2007-2008 Press Releases

(New Lenox) - Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School is pleased to announce that senior Thomas Barry signed his National Letter of Intent to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level. “We are very proud of Thomas who was recognized for his athletic talent and wish him the best,” offered Sebestyen.

Thomas Barry, son of Thomas and Mary Barry of Orland Park will attend Northern Illinois University where he received an athletic scholarship and plans to major in business management. Barry is a graduate of St. Michael School and a member of their parish. The three-sport student-athlete is a member of the honor roll and has played football, basketball and baseball his entire high school career.

As QB and team captain, Barry finished his football season with 1,800 yards passing with 11 passing and 1 rushing touchdown. He also holds the PCHS record for the longest touchdown pass, which was 91 yards thrown to Dan Ruzich. Furthermore, he received recognition from Orland Park, New Lenox and Walter Peyton Roundhouse as their “Athlete of the Week” and was named MIP.

As forward and center, Barry finished his basketball season 74 of 166 from the field (.638 shot average) and averaged 15 points per game. His season high was 23 points. In addition, Barry was named MIP and All Area Mention.

The 4-year starter played 1st base and pitched for the Celtic Baseball team. His first three years, Barry batted over .300 and as a senior, had the highest defensive percentage in conference at 1st base. As a left-handed pitcher, he had 31 strikeouts in 23.2 innings pitched.

Outside of school, Barry is a youth summer camp counselor for football, basketball and baseball and plays baseball for the Illinois Sparks as their pitcher.

7-16-08

Providence Catholic to host cross country, tennis and wrestling summer youth camps the week of July 28

(New Lenox) - Providence Catholic High School is proud to announce the return of their annual Youth Summer Camps. The dedicated and respected Providence Catholic coaches are renowned for their record number of IHSA State Championship titles. Participants will have the opportunity to learn something new, enhance their knowledge and skills and practice the concepts of good sportsmanship and teamwork.

Each week, Providence Catholic will offer a variety of camps. Athletic camp fees includes a t-shirt and complimentary pass to all PCHS Home athletic events for the 2008-2009 school year. The following camps will be offered the week of July 28.

Coed Cross Country (2-day Training) will take place on July 29 and July 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and instructed by Rob Kodura. The fee is $55.00 and is open to students in grades 4-9.

Coed Tennis will take place on the school’s tennis courts on July 28 thru August 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and instructed by Sue Hurley, PCHS Girls’ Tennis Coach. The fee is $85.00 and is open to students in grades 5-9.

Wrestling (4-day Fundamental) will take place in the school’s wrestling room from July 28-31 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and instructed by Keith Healy, PCHS Head Wrestling Coach. The fee is $95.00 and is open to students in grades 4-9.

Providence Catholic High School is located at 1800 W. Lincoln Highway in New Lenox. Please visit www.providencecatholic.org for a listing of all summer camps or to download a registration brochure. Questions may be directed to 815-717-3170.

7-10-08

Providence Catholic to host boys’ basketball and co-ed track & field summer youth camps the week of July 21

Boys’ Basketball Fundamental Camp will take place in the school’s large gymnasium from July 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and instructed by Greg Smith, PCHS Boys’ Basketball Coach. The fee is $100.00 and is open to students in grades 4-7.

Boys’ Basketball Shooting Camp will take place in the school’s large gymnasium from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and instructed by Greg Smith, PCHS Boys’ Basketball Coach. The fee is $35.00 or $135.00 for both camps and is open to students in grades 4-7.

Coed Track and Field (4-day Running Techniques/Speed Enhancement) will take place on the school’s track from July 21-24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and instructed by Mark Coglianese, PCHS Head Track Coach. The fee is $90.00 and is open to students in grades 4-9.

