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JPII Completes Largest-Ever Day of Service Across the Lowcountry

On Monday, October 21, John Paul II Catholic School came together with over 24 local organizations across Beaufort and Jasper Counties for its most ambitious JPII Day of Service yet, spreading joy, hope, and compassion throughout the Lowcountry. This year's event marked the largest and farthest-reaching outreach initiative in the school’s history, as students, faculty, and staff embraced the opportunity to give back.

From environmental conservation and hunger relief to elderly care and animal rescue, JPII volunteers dedicated their day to hands-on service projects that touched countless lives. The enthusiasm and energy of the students were on full display as they worked side by side with their community partners. Whether it was cleaning facilities, preparing meals, or assisting at shelters, students experienced firsthand the profound impact of serving others.

“It was amazing to see how much of a difference we could make,” said JPII senior Trice McClure, reflecting on the day’s events. “To me the JPII Day of Service is a way to give back to my community with my friends and gain a better appreciated for everything that I have been give.”

JPII Principal Heather Rembold highlighted that the school’s core SHIELD values—service, high expectations, innovation, excellence, leadership, and discipleship—serve as the foundation of this initiative. “Through our Day of Service, we not only gave back to the community but also put our faith into action as ambassadors for Christ,” she said. “Our students not only learned the value of community service but also how to live out the call to be scholars with a soul.”

This year’s Day of Service was a true celebration of community, compassion, and faith. JPII students returned to campus with full hearts, knowing that their efforts made a positive difference across Beaufort and Jasper Counties. The day was a powerful reminder that through service, we can all help build a better, more caring world. “I learned that no matter how big or small the act of service you do, it has a big impact on the community, ” said 9th grader Kathryn Mouhalis. 

 

Testimonials from a handful of JPII students...

Toni Ciotti, 8th grade - “All our hard work was worth the effort because I was thinking about the people who would look at the flower arrangements and read the cards.”

Samantha Cervantes, 8th grade - “Whoever is not close to God they will realize that God is always there for them. They will always remember that God is powerful in this world and maybe someday if they keep praying they might get released.”

Stella Shipman, 9th grade -"I learned that even the smallest things make the biggest differences in people's life and people really appreciate service. God wants us all to serve others and Him.

Isaac Leonard, 9th grade -“People there don't really have a family member or someone to take care of them so they stay at the program all day. They all know each other and treat each other like family. It was good to meet and spend time with new people.”

Blakely Gecy, 8th grade -"I love visiting my elders and bringing them joy. I hope we made them happy. Having them talk to us and telling us about their past was the best part.”

Maddie Marshall, 9th grade - “People who have something different going on doesn’t mean their not acceptable it just means they need extra help. There was a lot of good that came out of the service but mostly I loved helping people in our community and making people feel loved. It was a great experience.”

Savannah Washington, 9th grade - “It helps to be there for people even if you don’t know them because all people want is to have a nice conversation. It’s nice to make people feel happy and leave them smiling.”

Grace Buckland, 9th grade - "Something good that came from my experience is how valuable life can be."

Emma Karr9th grade -"I learned how fortunate I am. Service can be a big deal to others and we can make someone’s day so much better."