press releases (Current)

Throughout the 2009-2010 school year, Providence Catholic is celebrating 25 years of Augustinian leadership. Providence is a Catholic co-educational, college preparatory school under the direction of the Joliet Diocese and leadership of the Order of St. Augustine. A dedicated and caring faculty and staff integrate the core Augustinian values of truth, unity and love into all dimensions of student life. A demanding curriculum, inclusive service programs, competitive athletics and comprehensive extracurricular offerings challenge students in a safe and nurturing environment. Providence Catholic is located at 1800 W. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox. For more information about PCHS, please visit www.providencecatholic.org

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11-5-09

Providence Catholic Women’s Club to host annual “Ladies Shopping Night”

(New Lenox) – Providence Catholic High School Women’s Club will host its annual “Ladies Shopping Night” on Thursday, December 3 from 5 PM to 9 PM in the school’s cafeteria. Many unique and amazing gifts from upscale vendors will be available for your Christmas shopping adventure. Enjoy raffles along with complimentary wine and appetizers while browsing wonderful specialty items. Bring your moms, sisters, daughters and girlfriends to enjoy this shopping night out. For further information, please visit the Women’s Club website at www.PCHSWomensClub.org. Providence Catholic is located at 1800 W. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox.

11-4-09

Providence Catholic High School Announces First Quarter Honor Roll

(New Lenox) – Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce the school’s First Quarter Honor Roll. The honor roll includes two categories; first honors recipients must obtain a 3.51 - 4.00 G.P.A., whereas second honors students receive a 3.00 - 3.50 G.P.A. The First Quarter Honor Roll includes:

Seniors 1st Honors:

Morgan Altenhoff, Thomas Ambrose, Joseph Antoniolli, Alexandra Banathy, Melissa Beamish, Nicole Benedetto, Marius Berner, Dominic Biegel, Eric Blokel, Patricia Bonaguro, Victor Brakauskas, Matthew Brassil, Kyle Breitbarth, James Brightmore, Vincent Brinker, Delaney Brooks, Kathryn Budz, Melissa Budz, Michael Budz, Ashley Bugos, Damian Chavez, John Ciolkosz, Matthew Connelly, James Connolly, Mary Daniher, Zipporah Drake, Kate Draksler, Dennis Falls, Nicole Fremarek, Kelsey Garr, Kahla Graham, Timothy Hanrahan, Jeffrey Hayes, Claire Healy, Caitlin Higgins, John Huguelet, Sarah Jackson, Samuel Joutras, Katherine Kaminskas, Courtney Kansler, Sarah Kavanaugh, Mary Kelly, Timothy Kelly, Tomas Kleiza, Sarah Knouse, F. Dylan Krueger, Kirsten Kubinski, Timothy Kunst, Michelle Kurinec, Michael Kwak, Samantha Lacy, Adam Lamanna, Ian Land, Katherine Libera, Amy Lukes, Thomas Major, Nicole Maloney, Megan Maloney, Andrea Massimilian, James McDaniel, Molly McGinnis, Ryan McMaster, Ryan Monahan, Mallory Morgan, James Niemiec, Jonathan ODonnell, James Pericht, Alec Pickett, Tyler Plantz, Robert Pollard, Michael Porcellino, Brigid Presecky, Jennifer Prince, Sara Radecki, Krish Ramadurai, Brandon Ro, Sarah Schlesser, Jacob Sheffer, Michael Smoljan, Jennifer Soprych, Ann C. Sweeney, Michael Sweeney, Kelly Szymanski, John Thomas, Carly Tribbia, Katherine Turk, Andrew Tylin, Kelsey Utter, Brianne Vandenberg, Elizabeth Walsh, Nicole Weaver, Abigail Welsch, Elizabeth Westman, Brett Wilkin and Marissa Zon.

Seniors 2nd Honors:

Emily Becker, Tristina Blair, Rachael Bosko, Kevin Burke, Scott Buttliere, Lindsay Cabay, Michael Concannon, Fiona Costello, Brian R. Davis, Emily Eggen, Ryan Errico, Julia Farnesi, Natasha Fedosenko, Stephanie Fessler, Timothy Foley, Jonathan Galick, Hannah Gardner, Kimberly Gleeson, Olivia Goetz, James Jaeger, Saly Kabro, Keyana Kirkland, Erin Lindbloom, James Lynch, Misty Lyons, Anne Martin, Heriberto Martinez, Johnathan McKendry, Hannah Medow, Anna Motola, Katie Murdaugh, Michael Murdie, Daniel Noonan, Connor OBrien, Jennifer OConnor, Meaghan OSullivan, John Pettas, Amber Prskalo, Alexander Sicinski, Jordan Stone, Natalie Studer, Anna Sweeney, Lauren Tinervia, Zachary Uminski, Chloe Urbano, Jennifer Veglio, Alice Villagomez, Emily Walsh, Ryan Waters and Timothy White.