7-10-08

Introducing Providence Catholic Children’s Academy

(New Lenox) – Fr. Richard McGrath, OSA, President of Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) is pleased to introduce Providence Catholic Children’s Academy. Earlier this year the Providence Early Education Center (PEEC) engaged in an Image Marketing Assessment, wherein the faculty and staff of PEEC and PCHS, past and present PEEC parents, and local educators provided input about the school. The goal was to identify perceptions held by various constituencies and to provide an objective analysis of the image and mission of the Early Education Center. The findings of the assessment were very encouraging and affirming about their school and staff. However, it provided an opportunity for improved marketability and visibility.

Effective July 1, the school’s name changed from the Providence Early Education Center to Providence Catholic Children’s Academy (PCCA). The reason for this change is that it better establishes this facility as a Catholic grammar school as opposed to a childcare center. The logo, which represents the school and signifies their values, was modified to include images of children and a cross.

The following is the school’s new mission statement: Providence Catholic Children’s Academy was founded in 1992 under the direction of the Joliet Diocese and leadership of the Order of St. Augustine. Serving the spiritual and educational needs of children ages 3-6 and their families, we provide a nurturing environment that builds the bridge from home to school. Professional, experienced teachers help develop the social, emotional, cognitive and physical skills of our students in a loving Christian atmosphere. We inspire our children to reach their full academic potential and to succeed in school.

Providence Catholic Children’s Academy is located on the campus of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox and has available openings for the 2008-2009 school year. Furthermore, there are a variety of schedule options available, including half-day or full-day Kindergarten. Please call (815) 485-7129 with questions, to set up a tour of the school or to register your student. For general information on the school please visit the school’s new website at www.providencecatholic.org

7-8-08

Providence Catholic to host co-ed basketball and football summer youth camps the week of July 14

Co-Ed Basketball will take place in the school’s large gymnasium from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from July 14 -18 and instructed by Greg Smith, PCHS Head Boys’ Basketball Coach. The fee is $85.00 and open to students in grades 1-3.

Football Camp I (Fundamental) will take place on the school’s football field from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from July 14-18 and instructed by Mark Coglianese, PCHS Head Football Coach. The fee is $100.00 and is open to students in grades 4-8.

Football Camp II (7 on 7 Passing) will take place on the school’s football field from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The fee is $135.00 for both camps and is open to students in grades 4-8. This camp is for QBs, RBs, Recs, LBs and DBs. No lineman and no contact. Must attend the Fundamental Camp to participate in the 7 on 7 Camp.

6-26-08

Providence Catholic to host girls’ volleyball summer youth camp the week of July 7

Girls’ Volleyball Camp I will take place in the school’s large gymnasium from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and instructed by Nan Airola, PCHS Head Volleyball Coach. The fee is $100.00 and open to students in grades 6-7.

Girls’ Volleyball Camp II will be offered for students in grades 8-9 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fee is $100.00.

6-19-08

Providence Catholic High School Announces 2nd Semester Honor Roll

(New Lenox) – Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce the school’s 2nd Semester 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 2nd Semester Honor Roll includes:

Seniors 1st Honors: Nicole Adduce, Stephanie Anzelc, Kaitlin Basic, Jose Battistini, Timothy Beemsterboer, Gregory Bennett, Brianne Broderick, Darryl Brown, Sarah Budz, William Burchett, Ashley Christie, John Cichy, Luke Connor, Stephen Cusack, Eric Daliege, Anna Dollinger, Kathryn Dominick, Tara Driscoll, Kenneth Eichorst, Joseph Fitzpatrick, Brittany Flanagan, Sarah Galick, Ashley Gawron, Nicole Good, Ryan Gray, Jonathan Gustafson, Kevin Huguelet, Michael Iacoponi, Scott Jacewicz-OKelly, Jessica Johnson, Lauren Kaczmarek, Michelle Karr, Peter Korbakes, Ronald Kunst, Kevin Lelko, Joshua Lembke, Sean Lindbloom, Brett Lyons, Matthias Mackay, Briana Maher, Katherine Marusarz, Kelsey Mayher, Conor McAuliffe, Meghan McCarthy, Matthew Metelak, Colleen Mitros, Eileen Moran, Daniel Mrozek, Shaun Murphy, Lauren Niemiec, Cooper Nink, Brian OMalley, Ashley Ortiz, Rachel Palkoska, Zachary Panfil, Mack-Anthony Parayo, Emily Perish, Morgan Ramberg, Jamie Revell, Julie Rogers, Erica Rudie, Daniel Ruzich, Jennifer Scaduto, Nicholas Schutzbach, Michael Sodic, Carolyn Spiegel, Therese Stecich, Andrew Stevens, Nicholas Swiatkowski, Eric Talwar, Anthony Thomas, Kevin Vance, Luke Weimar, Brian Wetherald, Kristen Wetzel, Timothy Winkelman, Danielle Wojtkiewicz and Adrienne Yangas.

