Two Providence Catholic Seniors Recognized as National Merit Commended Students
Providence Catholic High School is proud to announce that seniors Joseph George and Alexander Potempa have been named Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college scholarships that began in 1955. Students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), with high-scoring students across the country earning recognition through the program.
George and Potempa have distinguished themselves throughout their years at Providence Catholic through academic achievement, involvement, leadership, athletics, and service. Their recognition as Commended Students reflects the dedication they have demonstrated both inside and outside the classroom.
“Providence Catholic is incredibly proud of Joey and Alex for earning this national recognition,” said Principal Paul Houston. “Both students have challenged themselves academically while also contributing to our school community in so many ways. Their hard work and commitment to excellence exemplify what it means to be a Providence Catholic student.”
Providence Catholic congratulates Joseph and Alexander on this outstanding academic achievement and for representing the spirit of Truth, Unity, and Love that defines the Celtic community.
Joseph George, Class of 2027
Homer Glen, Illinois – Graduate of Homer Junior High School and member of St. Bernard’s Parish in Homer Glen
Providence Catholic senior Joseph George has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Throughout his four years at Providence, Joseph has been an active and well-rounded member of the school community, participating in Band and Student Council all four years. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and Illinois Music Honor Society and has been involved in Math Team, Theater, and service to the school as a Sacristan.
Joseph’s Providence experience has also included participation in several athletic programs. He competed in football and track as a freshman and sophomore, volleyball as a freshman, track again as a junior, and cross country during his junior and senior years.
His academic accomplishments include receiving the Honors Chemistry Award and French 2 Honors Award as a sophomore and the Christian Morality Award as a junior. He is considering studying Accounting or Real Estate in college.
Reflecting on how Providence has prepared him for his next chapter, Joseph shared, “Providence has challenged me academically to be the best student I can be. Having taken many honors and AP classes, it is clear that the teachers here really want the best for their students. Additionally, I have been in a wide variety of activities during my time here, so learning how to balance my schedule has been a skill that will be helpful during college.”
Joseph credits his family and teachers with helping him reach this achievement.
“I would like to thank my parents for pushing me. They always want the best for me and really push me to achieve what I want,” he said. “I would also like to thank all the teachers I have had at Providence for challenging me academically and making me a better student.”
Joseph is the son of Nicholas and Darci George.
Alexander Potempa, Class of 2027
Wilmington, Illinois – Graduate of St. Joseph School and member of St. Rose Parish
Providence Catholic senior Alexander Potempa has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. Alexander has been an active member of the Providence community throughout all four years of high school, participating in Math Team and Augustinian Youth Ministry each year. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.
A dedicated student-athlete, Alexander has competed in both soccer and track throughout all four years at Providence, balancing his athletic commitments with a rigorous academic schedule.
His academic accomplishments include receiving awards in AP U.S. History and New Testament as a sophomore. Alexander plans to study Mechanical Engineering in college.
Alexander credits Providence Catholic’s challenging curriculum with preparing him for college, particularly the opportunity to take advanced coursework across a variety of subjects.
“Providence has prepared me by providing a rigorous high school education, challenging classes through AP and Honors courses, and a wide variety of subjects,” Alexander said.
When asked who helped him achieve this recognition, Alexander credited “my teachers, parents, and peers.”
Alexander is the son of Dan and Amy Potempa.
