Who could have imagined that when we opened our doors in 1982 to 16 students that 40 years later we would have 54 students enrolled and expanded our services to include an adult program with 37 participants. Growing our mission would have been impossible without the assistance of those who gave their time, talents and treasures from the early times until today. To honor them, we created our Forty In Faith to recognize individuals and couples who have played instrumental roles in our growth, most often quietly behind the scenes. During our 13th Annual Legacy Gala on April 29 we will present the recipients with a very special award designed by JPII student Cynthia.
While the list is in alphabetical order, it’s important to note that we begin with Sister Francis Bisland, JPII’s first principal and end with Mary Adams, JPII’s current principal. They book-end a list that includes those who petitioned the Allentown Diocese to open a school for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as those who have enriched our program throughout the years including:
- Those who volunteered in our classrooms, library and on committees.
- Family members who have been with JPII almost from the beginning and spent many years advocating for our students and adults while helping raise money through early events including craft shows, bingo, golf and plant sales.
- Community members whose support has allowed us to provide scholarships, tuition assistance, and therapies.
- The founders of two endowment funds for JPII, and those who support them yearly.
We know that there are many more who we could list, including you, so please know how grateful we are for your support that positions us to celebrate many more anniversaries and milestones. Thank you.
As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, please join us in thanking our Forty in Faith:
- Sister Francis Bisland
- Dr. Tom Bell and Dr. Natalie Parisi Bell
- Jo Chelius*
- Ginny Close
- Bill and Vicki Combs
- Sal and Nanette Cutrona
- Virginia Dodge
- Michael and Diane Duff
- Judy Diffendal
- Angela and Dick Ehst
- Dr. Frank Franco*
- Steve and Kathy Gable
- Tom Gwiazdowski
- Dick Henry
- Jack and Peggy* Horrigan
- Paul and Brooke Jakubowski
- Sister Janice Johnson*
- Dorothy Kase
- Dan and Kathy Langdon
- Matt and Sandi Lloyd
- Mary Maher
- Mike and Margie Mizak
- Kathy Moffit
- Carole* and Ray* Neag
- Kathy Nevel
- Vince and Mary Lou Parisi
- Craig and Sue Perrotty
- Priscilla Plucinsky
- Craig Poole
- Jim and Deb Radwanski
- Rocky Santilli
- Eric and Jeannie Savage
- Sisters of Precious Blood
- Turie Sotzin
- Kevin and Susan Timochenko
- Msgr. James Treston
- Cheryl Wagner
- Brad and Sharon White
- Albert and Pat Young
- Mary Adams
*Deceased