Juniors 1st Honors:

Jessica Abbott, Desmond Albert, Gabriel Aprati, Evan Berna, George Borrelli, Lauren Brizgys, Courtney Brown, Noelle Burchett, Andrea Carlson, Caroline Casper, Neilan Cassidy, Brian Cichon, Amanda Coglianese, Shannon Collins, Mark Connolly, Casey Contorno, Connor Contorno, Daniel Cwiertniak, Christina Dabrowski, Kevin DeFilippis, Colin Doyle, Brendan Duffner, Ariana Economos, Kristin Eglar, Tess Erwinski, Joseph Filer, Ryan Fister, Aidan Flaherty, Sarah Formentini, Bryanna Garwood, Robert Glynn, Mitchell Godfrey, Kara Golebiowski, Bret Gray, Ann Grossmayer, Zachary Hanlon, Terrence Harris, Jennifer Hoffman, Ashley Hornung, Gerard Huguelet, Justin Ibarra, Natalie Japp-Joyce, Tadas Jodwalis, Aaron Judge, Nicholas Kaminski, Bridget Kay, Joseph Kieffer, Alycia Klika, Haley Koth, Michael Kronberg, Brian Liceaga, Bradley Little, Alec Logothetis, Ryan Ludwig, Allison Mackay, Brandon Magallones, Cayla Maher, Melinda Maloney, Patrick Maloney, Kristin Maratea, Peter Marianovich, Eric Marth, Kaitlyn McDonald, Collin McEnery, Matthew McGuire, Jackson McLaughlin, Alanna Murray, Zachary Oesterreiche, Carrie OGrady, Patrick OMeara, Elizabeth Orlando, Christopher Pelech, Zachary Plantz, Sarah Prezek, Jason Prickel, Ilana Primack, Blake Prunsky, Dominic Quaranta, Joseph Quinlan, Brett Ramberg, David Rimkus, Nicholas Rohrer, Joseph Rojas, Mary Ruettiger, Megan Ruzich, Kevin Ryan, Timothy Sanders, Steven Seerup, Sarah Seitz, Nicholas Serpico, Michael Shaw, Leila Shinn, Jon Simpson, Mardez Smith, James Stark, Jessica Stockus, Gabrielle Stolarz, Hannah Trafton, Alexander Trainor, Samuel Travis, Matthew Trowbridge, Emily Turner, Colin Uthe, Melissa Vance, Sarah Walsh and Tyler Welch.

Juniors 2nd Honors:

Raymond Ames, Christian Battistini, Michael Bayer, Margaret Bell, Andrew Cassara, Raymond DeVivo, Taylor Douthit, Lauren Dubek, Karly Duffy, Courtney Fedor, Catherine Ferrill, Mackenzie Fisher, Christopher Galassi, Bradley Gaskin, Michael Gilboy, Rory Gilhooly, Kevin Graham, Alyse Gray, Christopher Hartley, Morgan Hartz, Nicholas Hawkinson, Andrea Heniff, Megan Hettinger, Chelsey Hickey, Kathryn Hicks, Catherine Horn, Joseph Houlihan, Blaise Houston, Cason Kirkpatrick, Marissa Klimek, Taylor Lagone, Jamilee Lahey, Ashley Lareau, Jessica Maas, Elene Magafas, Frank Markasovic, Sean McSwain, Kelsey Misniakiewic, Martin Moran, Andrew Murphy, Marisa Negro, Killian Nicholas, Marcus Nicolas, Luke OBrien, Ashley Oddo, Dominic Olszta, Tyler ONeill, Stacy ONeill, Alison Owoc, Brooke Pappas, Emily Persak, Daniel Potempa, Matthew Rapata, Rachael Redmond, Christina Reed, Sean Regan, Peter Marcus Revell, Madeline Schmidt, Meredith Schout, Karl Schramm, Shannon Sinclair, Szymon Sochacki, Daniel Spinazzola, Moriah Stiles, Madeline Stoffels, James Swintek, Victoria Trahey, Noelle Trainor, Frank Vaughan, Victor Vernon, Cody Weaver, Madeline Weinberger, Kathleen Wittmann, Brittney Wojtkiewicz and Margaret Zeniecki.

Sophomores 1st Honors:

