“Young people, do not be afraid to be holy! Fly high, be among those whose goals are worthy of sons and daughters of God. Glorify God in your lives!”
— SAINT JOHN PAUL II 

With hearts full of pride, faith, and hope for the future, the John Paul II Catholic School community came together to celebrate the Class of 2025 in two meaningful events: the Baccalaureate Mass on May 29 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church and the Commencement Ceremony on May 30 on the JPII campus. Together, these celebrations reflected the school’s mission to form students who live with purpose, lead with integrity, and walk with Christ.

Baccalaureate Mass: A Sacred Sendoff

The Baccalaureate Mass offered a moment of prayerful reflection for students, families, and faculty. The Gospel reading from Colossians 3:12–17 encouraged the graduates to embrace compassion, humility, patience, and—above all—love. The final blessing reminded the Class of 2025 that their time at JPII was just the beginning of a life meant to glorify God.

Commencement: Honoring the Journey

The next day, the campus was filled with joy and anticipation as the graduates gathered for their Commencement Ceremony. Student Leadership Council President Caylin Gecy opened with a personal and heartfelt welcome. “This is not just another duty I had to do as Student Body President,” Gecy said. “It is my last opportunity to share something before you all.”

She reflected on her own path to JPII, calling it “the best decision of [her] life.” Quoting Dr. Seuss and the Gospel of Matthew, she encouraged her classmates to remain steadfast in faith. “With faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you,” she said. “Let’s never lose that faith. With it, we’ll do things we never thought were possible.”

Wisdom from Student Leaders

Salutatorian Isabella Perez began her address with a prayer, thanking God for the blessings of the moment and for the people who shaped her journey. She credited her parents for instilling high expectations, and her teachers and coaches for encouraging perseverance. “I’ve learned that my ‘limits’ were just what I told myself I could not do,” she said. “And that love and discipline go hand in hand.”

She emphasized the importance of balance—pursuing academic excellence while nurturing relationships with family, friends, and the Lord. “If you don’t, doing well in school is pointless,” she advised.

Isabella invited her classmates to reflect on moments of unity, like the final nights of their Kairos retreat and mission trip. “It is in the small moments like those where we see the beautiful impact we have on each other,” she said. “Our class has something special.”

Valedictorian Karoline Rustad echoed that sentiment with both gratitude and wisdom. “Class of 2025, we did it!” she began. “What an incredible moment we’re sharing today—congratulations to all of you!”

She reflected on how taking Art 1 with freshmen gave her perspective: “We are about to be the freshman on our college campuses… It’s a pivot, a chance to redefine who we are and where we’re headed.”

Karoline reminded her peers that while the future may bring uncertainty, they do not walk alone.“We have each other… and we have our faith, which will help guide us on all of our journeys.”

She encouraged the graduates to stay connected and committed to making a positive impact: “Our journey is not just about achieving personal success, but about positively contributing to the communities we become a part of.”

A President’s Blessing

In his address, JPII President David Lima praised the graduates for their perseverance, faith, and leadership. “As I look out at you,” he said, “I see not just young men and women ready to step into the future, but disciples formed in wisdom, faith, and service.”

He reminded them that their education had been transformational—preparing them not only academically, but spiritually and morally. Quoting Saint John Paul II, President Lima urged: “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”

“As you move on to new journeys,” he continued, “you go with nets that are strong and hearts that are brave.”

He closed by assuring graduates of their continued place in the JPII family: “You are not leaving us. You are being sent. Wherever you go, take with you the spirit of the Warrior—a spirit that is strong, resilient, faithful, and humble.”

Leaving a Legacy

The Class of 2025 leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Collectively, they earned over $8.4 million in scholarships, including nearly $1 million in South Carolina state merit awards, with 46 students receiving Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, or HOPE scholarships.

Among the most cherished moments of the ceremony were the conferral of diplomas by Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, the symbolic turning of tassels, the choir’s moving performance of “Seek Ye First,” and the ringing of the Alumni Bell—welcoming the graduates into the JPII alumni family.

“Fly High”: A Final Blessing

Fittingly, the theme of the Commencement Ceremony was drawn from the words of Saint John Paul II: “Young people, do not be afraid to be holy! Fly high, be among those whose goals are worthy of sons and daughters of God. Glorify God in your lives!”

And glorify God they have.

Congratulations, Class of 2025! You are Warriors—strong in faith, bold in spirit, and ready to move mountains. May your future be filled with joy, purpose, and grace.

Go Golden Warriors!

Enjoy the Class of 2025 Graduation Script