www.providencecatholic.org

PROVIDENCE CATHOLICNEWS A NEWSLETTER FOR FUTURE CELTICS

SEPTEMBER 2015

Rain or ShineHabitat for Humanity

Volunteers Align

pc news

2

Top of Their Class ...................... 2

Cover Story

Welcome Class of 2019 ............. 3

Congrats Graduates

Shadow Days

College Commitments ............. 4

Jatis Pole Vault Record

Baseball Champs ...................... 5

Habitat for Humanity ............... 6

National Honor Society ............ 7

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Children’s Academy

Save the Date ........................... 8

Open House

Fall Musical

inside this issue

Publisher: ......PCHS Advancement Office

Editor: ................................Jamie O’Brien

Photographs by: .................. Bruce Burns

Jamie O’Brien

Al Wycislo

The Class of 2015 Co-Valedictorians were Michael Davis and Matthew Francis; the Co-Salutatorians were Ryan Carp, Stephanie Mastorakos and Srirajkumar Ranganathan.

Co-Valedictorian Michael Davis ‘15, son of Jerold and Margie Davis of New Lenox, is a graduate of St. Jude Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church (New Lenox). Davis received the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship and is attending the University of Notre Dame where he is majoring in Accounting. The honor roll student is an AP Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar and has received numerous PCHS academic awards. He was President of the school’s National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry, Student Council, International Club and Math Team. Furthermore, Davis was a member of Respect Life Club, Habitat for Humanity, Student Augustinian Values Institute, Sandwich Patrol and was a Sacristan. He was also named Joliet Exchange Club “Youth of the Month,” National Society of High School Scholars, Villanova University Book Award recipient, three-time PCHS “Student of the Month” and the recipient of the Freshman Celtic Scholar Award. Davis was a member of the cross country and track and field teams for the past two years and named All-Conference for both teams. In addition, he was named the 2014 Cross Country Team MVP.

Co-Valedictorian Matthew Francis ‘15, son of Ted and Therese Francis of Homer Glen, is a graduate of Homer Junior High School and a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi. Francis received the Henry T. Heald Scholarship to attend Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) where he is majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. The honor roll student was a member of the National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, an Illinois State Scholar and has received numerous PCHS academic awards. Furthermore, Francis played on the Celtic ice hockey team for the past four years; he is a member of the 2014 Kennedy Cup championship team and a CCL Hockey League All-Star.

continued on page 6

T O P O F T H E I R C L A S S

Standing: Matthew Francis and Michael Davis Sitting: Stephanie Mastorakos, Ryan Carp and Srirajkumar Ranganathan

COVER STORYPCHS Habitat for Humanity volunteers take a break between rain drops to pose for a photo on their June trip to Baraboo, Wisconsin. Pictured are Mrs. Alice Hartel (Chaperone), Anthony DiNardi ‘16 (Palos Park), John Barrett ‘16 (Lemont), Alexis Salazar ‘15 (Plainfield), Aliana Winkle ‘16 (Frankfort), Jack McErlean ‘15 (Oak Forest) and Ryan Pilon ‘16 (Shorewood).

september 2015

3

PCHS Freshmen were welcomed into the Providence Catholic family during the school’s annual Freshman Welcome in late-August. The goal of this retreat was not only to welcome new students, but to introduce them to the mission of Providence Catholic. The theme of the day was IALAC (I am Lovable and Capable). Through small group activities, discussions and liturgy, students were reminded that they are children of God. At the end of the day, the incoming freshmen enjoyed lunch in the school’s cafeteria. At right, freshmen get to know one another at the Freshman Picnic in mid-June.

welcome to pchs class of 2019

Are you currently an 8th grade student who is considering PCHS for your high school? Shadow Days are held on select days throughout the school year. You will be paired with a current Providence Catholic freshman so that you can experience a day in the life of a Celtic! Come meet our students and faculty, experience some classes and enjoy lunch in the cafeteria. Visits must be scheduled by 2:30 PM on the Wednesday preceding the visit. Below is a list of upcoming Shadow dates for 8th graders; 7th graders may begin shadowing in January. • Friday, October 9• Friday, October 16• Friday, October 23• Friday, November 6• Friday, November 13• Monday, November 16• Friday, December 4• Monday, December 7• Friday, December 11Visit the PCHS website for the most up-to-date Shadow Days.If you would like to participate in a Shadow Day, please contact Mrs. Ellingson at (815) 717-3160.

