Welcome
Welcome Letter from President Casey Buckstaff
Dear Cardinal Family,
Our journey at John Paul II High School is animated by three powerful words from our patron, Saint John Paul II: “Duc in Altum!”, “Cast out into the deep.”
These are the words of Christ to Peter, a call to leave the shallows and trust in the abundance that lies in deeper waters. It is a challenge to move beyond the familiar, to face the unknown with courage, and to act with faith that can yield astonishing results. This call is the very heartbeat of our mission, inviting us to remember our past with gratitude, live our present with enthusiasm, and look to our future with confidence.
“Duc in altum!”
Building on a legacy of two decades, we honor a rich tapestry woven by dedicated faculty, passionate families, and faith-filled students. This history is not a static monument, but a living foundation of excellence and belonging that we build upon every day.
That spirit resonates in our classrooms, where intellectual curiosity is sparked and students are challenged not only to learn but to think critically and defend their beliefs with reason and grace. It is alive on our stages and athletic fields, where teamwork, discipline, and character are forged. It is present in our acts of service and in the quiet moments in our chapel, where we are reminded that faith is not just a subject to be studied, but a life to be lived.
Everything we do, every lesson taught, every game played, every prayer shared, is aimed at one sacred purpose: preparing our students for their own “Duc in Altum” moment. We are partners in this great work of forming resilient leaders and compassionate citizens, empowering them with the knowledge and moral clarity to navigate the world.
Our ultimate promise is to equip these young men and women with the courage to confidently cast their own nets, ready to lead lives of purpose and make a profound impact.
With the past to guide us, the present to inspire us, and a future that awaits us, we embrace our mission together. May God’s blessing be upon us as we cast out into the deep, knowing that a future guided by faith and joy will be more bountiful than we can ever imagine.
God bless,
Casey Buckstaff
President
“Novo Millennio Ineunte (6 January 2001) | John Paul II.”