Rachel Andrews, Wayne Andrews, Margarita Angel, Lauren Arseneau, Langdon Auld, Claire Baffoe, William Baker, Joseph Batis, Timothy Becker, Nicholas Beller, Xaverie Benedict, Emily Binder, Taylor Black, Margaret Blackburn, James Bonaguro, Elizabeth Bosko, Taylor Boyne, Kelly Brightmore, Anthony Cammarata, Alexander Campbell, Caden Canavan, Courtney Cleveland, Sean Connelly, Elaine Danahy, Matthew Davis, Thomas Dearduff, Irene DelRio, Lauren Denler, Corey Diab, Stephanie DiNardi, Ann Draksler, Luke Drong, Claire Dugard, Maura Durkin, Katelyn Edgeworth, Kaitlyn Eisenberg, Patrick Falls, Sean Fitzgerald, David Follenweider, Katherine Formentini, Theodore Francis, Kevin Gardner, Brien Garvey, Matthew Gaskin, Samuel Giglio, Matthew Gill, Mallory Goulding, Miranda Griffith, Sarah Halper, Daniel Healy, David Hearne, Nicholas Holy, Kathleen Huguelet, Marisa Istad, Kevin Izquierdo, Michael Jacus, Joseph Jaeger, Luke Jager, Miranda Jung, Michelle Kavanaugh, Thomas Kaysen, Telemahos Korbakes, Zachary Kutsulis, Brandon LaBelle, Casey Labuda, Michael Lahey, Meghan Lake, James Land, Benjamin Lembke, Caitlin Lieberman, Lauren Lindbloom, Adam Mackay, Jordan Magold, Hannah Malovan, Michael Marietti, Jeffrey Marini, Erin Martin, George Mastorakos, Nicholas Matuszewski, Maeve McDonnell, Megan Melaniphy, Ashley Morgan, Zachary Morgan, Meaghan Mormann, Katherine Morrissette, Ryan Motykowski, Brendan Nielsen, Michael Norville, Cristian Ochoa, Brian Oddo, Erin ODonnell, Cayla ODowd, Katelyn OGrady, Gabrielle Owings, Julia Patzin, Emily Persicketti, Tarah Plut, Brittany Prunsky, Matthew Pytlewski, Sara Quaranta, James Radecki, James Richert, Abby Rimsnider, Min Su Ro, Robert Ross, Christopher Salazar, Dominic Sanfilippo, Daniel Santschi, Madeline Sebastian, Amanda Sharkey, Kristen Sharkey, Erin Shea, Zachary Sheffer, Troy Sheppard, Justin Slattery, Lindsay Smoljan, Logan Springgate, Jennifer Stachovic, Erica Strick, Matthew Suenkens, Emma Sweeney, Michael J. Sweeney, Nicole Tatro, Mia Teehan, Matthew Tucker, Kevin Tully, Kathryn Urchell, Ryan Utter, Michael Valentino, Robert VanderWoude, Mitchell Vejvoda, Mariah Villasenor, Sara VonBorstel, Kathleen Walsh, Ryan Ward, Rebecca Weinberger, Zachary White, Daniel Whitehead, Nicholas Whitmore and Brady Wilkin.

Sophomores 2nd Honors:

Jordyn Albert, Laura Annarino, Stephanie Antoniolli, Caitlin Baltazar, Cristina Barkowski, Francis Barnes, Charles Barth, Ellie Bartosz, Tony Batson, Branden Boggetto, Collin Boggetto, Paige Calace, Arick Carrera, Colin Cavallone, Daniel Cederberg, Nicholas Cemeno, Audrey Connolly, Amanda Cornelius, Brittany DalCorobbo, Jacob DeYoung, Andrea DiCola, Mary Kate Diehl, Cassidy Dillman, Jacob Dobry, Keegan Duda, Carly Feldmeier, Cole Ferguson, Alexis Franchini, Deanna Garcia, Brittany Garrett, Daniel Gasienica-By, Cassidy Glenn, Breanna Glos, Amber Goldman, Robert Golinvaux, Kristina Graefen, Nina Gregor, James Grynevich, Madeline Guidarelli, Michael Guidotti, Rachel Harrington, Samantha Havlicek, John Higgins, Calvin Hoff, Andrew Hoffmeister, Taylor Hopkins, Michael Hryn, Brendan Jenner, Jessica Jimenez, Lauryn Johnson, Sara-Michell Kezerle, Kenneth King, Amanda Klotz, Steven Kositzky, Alexandra Krejci, Joseph Kunst, Emma Lagone, Alexandria Lynch, Josiah Mackay, Jillian Marron, Morgan Martensen, Lauren McCutcheon, Don McKendry, Kristen McManus, Stephen Mestan, Nora Mitros, Michael Moroney, Connor M. OBrien, Amanda Ostrowski, Michael Palmasani, Nicholas Pfiefer, Alec Pierson, Alyssa Podwell, Matthew Powell, Nicholas Quinlan, Daniel Rigoni, Jessica Rodgers, Nicole Rodighiero, Martin Ross, Lauren Rozanski, Elizabeth Sanchez, Martin Silic, Abby Smith, Michael Soucie, Alysha Strick, Paige Surico, Roselyn Tabiti, Greg Temofeew, Sam Tidaback, Taylor Topolski, Trace Vandenberg, Katie Wallace, Molly Whatley, Nathan White, Samantha Widdows and Amanda Wilhelmi.

