Saint John Paul the Great Catholic School near Dumfries is preparing for graduation this Friday.
The Catholic Diocese of Arlington of writes:
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School is capping off an unprecedented year with an in-person graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021. Each graduate is permitted to bring four guests to the celebratory occasion. The ceremony, to be held on the schoolâs football field, will take place Friday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. Saint John Paul the Great and all high schools in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington safely re-opened at the beginning of the 2020-21 academic year for hybrid (in-person and virtual) learning, as all 41 brick-and-mortar schools reopened for fully in-person or hybrid instruction.
âIn a year of challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are so blessed to be holding an in-person graduation ceremony after a year of in-person education! I am so happy to celebrate our Class of 2021 and their impressive achievements on all levels,â said Head of School Sr. Mary Veronica Keller, O.P. âThese students truly accepted the reality of what we were facing and embraced the difficulties presented by the pandemic with maturity, resilience, and faith. This year, we experienced the joy of being together as a community, despite the challenges before us. Our students truly followed the words of our patron, Saint John Paul II: âNever doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.ââ
Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School Class of 2021 Graduation Ceremony
Date and Time:
Friday, May 28, 10:30 a.m.Address:
17700 Dominican Drive, Potomac Shores, VA 22026Location:
Football FieldIn addition to offering hybrid instruction for the entirety of the 2020-21 academic year to date, Saint John Paul the Great began phasing students back to full-time in-person instruction this spring. On March 29, all seniors were permitted to return to full-time in-person learning, and, beginning May 3, this was opened to all students, grades 9â11 included. This fall, the four diocesan high schools plan to resume full-time in-person instruction for all grade levels with ongoing COVID-19 mitigation safety protocols in place.
Saint John Paul the Greatâs Class of 2021 graduates include 92 AP Scholars and three National Scholars, with four students commended for National Merit and three for National Hispanic Recognition. There are also six 2021 graduates who earned appointments to military academies.
âThe in-person graduations for the Class of 2021 in our diocesan high schools are a particular highlight in a year of remarkable accomplishments. It was an incredible challenge for all of our school communities to adjust to COVID-19 protocols,â said Dr. Joseph Vorbach, Superintendent for Schools, Catholic Diocese of Arlington. âIn-person graduations are a mark of the resilience of the graduates and of hope for a continued gradual return to the norms and traditions of school life going forward. We salute the Class of 2021!”
Recent Stories
The Stafford County Animal Shelter is celebrating another heartwarming adoption story. Dax, a tri-colored Beagle, arrived at the shelter as a stray in September 2024. Despite his friendly demeanor and gentle nature, Dax spent 68 days waiting for someone to notice him. No one came forward to claim him, and potential adopters often passed him by.
Throughout his stay, shelter volunteers ensured Dax received plenty of care, exercise, and socialization. They took him on outdoor adventures and showered him with affection, but Daxâs longing for a forever home remained.
That changed when a family finally recognized Daxâs charm and decided to adopt him. His new owners report that Dax has fully embraced his new life, earning the title of âultimate snuggle bug.â Whether itâs curling up on the couch or nestling under a pile of blankets, Dax has quickly become a cherished member of the family.
Welcome to the Potomac Local News podcast! In this episode, Uriah Kiser sits down with Seth Hendler-Voss, Director of Prince William County Parks and Recreation, to discuss exciting developments in local parks, including the Dove’s Landing Project.
Learn about:
The $10M initiative transforming Dove’s Landing into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Plans for water access, hiking trails, and preserving biodiversity.
Community feedback from recent public meetings.
The challenges and vision for future park expansions, including Sinclair Mill Park and historic property acquisitions.
How you can get involved with the State of the Parks Address on February 13 at Forest Park High School.
Due to frigid temperatures forecasted for tonight, schools in the region are adjusting their schedules to ensure the safety of students and staff:
Stafford County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will also open two hours late. Twelve-month and essential employees are expected to report on time, as safety permits. All other employees should report two hours late.
King George County Schools will follow suit, with a 2-hour delay.
Janet Brown was appointed Stafford Countyâs citizen representative to the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Board following a unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors during their January 21, 2025, meeting. Brownâs appointment comes as the county looks to strengthen ties with the regional library system and improve its collaborative efforts to enhance library services.
Brown, a longtime Stafford resident and active community member, brings a wealth of experience in civic engagement and public service. âI am honored to represent Stafford County and look forward to working with the library board to ensure our community has access to the best resources and services,â Brown stated following her appointment. Her term will begin immediately.
The appointment follows a challenging period for the countyâs relationship with the library board. During the same meeting, Chairman Deuntay Diggs issued a public apology to former library board member Mary Becelia, who was removed from her position under allegations of misconduct.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditionsâno plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treatâit’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fĂšve (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and donât worryâthere will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But thatâs not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Yearâs wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. Weâre bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
Whatâs in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Pucciniâs âThe Girl from the Golden Westâ.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Pucciniâs masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
