Sophomore Wins National K of C Essay Contest

John Paul II Catholic High School Sophomore Wins National Essay Contest

Paul Mueller, JPIICHS Class of 2013, finished second overall in a national Knights of Columbus essay contest. The essay contest was entitled “Why JFK’s Words Still Matter,” focusing on President John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address and the fiftieth anniversary of that important speech. The National Knights of Columbus run an essay contest yearly, and choose JFK this year because he was the first Catholic president and was himself a Knight. Paul’s essay was chosen among almost 1,000 entries from 180 schools nationwide.

With the second place award, Paul won a $1,000 for himself and a $1,000 gift for the school as well. The national Knights group also donated a handsome framed version of the speech for Paul and for the school.

Paul is the son of Dr. William and Teri Mueller. Dr. Mueller serves active duty in the United States Air Force; Mrs. Mueller serves in the USAF Reserves.

Two of Paul’s teachers organized the school’s participation in the contest. Dr. Paul Foster teaches American Government, within the school’s History Department, and Mrs. Heather Patillo teaches Pre-AP English II.

John Paul II Catholic High School is a new Archdiocesan college preparatory high school serving families in this area since 2009. The twelve teachers that comprise the faculty have a combined 182 years of teaching experience, eleven Master’s Degrees, two Ph.D’s, and one MD. The school is developing a comprehensive program, including the arts and athletics. Learn more at www.johnpaul2chs.org.