John Paul II Catholic School is proud to announce that seven students were honored at this year’s Bluffton Mayor’s Youth Community Service Awards, a ceremony that recognizes the contributions of young people who are making a meaningful impact on their communities. These awards celebrate youth who have embraced the call to serve and have gone above and beyond in giving their time, talents, and hearts to those in need.

Congratulations to our Golden Warriors who received this special recognition:

• Carson Hurst, Senior
• Nakiya Smalls, Junior
• Madison Burke, Junior
• Leo Iskandar, Sophomore
• Archer Dewig, Junior
• Sebastian Frickel, Junior
• Izabella del Mazo, Junior

These students represent the best of what it means to live out the mission of John Paul II Catholic School. Through their volunteer service, they are making a tangible difference in the Bluffton community while growing into the servant leaders God is calling them to be.

Volunteerism is deeply woven into the fabric of the student experience at JPII, where service is more than a requirement—it is a core virtue and an expression of our Catholic faith. From sixth through twelfth grade, students are encouraged to live out JPII’s SHIELD virtues: Service, High Expectations, Innovation, Excellence, Leadership, and Discipleship. Whether organizing community drives, helping local parishes, or mentoring younger students, JPII students embrace servant leadership as a way of life.

"At JPII, we believe that service transforms not only those we help, but those who give," said David Lima, JPII president. "Seeing our students honored by the Town of Bluffton reinforces how their everyday acts of kindness and faith-filled action are making a real difference. These recognitions are a reflection of who we are as a school."

The Bluffton Mayor’s Youth Community Service Award is open to middle and high school students who have completed a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service within the past year. Hours must be performed in Bluffton or in support of local organizations that serve the Bluffton community. To apply, students submit a detailed log of their service hours, verified by a school official or service coordinator, along with a brief personal reflection. Award levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Mayor’s Call to Service—are based on total hours completed between May 1 and April 21.

Principal Heather Rembold expressed her gratitude and pride. "We are incredibly proud of our students for leading with their hearts and living out their faith through action. Their commitment to service is not just an achievement—it is discipleship in motion. These awards affirm that our students are becoming the compassionate leaders and Christ-centered citizens we hope for them to be," she said.

JPII extends heartfelt congratulations to all student honorees and their families. Their example inspires our entire community to continue answering the call to love and serve others, as Christ taught us to do.