The Legacy | Spring 2026
- Pope John Paul II
- 3 hours ago
- 11 min read
From The President
Welcome to “The Legacy”, an online newsletter for the alumni of PJP and its legacy high schools.
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.
Please see the following update from our Board Chair, Bob Getts, regarding the search for our new president.
Community Events
In the Spotlight
A Legacy That Takes the Stage: Past, Present, and Future at PJP
Each spring, the stage at Pope John Paul II High School comes alive with talent, energy, and storytelling. But this year’s production of West Side Story offered something even more meaningful, a powerful reminder that the PJP experience doesn’t end at graduation. It grows, returns, and lives on through the generations.
This year, alumni were woven throughout the production in extraordinary ways. From members of the orchestra to cast and creative leadership, familiar faces returned—not just to reminisce, but to actively shape the experience for today’s students. Their presence was a living testament to the enduring impact of PJP’s performing arts tradition.
One especially touching moment came during our annual performance for local feeder schools. Among the audience was alumnus Brian Bruno, who returned with his class from St. Francis in Norristown. As he watched the performance unfold, he wore his Jets jacket from his own time in the 2011 production of West Side Story, a simple yet powerful symbol of the memories and pride that stay with our students long after their time on stage.
At the heart of this year’s production are assistant directors Kelly and Mark Ciccarone, proud graduates of Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School, Class of 2002. Their story is one that beautifully bridges the legacy of our past with the promise of today’s students. As high school seniors, Kelly and Mark shared the stage in West Side Story, taking on the iconic roles of Maria and Tony. What began as a memorable performance became the foundation of a lifelong partnership, one rooted in shared experiences, faith, and a love of the arts nurtured within their school community.
Reflecting on that journey, Mark shared, “Those years at Kennedy-Kenrick shaped so much of who we are. Being part of the musical wasn’t just about performing, it was about belonging to something bigger. To now stand on the other side, helping students create those same memories, is incredibly meaningful.”
Today, they have come full circle. As assistant directors of the PJP drama program, they guide students through the same transformative experiences that once shaped their own lives. Their connection to PJP extends beyond the stage, their children are now part of the school community, continuing a family legacy that will carry forward for years to come.
Though the names of our schools have evolved—St. Matthew’s, St. Patrick’s, Archbishop Kennedy, Bishop Kenrick, Kennedy-Kenrick, and St. Pius X—our foundation remains unchanged. Built on faith, community, and shared experience, PJP continues to honor its legacy while creating new traditions for future generations.
From alumni returning in Jets jackets… to former cast members becoming directors… to the next generation preparing to take the stage, this is the story of Pope John Paul II High School.
A story not only remembered, but lived, together.
28 Community Members in OCIA
We are incredibly proud to share that Pope John Paul II High School has 27 students and one staff member participating in OCIA this year!
What a powerful and inspiring testament to the faith growing within our community. Each of these individuals has made the meaningful decision to deepen their relationship with God and take steps toward fully joining the Catholic Church. Their courage, curiosity, and commitment are truly something to celebrate.
Please join us in praying for these members of our community as they continue on their faith journey: Bryce Kitchen, Finn Brendlinger, Kayden Cooper-Pierce, Chloe Pilarczyk, Samantha Flores Lopes, Thalisa Tolentino, Harper Raneri, Jacob Godin, Rocco Palopoli, Ciara Bleam, Conner Sidebotham, Jenna Chieffo, Alexis Tyson, Adriana Dudek, Jude Rhoads, Abigail Bersheim, Sam Buckley, Lia Colello, Macie Matuliewich, Emily Straight, and Mrs. Houchins.
We are so blessed to walk alongside them during this special time, and we ask that you keep each of these students and our staff member in your prayers as they prepare to fully enter into the life of the Church.
Thanks to You...
Your generous contributions to the John Paul Fund made these facility upgrades possible.
Savor the Flavor Raises Over $60,000 for the John Paul Fund
Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, and supported Savor the Flavor. Because of your generosity and enthusiasm, we are proud to share that we raised over $60,000 to support our school community.
Your commitment to our mission and your willingness to give back truly make a difference for our students. Events like this would not be possible without the incredible support of our families, alumni, faculty, and friends.
A special thank you to our event sponsors whose generosity helped make this evening possible. Your support played a vital role in the success of Savor the Flavor, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership and dedication to our school.
We are so grateful to have such a strong and dedicated community behind us. Thank you for helping make this year’s Savor the Flavor a wonderful success!
Thank you for your incredible support of our Pizza Kit Fundraiser!
Because of your hard work and generosity, this fundraiser was a great success. We are especially proud to share that over 100 pizzas were donated to members of our PJP community and to Good Samaritan Services—what an amazing way to give back and make a difference!
A special thank you to Collegeville Italian Bakery for their partnership and support in making this fundraiser possible. Your contribution played a key role in its success. Your efforts not only helped support our school, but also brought joy and meals to those in need.
This is what being part of the PJP community is all about. We are so grateful for everyone who participated, sold kits, and helped spread the word.
Thank you for your time, energy, and generosity!
Your Gift. Their Future.
In this season of Lent, we pause to celebrate the blessings of our Pope John Paul II community and the generosity that empowers our students to dream big and achieve more.
Every gift, no matter the size, touches the lives of every student, every day. Your generosity honors the past, sustains the present, and secures the future of PJP.
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.
Want to learn more about turning PA state tax dollars into scholarships for students at PJP?
Click the button below to watch our webinar about what this program is and how you can participate in helping the next generation of students.
