Brick by Brick

Your Shot At Immortality

Sharpen your pencils and stoke your creativity for this once in a (school) lifetime opportunity -- This year, JPII will hold a contest to write the lyrics to the school's Alma Mater Hymn.

Music to accompany lyrics will be written by Mr. Mark Girardin. The contest is open to anyone who has a connection to Pope John Paul II High School whether as a student, faculty or staff member, or friend. Please submit a typed copy of the proposed lyrics by January 15, 2011. Attach a separate card with the author's name and address.

Details, Details

•  Lyrics must be original.

• The Alma Mater should sound like a hymn, or a dignified, ceremonial piece of music. Lyrics should reflect the school’s mission/vision and should not be longer than two (2) minutes.

• Lyrics will be judged on the choice of “singable” words, metric fluidity, integrity, unity, and relevance to the theme.

• Once the winning lyrics have been chosen, the school will compose appropriate music. Lyrics may be altered or amended at this point and are the property of the school. Multiple winning entries may be selected for the purpose of combination.

• Appropriate recognition and prizes will be awarded to the winning author(s).

• All entries will remain the property of the school. Lyric writers understand that their submissions may be altered or amended.

• Anyone wishing more information may email ckeavy@pjp2hs.org

Better Than They Found It

My apologies for the long delay since my last post. With the onset of this new, exciting, and historical year at JPII (174 students!), my original intent with this blog -- to chronicle these unique years for students, friends and families -- has returned to sharp focus. Stay tuned for more frequent posts and this special year unfolds.

The journey undertaken by our first pioneers -- the Class of 2011 -- reaches its apex this year. The true measure of success in life is found in what we leave behind. In any arena, we can ask if our family, friends, school, and community are better off from our presence; and know that this answer speaks the truth of our efforts.

On our first day of classes this year, seniors were greeted by the theme of 'legacy' -- taped to their lockers as a reminder of their pioneering role and spoken of in a special meeting with me. These seniors and all of us in these first four years are charged with leaving a legacy for the untolled students to come. We must leave the school better than we found it. You be the judge.

'Legacy' art (above) designed by Emily Fenuccio, 11.