Freshmen 1st Honors:

Tara Airola, Alissa Alberico, Vincent Ambrose, Angela Annarino, Thomas Bajt, Cassidy Bannon, Robert Beattie, Patrick Bedell, Gabriella Berman, Mary Bonaguro, Krista Brakauskas, Caleigh Branigan, Nicholas Bruno, Maryclaire Burchett, Rebecca Burczak, Shelby Chesko, Emily Chittum, Carrie Cicirale, Kristen Collins, Margaret Corso, Theresa Dabrowski, Brian Daniher, Margaret Davis, Joseph Dearduff, Jonah Deffenbaugh, Marisa Dion, Conor Doyle, Jireh Drake, Alyson Duzansky, Brett Ernst, Hannah Ferrill, Bridget Flaherty, Rachel Follenweider, Michelle Ford, Brian Fordon, James Frainey, Gienna Gaeta, Megan Gergets, Alyssa Gialamas, Jenny Gronemeyer, Steven Gruszkowski, Kristen Grzywacz, Allison Hallberg, Brian Harris, Alissa Hartford, Paige Hasier, Kelly Hearne, Andrew Helmin, Kimberly Hendrick, Mary Hickey, Paul Huguelet, Molly Hyland, Jessica Jatis, Brian Jenner, Ryan Jones, Tori Joseph, Marie-Cather Joutras, Scott Jung, Alana Juodvalkis, Holly Kavanaugh, Kevin Kelly, Myungje Kim, Paul Kocsis, Taryn Kole, Jason Koth, James Krenz, Austyn Krueger, Ryan Krynicki, Karli Kulhanek, Morgan Kulpinski, Megan Kurcz, Samantha Lewandowski, George Lullo, Jr., Alyssa Lyman, Erinn Lyons, Alyssa Maloney, Matthew Martensen, Stephanie Mattingly, George McCabe, Brad McDermid, Courtney McEnery, Ryan McGinnis, Tara McGinnis, Victoria McNichols, Rebecca Meskill, Alyssa Meurer, Michael Michalak, Megan Miller, Maria Miller, Abigail Morris, Grace Morrison, Josephine Mueller, Hannah Nichols, Jamie Noonan, Christopher Oddo, Clare OMalley, Christian Pantoja, Kristina Patti, Maeve Pell, Joshua Pericht, Anthony Petta, Caroline Pfeiffer, Max Picard, Brandon Picciolini, Erika Powers, Georgiana Presecky, Ryan Prickel, Colin Prinsen, Trenton Pruitt, Michaela Puscas, William Quirke, Molly Rademacher, Kathleen Rash, Colleen Reynolds, Luke Rimkus, Samantha Rohrer, Christian Rojas, Matthew Ryan, Nicholas Sanders, Gabriela Sanfilippo, Rose Schultz, Gabriella Senese, Stephanie Sicinski, Katherine Soprych, Elizabeth Stone, Mary Strickler, Zachary Subak, Brendan Surane, Madeline Utter, Viet Vo, Madison Wall, Kristin Watkins, Elaina Wiles, Marissa Wilko, Bradford Woodward, Andrew Workman, Brian Younker, Valerie Zecca, Claire Zeeman, James Zeeman and Patrick Zeniecki.

Freshmen 2nd Honors:

Justin Anderson, Zachary Baids, Kylee Bandyk, Brittney Boggetto, Tessa Botka, Cameron Brach, Michael Broderick, Sean Burke, Jordan Burns, Brianna Chibe, Matthew Columbus, Caroline Contorno, Joey Crockett, Joshua Cwiertniak, Kevin Edgeworth, Jennifer Fiala, Catherine Foley, Joseph Frontzak, Maura Ganser, Broegan Garr, Gonzalo Gonzalez, Maria Gray, Daniel Griffin, Charles Gross, Peter Grossmayer, Nicole Grzywacz, Kevin Hartley, Ana Houlis, Austin Ibarra, Jessica Jarosz, Margaret Jasek, Nicole Jazdzewski, Cody Kirby, Ryan Koltes, Nicole Langlois, Leah Laskowski, Kanece Mabry, Amanda Mackay, Lauren Malick, Marty Maloney, Patrick McDermott, Patrick McErlean, Molly McGrath, Danny McManus, Sean McNamara, Jessica Merle, Claire Moriarty, Ashley Nixon, Eamonn OConnell, John OKeefe, Matthew ONeill, Lauren Osborne, Michael Ott, Alexander Owings, Patrick Owoc, Roslyn Parayo, Megan Partilla, John Pavlopoulos, Dane Procarione, Rebecca Rachke, Jayant Ramadurai, Jennifer Raymond, Kelly Reed, Lindsey Ryan, Mary Sanchez, Scott Schroeder, Brooke Schulte, Drew Shemanske, Alexandra Shermulis, Shannon Sinde, Bailey Sineni, Kevin Slade, Nathaniel Stramaglia, Kirsten Streicher, Janelle Sundine, Brianna Taylor, Sylvie Teehan, Karly Tinervia, Zachary Tortorello, Adam Trainor, Elaina Urbano, Stephanie Venegas, Kevin Ward, Monica Werner, Emily Wiles, Luke Willson, Amanda Wilson and Matthew Zeeman.

