Senior Alex Rios Gives His Time As A Grade School Coach
Over the four years that students are a part of the Providence family, they take part in 60 or more hours of service work. This is known as A Call To Serve (A.C.T.S.) service program. There are many opportunities within school – such as our Days of Service with the Northern Illinois Food Bank – and many students find opportunities outside of Providence Catholic to serve as well.
Providence Catholic senior Alex Rios is serving as a volunteer coach at his alma mater, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in Joliet, this year. He is the assistant coach of the 8th grade boys’ team.
“I decided to coach because I wanted to give back and help the younger class improve in not only basketball, but in life. I want to be a good role model for the younger students, and I knew it would be fun, too,” he says.
Alex assists at about three practices each week, and there are typically two games as well. “I am really enjoying it. It’s fun running scrimmages, and it also nice to be back in the building seeing my former teachers and learning from other coaches.”
When he isn’t volunteering or at school, he works two different jobs; often working four to six days a week between Ricks RV Center and in the kitchen at Jacob Henry Mansion – both of which are also in Joliet.
While he admits it is a challenge balancing school, his volunteer work, and his jobs, he enjoys keeping busy. He is also a member of Habitat for Humanity and participated in basketball, baseball and wrestling during his time as a student at Providence.
“I have so many great teachers to choose from I couldn’t really pick a favorite, but I’d like to thank each of one of them for giving me life lessons along the way and teaching me the value of my future.”
Alex plans to begin training at the Fire Academy next fall with plans to continue volunteering in some capacity either at St. Paul’s or a potential new opportunity.
Learn more about service at Providence Catholic by visiting online at www.providencecatholic.org.