The Legacy | Summer 2026
- Pope John Paul II
- 5 hours ago
- 8 min read
Table of Contents
In The Spotlight
Rylee's Legacy
Community Events
In the Spotlight
The Legacy of the Class of 2026
A Journey of Faith, Service, and Excellence
The Pope John Paul II High School Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, leadership, faith, and service. Throughout their four years, these 177 graduates embraced every opportunity to grow as students, leaders, and disciples, preparing themselves for bright futures beyond our halls.
The Class of 2026 graduated with an impressive average GPA of 3.57, a testament to their commitment to academic achievement. Five students were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars, an honor that reflects exceptional performance on the PSAT and places them among the nation's highest-achieving students.
Their success continues beyond graduation. An outstanding 97% of graduates will continue their education, with 86% accepted to their first-choice college or university. Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned an incredible $51,670,004 in scholarship awards, showcasing both their hard work and the opportunities that await them.
As they begin this exciting new chapter, we celebrate not only their accomplishments but also the values they have carried throughout their time at Pope John Paul II High School. Rooted in faith and guided by our mission of Faith. Service. Excellence., the Class of 2026 is prepared to make a meaningful impact on their communities and the world.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! Once a Panther, always a Panther.
Thanks to You..
Thank you, Mahoney family!
Behind every Panther is a community of generous supporters whose belief in our mission makes all the difference.
Recently, members of Pope John Paul II High School's Development Team had the privilege of visiting with the Mahoney family, one of PJP's longest-standing supporters.
For 34 years, the Mahoney family has faithfully supported Pope John Paul II High School and its legacy schools, investing in the lives of countless students and strengthening the future of Catholic education.
Conversations like these serve as a meaningful reminder that our school is built on the generosity of those who believe in the transformative power of a faith-filled education. Every gift, whether through scholarships, programs, campus improvements, or student opportunities, helps ensure that today's Golden Panthers have the resources they need to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.
We are deeply grateful to the Mahoney family for their unwavering commitment to our mission. Their generosity has left a lasting legacy that continues to impact generations of students, and we are honored to celebrate their dedication to the PJP community.
Thank you, Mahoney family, for believing in our students, investing in their futures, and helping Pope John Paul II High School continue its mission of forming young men and women of faith, service, and excellence.
Building a Legacy. Strengthening Our Mission.
Because of the generosity of our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends, this year was one of remarkable growth and opportunity at Pope John Paul II High School. Together, our community strengthened the PJP Fund and invested in the students who learn, lead, serve, and grow in faith each day.
Our community came together in inspiring ways throughout the year. Stein & Dine: A Savor the Flavor event welcomed supporters to celebrate the PJP mission and raised more than $60,000 to benefit our students. The Legacy Golf Classic brought together golfers, sponsors, and community partners to raise nearly $20,000 while creating new connections and strengthening lasting relationships with our school.
This spring, our Decades Challenge reminded us that every generation has an important role in shaping the future of Pope John Paul II High School. Alumni and friends from every decade answered the call, proving that participation is just as meaningful as the amount of a gift. Donors who made gifts of $50 or more received a Tiny Saint Pope John Paul II as a small token of appreciation and a reminder that the spirit of our patron saint continues to guide our mission. Whether a first-time donor or a lifelong supporter, every gift made a difference, and every donor helped strengthen our community.
These gifts do far more than support programs. They open doors for students through scholarships and tuition assistance, helping families who otherwise could not afford a Catholic education. They help close the gap between tuition and the true cost of educating each student, ensuring that excellence in academics, faith formation, athletics, the arts, and student support remains accessible to every Panther.
Your generosity also fuels innovation. Support from the PJP community continues to advance transformative initiatives like the Pope John Paul II Business Institute, the first high school business institute in Pennsylvania to offer Bloomberg Terminals and Bloomberg certification opportunities. Gifts also strengthen programs that meet students where they are, expand learning opportunities, and prepare graduates to lead with confidence, integrity, and faith.