Seniors 2nd Honors: Kyle Adent, Michelle Annarino, Kelly Ardan, Madeleine Baltuska, April Bawolek, Samantha Berta, Christina Block, Mark Coglianese, Bryan Davis, Julia Dombrow, Kaitlyn Domico, Matthew Eklin, Amy Embach, Derek Fronczak, Nicholas Galassi, Daniel Garvin, Jennifer Gerardi, Andrew Grennell, Ryan Griffin, Martha Grubisich, Nick Jaquest, Matthew Kavanaugh, Brittany Klimek, Joseph Koch, Kaitlyn Koniuszy, Megan Kramer, Bridget Ksiazek, Daniel Miller, James Modelski, Breanna Murphy, Francis Murray, Sarah Nowicki, Padraic OConnell, Greg Pappas, Hillary Ray, Brian Roe, Scott Smyth, Rebecca Stark, Meghan Stephens, Ryan Surico, Phillip Trowbridge, Megan Walsh and Joshua Widdows.

Juniors 1st Honors: Ryan Arciero, Julianne Bartosz, Samantha Bolyn, Anne Marie Bonaguro, Clinton Boone, Daniel Burke, Luke Conrad, Caitlin Day, Kaleen DeFilippis, Matthew Doran, Kayla Duffy, Rose Gabler, Alexander Gialamas, Joseph Golinvaux, Nicholas Grabavoy, Caroline Horn, Julianne Johnson, Kieran Kasprzyk, Raymond Kay, Christopher Kelly, Jacob Kleinick, Brian Kramer, Allison Kurcz, Kelly Loftus, Nicole Long, Kelly Lyons, Jack Mammosser, Katie Mammosser, Philip Marchi, Nicolette Marini, Kyle Matuszewski, Maeve McCartin, Kevin McNally, William Meyer, Jennifer Michaels, Joseph Michals, Brian Morgan, Michael Morrissette, Kevin Murray, Caitlin Myron, Anthony Netzel, Jamie Noonan, Patrick OBrien, Fiona OConnell, Shannon Oddo, Joshua Panfil, Christopher Passolano, Kathryn Pollard, Andrew Quinlan, MaryKate Reed, William Rehm, Alexandria Remus, Mary Riemersma, Alyssa Sanders, Michael Savage, Victoria Schout, Amy Slattery, Megan Slattery, Caitlin Stone, Sean Tully, William Turner, Brian Urchell, Hillary Valentino, Ryan VonBorstel, Alexis Wadowski, Amy Wallace, Colin Waller, Patrick Ward, Mary Kate Waters, Marissa Welch, Robert Westman, Elizabeth White, Stephanie Wic, Andrew Woynerowski, Christina Wright, Rachel Zeeman and Martin Zon.

