Christ - Above All Things!

Every institution has inflection points – times when the past is remembered and the future is embraced. I believe we are at such a time at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School. The solid foundation laid by the myriad who sacrificed during our 21-year history makes this present moment of hope possible. As I end my seventh month at JPII, I have treasured looking back and having countless conversations about the founding and growth of our school. In the best sense, we have always been about growing the students placed in our care to their fullest potential in mind, body, character, and spirit. JPII has always been about the “more” - about reaching beyond what seemed possible and sacrificing and surrendering to allow a transformation toward something greater. 

As exemplified by our great patron, Pope Saint John Paul II, this transformation is holistic: academics, arts, and athletics are all enveloped with the God who loves us more than we can possibly imagine. Our namesake embraced life by reading voraciously, studying assiduously, playing soccer enthusiastically, acting and writing passionately, and praying constantly. JPII is the perfect patron for our school, and in many ways, the culture that has grown here reflects the man who inspired the Ann and Monroe Carell family 25 years ago to give the gift that led to the construction of our school.

With the past remembered and appreciated, we now go boldly forward. I would like to highlight three great blessings.

First, we are grateful for the prudent management of our finances, the strong support of the Diocese of Nashville, the generosity of many benefactors, and the wise guidance of the Board of Trustees, which led to our debt of 23 million dollars being paid in full in 2023. This puts JPII in a strong position to address our needs for the future.

Second, the leadership team has developed a vision statement that complements our mission statement and provides clarity and inspiration. For the faculty and staff, it motivates us toward our highest and most important goals. For the parents, it allows them to understand the goal of our partnership, and for benefactors, it will enable them to see what they are supporting. The following vision statement will provide focus and direction for years to come: “To form young people who love God, self, and neighbor, seek Truth, serve others, and lead courageously.”

Finally, I am thrilled to unveil Vision 2028, our strategic plan that will provide a framework and discipline to allow JPII to systematically work toward and achieve its most important objectives for the next three to five years. This plan is the result of hours of work stretching back over two years, led by Board of Trustees president Russell Marino Jr., incoming board president Eddie Pearson, the Board of Trustees, and the school executive leadership team, with input from focus groups and survey feedback from over 1,400 community members.

With our mission and vision clear, our debt paid off, and our strategic direction set, the future is bright at Pope John Paul II Preparatory School. Undoubtedly, it will take dogged discipline and unflagging belief in God’s Providence, but we have a God who is never outdone in generosity. God will bless us richly as we prayerfully sacrifice for the future of JPII and align individual will with the Divine Will. Please hold JPII up in your prayers daily as we form students and help them literally reach for heaven!

Peace and all Good,

Erick Chittle, Ph.D.

President