The Legacy | Spring 2025
- Pope John Paul II
- May 5
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 13
From The President
Welcome to “The Legacy”, an online newsletter for the alumni of PJP and its legacy high schools.
Through the work of our Development Staff as well as our newest board member and PJP graduate, Lenny Martelli, “The Legacy” is taking on a new look. This edition and forthcoming editions will contain a new look as well as a number of regular features. These features include upcoming community events, breaking news, a featured story, and updates from our alumni.
If you are an alumnus of PJP or one of our legacy schools and something noteworthy has happened in your life recently, let us know so we can publish your great news.
“The Legacy” is another in a series of ways PJP is trying to connect with the community and especially the graduates of St. Matthew's, St. Patrick's, Archbishop Kennedy, Bishop Kenrick, St. Pius X, Kennedy-Kenrick, and Pope John Paul II.
Breaking News
On Monday, April 14th, Pope John Paul II dedicated the first base dugout to Steve Carcarey.
Steve is a graduate of Bishop Kenrick High School, one of PJP’s Legacy High Schools. It was at Bishop Kenrick where Steve first developed his passion for coaching. At Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School, also one of PJP's legacy schools, Steve became the winningest coach in the program's history.
His teams qualified for the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs four times in five years and made it to the title game once. Steve went on to have a very successful coaching career on the collegiate level at Widener University. Whether coaching at the high school or collegiate level, Steve always had one goal in mind: to mold young athletes into not just great players, but great people. His lessons extended beyond the baseball diamond—teaching discipline, teamwork, respect, and resilience. For those who had the privilege of being coached by him, these lessons were far more than just about the game; they were lessons for life.
Steve’s journey as a baseball coach spans years of dedication, hard work, and a passion for the game that inspired everyone around him. But Steve’s legacy is not just confined to the field. His commitment to this community has been steadfast, his support - unwavering. He’s been a guiding hand, a mentor, and a friend to so many of us. Steve has always believed that a strong community builds strong individuals, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that our youth had the opportunities and resources they needed to succeed.
From Collegeville Italian Bakery:
"Thank you PJP High School for commemorating Steve for his baseball coaching career and his commitment to the community. PJP recognized Steve’s coaching accomplishments along with his strong presence in the community by naming their first base dugout in Steve’s honor.
This is a true testament to his dedication of many years of coaching and mentoring young athletics and uplifting our community by recognizing and supporting others."
“We’re more than a bakery!”
Thanks to You...
Your generous contributions to the John Paul Fund made these facility upgrades possible.
Want to double your impact?
Many employers will match your gift to a non-profit organization.
Check with your employer today to see if they will match your gift to the John Paul Fund.
Because of You...
Over 200 students have access to Catholic Education through the EITC program thanks to legacy donors.
Lights On, Race On
After years of dedicated fundraising, planning, and unwavering support from our community, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived—Pope John Paul II High School now has lights illuminating our football field. This milestone marks a new era for our athletic program and student body, bringing excitement, energy, and a sense of unity like never before.
The installation of stadium lights is more than just a practical improvement; it’s a symbol of perseverance and the power of community. Thanks to the generosity of donors, alumni, and supporters, our student-athletes now have the opportunity to play under the Friday night lights, creating an electrifying atmosphere that enhances school spirit and pride.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. PJP’s football and volleyball teams have had extraordinary seasons - with football winning back-to-back PAC championships & volleyball winning their 3rd consecutive State Championship. Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have propelled them to the next level as they advance to the state playoffs. Their success is a testament to the commitment of our athletes, coaches, and supporters who have cheered them on every step of the way.
This year has truly been unforgettable for PJP athletics, and the addition of stadium lights only amplifies the momentum. Friday nights will now be filled with the thrill of competition, the roar of the crowd, and a community coming together to celebrate its teams. We couldn’t be prouder of our Golden Panthers and look forward to many more historic moments under the lights.
As we step into this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making this dream a reality. The future is bright at PJP—literally and figuratively!
What’s Next? Our next phase in the major gift campaign focuses on enhancing the stadium experience with a brand-new press box and a second set of bleachers.
This initiative - Stand Proud, Sit Together - will provide more seating and improved facilities for our growing community of supporters.
Thank you for your continued support!
Panther Pride
Varsity Volleyball 3-peat State Champs
Varsity Football back-to-back PAC Champs
Boys Basketball PAC Champs
62% of students participate in athletics with an average GPA of 4.5
Rhapsody's celebrate 15 years
10 students named All-Catholic Orchestra
10 students named All-Catholic Chorus
Iconic performance of GREASE
$57,548.91 raised for local charities
85% of Senior class attends Kairos
12,000+ Christian Service hours
200+ hours of Eucharistic Adoration
1 National Merit Finalist
1 National Merit Semi-Finalist
Course Additions: AP European History, Honors Choral Music, AP Music Theory, Intro to Painting, Print Making, Graphic Design II, Mixed Media Crafting, Photography, AP Studio (2D Art & Design)
Where Are They Now?
Erin Holly (class of 2019)
Award-winning News ReporterMultimedia Journalist
"I really have PJP to thank for the success in my journalism career, because I developed my love for broadcast television and journalism while in high school. I love my job and I am thankful for all of the memories and friendships I made, and the core education for writing and journalism that I received at Pope John Paul II. Go Golden Panthers!"
Michael Ronca (class of 2018)
Playwright/ActorTeaching Artist
"Teachers aren’t just passing on knowledge; they’re shaping the next generation of storytellers and helping students empathize with others. The inspiration and guidance I received from my teachers at PJP deeply impacted me, and I’m pursuing my grad degree so I can give back by teaching playwriting at the collegiate level."
Katie Brennan (class of 2016)
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
"My experience at PJP helped me build a solid foundation to stand on in terms of my faith, persistence, and desire to be the best version of myself. I am forever grateful for the blue and gold!"
Introducing... Susan Mollahan
My name is Susan Mollahan and I am the new Director of Institutional Advancement at Pope John Paul II High School. I am incredibly excited to be part of the PJP administrative staff. I look forward to a productive and successful 2025 that continues to build on the outstanding accomplishments of the PJP Development team and the PJP Board.
My passion for Catholic education stems from my having attended 16 years of Catholic School. The strong academics and Catholic values that were instilled in me, have been instrumental in growing my strong faith and my desire to share the good news about a Catholic education with my own community.
I am a Royersford resident and the proud parent of two, current PJP students. My daughter is a junior, and my son is a freshman. I was the Advancement Director at Holy Cross Regional Catholic School, in Collegeville, for the past five years and during my time there, I worked hard to increase participation in the EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) program and create strong relationships with school parents, parish members, and local businesses to secure major donations and financial support for the school. I am grateful to be in my new role and look forward to making a positive impact at PJP.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Catholic education and PJP. Together, we will continue to build upon its legacy.
Sincerely,
Susan Mollahan
In Loving Memory
Douglas Dunn
It is with a heavy heart that Pope John Paul II High School communicates the passing of Mr. Douglas Dunn, a beloved member of our theology department.
During this time of profound sorrow, we extend our deepest prayers and condolences to the grieving family of Mr. Dunn.
May the Almighty Father grant the family of Mr. Dunn and the entire PJP community peace, solace, strength, and an abundance of love during this period of great sorrow.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon Him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Your Story. Our Why.
Share your high school memories or career accomplishments, learn about how you can join the legacy and be added to special event announcements and alumni news updates.
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