SHADOWc o n g r at s g r a d u at e s PCHS celebrated the Class of

2015 commencement in early June at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet. Each of the 258 members of the class crossed the Rialto stage to receive their PCHS diploma, marking the completion of four successful and memorable years. During the ceremony, Valedictorians Michael Davis (New Lenox) and Matthew Francis (Orland Park) and Salutatorians Ryan Carp (New Lenox), Stephanie Mastorakos (Homer Glen) and Srirajkumar Ranganathan (Lemont) addressed their classmates with powerful words

of encouragement and expressed their gratefulness to family, friends and Providence faculty and staff.

During the special awards portion of the graduation ceremony, Athletic Director, Doug Ternik announced Anne Corso (Palos Park) as the recipient of the Senior Athletic-Spirit Award and Justin Hunniford (Frankfort) and Maeve Garvey (Mokena) as recipients of the Jaime Garcia Scholastic Athlete Award. Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A. named Jillian

continued on page 6

pc news

4

P C H S C O L L E G E C O M M I T M E N T S

Bowling Green State University Jordan Ernst (hockey)Carroll University Troy Howat (basketball) Michael Jerik (baseball)Carthage College Nicholas Barker (football) Michael Beller (football) Emmet Trost (football)DePaul University Morgan Greenwood (softball)

Lewis University Alyssa Jurges (basketball)Loras College Patrick Follenweider (wrestling)Marian University, Wisconsin Damon Bartos (baseball)Maryville University Jacob Carlsen (baseball)Millikin University Tyler Pygon (basketball)

Monmouth College Justin Gardner (football)North Central College Justin Hunniford (football)Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Joseph Zemen (football)Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame Grace Barrett (volleyball)St. Ambrose University Dylan Fairbairn (tennis)St. Norbert College Jakob Swenson (football)University of Chicago Maeve Garvey (softball) Emma Griffiths (track) Brenton Villaseñor (baseball)University of Indianapolis Jonathan Brody (basketball)University of Iowa Andrew Jatis (track) Nathan Vejvoda (football)University of Notre Dame Miles Boykin (football)Valparaiso University Tess Barrett (soccer) Corynne Griffith (soccer)

Twenty-Seven members of the Class of 2015 signed National Letters of Intent or made commitments to continue their respective sports at the collegiate level.

Pole Vaulter Andy Jatis Sets RecordAndy Jatis ‘15 (Homer Glen), signed his National

Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa where he will continue his track career. Jatis received an academic and athletic scholarship and is majoring in Pharmacy. The honor roll student is an Illinois State Scholar, member of the National Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity. Jatis was a member of the varsity Celtic track and field team for his entire high school career. He holds the school’s current pole vault record at 16’ 3” (indoor) and 16’ 6” (outdoor). He was a two-year CCL Champion. During his junior year, he placed 2nd at State (Indoor) and 3rd at State (Outdoor). His senior year, Jatis was named Indoor State Champion and earned 2nd at State (Outdoor) in pole vault.Photograph by Eric Ginnard, Shaw Media

september 2015

5

The Providence Catholic varsity baseball team earned their second consecutive IHSA Class 4A State Championship Title on June 13 at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. The Celtics came from behind defeating Mount Carmel 6-5 in the eighth inning; finishing their season 31-11. This marks 29 state championship titles for the Celtics; the most among private high schools in the state of Illinois. “It is humbling to realize that we are the first large school in the state to win back-to-back championships in 56 years. The confidence and perseverance these guys put into every practice and every game paid off. I am very proud of these players and honored to be their coach,” said Mark Smith ‘88, PCHS Head Baseball Coach. At left, Mike Madej ’16 (Manhattan) drives in the game-winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning.