Juniors 2nd Honors: Jacqueline Almazan, Kyle Bak, Anton Baltuska, Diana Carlstrom, Katherine Casey, Cathryn Connolly, Kieran Costello, Daniel Cox, Emily Davidson, Erin Durkin, Sarah Eisenberg, Carolyn Ferrill, Joshua Fox, Kristi Gabriel, Sean Gaffney, Danielle Gangas, Lindsay Glos, Mary Grossmayer, Katherine Hannemann, Rachel Hartz, Sean Hegarty , Allie Heniff, Ashley Kash, Abbey Keane, Matthew Kehres, Tyler Kennison, Gina Koszulinski, Jeremy Lackey, James LaMotta, Jacob Lembke, Matthew Lindeman, Delaney Ludwig, Robert McDonald, Gregory Metelak, Elizabeth Monterosso, Alexander Motola, Bridget Murphy, Shane Paty, Michael Pytlewski, Kathryn Regan, Bradley Sather, Mary Kate Schmidt, Mary Kate Shaughnessy, Ryan Simmons, Nadine Tadros, Kyle Thomas, Alyssa Tisoncik, John Travis, Sara Vatch, Melissa Verbeck, Tyler Wall, Raymond Weber, Marie Wolski and Sarah Zienty.

Sophomores 1st Honors: Thomas Ambrose, Joseph Antoniolli, Alexandra Banathy, Melissa Beamish, Kristine Begeske, Marius Berner, Dominic Biegel, Eric Blokel, Patricia Bonaguro, Matthew Brassil, Kyle Breitbarth, James Brightmore, Vincent Brinker, Delaney Brooks, Kathryn Budz, Melissa Budz, Michael Budz, John Burchett, Michael Butkiewicz, Damian Chavez, John Ciolkosz, Michael Concannon, Matthew Connelly, James Connolly, Elizabeth Cotler, Mary Daniher, Kevin Davis, Zipporah Drake, Kate Draksler, Ryan Errico, Dennis Falls, Nicole Fremarek, Jonathan Galick, Kelsey Garr, Kimberly Gleeson, Kahla Graham, Timothy Hanrahan, Claire Healy, Caitlin Higgins, John Huguelet, Lauren Iacoponi, Sarah Jackson, Samuel Joutras, Katherine Kaminskas, Courtney Kansler, Sarah Kavanaugh, Timothy Kelly, Keyana Kirkland, Tomas Kleiza, F. Dylan Krueger, Timothy Kunst, Michelle Kurinec, Michael Kwak, Samantha Lacy, Adam Lamanna, Ian Land, Bridget Littleton, Amy Lukes, Thomas Major, Megan Maloney, Nicole Maloney, Anne Martin, Andrea Massimilian, Thomas McAuliffe, James McDaniel, Molly McGinnis, Ryan McMaster, Ryan Monahan, Mallory Morgan, Michael Murdie, James Niemiec, Jonathan ODonnell, James Pericht, Alec Pickett, Tyler Plantz, Edward Pluth, Robert Pollard, Michael Porcellino, Brigid Presecky, Jennifer Prince, Amber Prskalo, Sara Radecki, Krish Ramadurai, Sean Riggio, Sarah Schlesser, Jacob Sheffer, Alexander Sicinski, Michael Smoljan, Jennifer Soprych, Jeremiah Sterr, Ann C. Sweeney, Michael Sweeney, Elizabeth Thomas, John Thomas, Carly Tribbia, Katherine Turk, Andrew Tylin, Chloe Urbano, Kelsey Utter, Brianne Vandenberg, Elizabeth Walsh, Nicole Weaver, Abigail Welsch, Elizabeth Westman, Brett Wilkin and Marissa Zon.

