Visit JPII
The best way to get the "feel" of a school is to visit it -- ideally in session!
School Tour
Our admissions team is happy to provide your family with a personal tour. Please call (615) 822-2375 to schedule an appointment. Students can also have an authentic experience for a day by scheduling a Shadow Day (see below). Let us know how we can serve your family.
Shadow Day
Do you think you might want to become a Knight? Get the inside scoop on a typical day at JPII during a Shadow Day. The day is specifically designed to give prospective students a first-hand experience of a full academic day.
- Arrive at JPII by 8:00 a.m. and meet your JPII Student Shadow Ambassador. The admissions team will choose a JPII student for you to shadow, however, if you have a friend who is a current student at JPII, you can shadow him/her.
- Attend a full day of academic classes until 2:30 p.m. This includes eating lunch with your Shadow Ambassador along with the JPII student body.
- Participation in the classroom is encouraged and expected. You will experience extraordinary instruction from our faculty.
- During your visit, individual contact with a teacher, coach, club moderator, or academic department chair may be arranged.
- Shadow days are intended for students who are considering enrollment at JPII for the next academic school year.
- Dress for success and wear gender-appropriate uniform type clothing (polo and khaki pants). You can also wear your current school uniform. Jeans (without holes) and appropriate t-shirts may be worn on Fridays.
Schedule your Shadow Day Visit TODAY!
- A pre-inquiry form must be completed before a Shadow Day Visit can be scheduled: forms.veracross.com/Forms/jp2/PreApplication/Household.aspx
- Schedule your Shadow Day Visit here: https://forms.gle/FV8zTzwSuaXi5C6S9
All visiting students are expected to follow JPII COVID-19 protocols (temperature checks and the wearing of a face mask) to keep the JPII community safe.
Questions? Contact the Admissions Office at (615) 822-2375.
Top Stories
ACADEMICS
Two juniors win Nasvhille Cumberland River Compact SLANT Writing Contest and nine others receive honorable mention.
Congratulations to the JPII juniors who were recently recognized for their writing in the Nashville Cumberland River Compact SLANT Writing Contest. They submitted short stories, poems, and essays about nature to complement their study of the American Romantic and Transcendentalist literature in English 11 classes. Two juniors were selected as contest winners: Camaya Keaton and Kevin Marsh, and nine juniors received an honorable mention: Kynadie Adams, Avery Gardner, Ethan Hemmelgarn, Abigail Holland, Ethan Hover, Rose McCaslin, Carter Naylor, Joseph Pate, and Riley Smith.
Students are selected by their teachers in the fall and spring semesters for their outstanding contribution to the Innov8 program.
Congratulations to the recipients of the Fall 2020 JPII Excellence in Innovation Awards!
- Introduction to Public Speaking - Andrew Nessari
- Songwriting and Composition through Technology - Ryder Smith
- Introduction to Video Game Design - Conor Patton; Knight Tank: Enterprising Entrepreneurship - Analia Winters, Jake Kellog, Thao Phan, and Ty Lavendar
- Gear it Up! Robotics - Darren Liu and Kehan Patel
- Haiti Love - Anna Puryear, Catherine Pagan, and Joanna Haymart
- Show Me the Money Investment Course (not included in the video) - Simon Whiteley
To hear the full description of their achievements in the video, Innovation Award Winners.
Students create a beautiful display in rememberance of the dearly departed.
JPII observed All Souls’ Day, also known as El Dio de los Muertos, a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died. The JPII community honored the memories of loved ones by adding personal items to the El Dio de los Muertos display, created by Spanish teacher Mrs. Del Valle and students Trista Brantley and Jayley Simpson. All students had an opportunity to visit the display and attend morning and a sunset Mass followed by a cook-out in the courtyard on this holy day.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Saint John Paul II, pray for us. Amen.
Ms. Phillips' students enjoyed the annual AP European Enlightenment Salon.
