John Paul II High School is located in Corpus Christi on the Texas Gulf Coast, and within the Roman CatholicDiocese of Corpus Christi. The high school began its inaugural year on August 1, 2006, with only one class of freshmen. Each year a new grade level was added until the school had a four year high school, spanning grades nine through twelve. The creation of John Paul II High School was the vision and inspiration of Bishop Edmond Carmody. As a Catholic school, its purposes are to provide a unique environment in which students can experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. Its focus is on the individual person's spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, cultural and physical development. The school graduated its first class of seniors in 2010; it is named in honor of Pope John Paul II. The mascot is the Centurion. On May 1, 2011, it changed its name to Blessed John Paul II High School, in honor of John Paul II's beatification. It later changed its name again, to St. John Paul II High School, in honor of John Paul's canonization.
Mascot
The centurion was a Roman officer commanding a century or a company, the strength of which varied between fifty and one hundred men. The centurion was the most important and most respected officer in the Roman Army. He was a leader who rose from the common ranks to high authority, selected for his excellence and example. This type of character and virtue in this man is what John Paul II High School seeks to teach and instill in its students, both in the academic and athletic endeavors. The mascot is based on the logo of the Cologne Centurions, with the red color changed to gold.
Academics
The school has a college preparatory education which requires four years of English, science, math, social Studies, and Catholic theology, as well as requiring several other non-core credits, those being in computer technology, communication applications, fine arts, physical education, and keyboarding or reading classes if it is deemed necessary for the student. There are also a certain number of elective credits required for graduation.
Athletics, Clubs, & Extracurriculars
Athletics include: football, boys and girls basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, swimming, track & field, dance/drill team and cheerleading. The varsity baseball team has won the TAPPS 4A State Championship 2 years in a row, 2010 & 2011. The school also competes in "Challenge!", a televised academic contest/tournament hosted by the local PBS station. The Centurions typically make a strong showing each year, and won the competition outright in 2011 and 2012. Clubs at the school include Voices that Care, Health Careers Club, Centurions for Life, Student Council, and Pan American Student Forum, as well as three honor societies: Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society.
