura Hooper

Brett and Shelley Houlberg

James and Maria Hover

Andrew and Sarah Huckabay

Robert and Michelle Huff

Johnny and Kristi Huffine

Christopher and Scottie Nell Hughes

Bruce and Julie Hurst

Kent and Patricia Hurt

Jasen and Susan Ingram

Thomas and Margaret Ingram

Matthew and Christina Isbell

Joshua and Jenny Isble

Christine Ishak

Ivan and Olivia Ivanov

Shiju and Neetha Jacob

Harold and Nancy Jacobs

Tyler and Kara Jacobs

Jessami Jacobson

Felicia James

Michael and Maureen Jenne

Robert and Isabel Johannes

David and Nicole Johnson

Jim and Jill Johnson

LaVonda Johnson

James and Deborah Johnston

Gerald and Melanie Jones

Greg and Tiffany Jones

Jeff and Michele Jones

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Keith Jones

Lori and Jeff Jones

Stephanie Jones

Tom and Karen Jurkovich

Robert and Alison Kanaby

Paul and Beki Kazanofski

Matthew and Marquenta Keaton

Cecilia Keith

Michael and Lisa Kellogg

Clinton Kelly

William and Leslie Kelly

Christine Kennard

Patrick and Kate Kennedy

Paul Kirby ‘13

Rod and Allison Kirk

Joe and Jennifer Kirkpatrick

Paul and Angela Kniery

Steve and Tiffany Knight

Antonio and April Knox

Thomas Koen ‘11

Mark Kohls

Shannon Konkel

Patrick and Allison Kopf

Jeanette Koscienski

Richard and Monica Krampotich

David and Nora Krause

David and Paula Krebs

Mallory Krisko

William and Barbara Krispin

Jason and Michelle Kumm

Joshua and Jessica Kurtzman

Kyriakos and Patricia Hooper Kyriakidis

Ron and Robbin Lambert

Shawn and Elizabeth Lance

Ricky Lang ‘15

Jonathan and Beth Langlois

Danielle and Stacy Latham

Henry and Jessica Lau

Jeb and Mary Mac Lax

Mark and Laura LeCave

Danny and Amanda Ledford

Julie Lee

Steve and Erin Lee

Toby and Mary Lee

Josh and Mandy LeMay

Brian and Ursula Lichter

Benjiman and Jessica Link

Stan and Melanie Link

Ashley Linville and Beatriz Lopez

Kenny Linville

Taylor Holmes ‘10 and Diandian Liu

Mark and Elizabeth Lloyd

John and Barbara Lombardi

Bruce and Jill Long

Daniel and Jennifer Loper

Peter and Tracy Lorge

Stephen and Michelle Lydon

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

M&A HVAC Services, LLC

Todd and Dawn Marasi

Lawrence and Deborah Marine

Adam and Amanda Markham

Kevin and Tammy Marsh

Cathryn Martin

Russell and Marsha Martin

Mike and Lori Martini

Michael and Natasha Marx

Courtney and Leigh Masters

Chad and Melissa Mathews

Mark and Cleothy Matton

Joshua and Maria Mauthe

Beverly Carole Maxwell

Keller Mays ‘06

Nan Mays

William and Amy McAllister

Joyce McBee

Eric and Tara McCann

Wes and Hadley McCrary

Michael and Mila McDonald

Michael and Sarah McGhee

Christopher and Leeann McGrew

Jamie and Jennifer McMurry

Jim and Diane McNamara

James and Tanya McPherson

Jason and Holly Mechler

Chris and Colleen Meffe

Marlene Meffe

Scott and Suzanne Mehaffy

Alexandra Melendez

Tiffany Melton

Salvador and Brenda Mendoza

Pam Merkel

Rodney Brandon and Jackie Mewbourne

Emily Meyerl

Patricia Meyer-Reynolds

Andrew and Corinne Michel

Megan Mihaliak ‘12

Kenneth and Montseratt Miller

Thomas and Rachel Miller

Mark and Heather Milliken

Mills Uniform Company

Kennith and Taylor Minchey

Cassie Missimer ‘08

Kenneth and Windy Mocko

Kendra Monfette

Joey and Kristy Montalbano

Hector and Dianne Montalvo