Each year, students in Ms. Phillips' AP European History course simulate an eighteenth-century Enlightenment Salon. Each student in the class adopts a prominent character of the European Enlightenment to portray as authentically as possible through costume, accent, name tags, and presentation of unique ideas. These characters "socialize" with each other, debating and explaining government and politics, religion and toleration, science and natural law, economics and military funding, and social issues related to women, slaves, education, and culture. The project allows students to understand in greater depth what can be gained merely by reading the textbook and the impact that the Enlightenment has made on Western thought and culture.
Students got their hands dirty as they prepared planters for the season.
The Haiti 180 Innov8 class mixed compost and soil to start a lettuce and radish garden, which will grow in the planters made by Jack Williams ‘17. They are collecting rainwater and continuing the composting process to support the garden throughout the season.
Haiti 180 is a non-profit organization that operates an orphanage, an elderly home, a school, and a medical clinic. You can learn all about the organization at HAITI180.
- Academics
- innov8
ARTS
ATHLETICS
Mark your calendars!
The Knight Athletic Club (KAC) is excited to announce the 16th Annual KAC Golf Tournament, Friday, April 30. We will be returning to the beautifully manicured Twelve Stones Golf Club, the home course of our Knights. Join us for a day of golf, unique flight prizes, and delicious refreshments on the outdoor Clubhouse patio. Registration is open, and we are introducing some incredible sponsorship opportunities. Visit the KAC page on the JPII website for more information, registration, and sponsorship.
DATE: Friday, April 30, 2021
TIME: 7:30 a.m. Registration & 9:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
PLACE: Twelve Stones Golf Club, 12 Stones Crossing, Goodlettsville, TN
ADMISSION: $150 per player
For online Registration, please click HERE
For printable Registration form, please click HERE
We have some amazing Sponsorship Opportunities:
Introducing our Gold, Navy, White & Clubhouse Sponsorships.
Announcing 2021 Hole Sponsorships, $25 will be donated to your designated sports team.
For online Sponsorship Opportunities, please click HERE
For printable Sponsorship information flier, please click HERE
Not a golfer…no worries we need VOLUNTEERS:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044BA9AA23A13-kac2021
TOURNAMENT FEATURES:
o Bloody Mary Bar at Registration
o Breakfast, Snack at the Turn
o Beer Tasting
o Beverage and Snack carts
o Mulligan Packages
o Driving Range Contest
o Cannon Shot
o Closest to the Pin
o Hole in One Contests~Mercedes Benz, Southwest Gift Card, Apple iPad Air, Set of Taylor Made Golf Clubs
o Longest Drive and Putting Contest
o F-A-N (Fund-A-Need)
o Tournament Mixer/Social
o Unique Flight Prizes
o Spending the day with friends, making memories, and supporting KAC JPII Athletics.
Monies raised this year through the Knight Athletic Club Golf Tournament will support the athletic department.
Feel free to contact:
Lee McNair at lee.mcnair@partners.mcd.com or 615-557-7714
Please consider using our proud KAC supporters!
- athletics
- KAC
Hockey Team Wins Game 1 in Predators Cup Tourney
The Knights hockey team won their first game in the Predators Cup Tournament defeating Centennial, 3-2. George Collier scored two goals for the Knights, while Jackson Smith scored the game-winning goal in the final period to seal the victory. The Knights will face MBA this Friday at 5:00 pm at Ford Ice Antioch.
Wrestling Team Defeats FRA
The Knights wrestling team defeated Franklin Road Academy, 36-19, in last week’s tri-match. Unfortunately, the Knights fell to Goodpasture, 24-36. Individual wins were recorded by Sean Meffe, Ethan Bennett, Evan Roek, Parker Sutton, Logan Penhollow, Chris Boyd, and Gabe Rollins. The Knights travelled to Franklin over the weekend to compete in the Franklin Admiral Invitational where Callie Keightley came away with 3rd place and Kylie Reeves finished 5th. Logan Penhollow, Ethan Bennett, Joseph Tran, Parker Sutton, and Evan Roek all finished in the top 10.
