For Immediate Release April 3, 2006

For more information, contact: Joe Kleine-Kracht, 502/939-5554 (cell) or Father Chuck Walker, 502/451-9300

     (Louisville, Kentucky)  As the Catholic church remembers the first anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death, a new Catholic school in Louisville is remembering him in a special way. The regional school that is being formed out of Saint Barnabas (3044 Hikes Lane), Saint Bartholomew (2036 Buechel Bank Road) and Saint Piux S (3525 Goldsmith Lane) schools will be named John Paul II Academy. This new school will open for the 2006-2007 school year.

     Students and faculty submitted more than 100 nominations for the new school name to the school life committee of the regional school board. This committee narrowed the possibilities to five finalists, and the students voted on the final choice. The name John Paul II was chosen because Pope John Paul II was a champion for youth and a leader that the children could relate to. With their nominations, students described him as a kind man, a "modern saint" and a leader who welcomed many into the church.

     Joe Kleine-Kracht, member of the school life committee, expresses the sentiments of students and school board members: "In 1978, Pope John Paul II started his papacy with 'Be not afraid!' As we open the doors to our new school, we will take this challenge. We will not be afraid to start afresh and work together to make this school a wonderful success."

     Over the next several weeks, the board will make decisions about the site location, principal, and other student life issues such as school colors and mascots.