Darrell and Mekesha Montgomery

Christopher and Melissa Montini

Rob and Maria Montini

William and Virginia Moore

Richard and Deirdre Morris

Jeffery and Cori Morris

Robert and Lynette Morrison

Heather Moss-Gad

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

James and Natisha Moultry

Abraham and Raquel Mukolo

Timothy and Ann Mumma

Mary Margaret Musacchio ‘12

Richard and Karen Musacchio

Melissa Musacchio-Croslow ‘06

Jody and Claudine Nardone

William and Rhonda Nason

Rob and Dena Nessari

Josh and Abby Newby

Virgilio and Marigrace Nisperos

John and Amy Noble

Cameron and Kathleen Nowell

Eduardo Nunes

Charles and Erica Nute

Jeff and Jennifer Oathout

Junichiro and Suzanne Ogawa

Esther Okooboh

Timothy and Sarah O’Leary

Daniel and Susan Olivas

Jason and Olivia Orendorff

Greg and Andi Orr

Lisa Owen

Karen Pagan

Robert and Kate Page

Brian and Marcessa Palmer

Thomas and Andrea Panozzo

Dustin Papendick

Andrew and MaryClare Park

Christopher and Jessica Parker

Patrick and Kelly Parker

Scott and Emily Parrelli

Jason and Aimee Parrish

Ashok and Vanita Patel

Jay and Bhavna Patel

Anthony and Melinda Patterson

Jeanne Patterson

Thomas and Melisa Patterson

Trey and Dani Pearson

Elvis and Sara Pendleton

Mark and Rachael Pennington

Brad and Amanda Peper

Matt Perez

Stephanie Perkins

Jason and Holly Petrino

Nick and Heather Petrocci

Andrew and Susan Peyret

Sonya Picchietti

Betsy Pierpaoli

John and Carrie Pinkston

Kelvin and Lisa Pirtle

Kyle and Kristen Pitt

Ewa Poplawska-Pagan

Arynn and Rebecca Powers

Powersat Communications USA LP

Daniel and Sarah Puryear

John and Laura Puryear

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Mark and Valorie Quarles

Brooks and Marjorie Quin

Allen and Tricia Ramsey

Jason and Tandy Raynes

Rodney and Randa Reep

Anelise Rentuza ‘22

Ron and Ann Rentuza

Mark and Linda Reynolds

Todd and Mary Day Reynolds

Randall and Penny Rice

Scott and Heather Rice

Brian and Toni Richards

Gavin and Erin Richardson

Ryan and Heather Rickert

Adam and Maureen Rieck

Steve and Kristen Riley

John and Teresa Rippy

Amariah and Kiosha Robb

Alexander Roberts

John and Jenny Robertson

Joshua and Kristi Robey

Charles and Tareka Robinson

Peter and Micki Rodgers

Doug and Michelle Rogers

Craig and Jerilyn Rost

Michael and Mara Rowan

Taylor Rowe

Ralph and Shawna Ruby

Andrew and Jill Rucker

Raymond and Julie Runyon

Rebecca Lynn and Ryan

Terrence and Roberta Ryan

Tae and Eun Kim Ryou

Sammy and Christine Sabino

Darryl and Russha Sage

Johannes and Petra Saito

Heather Sanders

Charles and Maureen Sanger

Larry and Rebecca Savage

David and Jennifer Scaggs

Michael and Christine Schaefer

Philip and Amber Scheetz

Nickolas and Kelly Schimmel

Samantha Schneeberger

Cindy Schubart

Hartley and Amy Scott

Chad and Bridie Sellers

Mark and Alison Sexton

Charles and Veronica Shankar

Lane and Kimberly Shaver

Jody and Karen Shaw

Michael and Kathleen Shelby

Nathan and Ashley Shelby

Adam and Stefanie Shick

John and Beth Sikes

Brian and Vanessa Silkwood

James and Allison Simino

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Matthew and Kitti Simonsen

Daniel Singelyn

Jerry and Melissa Skaggs

Stephen and Michelle Smart

George and Kelly Smelcer