Lady Knights Pick Up Two Region Wins
The Lady Knights basketball team turned on the defensive pressure as they defeated Harpeth Hall, 29-16 last Tuesday. Leanna Pearson led the Lady Knights with 10 points followed by Bethany Howard with 6. On Friday, the Lady Knights continued their winning ways beating St. Cecilia, 47-36. Lillie Van Metre scored a career-high 17 points while freshman Bethany Howard chipped in 10.
Knights Fall to MBA
The men’s basketball team struggled offensively falling to MBA, 60-83 last Tuesday. Elijah Hollins led all Knights’ scorers with 13 points, followed by Connor Tuerff and Triston Conger with 11 points each. The Knights will face Lipscomb this Tuesday.
Congratulations to the JPII Knights selected for 2020 All-State Football!
Senior Antwan Roberts, sophomores Colin Cook and Ansley Ware, and junior Jackson Noble were selected for the Tennessee High School Coaches Association 2020 All-State team; Antwan Roberts, Colin Cook, and Ansley Ware were also selected for the 2020 Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State team.
- athletics
- football
Hockey Team Heads Into Playoffs After Big Win
The Knights offensive production was evenly distributed as they defeated Blackman, 7-0 last Tuesday. Jacob Sullivan and Connor Bennett were among the Knights’ scorers. On Wednesday, the Knights tied Nolensville, 1-1 with a Power Play goal from Jackson Smith. The Knights finished as the 6th seed in the Predators Cup tournament and will face Centennial in the double-elimination tournament this Wednesday at 7:45pm at Ford Ice Bellevue.
Wrestling Team Defeats Clarksville Academy
The Knights wrestling team picked up another win last Tuesday as they defeated Clarksville Academy, 42-18. Individual wins were recorded by Ethan Bennett, Evan Roek, Logan Penhollow, Parker Sutton, Joey Gifford, Connor Evans, and Sean Meffe. The Knights fell to Kenwood, 36-39, in a close match.
Knights Fall to Ensworth
The men’s basketball team struggled to contain the Ensworth’s high-powered offense as they fell to the Tigers, 49-77. Sam Specht led the Knights with 12 points followed by Connor Tuerff with 11 and Triston Conger with 10 points. On Friday, the Knights fought hard but came up short against Brentwood Academy, falling to the Eagles, 60-66. Sam Specht again led the Knights with 16 points followed by Connor Tuerff with 10 and Eli Specht with 9 points.
Lady Knights Drop Two in Region Play
The Lady Knights struggled to handle the defensive effort by Ensworth as JPII fell to the Tigers, 41-65 last Tuesday. On Friday evening, the Lady Knights suffered a 23-48 loss to Brentwood Academy. The Lady Knights hope to rebound Tuesday night as they travel to Harpeth Hall.
Congratulations to junior Kynadie Adams, who has been named the Sumner County Female Golfer of the year. Last fall, Kynadie also won the TSSAA Regional and State Tournaments! Adams, a University of Tennessee commit, shot a three-under-par (141) at WillowBrook Golf Club in October, to win the individual Division II-AA state championship. We are proud of you, Kynadie, and can't wait to see what you do your senior year! Go Knights!
Photo: Head Coach Chris Wantz, Kynadie Adams, and Assistant Coach William McAllister
- athletics
- Golf
FAITH LIFE
In honor of our namesake, Saint John Paul II, Bishop Spalding celebrated Mass outside at the Jim Carroll Athletic Complex.
We are grateful to His Excellency Bishop Spalding for celebrating Mass outside last week for the JPII community on the Solemnity of our namesake, Saint John Paul II. As he spoke over the loudspeaker at the JPII football stadium, Bishop Spalding inspired the Class of 2021 to “use their voices to make their echo heard,” like St. John Paul II. Then, the seniors received a special blessing from Bishop Spalding as he affirmed their positive and influential leadership in our community. Thank you, Bishop Spalding!
