Seniors Zinn Amos, Andrew Dau, and Elizabeth Kulpinski have been named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program
Mr. Paul Houston, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce that seniors Zinn Amos, Andrew Dau, and Elizabeth Kulpinski have been named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. “We are extremely proud of these students and their academic success in this highly competitive program,” said Houston. “They have put in a great amount of work on their studies, and we congratulate them on this achievement.”
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. More than 1.5 million students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program each year. Approximately 34,000 students are named Commended Students.
Andrew Dau is the son of Diane and William Dau of Bonfield, Illinois. A graduate of Reed-Custer Junior High and a member of Tri-Parish Catholic Communities, he is an honor roll student involved in Scholastic Bowl, Habitat for Humanity, Augustinian Youth Ministry, and the Math Team. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. As an athlete, he has competed on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams at Providence Catholic. His junior year, he earned Most Improved Player for both cross country and track and field. He also serves as the co-captain of the cross country team this year. He plans to study Electrical Engineering in college. “Classes at Providence changed the way I think and approach problems, so now I have a mindset that is much more prepared for the challenges of college courses,” says Dau. “The two courses that exemplified this the most are my Honors Physics and AP English Language and Composition my junior year. Physics moved beyond rote memorization of formulas and even beyond being told how aspects of the world work. With guidance, the class found for itself the rules of the universe. AP English Language and Composition- my favorite class I have ever taken- delved into the purposes of people. By the end of the class, I was subconsciously analyzing what people say. I am now a much more knowledgeable individual with purpose behind my actions.”
Zinn Amos is the son of Walter Amos and Karen Zinn-Amos. A graduate of Naperville Christian Academy, he is a member of many clubs and organizations at Providence including Student Council, Science Club, Math Team, and Scholastic Bowl. He serves as both a Student Ambassador and a Sacristan. In addition, he is an honor roll student and member of both the National Honor Society – for which he serves as President – and the French National Honor Society. Amos also founded the Medical Club his junior year at Providence. As an athlete, he is a member of the basketball and track and field teams. He plans to student Biomedical Engineering on a Pre-Med Track in college, and minor in Africana Studies. “Providence has prepared me for college by getting me accustomed to the workload I will experience and causing me to organize my time to balance all my extracurriculars well,” says Amos. “The teachers have taught me how to collaborate and work well with others, and helped me develop my problem-solving skills. All of these traits are essential to being a successful student in college.”
Ellie Kulpinski is the daughter of Todd and Merita Kulpinski of Tinley Park, Illinois. She is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School and is a member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Parish. An honor roll student, Ellie is a member of the National Honor Society for which she also serves as an officer. She is involved in Augustinian Youth Ministry and Habitat for Humanity, and serves as a Sacristan, Student Ambassador, and Eucharistic Minister. As an athlete, she competes on the volleyball team and has been named a GCAC All-Conference Player and Rich East Tournament All-Tournament Player her junior year, and the Oak Lawn Spartan Classic All-Tournament player her senior year. She plans to study Engineering in college. “My teachers have created open lines of communication with me which helped me discover my interests while also having a well-rounded education to support me in all aspects of my further education,” says Kulpinski.
About Providence Catholic
Providence Catholic is a co-educational, college preparatory high school, based in the Augustinian tradition. It is located on 75 acres in New Lenox, Illinois. A dedicated and caring faculty and staff integrate the core Augustinian values of truth, unity and love into all dimensions of student life. A demanding curriculum, inclusive service programs, competitive athletics and comprehensive extracurricular offerings challenge students in a safe and nurturing environment. Our proven success is reflected in our most recent graduates who’ve earned scholarships valued at nearly $48 million dollars. In addition, Providence Catholic has 31 state championship titles: the most among private high schools in the state of Illinois. For more information about PCHS, please visit www.providencecatholic.org.
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Please available upon request.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Allie Rios
Director of Communications at Providence Catholic High School
(815) 717-3163
arios@providencecathollic.org