In an exciting milestone for John Paul the Great (JPG) Catholic High School in Denver, the recent completion of phase two of its campus expansion signals a bold step in deepening the school’s commitment to nurturing both the minds and souls of its students.
Steve Pries, the school's new President, shared that renovating and expanding the building was necessary for the future of the school's mission.
"The building is 100 years old this year. It was a dilapidated elementary school, and through the collaboration with the City, State and the Archdiocese, we were able to take possession of it. With this new section we can fit up to 300 students, and we hope to expand again on the North side to accommodate up to 400 students," he said.
At the heart of this expansion is a beautifully designed chapel, a space that Ed Lugo, Vice President of Mission and Formation, believes encapsulates the school's dedication to its Catholic identity.
"Our chapel was designed to stand out and to feel prominent in the school's architecture to emphasize our priority of the Eucharist as the center of the Christian journey," Lugo explained. This sacred space will serve as a constant reminder of the school's mission, anchoring the students' spiritual life amid their academic pursuits.
The expansion also addresses the practical needs of a growing student body. Erin Heule, the school's Principal, shared her excitement about the future, noting that JPG has doubled its enrollment each year in recent years.
"As we grow sustainably, we want to ensure that our class sizes stay small to facilitate excellent discussions that are a keystone to classical, liberal arts instruction," Heule said.
The new addition is a response to the school's vision for the future. With expanded facilities, JPG is now well-equipped to grow towards its future enrollment goal of approximately 400 students. The added classroom space will allow the school to continue offering small class sizes, ensuring that each student receives the attention and guidance necessary for their intellectual and spiritual growth.
The new auditorium is another highlight of the expansion, providing a venue for performances, events and guest speakers. It is a space that will undoubtedly contribute to the vibrant culture of the JPG community.
"Our community will enjoy a beautiful auditorium space where we can stage performances, organize events, invite speakers and continue to build our school culture," Heule added. This venue will serve as a gathering place, bringing together students, faculty and the wider community in celebration of the school's mission.
Father Brian Larkin, pastor of nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish in Denver and St. Louis Catholic Parish in Englewood, remarked that phase two represents a permanent and enduring commitment to the school’s mission and future.
"This really solidifies the school and shows that it's here to stay. It shows the future of the Church – one that is faithful while being highly academic," Father Larkin said. "The whole vision is to have the intellectual life being married to faith and to the whole of humanity." As John Paul the Great Catholic High School looks to the future, the new addition stands as a symbol of its commitment to providing a holistic education rooted in faith and tradition. With these enhanced facilities, the school is poised to continue its journey of forming young minds and hearts, preparing them to become leaders who are grounded in truth and love.
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