Five Providence Catholic Seniors Recognized as National Merit Commended Students
Providence Catholic High School is proud to announce that seniors Michael Jensen, Celia Minonne, Daniel Shusharin, Logan Walker, and Charles Murach have been named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. Each year, more than 1.3 million students in approximately 21,000 high schools enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Of those entrants, only about 50,000 students with the highest scores qualify for recognition, and approximately 34,000 of them are named Commended Students for their exceptional academic promise.
These five outstanding Providence Catholic seniors have demonstrated exemplary academic performance, dedication, and intellectual curiosity throughout their high school careers. Their recognition places them among the top students nationwide, reflecting their commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
“Providence Catholic is incredibly proud of these students and their accomplishments,” said Principal Paul Houston. “Their recognition as Commended Students is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the strong academic foundation they’ve built here at Providence. We know they will continue to achieve great success in the years ahead.”
The school congratulates Michael, Celia, Daniel, Logan, and Charles for this well-deserved national honor and for representing the spirit of Truth, Unity, and Love that defines the Celtic community.
About the Recipients
Michael Jensen, Class of 2026
Mokena, Illinois – Graduate of St. Mary School, Mokena
Providence Catholic senior Michael Jensen has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Throughout his four years at Providence, Michael has been an active and accomplished member of the school community. He has participated in Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, Coding Club, Pop Culture Club, and Game Club, consistently demonstrating intellectual curiosity and leadership in and out of the classroom.
Michael also competed in football and lacrosse during his freshman year and has achieved remarkable success in academics, earning 3rd place in the ICTM State Math Contest and 3rd place in the MTA Math Contest as a junior. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction in Physics and Math as a senior.
Reflecting on his experience, Michael shared, “PCHS has given me amazing teachers who have prepared me for college through their great teaching and by helping me build strong study skills. I would like to thank many members of the Providence community for motivating me and helping me strive to be my best, and my family for being such strong supporters.”
He added, “At PCHS, I have been able to further develop my spirituality. The religion classes have helped me grow in faith, and the school Masses have strengthened my connection to the community.”
Michael is the son of Terri and David Jensen.
Celia Minonne, Class of 2026
Tinley Park, Illinois – Graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School and member of St. George Parish
Providence Catholic senior Celia Minonne has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. A dedicated and well-rounded student, Celia has made a lasting impact through her involvement in both academics and the arts. She has been an active member of Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Creative Writing Club, Proviscope, Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, and the Illinois Music Honor Society throughout her four years at Providence. In addition, she serves as a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister, exemplifying leadership in faith, and is a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.
Celia’s many achievements include the Music Appreciation Award, Geometry Honors Award, Algebra 2 Honors Award, AP English Language and Composition Award, Woody Herman Jazz Award, Quincy Jones Musicianship Award, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, Student Council Scholarship, and the Spanish State Seal of Biliteracy. She plans to major in Biochemistry and minor in Music in college.
Reflecting on her experience, Celia shared, “Providence has given me endless opportunities to learn and achieve at the highest level possible. I have been surrounded by amazing teachers and peers from day one, instilling in me not only knowledge but also the importance of hard work, dedication, understanding, and our Catholic values. Providence has helped shape me these past four years into a thoughtful and capable adult.”
She added, “Spirituality has played a huge role in my life at PCHS. From my social life to my academic life, my faith has been my motivation to do my best. I want to use my gifts to make the world a better place and keep alive the same wonderful spirit that made me fall in love with Providence in the first place.”
Celia is the daughter of Francesco Minonne and Bernadette Cruz.
Logan Walker, Class of 2026
Mokena, Illinois – Graduate of St. Mary School, Mokena, and member of St. Mary Parish
Providence Catholic senior Logan Walker has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. A committed student-athlete and leader in faith, Logan has been actively involved in numerous academic, service, and extracurricular activities during his four years at Providence. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Broadcasting Club, Math Team, and SAVI (Students Against Violence Initiative), and serves as both a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister.
Logan has been a four-sport athlete, competing in soccer, football, basketball, and track, and was named to the Soccer All-Academic Team as a senior. His academic achievements include earning the State Commendation of Biliteracy in Spanish and induction into both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.
Reflecting on his time at Providence, Logan shared, “My teachers have taught me many study habits that I’ll need for the future. The challenging coursework has helped me learn to manage my time and balance academics, athletics, and extracurriculars – all skills that will serve me well in college.”
He added, “Faith has also played a big role in my Providence experience. I’ve been able to participate in activities centered around faith and have attended weekly morning Masses over the last three years, which has deepened my spiritual life.”
Logan is the son of Jamie and Michael Walker.
Charles Murach, Class of 2026
Mokena, Illinois – Graduate of St. Mary School, Mokena, and member of St. Mary Parish
Providence Catholic senior Charles Murach has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. An exceptional student and well-rounded member of the Providence community, Charles has been actively involved in Band, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, Coding Club, and Computer Club throughout his high school career. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Illinois Music Honor Society, and International Thespian Society.
A talented musician and dedicated scholar, Charles has earned numerous honors including Most Improved in Band, Academic Awards in Foundations of Catholicism II and Honors Biology, First Honors for multiple years, and recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor. In addition to his academic and artistic pursuits, he is a four-year member of the tennis team. Charles plans to major in Electrical Engineering in college.
Reflecting on his experience, Charles shared, “PCHS has prepared me for college with its quality education and AP courses. I’m grateful to my parents for their constant encouragement and support throughout my time here.”
He added, “Spirituality has been one of the most important parts of my life at Providence. I’ve learned so much about faith through the programs here, and Mass days are some of the best days at PCHS.”
Charles is the son of Chuck and Stephanie Murach.
Daniel Shusharin, Class of 2026
Orland Park, Illinois – Graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School
Providence Catholic senior Daniel Shusharin has been named a Commended Student in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. A dedicated scholar with a passion for math and science, Daniel has been an active member of the Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, and Coding Club throughout his four years at Providence. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and competed on the volleyball team during his freshman, sophomore, and senior years.
Daniel’s academic achievements include earning 1st place in Algebra 2 at the Math Team competition as a junior. He plans to major in Applied Mathematics and minor in Physics in college.
Reflecting on his experience, Daniel shared, “PCHS has taught me valuable skills in studying and time management. My time here has helped me see that education extends beyond the classroom – it’s about curiosity, balance, and learning to engage fully with the world.”
Daniel is the son of Alexander and Victoria Shusharin.