News & Stories

Class of 2020

DORCHESTER REPORTER, June 4, 2020

Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy graduates 46 students

DORCHESTER – On June 4th, forty-six students from Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy’s three campuses graduated during virtual celebrations. Students will be moving on to many area high schools including Boston College High School, Cathedral High School, Cristo Rey High School, Fontbonne Academy, St. Joseph Prep, Xaverian Brothers High School, Archbishop Williams High School, John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, and many others.

Three of these scholars who have been with the academy since early childhood include Ryan Meristil, Anthony Martindale and Henry Peralta.

Ryan grew up in Hyde Park with his mother and his grandparents. They are active members of their Parish where Ryan is an Altar Server. Ryan will head to a Boston exam school, the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. He was also accepted into Xaverian Brothers High School and Saint Joseph Preparatory High School as well as several other notable schools.

Ryan was the only middle school student in the City of Boston to receive the King Boston Award this year for his piece titled “Eradicating the Trifecta of Injustice.” Ryan shared that this award meant so much to him because he was able to be a voice for so many in Boston and across the country on challenges that people are facing. Ryan plans to be a commercial pilot when he is older. Ryan’s grandfather passed away earlier this month due to COVID-19 and he has always been Ryan’s number one champion. Ryan plans to continue his grandfather’s legacy and honor him by working hard and achieving his hopes and dreams.

Anthony Martindale, from Dorchester, joined the Academy’s Neponset Campus as a Kindergartner. Anthony is known for his infectious smile, sense of humor, perseverance, and integrity. He has overcome several challenges in his life, including the tragic passing of his brother in sixth Grade. Anthony found strength from his family, his school, and his relationship with God. He is finishing his Eighth Grade year as an Honor Roll Student and a member of the Lolek Leadership Society. Anthony was accepted at Archbishop Williams High School and Boston College High School. He will be attending Boston College High School next year and was chosen to receive the Catholic School Foundation’s GO Scholarship.

Henry Peralta of Dorchester came to St. John Paul II Catholic Academy’s Columbia Campus in Pre-K. He is the third graduate of the Academy in his family. His older siblings both attended Columbia Campus, and his younger sister is currently in second grade. His youngest brother will be starting Pre-K at Columbia in the fall. As a long-standing member of our school community, Henry has seen our campus evolve over the years. Henry has been in many clubs and sports at our school – from basketball to baking to running robotics! He is an O’Brien scholar and has shown excellent academic success and growth.

He says, “I like Columbia because the teachers make lessons fun and interesting.” Peralta looks back fondly at his time at the Academy for teaching him the skills and knowledge he needs to succeed. Henry was accepted at St Joseph’s Prep, Cristo Rey, Boston College High School and the O’Bryant. In the fall, he will be attending St. Joseph Prep in Brighton as a member of the class of 2024.

“We are so proud of all of our graduates,” said the Academy’s Regional Director Catherine Brandley. “Our graduates have been accepted to more than one high school and received over $1.28 million in scholarships for four years of Catholic and private high school. Our graduates have won art and music awards. They have served the community with food, letters, clothing and monies for those in need. This has been a challenging time for all of us with the pandemic. Despite the obstacles, these students persevered to finish off their semesters with success. We look forward to seeing all of their future accomplishments.”

Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy Class of 2020:
Aiden Acker
Eduardo Aponte
Jalaynah Barbosa
Dominic Breaux
Antwine Burdett
Michael Cardoso-Taylor
Naima Cazeau
Nghi Chau
Stefany Contreras
Tyler Delgado
Anthony DiBella
Angie Edouard
Noah Eugene
Treyvon Fields
Samuel Gebrewolde
Lawrence Gustama
Shania Harry
Uchechukwu Ikwuanusi
Arebella Jean Baptiste
Arianna Jean Baptiste
Jamauri Jones
Lucinda Josma
Melania Lee
Anthony Martindale
T’Kya McKenzie
Ryan Meristil
Devin Nguyen
Mai Nguyen
Tina Nguyen
Edward Isaiah Noel
Damari Patterson
Henry Peralta
Gregory Perez
Jamae Richards
Jovani Rivera-Maestre
Molly Sangster
Christine Senatus
Timathy Thomas-Stephens
Rodney Thurmond
Nancy Tieu
Amari Tran
Michelle Tran
Emmanuel Tsichlis
Dylan Vo
Shawn White
Betty Yirdaw