An exciting announcement for future opportunities in Catholic education: Bishop Garriga Middle School and St. John Paul II High School, already working side by side, merge into St. John Paul II Academy. Bishop Mulvey delivered the news at a press conference, with students of the new academy present.
President Fr. Peter Martinez welcomed the media and invitees to the event. He thanked the Unification committee and emphasized, “Our goal is to lead our pathways for this life and the next.” He continued, “Every school wants its students to succeed. We want our students to have a compass of formation—academic rigor is important, but so is faith formation.”
Superintendent Dr. Rosemary Henry explained the academy's new features, connecting students’ interests to their eventual careers: “Students can get a certificate, earn college credits or even an associate degree.” These “Centurion pathways” include studies in arts and humanities, health science and services, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). This new academy model features specialized education, hands-on learning and dual credit opportunities with DelMar College. Del Mar College President and CEO Mark Escamilla said he was honored to participate in this new endeavor with his team. The students “can obtain credits and certificates with lasting value in this fast-paced world.”
The Middle and High School level of the new St. John Paul II Academy features the words “Fides, Ratio, Virtus” – Faith, reason and virtues – in their logo, continuing the commitment to impart spiritual wisdom and virtuous behavior by putting faith into practice in daily life. In addition to pursuing academic excellence, the academy prepares the students to take leadership roles in their parishes and communities.