President's Welcome

Dear JPII Community,

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new President of John Paul II Catholic School. I am truly honored to join this incredible community, one deeply rooted in faith, academic excellence, and a commitment to shaping young men and women into scholars with a soul.

My name is David Lima, and I bring with me a passion for Catholic education and a wealth of experience in leadership, administration, and strategic planning. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and Accreditation for the Diocese of Arlington, where I worked closely with schools to ensure academic and faith formation excellence. Prior to that, I had the privilege of serving as principal at St. William of York Catholic School, where I fostered an environment of growth, stability, and success.

I hold a BA in History from Syracuse University and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from Anna Maria College. I am certified through the Virginia Catholic Education Association (VCEA) to teach grades K-12 and also hold a School Administrator’s endorsement with the VCEA.

What drew me to JPII was its unwavering commitment to developing the whole student—academically, spiritually, and socially. The unique opportunity to lead a school serving grades 6-12 is particularly exciting to me because these are formative years, where young minds and hearts are shaped. I believe that through a Christ-centered education, we can instill the values, knowledge, and character necessary to prepare students for their future, both in this world and in eternity.

Looking ahead, my vision for JPII is ambitious yet achievable. I am committed to building on the strong foundation established by Mr. John McCarthy and our dedicated faculty and staff. My goals include positioning JPII as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, gaining recognition on the Neumann List as one of the strongest Catholic schools in the country, and earning the Purple Star designation from the U.S. Military to further our support of military families. These aspirations are only possible with the collective dedication of our faculty, students, families, and community partners. Together, I am confident that we can achieve these milestones and elevate JPII to new heights.

For our prospective families, I want to assure you that JPII is more than just a school—it is a family. It is a place where faith and academics intertwine seamlessly, where each student is known and valued, and where excellence is pursued in every endeavor. We offer a rigorous curriculum, including College Prep, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses, along with innovative programs such as Project Lead the Way, which engages students in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. Additionally, our Marian Center for Learning ensures that every student has the support needed to thrive.

To our supporters and donors, I am eager to continue the strong relationships and partnerships that will help sustain and grow our mission. Your generosity is instrumental in providing scholarships, enhancing our campus, and expanding opportunities for our students. I look forward to working together to further enrich JPII’s legacy.

On a personal note, my wife, Julie, and I are blessed with four wonderful children—Joshua, Sarah, Jack, and Daniel. We are avid sports fans who love cheering on Notre Dame and all New England teams. When I’m not at school, you might find me exploring historical sites or enjoying the beach with my family.

Thank you for your interest in John Paul II Catholic School. I invite you to visit our campus, meet our students and faculty, and experience firsthand the warmth and excellence that define our community. I look forward to embarking on this journey together as we continue to make JPII the best Catholic school in South Carolina.

Blessings,

David Lima
President
Phone: (843) 645-3838