Clubs & Activities

The John Paul II Acts29 Peer Ministry Team strives to develop strong Catholic leaders and Christian disciples to serve in the various components of our middle and high school Campus Ministry. These specifically chosen Peer Ministers, who exhibit a willingness to serve, lead, and support their peers, will develop a deeper relationship with God, a stronger Catholic identity, and a clearer understanding of their place of importance in the community. Through a wide variety of ministry roles, Acts29 Peer Ministers will help lead their fellow teens to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.

With our call to discipleship as its cornerstone, Acts29 Peer Ministry is a prime opportunity for all youth to foster their servant leadership potential, build community, and seek out the many ways they can serve as disciples of Christ. Through training and first-hand experience, they will grow a heart for service, learn leadership skills, improve their prayer life, and become an active voice in the church.

We chose the name Acts29 because the Acts of the Apostles contains 28 chapters, and our desire and our prayer is that we will write the next chapter as we build the Kingdom of God one Disciple at a time here at John Paul II…Join us on this journey and let’s encounter Jesus Christ in a deeper way!

Instructor:  Deacon Brent Heathcott

This club has been created in loving memory of a cherished JPII alumnus whose spirit was most alive under open skies and beside quiet waters, we dedicate the "All for J Fishing Club." Jacob’s love for the outdoors and the simple pleasure of casting a line with friends at our campus pond will forever be remembered. Though his time on earth was tragically cut short, this club honors his legacy—celebrating friendship, nature, and the peaceful moments he so deeply loved. All for J, always. 

Fishing is more than just a recreational activity. It is a way to connect with nature, practice patience and build community. Whether an experienced angler or a first timer trying something new, Fishing Club offers a unique and rewarding experience for everyone. Our primary goals are promoting safe and ethical angling, providing a fun and safe environment for students to share and grow their fishing skills, making connections to our community and learning new skills. Activities will include fishing in our campus pond, workshops on fly tying, lure building, knot tying, community service projects and more.

Meeting Day/Time:  1^st and 3^rd Monday of the month during Advisory/DOCS.
Moderator:  Mrs. Kate Lackey

Art Club is for anyone with a passion for art and commitment to regular attendance! The purpose of the art club is to provide students who have an interest in art with an opportunity to explore art beyond what is offered in the curriculum. It gives students the opportunity to work individually and in groups..

High School students may also join a group that will meet on Thursday mornings before school.

Meeting Day/Time:  

• Middle School Art Club - 6^th, 7^th & 8^th grade, Thursdays during Advisory.
• High School Art Club, Thursday mornings before school.

Moderator:  Mrs. Kate Lackey

The JPII Choir Club is JPII's high school vocal music ensemble. This choir rehearses music to help lead and enhance the worship experience of JPII's weekly mass. As a member of the JPII Choir Club, students learn ensemble musicianship, vocal skills, music theory, and a variety of repertoire for other school and community performances. All interested high school students are welcome to join, regardless of previous singing experience! A commitment to regular attendance and a good attitude are the only requirements.

Meeting Day/Time: The JPII Choir Club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays during DOCS.
Moderator: Ms. Emily Brown

The Culture Club is a fun group where students learn about different cultures and share their own. We hold events like food tastings, decorating boards around the school, and talks to explore traditions worldwide. It’s a great way to make friends, try new things, and celebrate our diverse community.

Meeting Day/Time:  Monday mornings before school in room 142.
Moderator:  Mrs. Jennifer Cohen

Chess Club is open to high school and middle school students who want to compete in the game of chess.  Students are expected to keep up with assignments and be passing all classes to participate.  Students must already come with some understanding of the game. There are two competitions with SCISA. One in the fall and one in the spring.

Meeting Day/Time: Every other Wednesday in room 246.
Moderator: Dr. Annie Chen

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high school.  DECA’s flagship evaluation process requires that students compete in both a written component such as an exam or report and an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge.

The JPII DECA Club began in the 2020-2021 school year. In that first year that JPII participated, all our members placed in the top 10 for their events at the regional competition. In JPII's first state competition, we had a student finish in first place! This qualified him to compete in the International Career Development Conference (ICDC). We are excited to see the continued success as we grow JPII DECA!

Meeting Day/Time: Every other Wednesday in MC7.
Moderator: Mrs. Nicole Schawang

Model UN is one of the most popular ways to learn about the workings of the United Nations. The United Nations Model UN Program aims to build and maintain strong links between the UN and Model UN participants across the globe. Conferences are organized by hundreds of educational institutions at all levels to engage young students in diplomatic debates and conversations that resemble those at the United Nations. It is often the first time that students are exposed to international affairs.

The club at John Paul II is supported by the World Affairs Council of Hilton Head Island and competes at Winthrop University each spring. Club members represent their chosen countries, write resolutions and debate issues in committees and the General Assembly at the competition.