In collaboration, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia- Secondary schools along with BLOCS are bringing the community together with a series of networking events across the region, where you’ll not only reconnect and build new relationships, but also learn how you can support the next generation of students through the PA EITC tax credit program with our partners at BLOCS - Building What Matters Most.
📍 Tuesday, April 14, 2026
White Dog Chester Springs (Exton, PA)
6–8 PM
RSVP: https://lnkd.in/e6_JyBW4
📍 Tuesday, April 21, 2026
White Dog Glen Mills (Glen Mills, PA)
6–8 PM
RSVP: https://lnkd.in/ehAjiu26
📍 Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Lola’s Garden, Suburban Square (Ardmore, PA)
6–8 PM
RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eYYEFdJ2
📍 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Harvest (Newtown, PA)
6–8 PM
RSVP: https://lnkd.in/e_Kwgtbz
Honoring the Past, Giving to the Future
The Kennedy-Kenrick Class of 2000 recently celebrated their 25th reunion!
Thank you to the class for their generous donation to the Pope John Paul II High School John Paul Fund, made in memory of their deceased classmates. Your remembrance and support continue to strengthen our PJP community.
Looking for a place to host your next reunion?
We offer outside organizations the opportunity to use our state of the art facilities!
Rentals include the auditorium, the gymnasium, outdoor athletic fields and parking lots. If you are interested in renting one of these sites at PJP, please use the button below to complete the form.
Panther Pride
Seniors going on to play in college:
Norah Busch - NC State - Volleyball
Olivia Rubinich - Michigan State - Women's Soccer
Lexi DiBicida - Gwynedd Mercy - Softball
Brandon DeAngelo - Kutztown - Football
Zahaid Edwards-Boone - West Chester - Football
Jason Green - Catholic - Men's Basketball
Grace DiBricida - Millersville - Women's Cross Country/Track and Field
Mary Kate Zollers - Mount St. Mary's - Women's Cross Country/Track and Field
Braden Kleine - Juniata - Men's Lacrosse
Ayden Wise - Kutztown - Men's Basketball
Joseph DiGiacomo - Ursinus - Football
Saydi Daye - Albright - Women's Basketball
Cole Jordan - Jefferson -Men's Soccer
Molly Baldini - Chestnut Hill - Women's Lacrosse
Traditions
Where Are They Now?
Aaron Lemma (class of 2016)
Outreach and Operations Manager at Water Is Life Kenya
Aaron Lemma, PJP II Class of 2016, exemplifies the core mission of Pope John Paul II High School: compassionate leadership grounded in Catholic identity. From his early days on Hawk Hill to his ongoing work across continents and communities, Aaron’s story is a powerful witness to faith lived through service.
From PJP to a Global Calling After graduating from PJP in 2016, Aaron pursued higher education at Saint Joseph’s University, where he earned his degree in interdisciplinary health services. His time at St. Joe’s deepened his commitment to service and mission, especially after participating in the Alliance for Catholic Education program, where he taught and mentored students in South Philadelphia. That experience helped him discern a life directed not toward personal accolades, but toward the flourishing of others.
Serving God’s Children in Kenya
Aaron’s current role is Outreach and Operations Manager with Water Is Life Kenya, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing clean water, sanitation, and hope to rural Maasai communities in southern Kenya. His work involves building sustainable water infrastructure and helping communities overcome one of the greatest barriers to health and human dignity: lack of safe, nearby drinking water.
Water Is Life Kenya’s model prioritizes deep community partnership. Under Aaron’s leadership, the organization has expanded access to clean water, empowering communities to manage and maintain these essential resources themselves. According to Aaron, “something as simple as having water nearby can bring hope to people,” because access to groundwater transforms daily life and creates opportunities for health, education, and economic stability.
Aaron has spoken about this work publicly, including in interviews on Catholic Forum, where he connects the mission of Water Is Life Kenya to broader themes of solidarity, compassion, and hope in the Catholic life.
Faith and Creation Care at Home Closer to home, Aaron is a leader with EcoPhilly, a volunteer-led Catholic creation care network in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. EcoPhilly mobilizes parishes, schools, and lay leaders to live out Laudato Si’ through education, community engagement, and practical stewardship initiatives.
He serves on EcoPhilly’s leadership team as Project Manager and Chair of the Education Committee, helping design programs and workshops that equip Catholic schools and parishes to care for creation—not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived expression of faith. Under his guidance, EcoPhilly has received support and recognition within the Archdiocese and continues to expand efforts such as creation care education, mini grants for Catholic communities, and regional summits that bring people together to act on Laudato Si’.
A Model of Discipleship and Leadership Aaron’s work bridges global service and local engagement. It illustrates a Catholic vision that refuses to separate care for people from care for the planet, rooted in the belief that “faith without works is dead.” His journey—from PJP classroom to Kenyan plains and Philadelphia’s faith communities—stands as an example for current students of what it means to live a meaningful, mission-oriented life.
He shows that formation in Catholic education can lead to transformative impact—locally and globally—when grounded in belief, disciplined by service, and expressed through tangible acts of compassion.
Your Legacy. Our Pride.
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.
Moving or changing your email? Send your updated information to advancement@pjphs.org to stay up to date on all PJP news.
Thank You Golden Partners
Our Golden Partners are a special part of the Pope John Paul II High School community. Their generosity helps sustain our mission of faith, service, and excellence by supporting scholarships, programs, and events that enrich student life. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to helping our students grow in spirit, leadership, and success.
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