- Faith Life
Great progress was made on two Habitat for Humanity homes with the help of the JPII community.
At Pope John Paul II High School, we believe service to others is at the very heart of the Gospel message and JPII's mission. We have many opportunities to extend a helping hand over the school year. Still, one of our favorite efforts is partnering with the Dugan Family Foundation for the annual JPII Habitat for Humanity Build. A group of students, parents, alumni, alumni parents, and school staff made substantial progress on two Habitat homes for two very deserving families, all while having a great time.
- Faith Life
- student life
Matthew Shipley is a nominee for the Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards of Hands on Nashville. Matthew is a great example of how a JPII student can impact our community.
Junior Matthew Shipley has been nominated for the 2020 Hands on Nashville Strobel Volunteer Awards for his work, The Bridge Ministry, in downtown Nashville. Matthew has not only been commended by the organization for his dedication and work, but he also impressed the JPII Christian Service Coordinator Libby Byrnes with his thoughtful written reflections about his service experiences. Last fall, Matthew also developed a presentation to help recruit other JPII students for service opportunities at The Bridge Ministry. Finalists for the award will be named on February 20th, and the award program is April 2nd. Tickets for the event go on sale February 20th and are available at www.hon.org
Students in Mr. Elfer's Service in Solidarity Innov8 class works with elementary school students on their English speaking skills.
Each Wednesday afternoon, students in Mr. Elfer's Service in Solidarity Innov8 class travel to Glenview Elementary to help students who don't speak English as their first language to learn English and improve their skills during their after school reading club program. "Helping the children is a very fun and fulfilling experience," says sophomore Alvin Aligbe, "because they are so eager to learn and have such positive attitudes." Service in Solidarity is one of many Innov8 courses that include service-learning opportunities for JPII students.
Students participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C.
On their pilgrimage to the March for Life in Washington, JPII students visited the shrine dedicated to our namesake, the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Along with attending the March for Life Rally on Friday, with other students from the Diocese of Nashville, they also honored and contemplated the sanctity of human life by visiting sites like the Arlington National Cemetery and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
“Faith leads us beyond ourselves.” - Saint John Paul II
STUDENT LIFE
We celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by remembering the values that represent his legacy. Thank you to the students in Knights Media and the JPII Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion student leadership group for helping us reflect on Dr. King’s wise words, which should inspire us to continue to work for social justice and the values of non-violence, peace, love, character, justice, freedom, hope, and faith.
Nothing could stop the House of Gregory as they competed in the Fall House Games.
Congratulations to the House of Gregory for winning the 2020 Fall House Games! The Knights enjoyed lunch outside and the beautiful weather as they competed in trivia, soccer, four square, pumpkin decorating, spike ball, ultimate Frisbee, and of course, tug-o-war. Thanks to the House Council for planning an awesome day for us all.
Pope John Paul II High School stands on the belief that education extends beyond the classroom. We want students to build relationships with one another, faculty, staff, and coaches in meaningful, healthy ways. The House System helps to make this happen by creating smaller communities within the school to encourage friendships, promote school spirit, and develop student leadership. Visit House System to learn more.
Blue Man Group and JPII community support family of fallen MPO Spencer Bristol.
Photo: Athletic Director John Dempsey, Jack Bender, Chief Mickey Miller
On December 30th, the city of Hendersonville lost MPO Spencer Bristol while he was serving in the line of duty. During our home basketball games in the month of January, the JPII Blue Man Group and the JPII community collected donations for Officer Bristol's family. At the February 4th basketball game, Jack Bender, the leader of JPII’s Blue Man Group, presented Hendersonville Chief of Police Mickey Miller with a check for $2,300 for Officer Bristol's wife Lauren and daughter Eloise as a small gift of appreciation for his sacrifice and service to the Hendersonville community. Thank you Knights!
