Hand in Hand Options Program

“Victoria had the change to be in general educations classes and was treated like any other student. The letters that she received from her Peer Mentors each year were so heartfelt. JPII allowed her to fully experience high school. At JPII, she was never held back. She got to be herself: fully, freely, and faithfully."  - Malinda Griffin, Victoria’s mother

“At other schools, everyone saw Down syndrome first. At JPII, they saw Adaline. From the first moment we visited, students talked to her. The faculty asked her what she wanted to do. That had never happened before. I think that the biggest gift JPII gave Adeline was the confidence to know that her presence matters, not just in the classroom, but in the world.” - Toni Richards, Adaline’s mother

“He wasn’t just included; he was celebrated. I could drop him off at a football game and know he was loved and safe. That’s the kind of peace this community gives you. He became a more joyful and confident person. That kind of growth is rare, and it’s because JPII understands how to live out the Gospel.” - Tiffany Speshock, Abram’s mother

“At JPII, he’s loved, not just by students, but by teachers, staff, and even parents. It’s a school where kids are intentionally included. That’s rare. He’s kind, accepting, and grounded in faith, and this school nurtured those qualities.” - LaVonda Johnson, Ra’Shad’s mother