Community reacts to school closing after 13 years

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - After over a decade of having a reputation for personalized, higher learning, John Paul II Catholic High School received shocking news.

Friday, the JP II school board announced that it will close the school at the end of the school year.

It's news that hits some as hard as the cold winter weather brushing in.

"[I'm quite] surprised; I'm sure it [surprised] the teachers, it was kind of out of the blue," Bernard Frye said.
    
Many members of the John Paul II community believe the lack of finances plays a huge factor in it potentially closing.

"They have committed pledges up to $58,000 right now.  So, we're within a breath of getting...to $130,000, but we have to have help to do it," Frye said.

Meanwhile, faculty and students think about what they have to lose.

"Really, just the good nature of the school.  How everyone gets to know each other, and, really, we all work together for the same goals," Nathaniel Junker said.

Charles Walls said at first, he didn't even want to go to the school.

"I heard it was a small school, small classes.  I'm a very talkative person, so I was like 'I can't do this,' but I got here, and, surprisingly, they're really cool people here, and there's cool teachers, and they help you out, and you get everything you need here," Walls said.

Frye put his daughter and two grandchildren through the school.

"We want the best for our kids right?  That's what we get here: the best," Frye said.

Members of the school are working to improve finances, hoping for a miracle.

If you'd like to donate to the school, you can make checks payable to John Paul II High School.

John Paul II Catholic High School is located at:

• 1330 Lafayette Avenue
• Terre Haute, IN 47804

The school faculty may be reached at (812) 235-9108.