11-4-09

Dedication and blessing of the Rev. Richard J. McGrath, O.S.A. Center

(New Lenox) – Rev. John Sotak, O.S.A., Prior of the Augustinian community at Providence Catholic High School, blessed the newly dedicated Rev. Richard J. McGrath, O.S.A. Center during a special ceremony in late October. Originally a convent that housed the religious sisters from 1962-1990, this building is home to the Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA), formerly Providence Early Education Center. The second floor of the building houses the Providence Catholic Advancement, Accounting and Tuition offices.

Rev. McGrath, President of Providence Catholic High School, founded the early education center in 1992 to serve the religious and educational needs of children between the ages of 3 and 5 who are members of the Catholic community in New Lenox and surrounding areas. The school’s strong sense of community, rooted in Christian values, unites children, families and the faculty.

PCCA fosters a positive self-image in each child. The curriculum encourages the development of the “whole child,” enables each child to reach his or her full human potential and become a fully functioning Christian adult.

11-2-09

Providence Catholic announces the October Students of the Month

(New Lenox) - Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce the school’s “Students of the Month” for October. These students are recognized for achievement, improvement and/or accomplishments in school courses as well as other school-related activities.

Every month, each academic department chairperson selects one student as its “Student of the Month” from a number of students nominated by teachers. Students of the Month receive a certificate of recognition, have their photos displayed in Providence Catholic High School’s main hallway for the following month and are invited as a group to have lunch with the Principal.

The Providence Catholic High School Students of the Month for October are sitting left to right: sophomore Lizzy Sanchez of Monee (Mathematics), senior Kahla Graham of Elwood (Administration), sophomore Emily Persicketti of Manhattan (English), sophomore Kate Walsh of Homer Glen (Science) and sophomore Sam Giglio of Mokena (Theology). Standing left to right: sophomore John Higgins of Homer Glen (Social Science & Business), freshman Matt Suenkens of Orland Hills (Physical Education), freshman Gabriella Berman of Shorewood (Technology) and senior Marius Berner of Homer Glen (World Language). Not pictured: senior Mike Budz of Orland Park (Fine Arts).

10-28-09

Providence Catholic Girls’ Volleyball host “Volley for the Cure”

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School Girls’ Volleyball team hosted “Volley For The Cure” in early October at their home match up versus Fenwick High School. “Volley For The Cure” was created as a way to honor and celebrate those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer. Before the game 40 survivors were honored of which 20 of those survivors were in attendance and presented with flowers. The team sold pink t-shirts, did face painting and held a bake sale the night of the event to support this wonderful cause. The team along with the Providence Catholic community raised more than $4,600, which benefitted the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure.

10-23-09

Providence Catholic Drama Club to Present “Footlight Frenzy”

(New Lenox) Providence Catholic High School’s Drama Club will present its fall play, “Footlight Frenzy” from Thursday, November 5 through Sunday, November 8 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Theatre in Joliet. Performances will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $8.00 each ($5.00 for students and senior citizens). Tickets may be purchased at the door. Call (815) 485-2136, ext.3323 with questions or for ticket information.

In a desperate attempt to save their bankrupt "School for Unusual Children", an inexperienced PTA group valiantly mounts an ambitious benefit play, written by a “has been” Broadway director. His near hysterical direction and the group's questionable talent turn the production into a shambles. Everything that can go wrong does as the scenes shift back and forth from the real tribulations of the performers to the play they are "performing", and it is hard to tell which is sillier. This is fast and furious theatrical fun of the first order, with us watching the fun from the "back" of the stage!
Footlight Frenzy is written by Ron House, Diz White, Alan Shearman and Bud Slocumb. The show is based on "Fleeting Moment' by House, White, Shearman, Mark Blankenfield, Brandie Kemp and Mitchell Kreindel.

The play is directed by Ms. Dee Hamilton, PCHS Drama Director. The cast includes: Mike Murdie of Manhattan as Paul (Nicky), Ryan Hinsdale of Mokena as Alex (Chaz), Martin Moran of Homer Glen as Tony (Uncle Julian), Sean McSwain of Tinley Park as Benny (Johnny Chicago), Abbie Welsch of Plainfield as Laura (Addie Starr), Alyse Gray of New Lenox as Debbie (Gwen), Andrea Massimilian of Orland Park as Understudy for Debbie and Laura, Mike Guidotti of Plainfield as Understudy for Paul and Benny.

10-20-09

Three Providence Catholic Students Receive National Recognition

(New Lenox) Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce that seniors Claire Healy of Joliet, James McDaniel of New Lenox and Daniel Noonan of Tinley Park were recently named Commended Students in the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Program. These bright individuals are among 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation and placed in the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered this competition by taking the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).

“We are very proud of these students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability by their performance in this highly competitive program. Their commitment to academic excellence is truly admirable,” commented Sebestyen.

