In early 2002, Sister Helen Loretta, IHM, the Principal of Coatesville Area Catholic Elementary School (C.A.C.E.S.) thought a walkathon would be a great fundraiser.  A former principal attended a similar event while on vacation and related the positive experience to the current principal.  A parent, Mr. Thomas Lee was asked to chair the walkathon committee.  An enthusiastic committee was formed and the first ever C.A.C.E.S. PACES Walkathon was held on May 18, 2003 at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown.

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By all accounts, this event known as C.A.C.E.S. PACES was a success. Even though the drizzle fell throughout the day, it did not dampen the spirits of those who attended. Before it was over, 275 students had participated.  They walked a total of 7370 laps and raised $33,000 for the new school fund.  The local business community also got involved.  Their donations varied from several hundred dollars to small items used as give-away prizes.  

The Second Annual C.A.C.E.S. PACES Walkathon was held on Sunday, May 16, 2004.  The expectations were sky high from the students, parents and teachers.  The spirit captured from the first year was certainly carried over into this year’s event.  Unlike the first year, the sun was shining upon the walkers and volunteers.  All together, 327 students walked a total of 7759 laps.  Once again expectations were exceeded when over $40,000 was raised for the new school fund. This year, three new members joined the Grand Parent Club, each contributing a thousand dollars in honor of their grandchild.

Grandparents were also invited to participate. Any grandparent that contributed $1000.00  (a grand) in honor of their grandchild would become an official member of the Grand Parent Club.  They received a Grand Parent Award complete with a certificate of thanks.  The committee was excited to welcome its first member.

The Third Annual Walkathon was held on Sunday, May 15th, 2005.  Once again, the students, teachers and parents came together for this special event.  344 students walked a total of 8318 laps.  Another $41,000 was contributed to the new school fund.  Five more grandparents came forth to join the four previous members of the Grand Parent Club. For the third straight year every aspect of C.A.C.E.S. PACES grew bigger and better.

Now, as we get ready to hold our 6th Walkathon on Sunday, April 20, 2008, the name has been changed, the school has been built, and the dream has been realized, but the need to rasie funds continues and every dollar raised  helps keep the dream alive.   Please help us make the 6th annual PACES Walkathon, the best PACES Walkathon of them all! 

The Fourth (and final) C.A.C.E.S. PACES Walkathon was held on Sunday, April 30^th, 2006.  332 students walked a total of 6779 laps.  For their amazing effort, $54,000 was raised!

Over 100 local businesses contributed nearly $13,000 as well as merchandise and services.   Nine grandparents contributed $1000 each to participate in the Grand Parent Club.  Employers helped with matching funds and the students did a terrific job raising the rest, which amounted to the bulk of the contributions.  The $54,000 will be used to purchase new bleachers to be installed in our brand new gymnasium!

Because the school is no longer known as CACES, the Walkathon too needed a new name. PACES (Pope John Paul II-Annual-Catholic-Elementary-School) Walkathon was held on Sunday, April 29^th. Of the 500 students attending the school, two-thirds of them participated in collecting $37,000! The Grand Parent Club had another success year welcoming three more members. Over the past 5 Walkathons, an astounding $205,000 was raised to help build the school and get it running-now that’s a lot of walking! 

In January 2007 the dream of building a new school became a reality, a beautiful new facility educating tomorrow’s brightest minds, based on the catholic values of our new school's namesake Pope John Paul II.