GREENVILLE, NC (WITN) – It was the first day of school on a campus here in the east, and students and teachers say they are ready to hit the books.
As summer vacation comes to an end, one private school in Eastern Carolina resumed classes for the 2024-2025 school year a little earlier than others.
Excitement and anticipation were in the air as students and teachers returned to John Paul II Catholic High School in Greenville on Thursday.
Student Samiah Barnett says the first day was a complete success.
“It was great. We had a sunrise for the seniors this morning, a nice little breakfast and a quick tour of the school. It was good,” Barnett says.
The school, known for its faith-based education, said it will begin increasing enrollment and staff numbers this year.
Caroline Blick, mother of a freshman, says, “She remains optimistic because high school brings many new challenges.”
“Especially from a parent’s perspective, we are much less involved in high school because they are getting ready to start. But in terms of the things that are coming her way, she will be forced to make many more decisions on her own,” says Blick.
The school said it is excited to open a nearly 30,000-square-foot addition that more than doubles the existing space on the academic campus. It features 17 new classrooms, including a state-of-the-art STEM lab, six science labs, a games lab, a pottery studio and a dining hall.
Ryan Smith says he’s thrilled to be a senior and offers this advice to any students suffering from anxiety.
“Just ask questions. Getting involved in clubs is a great thing. I got involved in SGA my freshman year and that laid my foundation for friendships and also gave me leadership skills,” Smith says.
According to the State Department of Public Instruction, most traditional public school students will return to school on August 26.
The school said it is still working with local Catholic charities to collect school supplies for children in eastern North Carolina.
All rights reserved.