10-20-09

Providence Catholic Band and Color Guard perform at the Columbus Day Parade

(New Lenox) Providence Catholic Band and Color Guard performed in the annual Columbus Day Parade on Monday, October 12, where they received a 2nd place award for “Best Marching Band”. The Marching Celtics performed “America the Beautiful” for the large crowd that lined the parade route. “We were honored to represent our school and our band to the city of Chicago. I am very proud of these students and their hard work that they put forth,” commented Rocco Carioto, PCHS Band Director.

The parade took place on Columbus Drive on the Chicago lake front and stretched from Balboa to Monroe Street. Thousands of spectators observed the more than 100 units that came from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Furthermore, viewers had an opportunity to tune into ABC Channel 7 to catch the televised parade.

Furthermore, the Celtic Band recently participated in a marching competition at Stagg High School, where they performed their Pirates of the Caribbean show. The band placed in a number of individual categories including 4th place for Music Ensemble, 3rd place for Drum Line and 2nd place for Color Guard.

The Providence Catholic Band and Color Guard will also be marching in the nationally televised Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 26. This will be broadcast on superstation WGN Channel 9.

10-19-09

Providence Catholic Names Twenty-Nine AP Scholar Award Recipients

(New Lenox) - Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce that 29 students have earned AP Scholar Awards by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) Exams.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.7 million students worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of an AP Scholar Award. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.

At Providence Catholic:

One student qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a five-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. This student is Patrick Ward of Homer Glen.

Six students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are Daniel Burke of Lemont, Caitlin Day of Homer Glen, Matthew Doran of Oak Forest, Brian Kramer of Joliet, Caitlin Myron of Orland Park and Patrick Ward of Homer Glen.

Five students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Victor Brakauskas of Lemont, Maeve McCartin of Palos Park, Christopher Passolano of New Lenox, Alyssa Sanders of Mokena and Megan Slattery of Orland Park.

Eighteen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Exams, with grades of 3 or higher. These students are Anne Marie Bonaguro of Orland Park, Vincent Brinker of Channahon, Nicholas Grabavoy of Joliet, Katherine Hannemann of Homer Glen, Timothy Hanrahan of Frankfort, Claire Healy of Joliet, Amy Lukes of Shorewood, Thomas McAuliffe of Tinley Park, James McDaniel of New Lenox, Brian Morgan of Joliet, Mallory Morgan of Mokena, Kevin Murray of Manhattan, Shannon Oddo of New Lenox, Joshua Panfil of Homer Glen, Sean Tully of Orland Park, Brian Urchell of Tinley Park, Mary Kate Waters of Orland Park and Marissa Welch of New Lenox.

Through more than 30 different college-level courses and exams, AP provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement and stand out in the college admissions process. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP exams are aligned with the same high standards expected by college faculty at some of the nation’s leading liberal arts and research institutions. More than 3,600 colleges and universities annually receive AP grades. Over 90 percent of four-year colleges in the United States provide credit and/or placement for qualifying exam grades. Research consistently shows that AP students who score a 3 or higher on AP Exams (based on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) typically experience greater academic success in college and higher graduation rates than students who do not participate in AP.

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,600 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, and the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®). The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

10-19-09

Providence Catholic Hosts Ninth Annual Academic Bowl

(New Lenox) Providence Catholic High School recently hosted their Ninth Annual Academic Bowl on Saturday, October 3. The spectacular competition attracted nearly 300 seventh and eighth graders along with their families. Students competed in several subject areas that included Language Arts, Social Science, Science, Mathematics and Geography. Students earned personal scores in each subject area, which were tabulated and compared to students from other elementary schools at their same grade level, both as a teams and individuals.

Trophies were awarded to the top four teams at both grade levels, as well as to the top five individuals in each subject area. All participants received an Academic Bowl certificate recognizing them for being named to their school’s team. All awards were presented at a ceremony immediately following the competition.

This year’s top awards are as follows:

8th Grade 1st Place Team Competition

Old Quarry Middle School-Lemont

7th Grade 1st Place Team Competition

Old Quarry Middle School-Lemont

8th Grade 1st Place Individual Competition

Language Arts – Mike Sloyan from Cardinal Joseph Bernardin (Orland Hills)
Social Science – Mary Kate Gorman from St. Alexander (Palos Heights)
Science – Zak Krepps from Old Quarry Middle School (Lemont)
Math – Eric Connelly from Cardinal Joseph Bernardin (Orland Hills)
Geography – Virginia Somers from St. Alexander (Palos Heights)

7th Grade 1st Place Individual Competition

Language Arts – Becky Dowling from Old Quarry Middle School (Lemont)
Social Science – Jack Pell from St. Mary (Mokena)
Science – Justin Whitehouse from Old Quarry Middle School (Lemont)
Math – Mike McGugan from Noonan Academy (Mokena)
Geography – Nick Santangelo from St. Joseph (Manhattan)

10-16-09

Providence Catholic Hosts Annual Fall Blood Drive

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School’s largest student organization, the Augustinian Youth Ministry (AYM), recently held its annual Fall Blood Drive. The students, faculty members and even parents at Providence Catholic donated 67 units of blood, which may help more than 200 people in need.