Most importantly, your support changes lives. Every dollar given is an investment in the faith, character, and future of our students. Because of you, young men and women are discovering their God-given talents, pursuing their dreams, and graduating prepared to lead with faith, serve with compassion, and strive for excellence.
Your Gift. Their Future.
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.
EITC: Transforming Tax Dollars into Student Opportunity
Thanks to the generosity of our EITC supporters, Pope John Paul II High School raised $2.17 million through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program during the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These funds provided tuition assistance to more than 200 students, helping make a PJP education possible for families throughout our community.
While this is an incredible achievement, the need continues to grow. PJP receives aid applications that account for more than $3 million in tuition assistance each year. We need more participants to help bridge the gap in order to provide this support for students in need.
Turn Your Tax Dollars Into Opportunity
Now is the time to turn your Pennsylvania state tax dollars into meaningful educational opportunities that help Pope John Paul II High School grow and thrive.
Through the EITC program, eligible individuals and businesses can redirect a portion of their Pennsylvania state tax liability to provide scholarships for deserving students at PJP while receiving a 90% state tax credit in return.
Want to learn more?
Watch our EITC webinar to learn how the program works and how your participation can make a lasting impact on the future of PJP students.
Creating a Lasting Legacy in Rylee’s Memory
Rylee Monahan was a freshman at PJP in the fall of 2023. Her favorite class was art. Her face would light up as she described in detail the latest projects she was working on in that class, always eager to show you her work.
Rylee’s love of art began when she was a young child drawing and sketching the faces of animals. She was able to capture their facial expressions perfectly, especially their eyes. Her subjects were often Disney animal characters, as she was a devoted Disney fan and expert in all things Disney.
Rylee had that incredibly special talent to be able to create something beautiful out of anything you would give her to work with: paper, fabric, clay, plastic, even Legos. Those are the creations most cherished by her family now.
Rylee lost her five-year battle with cancer during her freshman year, but her family believes her love of art would have continued to be an important part of her life forever had she survived.
In her memory, the Monahan Family gifted a donation to fund the expansion of the art department and current art curriculum to include a photography studio and dark room.
Construction began this summer and the studio will be open in time for the start of the 26/27 school year. This will provide additional opportunities for those PJP students who embrace that same love of art as Rylee did.
In this way, Rylee’s legacy lives on in those future students studying the subject that she loved as part of their education at PJP.
Class of 1979 Memorial Mass
We were honored to welcome the Bishop Kenrick High School Class of 1979 to campus for their Mass of Remembrance.
It was wonderful to see so many of our legacy alumni gathered in our chapel to celebrate the lives and honor the souls of their deceased classmates. Following Mass, everyone enjoyed brunch and fellowship together in our Panthers' Learning Center, sharing memories and reconnecting with old friends.
We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Class of 1979 for their generous donation. Their support will continue to make a meaningful impact on our students and help strengthen the mission of Catholic education at Pope John Paul II High School.
Thank you for your continued generosity, faith, and commitment to the Golden Panther family!
Panther Pride
Click on a photo to read about our students' achievements.
Traditions
Where Are They Now?
Zachary Aukers (class of 2017)
Surgical Resident at the Mayo Clinic
I'm grateful for the amazing teachers I had at Pope John Paul II High School.
Mr. Weckel was particularly impactful, sparking my interest in science and medicine. They, along with Mr. Cottman for chemistry and Mrs. Cebula for AP Bio, really mentored and pushed me to pursue my passion.
Beyond the STEM curriculum, I had a great overall experience at PJP. My homeroom teacher, Mr. Dunn, was a caring presence for two years. The school fostered meaningful friendships too; I'm still dating my high school girlfriend, and we have friends from those days who are now getting married.
PJP prepared me well for the real world. I'm now a surgical resident at the Mayo Clinic, thanks in large part to the strong foundation I built there.
While some of my favorite teachers have sadly passed on, their influence lives on. I'm thankful for the positive impact PJP had on shaping who I am today.
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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