John Paul II High School graduated its first senior class with Mass and commencement ceremonies on May 29 at Corpus Christi Cathedral. Seventy-five seniors received high school diplomas from Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey and school officials. The first Senior class at John Paul II graduates after a year of stunning athletic and academic achievements for the new school including the capture of the TAPPS Texas State Baseball Championship, securing a slot in the TAPPS Boys Basketball State Semi Finals and placing second in the KEDT Academic Challenge competition. Driven by the vision and inspiration of Bishop Emeritus Edmond Carmody, John Paul II High School began its inaugural year on August 1, 2006 with its first freshman class. Each subsequent year a new grade level was added and this year, a four-year high school with grades nine through twelve was realized for the first time. The Valedictorian of the first graduating class is Marshall Matthews, who has been awarded a full scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin. The Salutatorian is Deborah Ramirez, who has received a full scholarship to the University of New Mexico. Both students will be entering pre-med studies. All graduates are planning to continue their education at colleges and universities More than $925,000 in scholarships from colleges and universities across the nation have been awarded to the graduating seniors.

"Today we celebrate scholarship and success. I want to congratulate Bishop Carmody for his vision and courage in taking the steps to open this school," said Bishop Michael Mulvey of a beaming Bishop Edmond Carmody before they joined with local clergy to concelebrate Mass and preside at commencement ceremonies for John Paul II High School's first Senior Class graduation May 29 at Corpus Christi Cathedral.

Driven by Bishop Carmody's vision and inspiration John Paul II high School began its inaugural year on August 1, 2006 with a freshman class. Each subsequent year a new grade level was added and this years, a four-year high school with grades nine through twelve, was realized together with the school's first graduating class.

Seventy-five seniors received their high school diplomas from Bishops Mulvey and Carmody and other school officials. All the graduates are college bound many with scholarships. They have collectively been awarded more than $925,000 in scholarships from schools nationwide.

"As good as these students have been academically, they are even better people," said the Rev. Peter Marsalek, president of the school." The first group is obviously very special, it took a lot of faith to come into a new school, and their faith was rewarded."

In his homily Bishop Carmody reflected on the time, five years ago when he and some of the priests had the dream of a diocesan Catholic high school that was accessible, affordable and available to students. "Today that dream has been fulfilled," he said. The dream started with a goal of 50 students. Present enrollment is 376. The incoming class has more than 100 students pushing next year's enrollment to well over 400.

Bishop Carmody thanked many of those involved in various areas of the schools development: Rene Gonzalez, Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for assisting with curriculum planning and helping "to put the school together" and the teachers and priests "who prepared the soil for the word of the Lord Jesus."

He had special thanks for the John G. and Maria Stella Kenedy Memorial Foundation, particularly Gen. Marc Cisneros for their continued financial support, "Education is what will break the cycle of poverty" said General Cisneros. That was the philosophy, which guided the foundation's support of the school. It helped develop a 64-acre campus at the former Corpus Christi Minor Seminary Complex. More than $10 million has been invested, including facility improvements and tuition assistance.

Bishop Carmody took time to thank the media for the coverage of school events. "We were in the paper at least once a week," he said. He had special thanks for the parents and noted they had "real courage" for enrolling their children in a school without traditions. "They put their trust in the Church and we have come today to celebrate their success."

You can do great things, he told the graduates, "We have taught you the power of love and the consequences of making good choices for your lives. You have the power to pray or the power to curse. You are going off to college now and your decisions will be many, set out to do what is right. Be good soil for the Gospel of Jesus.

"Remember the Centurion (school logo). He 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. The figure of the centurion in the Bible represents faith, strength, dignity, honor, virtue and humility. You are centurions for life now."

Valedictorian Marshall Matthews echoed some of Bishop Carmody's thoughts in an address, which solidly reflected his Catholic teaching. "Fellow Centurions, as we go forward in life, we know that we are not alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ is always with us, remember that." As the ceremony concluded Bishop Mulvey said to the students, "I hope you bring back the fruits of the gifts you receive today, I look forward to seeing who you become."

Graduating students at John Paul II high school excelled academically with a number qualifying for scholastic honors. They are: Marshall Matthews, Valedictorian, and Deborah Ramirez Salutatorian, followed by Top Ten students: Michael Castillo, Nina Garza, Nathan Humpal, James Hernandez, Ashley Gonzalez, Andrea Zuniga, Fernando Torres, and Mark Fl.ores. Bishop Edmond Carmody Distinguished Achievement Scholars are Ann Booth, Michael Castillo James, Hernandez, Marshall Matthews, and Deborah Ramirez. National Hispanic Scholars are Michael Castillo and Deborah Ramirez. National Commended Scholar was Michael Castillo,