Our first floral games

During the final week of January, Saint John Paul the Great Academy overflowed with energy, creativity, and joy as we celebrated our very first Floral Games!

This weeklong event was far more than a competition—it was a living expression of our school’s mission to form the whole person in Christ through the four pillars of formation: spiritual, intellectual, social, and human.

Themed “The Three White Things: Our Way to Heaven”—a reflection on the Eucharist, Our Lady, and the Pope—students competed with great heart in a variety of team and individual challenges.

The Yellow Team, honoring Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and the Blue Team, inspired by Francis and Clare of Assisi, brought their unique charisms to each activity, striving not just to win, but to grow.

Our students prepared saint skits and choir pieces, learned about their team’s patrons, and united each day in prayer.

Children and staff alike practiced teamwork and joyful service, using their gifts to build each other up and celebrate one another’s strengths.

Students learned to persevere through challenges, practice sportsmanship, cheer for one another, and offer their best in every endeavor.

From kickball games to art shows, dance routines to Lego builds, every student had a role to play. The week concluded with a joyful awards ceremony—but the true victory was found in the growth we witnessed in virtue, community spirit, and authentic joy.

We’re proud of our students, faculty, and families for making the Floral Games such a memorable and formative event. It was a vivid reminder that education in the Catholic tradition forms not just minds, but hearts and souls—preparing joyful disciples now and for eternity.

The Floral Games, though formally created in medieval France, have deep roots that can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman cultural practices—especially their love for poetic and artistic competitions.