Providence Catholic Announces the 2021-2022 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
NEW LENOX (May 18, 2022) – Providence Catholic High School Principal, Dr. John Harper, announced Amanda Zbonski as the Class of 2022 Valedictorian and Kailey Wolniakowski as Salutatorian. “We are very proud of Amanda and Kailey, both academically gifted students, who are both strong leaders among their peers at Providence Catholic. They have very bright futures in and out of the classroom, and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish,” offered Harper.
Amanda Zbonski is the daughter of John and Tricia Zbonski. She attended Central Middle School in Tinley Park and her home parish is St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr.
While at Providence Catholic, Amanda participated in Varsity Softball, Augustinian Youth Ministry, National Honors Society in which she served as an officer, International Club, Art Club, Sandwich Patrol, and Science Club. In addition, she also volunteers her time in the community as a religious education teacher’s aide, volunteers at P.A.D.S. homeless shelter, and at All God’s People.
Amanda is a Kazma Scholar. She has earned Academic Awards of Excellence in Honors Geometry, Honors Biology, Spanish 2, Honors Spanish 3, and Honors Spanish 4. This fall, Amanda will be attending the University of Notre Dame majoring in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering on the Pre-Med Track. Amanda also plans to play club softball at Notre Dame. She is the recipient of the Notre Dame University Scholarship, and the Notre Dame Club of Chicago Scholarship.
“Providence Catholic allowed me to work side-by-side with peers who were as equally driven for academic success as I am. By offering many AP courses, I was able to be exposed to the rigorous collegiate environments that I will be experiencing for the next four years,” says Amanda. “At Providence, I could learn how to express my love for God in a variety of ways, especially after attending the Kairos retreat. I loved Mass days, for the student body and staff would always come together and share in the faith.”
Kailey Wolniakowski is the daughter of Dan and Amy Wolniakowski. She attended St. Joseph School in Lockport and her home parish is also St. Joe’s.
While at Providence Catholic, Kailey participated in Habitat for Humanity, Augustinian Youth Ministry, National Honor Society, International Club, Pro-Life Club, Take a Stance Against Cancer Club, Student Ambassador, Spanish Honor Society, Varsity Soccer, Varsity Cross Country, and Year-Round Soccer. In addition, Kailey also volunteers her time in the community at Feed My Starving Children, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Special Olympics, and different area Animal Shelters.
Kailey has served as AYM Director, Varsity Soccer Captain, Varsity Cross Country Captain. She as a Cross Country State Qualifier, an All-Conference Runner, and Student of the Month. She has earned Academic Awards of Excellence in Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors Biology, Honors English, AP U.S. History, AP Government, and AP Statistics. This fall, Kailey will be attending Clemson University majoring in biomedical science. She is the recipient of the Clemson Academic Merit Scholarship, the Clemson University Scholarship, and the Lockport Women’s Club Scholarship.
“As I prepare to go on to college, I can confidently say that Providence has prepared me for the next chapter of my life. The rigorous courses have challenged me each year, allowing me to excel not only in the class content, but also in my ability to manage under stress, teaching me the importance of organization and time management,” says Kailey. “Additionally, the supportive faculty and staff helped me grow into the person I am today and set me on a path for success. Personally, Providence has reinforced the need for hard work and dedication, while reminding me to remain humble and kind.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Allie Rios
Director of Communications at Providence Catholic High School
(815) 717-3163
arios@providencecatholic.org