The JPII Model UN team traveled to the University of Notre Dame, where they participated in diplomatic negotiation to solve some of the world's most pressing concerns, from HIV and AIDS to the use of technology to enhance "Shock" resilience, from cybercrime to climate change, and from immigration reform to refugee crises. Several of our students were able to participate in specialized historical committees including Churchill's War Room, the Dublin Easter Rising, and the Treaty of Versailles. Against stiff competition, several students came away with award recognition: (1) Verbal Accommodations included Madi Bagsby, Patrick Callahan, Dominik Rollins, Harrison Howze, and Carson Blake; (2) Taylor Mayes was awarded Honorable Mention; and (3) Jack Dyer won Best Delegate, the highest honor in any given committee. Congratulations to students for a wonderful last MUN conference!
After a week of festivities, Jack Dyer was crowned Coming Home King at the game on Friday.
Congratulations to Jack Dyer, JPII’s 2020 Coming Home King! Jack’s escort was Trista Brantley. Other Senior Coming Home Court Representatives were Patrick Callahan escorted by Roxy Preston, Jackson Cook escorted by Joleigh Whittaker, and Chris Muller escorted by Khushi Patel. Junior Representatives were Kevin Albert escorted by Katie Marquardt and Collin Cox escorted by Lexi Lang. The sophomore representative was Ryan Zikovich escorted by Kira Rogers, and the freshman representative was Colin Cook escorted by Audrey Evans.
KNIGHT OF THE WEEK
PB Mamalo is the Vice President of House Council and President of the House of Peter, an AP Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity soccer player, and a drummer for the Jazz Ensemble. We thank this Knight of the Week for enriching the JPII community in many ways, especially by sharing the “joke of the day” every morning.
KNIGHT NOTES
ALUMNI
Tanner is an international development and impact investment professional with experience working in impact investing, technology start-ups, strategy consulting, and international NGOs across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. He graduated from the College of William and Mary in 2014 with a degree in philosophy and sociology, Florida State University in 2015 with an MSc in International Affairs (degree of distinction), and from the University of Cambridge in 2019 with a Master's in Social Innovation (degree of distinction). Tanner works in Corporate Development for ModusBox in London.
- alumni
Zach graduated from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2017. Soon after graduation, he started a financial technology student loan company, Paytronage. Zach sold the business in 2018 to Lumni, Inc. but stayed on as the Head of Capital Markets & Investor Relations. In addition, he continued his entrepreneurial spirit by launching Une Femme Wines along with his sister Jen. Une Femme Wines partners with women in the wine industry, including female winemakers, investors, distributors, designers, and wine retailers. A portion of the proceeds benefits the non-profit Dress for Success.
- alumni
Rachel Hinlo .12
Rachel works in the Medical ICU at Vanderbilt Hospital. She is serving Nashville's patients impacted by COVID-19.
- alumni
Dr. Briana Keightley Franklin, class of 2010, is in her third year of a four-year residency for OBGYN at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis. Briana earned her BA in dance from Washington University in St. Louis and her MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin. She and her husband Robert live in Kirkwood, MO.
- alumni
Alexandra Patterson ‘08 continues as Director of Library Services at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania. She is also a dorm parent, teaches English, and works on various committees including Diversity, Equity, and Justice, Community Reading, and the Speaker Series. In August 2020, she began doctoral studies at John Hopkins University School of Education.
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Basketball - Men's Junior Varsity vs. Clarksville Academy (Away)
Clarksville Northwest
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Basketball - Men's Varsity vs. Clarksville Northwest (Away)
Clarksville Northwest
Wed, Jan 27
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Basketball - Women's Junior Varsity vs. Brentwood Academy (Away)
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Basketball - Women's Junior Varsity vs. Harpeth Hall (Home)
Pope John Paul II High School
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Basketball - Women's Varsity vs. Harpeth Hall (Home)
Pope John Paul II High School
Sat, Feb 6
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Lacrosse - Men's Varsity vs. Briarwood Christian (Home)
Pope John Paul II High School
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Lacrosse - Men's Junior Varsity vs. Briarwood Christian (Home)
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