back to back StatE cHaMPIoNS

Players• Colin Airola ‘16 (Shorewood)• Connor Bowles ‘16 (Tinley Park)• Alex Brittan ‘15 (Homer Glen)• Jake Carlsen ‘15 (Romeoville)• Colin Chibe ‘16 (Homer Glen)• Connor Creed ‘16 (Lockport)• Matt Diehl ‘15 (Orland Park)• Jackson Dvorak ‘16 (New Lenox)• Kevin Fitzgerald ‘16 (Orland Park)• Matt Gruszkowksi ‘16 (Orland Park)• Shawn Harper ‘16 (Plainfield)• Connor Hilty ‘16 (Mokena)• Justin Hunniford ‘15 (Frankfort)• Jimmy Jeffries ‘16 (Mokena)• Mike Jerik ‘15 (Mokena)• Tom Kelley ‘16 (Orland Park)• Mike Madej ‘16 (Manhattan)• Reed McCool ‘16 (Plainfield)• Adam Nichols ‘16 (Elwood)

• Noah O’Brien ‘16 (Manhattan)• Brendan O’Hara ‘16 (New Lenox)• Zach Pych ‘16 (Homer Glen)• Joey Strick ‘16 (Mokena)• Kyle Struck ‘16 (Orland Park)• Jackson Stulas ‘16 (Lockport)• Matt Trzesniewski ‘16 (Orland Park)• Brent Villasenor ‘15 (Orland Park)• Matt Waznis ‘16 (Joliet)Coaches• Mark Smith ’88 (Head Coach)• Chris Carlsen (Assistant Coach)• Frank Cavallone (Assistant Coach)• Garrick Pranchke (Assistant Coach)• Jason Vitas (Assistant Coach)Managers• Joe Calderone ’15 (Orland Park)• Brendan Nieukirk ’18 (Tinley Park)• Blake LaBelle ’16 (Orland Park)• Garret Walter ’16 (Homer Glen)

pc news

6

continued from page 2

Co-Salutatorian Ryan Carp ‘15, son of Stan and Kari Carp of New Lenox, is a graduate of St. Jude Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church (New Lenox). Carp is attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he is majoring in Business Administration. The honor roll student was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Council, Augustinian Youth Ministry and Habitat for Humanity. Furthermore, he was a member of the Scholastic Bowl, Mock Trial and Math teams. He was named an Outstanding Attorney at the 2015 State Mock Trial Competition. Carp is also an Illinois State Scholar, was named Joliet Exchange Club “Youth of the Month,” is a recipient of the Freshman Celtic Scholar Award and the Student Council Scholarship and has received numerous PCHS academic awards.

Co-Salutatorian Stephanie Mastorakos ‘15, daughter of Chris and the late Maria Mastorakos of Homer Glen, is a graduate of St. Michael School and a parishioner at St. Spyridon. Mastorakos is attending the University of Notre Dame where she is majoring in Business with a minor in Spanish. The honor roll student is an National Merit Commended Student, AP Scholar with Honor, an Illinois State Scholar, PCHS “Student of the Month” and has received multiple PCHS academic awards. Furthermore, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, Mock Trial and Math teams.

Co-Salutatorian Srirajkumar Ranganathan ‘15, son of Thodur and Usha of Lemont, is a graduate of SS. Cyril and Methodius. Ranganathan received the Presidential Scholarship to attend the DePaul University where he is majoring in Biological Science. The honor roll student is an National Merit Commended Student, AP Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar and received numerous PCHS academic awards. Furthermore, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity.

continued from page 3

Rademacher (Mokena) and Christian Spesia (Joliet) as the recipients of the Bishop Blanchette Religion award. Furthermore, Tess Barrett (Tinley Park) and Michael Davis (New Lenox) received the prestigious Bishop Roger Kaffer Leadership Award.

