John Paul II Center celebrates 25 years!

The 2007-08 school year is very special because it marks the 25th anniversary of the John Paul II Center for Special Learning. On September 13, 1982, John Paul II Center opened its doors for the very first time on South Sixth Street in Reading. Many things have changed in the last 25 years, but one thing remains the same, the committment of our dedicated staff to educating children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To help kick off this special anniversary year, John Paul II Center hosted a dinner at the Sheraton Reading Hotel on Thursday, September 13 (exactly 25 years to the day that the school first opened.) A myriad of parents, families, teachers, staff, students, alumni, and supporters were in attendance and the overall vibe in the room was nothing short of magical.

On Sunday, October 27, a very special Mass was held at John Paul II Center to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the school. Celebrant Father Berkhout was joined by altar servers Lauren Casse and Julie Diffendal, both are alumni of John Paul II Center. The Mass concluded with a special performance by students from each of the four classrooms as well as the New Horizons program.

Throughout the school year there will be many opportunities to join in the anniversary celebration. Please visit our Web site often for an updated list of all of the fun-filled activities for the year.