Brad and Ivanka Smith

Brian and Michelle Smith

Brian and Tara Smith

Jennifer and Ron Smith

Jeremy and Shannon Smith

Lora Leanne Smith

Mark and Lisa Smith

Stephen and Elizabeth Smith

Travis and Mary Smith

Kelly Smits

Brian ‘06 and Diane Sneed

Susan Snyder

Daniel and Julie Solarz

Blanca Solis

Curtis and Cynthia Sonnier

Rebecca Soto

Steve and Kelley Southard

Susan Sovine

James and Rachel Spence

Steve and Tiffany Speshock

Bill and Jenelle Spicer

Jeremy and Chassity Spivey

Steve and Sonja Springer

Erin Springstead

Joel and Katie St. Francis

Matthew and Amy Stahlhut

Debra Stall

Rodney and Shermario Stanton

Eric and Joy Steidl

Ryan Stenberg

Melissa Stewart

David and Charmaine Stiglet

Jason and Beth Ann Stockton

Joshua and Maeghan Strope

Tim and Amy Sullenger

John and Laura Sullivan

Stephen and Salina Sullivan

Joel and Jennifer Surber

Clint and Sheana Sweatt

Swet Studio LLC

Jayson and Mary Beth Tabor

Mike and Karen Tabor

Timeeka Tardy

Wesley Tate ‘09

Andrew and Suzette Telli

Jim and Phyllis Thole

Craig and Alyson Thomas

Michael and Cassandra Thomas

John and Cassandra Thompson

Greg and Amanda Tomlin

Haley Topper

BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY - ($1.00 + )(CONT>)

Cang and Nhu Tran

Derek and Miranda Travers

Nicholas and Shanon Turner

David and Kristin Uyl

Stephen and Kelly Valente

Dale and Gretchen Van Gorder

Mike and Angela Van Metre

Juan and Tiffany Vargas

Jesus and Miriam Villalba

Vince and Beth Volz

Brandon and Jaime Vonderharr

Fred and Patricia Vordermeier

Kevin and Kelly Wagner

Brian and Kristina Wait

Joline Waites

Bill and Joy Walling

Mark and Jessica Weakley

Kerry and Tiffany Webb

Robert and Maureen Webb

Matthew and Kris Webster

Patrick and Lauren ‘05 Anderson West

Jeremy Weigel

David and Kristin Wermus

Stephanie West ‘06

Scott and Kim Weybright

William and Carol Whalen

Wayne and Wanda Whiting

Zachary and Heather Willard

Brian and Annemarie Williams

Regina and Michael Williams

Suzi Williams

Darrin and Katy Wilson

Douglas and Jill Wilson

Jeffrey and Anabella Wilson

Eric and Stacy Wimsatt

Robert and Amy Wingo

Steve and Christy Winter

Abigail Wood

Wesley and Susannah Wood

Bryant and Vanessa Woodard

James and Jackie Woodard

Robert and Jessica Woods

Ron and Patricia Woods

Hilarion and Elizabeth Woronzoff-Dashkoff

Colleen Wright ‘06

David and Amy Wright

John and Angela Yanacek

Joshua and Amy Young

Michael Zikovich

Tony and Susan Zikovich

Miguel and Virginia Zubillaga

Please join us for

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, SEPTEMBER 15 Pope Prep vs. Goodpasture Register at the alumni tent next to the entrance of the Jim Carell Athletic Complex. At halftime, enjoy the alumni reception in the KAC portico. After the game, all alumni, alumni parents, faculty, and staff are invited to a post-game gathering at The Rudder in Hendersonville.

REUNION WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 15-16

Classes of 2010, 2013, and 2018 will have private reunion events planned by the Alumni Office and the Class Agents.

Watch for information on the alumni page of the Pope John Paul II Preparatory School website and social media pages.

www.popeprep.org/alumni

Facebook: JPII Alumni Instagram: popeprep_alumknights