The Order of Bestowal for the 2012 Academic Awards at pope John XXIII School

Academic Second Honors
6th Grade: Jackson Durand, Jennings Durand, Kiara Franklin,
Teresa Romero, Emmanuel Smith
 
7th Grade: Casey Brinson, Ashlie John, Elizabeth Herrera,
Diego Ramos-Torrescano, Matthew Walsh

8th Grade:  Nate Adams, Kawveh Alagheband, Adeniko Ashaye,
Patrick Baranovskis, Renee Drase, Sammy Gessesse, Dylan Hyams,
Isabella Ingraffia, Javier Millan, Holden Potter, Olivia Shine,
Gabrielle Smith, Brenna Wall

On the afternoon of April 27, 2012, the faculty, staff and students of Pope John XXIII School participated in the Young Womens' Christian Association's "Stand Against Racism," an event designed to eliminate racism by raising awareness. Students linked arms along Ridge Avenue and read a pledge.Last year an estimated 267,000 people, in thirty-nine states across the country, took part in the "Stand Against Racism."For more information on the YWCA's "Stand Against Racism" click here.

Uma Venkata, an 8th grader at Pope John XXIII School claimed the top prize in the annual Knight of Columbus State Spelling Bee, which was held in Chatham, Illinois, just outside of Springfield on April 14. Caroline Granner, Pope John's other representative, placed seventh in the state.

This marks the third straight year that a Pope John XXIII student has captured the state championship. Rob Colgate, a 2011 graduate, won the state title in both 2010 and 2011.

 Christina Lampa, a kindergarten teacher at Pope John XXIII School in Evanston has been named a finalist for the prestigious Golden Apple award. She is one of 32 chosen out of hundreds of teachers.Ms. Lampa has been teaching at Pope John XXIII School for six years. She previously taught in the preschool and first grade at the school.

Pope John XXIII School began Lent, the season of preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, with a service on Ash Wednesday. The entire school community, students, faculty and staff, came together in faith at St. Nicholas Church for a prayer service and the imposition of Ashes. Father William Tkachuk, pastor of St. Nicholas Church, and Father Greg Sakowicz, pastor of St. Mary Church, were both present, with Father Bill presiding over the service. The first graders, under the guidance of Mrs. Lynch, offered prayers for the beginning of Lent.

Pope John XXIII students swept the top four spots in the Knights of Columbus District Spelling Bee on Thursday February 9, 2012. Dominating the competition from a variety of schools.

Caroline Granner, who placed second in the Pope John Spelling Bee last week, topped Uma Venkata, who took the top spot last week for the District Title. Brendan Scheib-Feeley took third place and Melissa Tan finished fourth.

The top three finishers each earned a berth in the Sectional Spelling Bee, which will be held in Glenview in March.

Hoops Mania 2012 was held on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Panther basketball players from 4th through 6th grades took on their coaches and parents, while the 8th graders played against a combination of coaches, parents and faculty members. The highlight of the afternoon was Walter Haracz's buzzer beating layup, which lifted the Panthers to victory. 

Thanks to all who helped make the second annual Hoops Mania such a success. All of the students, parents, coaches and faculty members who participated had a great time.

Pope John XIII School held their annual spelling bee on Thursday, February 2, 2012. A total of 58 student, from grades five through eight, competed in the contest, with the top fifteen spellers moving on to the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee on Thursday, February 9 at St. Joseph School.

On Wednesday, February 1, 2012 Pope John XXIII School held their annual Arts Day. This year's theme was "Political Art." Students from PK-8th Grade produced beautiful pieces of art in a wide variety of formats.

The story of Lauren Millar, a Pope John XXIII first grader, who bravely executed her duties as Assistant Principal for the Day less than a week after breaking her arm, caught the attention of the local media. Irv Leavitt, a writer for the Sun-Times News Group came out to Pope John, accompanied by a photographer, to record Millar's big day. Leavitt's article, entitled "Broken Arm Fails to Deter This Leader" appeared in the Evanston Review and Wilmette Life last week.