A Charlie Brown Christmas 2018
On Friday, December 7, 2018, the St. John Paul II Catholic High School drama students performed A Charlie Brown Christmas for partner school students. This is the second year the JPII Theater department has performed this Christmas classic. Students from St. John’s, Holy Spirit and Holy Family Catholic schools attended the performance. The attendees were able to have group photos taken with the cast and each student received a Charlie Brown puzzle as they exited the play.
Graduates Visit JPII
Two graduates of JPII stopped by earlier this week to visit with various classes and discuss the experience of attending West Point Military Academy. Cadets Brendan Huhlein and John Boyer discussed the many career opportunities available and we sat down with them for a little interview.
Interviewer: What is the best thing about attending West Point?
Cadet Huhlein: Well, its tough. It is a good experience, I've made some good friends. I would say the hardest part is adapting to the stress.
Cadet Boyer: I would agree, it has been a rewarding experience thus far, we've had some amazing opportunities, met some accomplished people, and have learned a lot from them.
Interviewer: What is the one thing that JPII prepared you for [other than academics], that maybe surprised you?
Cadet Huhlein: JPII, being a Catholic school, the religion as part of the daily life. Really helped me get through basic. I remember getting strength from my night time prayer.
Cadet Boyer: I was more religious during basic training. It was great to have my faith to pull from, saying a prayer or just remembering how blessed I am and what a good education I received, helped keep me focused.
Interviewer: Who are some of the more interesting people you've met at West Point?
Cadet Huhlein/Cadet Boyer: Ruth Bader Ginsberg came and spoke, she spoke more about her background, we kind of wish she would have talked more about Supreme Court decisions and maybe her decisions related to cases. Former President George W. Bush spoke, he was a great motivator, he has a lot of charisma and was very funny and self-depricating. He used words like strategery, nuclear [of course he mis-pronounced it] and kinda just poked fun at himself!
Interviewer: What is one thing you'd like to tell the JPII students?
Cadet Huhlein: Preparation for college is important. Putting yourself into leadership positions, even if it is outside of your comfort zone, is a good experience. I don't mean you have to be the President of every club you join, but select one or two and go for a leadership role. It is surprising how difficult it is to give orders to someone who is the same age as you. Challenge yourself, you'll be a better person for it.
Cadet Boyer: The study habits you have now, are the study habits you will have where ever you go! Whether you go on to a college or get accepted into a military academy, your study habits will go with you. It is much easier now to correct bad study habits. If you think you'll change your habits after high school, let me tell you, you won't. Also, the expectations you have of yourself here translates after high school. Don't be afraid to expect excellence from yourself. You may not always succeed, but you learn so much from each experience, and that is a great way to grow as a person.
Cadet Huhlein is studying to be a Nuclear Engineer, working toward counter measures to minimize the impact or recovery after a nuclear attack. He is also hoping to work on becoming a subject matter expert in prevention.
Cadet Boyer is working toward a degree in American Politics, focusing on pre-law with becoming a lawyer. When asked about a possible career in politics, he didn't say yes, and he didn't say no (possibly the perfect response for a future political candidate!).
1st Annual Turkey Bowl
Did the newest rivalry in Alabama football start at the Turkey Bowl? The 1st Annual Turkey Bowl is in the books! Alums came and competed on the field and reconnected on the sidelines. Dr. Hollis was pleased with the turnout for the 1st Turkey Bowl. "It is great to see our alum come back and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with each other. This event will be held annually and it is my hope that it becomes part of the JPII community's Thanksgiving traditions." Coach Haygood was happy to referee the game and said both sides competed with heart. We would like to give a huge Thank You to the JPII Parent Association for providing the wonderful food and beverages and the volunteers who worked the concessions!