Meeting Day/Time: The club meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays during DOCS in room MC1.
Moderator: Mr. Bill Damude

The National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) are the nation's premier organizations established to recognize outstanding high school and middle school students. More than just an honor roll, NHS and NJHS serve to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.  This directly aligns with our SHIELD values at John Paul II Catholic School.

To become a member of NHS, a student must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement by maintaining a GPA of 4.0. NJHS membership requires a minimum grade average of 93% and adds the core value of citizenship. The selection process begins in January following the first semester.  Induction is typically in March.

Membership in these honor societies does not end with induction, that is only the beginning. Students are expected to be role models for others, commit to community service, maintain their GPA, and provide Christian leadership in their school and community.  Our members are currently involved in various service projects on and off campus.

Meeting Day/Time:  Meetings for current members will be held once or twice per month. Both groups meet in the Athletic Center. Meeting dates will be announced on the corresponding Google Classroom page.
Moderator: Ms. Alice Wood, Ms. Wendy Lacombe

JPII is bringing back the Pickleball Club which was a club created and driven by student interest! Interested HS students are invited to join! Lines will be drawn and nets set up for two courts to be played at a time. Once a month, brackets will be made for tournament play and a winning pair will be declared. Participants are asked to bring their own paddle, as they gather with a partner to enjoy the great outdoors and some good old fashioned pickleball! Stay tuned for more information.

Meeting Day/Time: Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:30pm, throughout the winter athletic season, on the new outdoor basketball court, weather permitting.

Moderator:  Mr.  Luke Schatzle

Play Like a Champion Today is a student athletic club deeply rooted in the echoes of the program from the University of Notre Dame. This innovative initiative is tailored for student-athletes, providing a platform to integrate Catholic faith into their athletic endeavors while fostering a commitment to servant leadership. Central to the club's philosophy is the integration of Catholic faith into the lives of student-athletes. The Servant Leadership Council sees sports as a powerful vehicle for spiritual growth and character development. Through regular meetings, prayer sessions, community service, and reflections, the club aims to create an environment where athletes can strengthen their faith while navigating the challenges of competitive sports. As a member of the Servant Leadership Council, students will reflect on the success and failures of sport and learn strategies to remain persistent.  

Vision: We aspire to be an exemplary Catholic School where the faith-based experience is tailored to the student-athletes' needs and aspirations.  Elevating our recognition among our constituents as an innovative school that fosters and promotes a community of compassionate coaches, engaged teachers, and enthusiastic learners. We will strive to become learners in service, academics, and athletics while instilling integrity and character.

Meeting Day/Time:  Every Monday in the Athletic Center
Moderator:  Mr. Dan Kenny  

VEX robotics leverages the “coolness” of robotics, and the excitement of head-to-head competition to inspire and engage students. Students will work on teams to design and build a mobile robot to play a sport-like game in the largest and fastest growing international robotics competition for middle and high school students. During this process they will learn key STEM principles, and robotics concepts. By moving students through an actual engineering project, students quickly understand the relevance of what they are learning. No prior robotics experience is required; teams consist of builders, programmers, notebook development, and drivers. JPII S.H.I.E.L.D. Robotics team members are expected to attend scheduled VEX robotics competitions (these competitions vary throughout the season and will be on Saturdays). Fundraising efforts and travel may be required. 

Meeting Day/Time: The MS/HS Robotics team will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:40-3:50 pm. They will also meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:40-5 pm.

Moderator: Mr. Paul Brown

JPII Student Ambassadors play an important role in the school's marketing, admissions and recruitment process. Prospective families and students look to our ambassadors for knowledge, a friendly face and a liaison between them and JPII.  Ambassador's primary role is to be a positive role model and represent JPII well both on and off our campus.  Prospective ambassadors must apply or re-apply every spring for the following school year. 

Our ambassadors help with events throughout the school year, both on and off campus and outside of regular school hours.  Events include Open House, school visits, new student orientation and various events in the community.  

Meeting Day/Time: Typically the first Wednesday of each month during Advisory/DOCS.  Meeting information is kept updated in the GroupMe app. 

Moderator: Anne McClure 

As the student governing organization of the school, the mission of Student Leadership Council is to lead through service.  Student leadership helps share students' ideas, interests, and concerns with teachers and school principals and helps oversee schoolwide House events and other activities such as Friendsgiving.

Warriors for Life is a student ministry that celebrates and defends life, from conception to natural death. We are a group of JPII students who embrace the teaching of the Catholic Church that all life is a precious gift from God. We seek opportunities both in our school community and beyond to promote and embrace the dignity of life. Our activities include a baby supply drive for nearby crisis pregnancy clinics, pro-life apologetics workshops, guest speaker sessions, and mental health awareness campaigns. Additionally, we organize a pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington DC.

Meeting Day/Time:  Weekly in room MC12.
Moderator:  Mrs. Melody Evans