Sophomores 2nd Honors: John Ardaugh, Emily Becker, Nicole Benedetto, Tristina Blair, Rachael Bosko, James Boulos, Liam Briick, Ashley Bugos, Colleen Bulow, Kevin Burke, Scott Buttliere, Lindsay Cabay, Kiah Christiansen, Casey Collins, Bianca Costello, Fiona Costello, Brian R. Davis, Casey Driscoll, Jenna Driscoll, Emily Eggen, Julia Farnesi, Kenneth Feldmeier, Stephanie Fessler, Timothy Foley, Sean Forrest, Colleen Gaffney, Michelangelo Garcia, Denisse Guerrero, David Hansen, William Harper, Jeffrey Hayes, Stefanie Hayes, Michael Hoffmeister, Alison Hoss, Peter Houlihan, James Jaeger, Kyle Janozik, Saly Kabro, Thomas Klahn, Sarah Knouse, Kirsten Kubinski, Matthew Kurcz, Katherine Libera, Kevin Lind, Erin Lindbloom, James Lynch, Carly Malacina, Michelle Maloney, Madeline Mazurowski, Johnathan McKendry, Anna Motola, Daniel Noonan, Clarisa Oprzedek, John Pettas, Brandon Ro, Jacob Rodgers, Kyle Rzab, Jacob Salmich, Danon Salonis-McGrew, Joseph Sawicki, Jordan Stone, Natalie Studer, Lauren Tinervia, Ralph Vennetti and Ryan Waters.

Freshmen 1st Honors: Jessica Abbott, Gabriel Aprati, Lauren Bandyk, Evan Berna, Dylan Blaha, George Borrelli, Lauren Brizgys, Courtney Brown, Noelle Burchett, Andrea Carlson, Kendra Carter, Caroline Casper, Brian Cichon, Amanda Coglianese, Shannon Collins, Mark Connolly, Connor Contorno, Daniel Cwiertniak, Christina Dabrowski, Kevin DeFilippis, Colin Doyle, Brendan Duffner, Ariana Economos, Kristin Eglar, Tess Erwinski, Joseph Filer, Mackenzie Fisher, Aidan Flaherty, Sarah Formentini, Bryanna Garwood, Bradley Gaskin, Robert Glynn, Mitchell Godfrey, Kara Golebiowski, Kevin Graham, Ann Grossmayer, Terrence Harris, Christopher Hartley, Chelsey Hickey, Jennifer Hoffman, Gerard Huguelet, Justin Ibarra, Natalie Japp, Daniel Jaworski, Aaron Judge, Nicholas Kaminski, Samantha Kelly, Alycia Klika, Haley Koth, Michael Kronberg, Allison Kuhlmann, Jamilee Lahey, Brian Liceaga, Bradley Little, Stephanie Loupakos, Allison Mackay, Brandon Magallones, Cayla Maher, Patrick Maloney, Kristin Maratea, Peter Marianovich, Eric Marth, Collin McEnery, Matthew McGuire, Jackson McLaughlin, Aubrey McPherson, Alanna Murray, Dillon Murray, Amanda Noonan, Zachary Oesterreicher, Carrie OGrady, Elizabeth Orlando, Kelly Passolano, Christopher Pelech, Emily Persak, Zachary Plantz, Sarah Prezek, Jason Prickel, Ilana Primack, Blake Prunsky, Dominic Quaranta, Joseph Quinlan, David Rimkus, Nicholas Rohrer, Madeline Rosa, Mary Ruettiger, Timothy Sanders, Steven Seerup, Sarah Seitz, Nicholas Serpico, Michael Shaw, Leila Shinn, Shannon Sinclair, Brandy Sitar, Ryan Smyth, James Stark, Jessica Stockus, Gabrielle Stolarz, Victoria Trahey, Matthew Trowbridge, Emily Turner, Melissa Vance, Sarah Walsh and Tyler Welch.

