Class of 2019 Valedictorian & Salutatorian Announced
(New Lenox) – Providence Catholic High School Principal, Dr. John Harper, announced Allison Brankin as the Class of 2019 Valedictorian and Alyssa LaBine as Salutatorian. “We are very proud of these academically gifted students who are very strong leaders among their peers both in and out of the classroom. We know they have very bright futures,” offered Harper.
Valedictorian Allison Brankin (pictured left) is the daughter of Patrick and Susan Brankin. She is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School, a parishioner at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and a resident of Orland Park, IL. Brankin will attend the University of Notre Dame and will study Chemical Engineering.
Allison has been a member of the Providence Catholic high honor roll all semesters and is a member of the National Honor Society. Brankin is an AP Scholar with Honor and an Illinois State Scholar. She has received numerous academic subject awards from the school including AP US History, Chemistry Honors, English 2 Honors, English 3 Honors, AP Chemistry, and Church History. Outside of the classroom, she is active as a member of Student Council, Augustinian Youth Ministry and a sacristan for all school masses while being a participant in the Student Augustinian Values Institute. She is also a Eucharistic Minister, Student Ambassador, Celtic Time Leader, Kairos leader, and in Spanish National Honor Society. In addition, she has been a member of the PCHS volleyball team and was named team captain this year. She was also awarded the GCAC Top 10 Female Athlete Award and GCAC Academic All-Conference award. Outside of school, she coaches and referees volleyball games at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School.
Brankin credits the help of Providence Catholic High School in making her college decision. “Providence Catholic helped me greatly in choosing my future college,” Brankin said. “At Providence Catholic, the teachers and faculty help you challenge yourself in both the classroom and extracurricular activities. They help students decide what is most important when finding your future home. For me, God and family are the most important things in my life, and this is why I have chosen to attend a Catholic university where I most at home.”
Salutatorian Alyssa LaBine (pictured right) is the daughter of Brett and Lori LaBine, LaBine is a graduate of St. Mary Mokena, a parishioner at Palos Community Church and a resident of Mokena. LaBine will be attending Barrett the Honors College at Arizona State University and will study Biomedical Engineering.
LaBine has been a member of Providence Catholic high honor roll all semesters and is a member of the PCHS National Honor Society. She was recognized as an AP Scholar and National Merit Commended Student. LaBine has also won numerous class awards for Geometry Honors, English 1 Honors, Old Testament, Algebra 2 honors, Spanish 4 Honors, and Honors Physics. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Spanish National Honor Society. Throughout her four years, she has been a part of the Providence Catholic Theatre, Girls Swim Team, Augustinian Youth Ministry, Respect Life Club, International Club, Mock Trial Team, Girls Golf Team, and a Sacristan. LaBine was also selected to compete in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Competition, ILMEA District 1 Choir, IMEC All-State Choir, and IMEC All-State Honors Choir. Outside of school, she volunteers at Palos Community Church High School Youth Group, Palos Community Church Vacation Bible School, Smith Crossing Senior Living Facility, and a costume volunteer for St. Mary Mokena spring musicals.
LaBine says Providence Catholic has prepared her academically to continue at the University level. “Providence has prepared me for college through its counseling department,” LaBine said. “Because of it, I have been looking at potential schools and career options since early in my high school career, which has made that process much easier. I have also been able to take a variety of different classes, which has allowed me to figure out which subjects I would like to study further in college.”
###
Kathleen E. Kennedy
Director of Communications