The Augustinian Youth Ministry is a service-based student organization with more than 400 members. Through a number of drives which include blood, clothing, food and toy, the students in AYM are doing a remarkable job in giving back to the community and in living the Christian values they have learned at Providence Catholic High School.

Senior James Jaeger of Minooka and junior Kevin Graham of Homer Glen made a special blood donation known as a Double Red Cell (DRC) collection. During a DRC donation, a single, sterile needle is inserted to the donor’s arm and blood is withdrawn directly into a cell separator. The whole blood is separated into red blood cells and plasma. The red blood cells are then drawn into two separate bags, while the plasma and saline solution is returned to the donor. This “double” procedure may help two individuals in need.

10-15-09

Providence Catholic to Host Annual Open House

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox invites all grade school students and their families to attend their annual Open House on Sunday, November 22, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to gather information about the various academic, spiritual and extracurricular programs that PCHS has to offer. Furthermore, PCHS administrators, faculty, staff and students will be on hand to answer questions and provide tours of the school. All members of the community are invited to experience Providence Catholic’s family atmosphere first-hand.

Providence is a Catholic co-educational, college preparatory school under the direction of the Joliet Diocese and leadership of the Order of St. Augustine. A dedicated and caring faculty and staff integrate the core Augustinian values of truth, unity and love into all dimensions of student life. A demanding curriculum, inclusive service programs, competitive athletics and comprehensive extracurricular offerings challenge students in a safe and nurturing environment.

Ninety-nine percent of recent graduates continue their education at a college or university. Providence Catholic currently offers 16 Advanced Placement courses for students to earn college credits. Nearly 400 scholarships, valued at over 12 million dollars, were offered to the Class of 2009. More than 85% of the class participated in at least one of the school’s 21 sports and/or 30 extracurricular activities. This class also witnessed their varsity hockey team capture its first state championship and their pom pon team place 2nd at state. Currently Providence Catholic High School has 25 State Championship Titles, which is more than any other Catholic school in Illinois.

In addition, Providence will host its Incoming Freshmen Placement Exam on Saturday, January 9, 2010, beginning at 8 a.m. The exam is open to all eighth graders interested in attending Providence for the 2010-2011 school year. Pre-registration is not necessary, but there is a $25 testing fee due on the day of the exam. All testers are asked to bring two #2 pencils. Calculators are not allowed for the exam.

The top fifteen scorers on the Placement Exam will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward his/her freshman year tuition. Financial Aid and Scholarship information will be provided to students the day of this exam. Last year, nearly $1 million in financial assistance and scholarships were awarded to our current students.

Please call Mrs. Rachel Ellingson at 815-717-3160 with any questions concerning Providence Catholic’s Open House or the Incoming Freshmen Placement Exam. The school is located at 1800 W. Lincoln Hwy. in New Lenox.

10-7-09

Providence Catholic to participate in “Art for a Cause”

(New Lenox) – Providence Catholic High School is pleased to announce their participation with “Art Auction for a Cause” on Thursday, October 15 at Pilcher Park Nature Center. This fundraising event is hosted by the Will County Regional Office to raise funds for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children). All schools throughout the area were invited to participate by having their students create art pieces based on popular children’s books.

Providence Catholic students will have eight “Storybook Masterpieces” on display and will include animation cells and storage bins based upon their favorite storybooks. All proceeds from this auction will directly benefit the children of CASA.

Questions regarding Providence Catholic art pieces should be directed to Mrs. Denise Zlogar at dzlogar@providencecatholic.org or (815) 717-3389. Pilcher Park Nature Center is located at 2501 Highland Park Drive in Joliet. The auction will begin at 6:30 p.m.

10-7-09

Providence Catholic hosts Tom Dedin Baseball Reunion

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School hosted the Tom Dedin Alumni Baseball Reunion on Saturday, September 19. More than thirty alumni baseball players from the “Dedin Years” (1965 – 1976) gathered at the newly renovated Tom Dedin Field on the school’s campus. The alumni exchanged stories and memories from their high school days with Coach Dedin and toured the baseball grounds. “There have been many improvements over the years that have been made to this field, but the one constant has been the Celtic spirit,” said Mark Smith, 1988 PCHS alumni baseball player and current Head Baseball Coach. Coach Smith and former teammate, Doug Ternik, Class of 1989 and current PCHS Athletic Director, joined Dedin in welcoming the alumni and their families back home to Providence Catholic. “This was a special day for alumni to pay tribute to their baseball coach. We are extremely grateful to Coach Dedin for his leadership as the school’s first Athletic Director and founder of our athletic programs,” added Ternik.