Freshmen 2nd Honors: Raymond Ames, Christian Battistini, Michael Bayer, Margaret Bell, Brittany Boncuore, Andrew Cassara, Casey Contorno, Warren DeCastro, Paul DeMent, Gina Doughney, Lauren Dubek, Paul Duensing, Karly Duffy, Courtney Fedor, Catherine Ferrill, Ryan Fister, Sarah Frainey, Christopher Galassi, Nicholas Gould, Alyse Gray, Bret Gray, Martin Guaderrama, Morgan Hartz, Andrea Heniff, Megan Hettinger, Kathryn Hicks, Catherine Horn, Ashley Hornung, Blaise Houston, Tadas Jodwalis, Bridget Kay, Kevin Kehres, Joseph Kieffer, Cason Kirkpatrick, Marissa Klimek, Edwin Koszulinski, Amy Kuhlmann, Alec Logothetis, Ryan Ludwig, Jessica Maas, Melinda Maloney, Frank Markasovic, Kaitlyn McDonald, Erin McErlean, Kelly McPartlan, Patrick McPolin, Kelsey Misniakiewicz, Martin Moran, Avery Morgan, Martin Myron, Marisa Negro, Ashley Oddo, Stacy OKeefe, Patrick OMeara, Stacy ONeill, Tyler ONeill, Brooke Pappas, Sara Perisin, Matthew Rapata, Rachael Redmond, Sean Regan, Peter Marcus Revell, Megan Ruzich, Kevin Ryan, Madeline Stoffels, Noelle Trainor, Samuel Travis, Colin Uthe, Austin Vazquez, Ashley Vennetti, Kimberly Wetherald and Brittney Wojtkiewicz.

6-17-08

Providence Catholic will host girls’ basketball and wrestling youth summer camps the week of June 30

Girls’ Basketball 3-Day Shooting/Scoring Camp will take place in the school’s large gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from June 30 through July 2. The camp will be instructed by Eileen Copenhaver, PCHS Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach. The fee is $75.00 and is open to students in grades 4-9.

Wrestling 4-Day Fundamental Camp will take place in the school’s wrestling room from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from June 30 to July 3. The camp will be instructed by Keith Healy, PCHS Varsity Wrestling Coach. The fee is $95.00 and is open to students in grades 4-9.

6-12-08

Providence Catholic will host boys’ basketball and web page design youth summer camps June 23-27

Boys’ Basketball Fundamental Camp will take place in the school’s large gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and instructed by Greg Smith, PCHS Boys’ Basketball Coach. The fee is $100.00 and is open to students in grades 8-9.

Web Page Design plus Introduction to Photoshop will take place in the school’s computer lab from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and instructed by David Devine, PCHS Technology Teacher. The fee is $100.00 and is open to students in grades 6-9.

6-9-08

Providence Catholic’s McAuliffe receives the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship

(New Lenox) Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School is pleased to announce that senior Conor McAuliffe received the prestigious Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship. Conor McAuliffe, son of Thomas and the late Mary Eileen McAuliffe of Tinley Park will attend the University of Illinois. McAuliffe is a graduate of Prairie View Middle School and a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish. He is an honor roll student, an Illinois State Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity.

The Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship, renewable for up to four years. Supported by tens of thousands of contributors across the country, the Evans Scholarship Program is able to provide more than 800 students with college tuition and housing grants. Caddies must be nominated by their club and meet four requirements to be considered for this award. Candidates must have a strong caddie record, excellent academic standing, demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding character.

In addition to his excellent academic standing, McAuliffe has played on the PCHS Varsity Hockey team for the past three years. This year he was named the Chicago Catholic League MVP and an All-Star.

“It is a great honor for both Conor and Providence Catholic that he has received this prestigious scholarship. It is not only an acknowledgement of his academic excellence, but his exemplary character. As a member of the National Honor Society, Conor has demonstrated the importance of service to the local community and is a role-model to his peers. He has demonstrated his commitment to his team and his school community. We were very fortunate to have him as a member of our ice hockey program and as a student at Providence Catholic,” said Kevin Oliver, PCHS Theology Teacher, National Honor Society Moderator and Assistant Varsity Hockey Coach.