Ninety-nine percent of the Class of 2015 continued their education at a college or university. Approximately 775 scholarships valued at nearly $28 million were offered to this class. Eighteen percent of these graduates were named Illinois State Scholars. These seniors performed in excess of 25,000 hours of community service during their high school careers. Twenty-seven student athletes signed National Letters of Intent or made commitments to continue their respective sports at the collegiate level. In addition, this class witnessed many athletic accomplishments, including four state championship trophies earned by the Celtic baseball teams (2014, 2015), football team (2014) and cheerleading team (2013). Providence Catholic now has 29 state championship titles; the most among private high schools in the state of Illinois.

Christian Spesia and Jillian Rademacher received the prestigious Bishop Blanchette Religion award.

Habitat for HumanityA group of eighteen PCHS

student members of Habitat for Humanity and three chaperones volunteered their time working in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Led by PCHS moderator, Mrs. Diane Hart, the students spent several days landscaping, staining doors and installing floors. At an old Re-Store facility, workers sorted wood piles, organized inventory and loaded trucks, which were taken to the new Re-Store. At the new location, students painted, organized products and unloaded trucks.

september 2015

7

S C H O L A R S H I P S & F I N A N C I A L A I D

The total amount of Need Based Grants, Aid and Scholarships awarded to PCHS students in 2014-2015 EXCEEDED $1.5 MILLION. More than 25% of Providence Catholic families qualify and are awarded Need Based Aid. Need Based Scholarship Applications are available to all students who take the Placement Exam.

Providence Catholic families who feel they may qualify are encouraged to apply for Need Based Aid through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. The deadline is March 1 of the previous school year. There are two sources of aid:

1. PCHS Student Need Based Aid (all families may apply).

2. Catholic Education Foundation Need Based Aid (only those families who are registered parishioners in the Joliet Diocese will be considered).

Through scholarships, endowments and the generosity of the Catholic Education Foundation, Providence Catholic is able to provide a quality college preparatory education to many students at an affordable price. Listed below are the scholarships available to freshman students and financial aid opportunities for those who qualify.

• The Augustinian Service Scholarship

• The BMO Harris Bank “Off to a Good Start” Scholarship

• The Celtic Leadership Scholarship

• The Chase Academic Achievement Scholarship

• The Freshman Celtic Scholar Award

• The Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship

• The Stanley and Adele Guz Memorial Scholarship

LITTLE LEARNERS CLASS - age 30 to 36 mos. -

PRESCHOOL - age 3 -

PREKINDERGARTEN - age 4 -

KINDERGARTEN - age 5 -

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CALL (815) 485-7129

VISIT WEAREPC.ORG

NHS INDUCTIONThe 2015 National Honor Society (NHS) members were officially inducted during a ceremony this past Spring. The NHS is founded on the principles of scholarship, leadership, character and service. Members participate in many community projects and are also called upon to coordinate the PCHS Book Sale, lead tour groups during the school’s annual Open House and staff the Annual Fund phon-a-thons, parent-teacher conferences and special events.

Class of 2016 NHS Officers are left to right Colin Brankin (Orland Park), Michael McGuire (Frankfort), Christina MacNab - President (Homer Glen) and Mia Massaro (Homer Glen).

Providence Catholic High SchoolAdvancement Office1800 W. Lincoln HighwayNew Lenox, IL 60451

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #437AURORA, IL

save the datePCHS OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 2210:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Tours • Information • Refreshments

See the Celtics in ActionPlease join us this season in watching your favorite team play for the win! Complete athletic schedules can be found at :

iL.8to18.com/providence

theatre clubpresents

PERFORMANCE DATES• Thursday, October 29 @ 7 PM • Friday, October 30 @ 7 PM• Saturday, October 31 @ 3 PM• Sunday, November 1 @ 3 PM

LOCATIONBicentennial Theater (Joliet)

COSTAdult - $8.00

Child/Senior/Student - $5.00

PRE-ORDER TICKETS/QUESTIONS815-485-2136 ext. 3323

theatre@providencecatholic.org

“LIKE” Providence Catholic High School on our official Facebook page! You may also become a friend of Charlie Celtic.

facebook.com/Providence.Catholicfacebook.com/Charlie.Celtic