Last week, the John Paul II Catholic School Class of 2025 embarked on their long-anticipated Senior Mission Trip—a meaningful sendoff rooted in faith, friendship, and purpose. From May 19–23, our seniors spent the week at Lake Aurora Christian Camp & Retreat Center in Lake Wales, Florida, embracing both the joy of community and the grace of service before taking their next steps beyond our halls.

Their week began with travel, laughter, and bonding—kicking things off with a traditional stop at Buc-ee’s in Daytona for lunch and heading straight into swimming, boating, and orientation at the camp. Monday evening opened with prayer, small group reflections, and the guiding question: “What are you hoping for?”—a theme that would echo throughout the week.

On Tuesday, our students dug into Christ-centered service at Shining Light Gardens, a farm providing fresh food to those in need. Later that day, they cooled off at Vero Beach and returned to camp for powerful moments of small group sharing.

Wednesday’s mission took the group to the Treasure Coast Food Bank, where hands and hearts worked in unison to bring nourishment to the vulnerable. The day continued with Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church—a time of peace and prayer that grounded them in the Eucharist. “Christ was present in every act of service today,” JPII Campus Minister Joseph Rivera shared.

Thursday brought a visit to St. Michael Catholic Church in Wauchula, where our seniors were welcomed into the heart of the Church’s apostolate. From working in the food pantry and preparing meals, to hearing from the sisters about vocations, God’s will, and college life, the day offered a deeply personal reminder of the call to discipleship. As the sun set over Bahia Beach, the seniors reflected on how their faith has grown throughout the week:

The week concluded with a joyful day of celebration at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, a well-earned moment of fun and fellowship to cap off a transformative week.

As the Class of 2025 prepares to graduate, we are so proud of the spirit they’ve shown—hearts willing to serve, voices lifted in prayer, and a readiness to follow Christ wherever they are called. May the seeds of faith planted this week flourish as they go forth to college and beyond.

Go with God, Golden Warriors. Your JPII family is praying for you every step of the way