6-3-08

Providence Catholic hosts recognition assembly for Boys’ Volleyball Team

(New Lenox) – Providence Catholic High School hosted a recognition assembly for the 2008 Varsity Boys’ Volleyball team who took 4th place at the IHSA State Tournament at Hoffman Estates High School on Friday-Saturday, May 30-31. Celtic fans cheered as their team, with a 35-3 season, entered the school’s Sacred Heart Gymnasium. Doug Ternik, PCHS Athletic Director introduced the team captains, which include seniors Jonathan Gustafson, Eric Daliege and Dan Ruzich. Each young man expressed his gratitude to their families, teammates, coaches and fans.

Cindy Olczyk, Head Boys’ Volleyball Coach, introduced the team and thanked all the Celtic fans who showed their unwavering support for the team. “From week two, these guys have been at #1. In order to stay at the top, they had to give every ounce of effort to perform at the highest level…and they did! That says a lot about their character and each and every one of them is extremely talented and unique. As Fr. McGrath said in his address to the team, ‘The destination is the prize, but the journey is all the fun along the way’. The journey with this team has been amazing for me and a real honor,” said Olczyk. Furthermore, Olczyk named sophomore Denny Falls as the team’s Most Improved player (MIP) and senior Dan Ruzich as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

At the end of the assembly, the team captains presented the 4th place trophy to Fr. Richard McGrath, President, Principal Don Sebestyen and Mathias Mackay, senior Class President. Fr. McGrath conveyed his deepest admiration to the team for their efforts both on court and in the classroom. “This is a special group of young men who made history in Providence Catholic’s record book. They tied the 1998 record for wins, but advanced beyond quarterfinals to the semifinal round where they placed fourth. We are very proud of this team, their families and the coaches,” said McGrath.

6-2-08

Providence Catholic High School celebrates the Class of 2008 graduation

(New Lenox) – Providence Catholic High School celebrated the Class of 2008 graduation on Thursday, May 29 at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. Each of the 238 members of the Class of 2008 crossed the Rialto stage to receive their PCHS diploma, marking the completion of four successful and memorable years.

During the ceremony, Valedictorian Luke Weimar of Orland Park along with Salutatorian Therese Stecich of Orland Park each addressed their classmates with powerful words of encouragement and expressed their gratefulness to family, friends and Providence faculty and staff.

During the special awards portion of the graduation ceremony, Athletic Director, Doug Ternik announced Kevin Ross of Homer Glen as the recipient of the Senior Athletic-Spirit Award and Eileen Moran of Homer Glen as the recipient of the Jaime Garcia Scholastic Athlete Award. Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A. named Tim Beemsterboer of Tinley Park and Colleen Mitros of Mokena as the recipients of the Bishop Blanchette Religion Award. Furthermore, Mike Sodic of Joliet and Ashley Christie of Orland Park received the prestigious Bishop Roger Kaffer Leadership Award.

Ninety-nine percent of the Class of 2008 plan to continue their education at a college or university. Nearly 200 scholarships totaling more than 4.6 million dollars were accepted by the class. In addition, these seniors performed more than 15,000 hours of community service during their high school careers. More than eighty-five percent of the class participated in at least one of the school’s nineteen sports and/or thirty extracurricular activities. Furthermore, this class witnessed two state championships during their four years at PCHS.

Providence Catholic extends its most sincere congratulations to these outstanding young men and women and wishes them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

5-30-08

Providence Catholic will host coed soccer, softball and volleyball youth summer camps June 16-20

Each week, Providence Catholic will offer a variety of camps. Camp fees includes a t-shirt and complimentary pass to all PCHS Home athletic events for the 2008-2009 school year. The following camps will be offered the week of June 16-20.

Coed Soccer Camp will take place at the Gougar Road Fields from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and instructed by Dan Potempa, PCHS Head Soccer Coach. The fee is $100.00 and is open to students in grades 3-9.

Softball Camp will take place at Providence Catholic’s varsity softball field from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and instructed by Jay Biesterfeld, PCHS Head Softball Coach. The fee is $85.00 and is open to students in grades 5-9.