10-7-09

Providence Catholic Honors the Augustinians for 25 Years of Faithful Leadership

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School honored the Augustinians of the Midwest Province of our Mother of Good Counsel for their 25 faithful years of service to the school on August 27 at DiNolfo’s in Homer Glen. More than 250 guests, which included alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the school, paid tribute to the tremendous leadership the Augustinians have brought to Providence Catholic High School.

Ed Barrett, Director of Institutional Advancement at PCHS, welcomed guests and spoke of the Augustinian influences on his life. The Very Rev. William Lego, O.S.A., Prior Provincial, delivered the invocation. Following dinner, Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A., Pastoral Director at PCHS, explained the meaning behind the Cor Unum award. Retired Bishop Joseph Imesch presented the 2009 Cor Unum award, the school’s most prestigious award, to the Augustinians. The medallion encompasses the Kairos cross with the heart, flame and arrow of the Augustinian crest embossed over it. The motto, “Cor Unum” is Latin for “one heart.” On the reverse side of the medallion the inscription reads "One Heart...in Ministry...in Mission...in Family."

In addition, Steve Morrissette, President of First Community Bank of Joliet and 1979 Providence alumnus, presented Rev. Richard McGrath, O.S.A., President of Providence Catholic with a special gift in appreciation for his 25 years of steadfast leadership and dedication to the school. “I am humbled by the recognition,” said McGrath. “But it’s never been about me, it’s been about us and us building a better Providence Catholic.”

10-6-09

Providence Catholic Women’s Club to host their ‘Dueling Pianos’ Annual Social and Auction

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School Women’s Club will host their ‘Dueling Pianos’ Annual Social and Auction on Saturday, November 14 at Providence Catholic High School in the Sacred Heart Gymnasium (enter through door 14). The evening will begin with cocktails and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $55.00 per person, which includes buffet dinner and two beverages. There will also be a cash bar. Dress is casual. In addition to the live and silent auctions, entertainment will be provided by the All American Dueling Pianos.

To purchase tickets, donate an auction item or for more information, please visit www.PCHSWomensClub.org or call Lisa Marth at (708) 466-8371. Due to a limited number of seats, please RSVP by October 30, 2009. Proceeds from this event will benefit the students of Providence Catholic High School. If you are unable to attend this event, but would like to bid on auction items, please visit the Women’s Club website at www.PCHSWomensClub.org

9-30-09

Providence Catholic announces the September Students of the Month

(New Lenox) - Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce the school’s “Students of the Month” for September. These students are recognized for achievement, improvement and/or accomplishments in school courses as well as other school-related activities.

The Providence Catholic High School Students of the Month for September are sitting left to right: senior Nicole Maloney of Joliet (Fine Arts), senior Morgan Altenhoff of Homer Glen (Administration), freshman Joey Crockett of Joliet (English), sophomore Madison Kamp of Joliet (Science) and sophomore Maura Durkin of Orland Park (Mathematics). Standing left to right: junior Patrick Maloney of Mokena (Technology), freshman Ron Zychowski of Homer Glen (Theology), sophomore Francis Barnes of Lockport (Social Science & Business), freshman Brett Ernest of Homer Glen (Physical Education) and freshman George McCabe of Mokena (World Language).

9-14-09

Providence Catholic Girls’ Volleyball to host “Volley for the Cure”

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School Girls’ Volleyball Team will be hosting “Volley for the Cure” on Thursday, October 1 at their home matchup versus Fenwick at 6 pm. “Volley for the Cure” was created as a way to honor and celebrate those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer. Providence Catholic High School will be selling t-shirts for $10 each to support this wonderful cause. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. During the game, all cancer survivors will be acknowledged and honored. If you know someone that you would like to honor, please email their name to gmcmaster@providencecatholic.org. In addition, please let us know if that individual will be attending game.

If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and send directly to:

Providence Catholic High School

Attn: Gail McMaster

1800 W. Lincoln Hwy.

New Lenox, IL 60451

9-14-09

Providence Catholic to host Junior High Band Night

(New Lenox) - When the Providence Catholic High School Band performs their traditional opener “Strike up the Band” at the football games, they really mean it. On October 2, the Providence Catholic Band will host a grade school night during the halftime show for 6th, 7th and 8th grade band students from all over the south suburbs. The home varsity matchup versus Fenwick will begin at 7:30 pm on Matt Senffner Field. “This is an opportunity for junior high band students to experience what it is like to part of a high school marching band. It will also give them the opportunity to perform on the field with our band under the lights and in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans,” said Rocco Carioto, PCHS Band Director. The grade school students will not only perform with the band during halftime, but will also see the band perform their Pirates of the Caribbean competition postgame show complete with costumes, a huge Pirate flag, ships and music from the motion pictures. In addition, the band will perform this show at the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida in December. Junior high students who would like to be a part of the Junior High Band Night should contact the Providence Catholic Music Department at (815) 717-3152.

1800 W. Lincoln Hwy.
New Lenox, IL 60451
phone (815) 485-2136
fax (815) 485-2709

Last Updated: 05 Nov 2009
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