Boys’ Volleyball Camp will take place school’s large gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and instructed by Brett Krapil, PCHS Assistant Boys’ Volleyball Coach. The fee is $100.00 and is open to students in grades 4-9.

Girls’ Volleyball Camp will take place in the school’s small gymnasium from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and instructed by Nan Airola, PCHS Head Volleyball Coach. The fee is $85.00 and open to students in grades 2-5.

5-27-08

Twenty-nine Providence Catholic student-athletes make college commitments

(New Lenox) – Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School is proud to name the 29 student-athletes who committed to continue their respective sports at the collegiate level. “We are extremely proud of the members of the Class of 2008 who will go on to compete athletically in college. It takes great discipline to juggle academics and athletics and these individuals demonstrated their tremendous abilities in both areas,” said Sebestyen.

The Class of 2008 student-athletes that will continue their athletic journey at the collegiate level are:

Bottom Row (left to right): Eileen Moran (Princeton University/Track); Brittany Flanagan (St. Mary’s College/Tennis); Kirsten Diehl (University of St. Francis/Track & Field); Ashley Kozan (St. Ambrose University/Softball); Emily Perish (Kalamazoo College/Softball); Michelle Karr (University of St. Francis/Basketball); Colleen Mitros (Lewis University/Volleyball); Julie Rogers (Loras College/Volleyball)

Middle Row: Mark Coglianese (Eastern Illinois University/Track); Phil Trowbridge (St. Joseph College/Baseball); Brendan Whatley (Benedictine College/Soccer); Jay Modelski (Quincy University/Baseball); Mark Houlihan (St. Ambrose University/Football); Jon Gustafson (New Jersey Institute of Technology/Volleyball); Will Schau (College of Mount St. Joseph/Golf); Chuck Triana (University of St. Francis/Baseball)

Top Row: Casey Webber (Western Michigan University/Baseball; Paddy O’Connell (Drake University/Football); Josh Lembke (Butler University/Football); Kevin Maloney (Marian College/ Football & Track); Eric Daliege (Loyola University/Volleyball); Drew Grennell (Lake Forest College/Basketball); Hayden Grove (St. Ambrose University/ Football); Sean Lindbloom (University of Notre Dame/Track)

Not Pictured:

Michael Smith (University of St. Francis/Football); Brian Reynolds (University of Illinois/Wrestling); Chase Pavlick (North Central College/Football); Joe Swintek (St. Ambrose University/Volleyball); Lauren Niemiec (Southern Illinois University/Cheerleading)

5-27-08

Providence Catholic names new Band Director

(New Lenox) – Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School is proud to announce the naming of Rocco Carioto as the school’s new Band Director. “We are extremely happy that Mr. Carioto will be joining the Providence Catholic family. We are fortunate to have an experienced band director that will bring his leadership to further enhance the capabilities of our band students,” said Sebestyen.

Carioto is a 1982 graduate of the Elmhurst College Department of music. He is an accomplished trombonist who has traveled on three European tours as part of an All-Star Jazz Band. For the past 17 years, Carioto has taught music at the high school level. His classes included music appreciation, marching band, concert band, and jazz band.

Under Carioto’s direction, his band students have won 1st place awards in the Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parades. Furthermore, he has assisted and directed bands in the Alamo Bowl, Gator Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade. Carioto also developed the jazz program at his previous school.

In addition, Carioto has composed and arranged concert and jazz band pieces during his career. He has been married for 22 years to his wife, Sandra who is the music minister at Christ Lutheran Church in Orland Park. They are the proud parents of three children, Charlie, Kassy and Michael.

“I am excited, honored and thrilled to be part of the Providence Catholic family and look forward to many years as their band director. God has truly blessed me. I have always been impressed with the school’s band and hope to build upon their traditions as well as build new ones,” offered Carioto.

5-22-08

Providence Catholic will host baseball and girls’ basketball youth summer camps June 9-13

(New Lenox) - Providence