“YOU
PRESIDENT’S
Dear Immediate and Extended Providence Family,
We have had a great entry into the new school year. Our freshman class numbers 209. We increased the space in the Celtic Learning Center to accommodate the extra help offered to our students. The Pastoral Department revamped our New Celtic Welcome, which helped make for a smooth beginning to the school year. Our Celtic Unity Day was moved up to September from March to set the spiritual tone earlier in the school year. I am happy to report that we have a great spirit for the start of the school year!
Meanwhile, we are preparing for our recertification by Cognia Accreditation,
which helps to provide high-quality education through rigorous selfassessment and evaluation by experts in the field of education. In addition, Providence is participating in the development of a Strategic Plan as part of the Augustinian Secondary Education network of schools. We are working with the nine other Augustinian Schools of North America to define and implement a uniquely Augustinian approach to education.
This year, look for a new format for our Hall of Fame celebration. As always, the Men’s and Women’s Clubs are working tirelessly planning fundraisers and “funraisers” that make the experience of Providence Catholic a family place to be.
WEMISS
Oh, lest I forget, we continue to offer the full range of academic, athletic, extracurricular, social and spiritual programs to educate the whole person. The updates are included in the pages following this letter.
We are indeed blessed to have talented and dedicated staff to accompany our students on the high school portion of their journey. Pray that we faithfully fulfill our Mission to “guide students to embrace individuality, challenge assumptions and grow in confidence and compassion.” In so doing, we become something greater, together!
May God bless the Providence Family!
Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A. President, Providence Catholic
Yourpresence enoughispresentforus!
One of the Homecoming themes was “Same or Fame”, and the staff took it to another level. From the school halls to the checkout lanes - we've got spirit in every department! Welcome to Target… wait, we mean Providence Catholic!
IHSA 4A BASEBALL STATE
Providence Catholic’s baseball team made history in June, becoming the first baseball team in Illinois to win six state titles. The Celtics secured the Class 4A championship by defeating Conant 4-1 at Duly Health and Care Field in Joliet. And, it was Coach Mark Smith’s fourth baseball title at Providence.
Kasten Goebbert pitched a stellar game, allowing just one run on three hits over six innings. Nate O’Donnell sealed the victory with a scoreless seventh, contributing two hits and driving in two runs, while Enzo Infelise added two hits of his own.
Providence has a storied history, with previous Class A titles in 1978 and 1982, and Class 4A titles in 2014, 2015, and 2016, marking a remarkable three-peat.
As the 2024 season approached, three teams—Joliet Catholic, Nazareth, and Edwardsville—sought to replicate Providence's success. However, Joliet Catholic and Nazareth were eliminated before the semifinals, leaving Edwardsville to face Providence. In a tightly contested semifinal, the Celtics triumphed 2-1, with Cooper Eggert allowing just one unearned run and O’Donnell delivering a crucial triple in the first inning.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Mitch Voltz ’24 shared. “This has been my dream for as long as I can remember. I came to the Joliet Slammers’ stadium to watch Providence win back in 2014, 2015, and 2016. To finally achieve this is beyond words; there’s truly nothing like this moment.”
“We have a singular focus each year,” Coach Smith stated. “Our main objective is to win our final game. Everything else is important, but that’s our priority. I reminded the team of this in the seventh inning—there was one inning left to achieve our goal, and they pulled it off. The seniors put in an incredible amount of effort. We’re excited for the 2025 season, but right now we’re just going to enjoy this moment.”
"Winning state was the most fun I've ever had playing baseball because I got to do it with my closest friends. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I look forward to hopefully achieving it again this year, working just as hard as a team, and playing with all my best friends one last time." - Enzo Infelise ’25
SCHOOL
SECONDSENIOR EARNSPERFECT ACTSCORE
Jimmy Piko, a senior at Providence Catholic, achieved a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, a feat accomplished by less than half of one percent of the 1.3 million students who take the test annually. He and senior Katherine Timm both accomplished this major milestone this past school year. (You can see Katherine’s note in the previous magazine!)
At Providence, Jimmy participates in Augustinian Youth Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, IALAC 2.0, National Honor Society, and plays Varsity Soccer and Intramural Sand Volleyball. He consistently makes the High Honor Roll and was recognized as Student of the Month in December 2023.
“I’d like to thank my parents for teaching me discipline,” he said, recognizing his teachers, especially Ms. Gura and Mrs. Begeske. Jimmy reflects on how spirituality enriches his experience at PCHS. “The community aspect of allschool Masses has made me feel included,” he noted. “The Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love are crucial to my success and identity.”
CELTIC TRIVIA: DID YOU KNOW...
in college scholarships offered to PCHS graduates the past five years
in scholarships offered to the Class of 2024
students accepted $100k+ scholarships to their college
students attending 76 colleges in 23 states
the average scholarship accepted per student/per year
students had a perfect 36 on the ACT
students scored a 30+ on the ACT
Illinois state scholars
student athletes made college athletic commitments
Mr. Doug Ternik ’89, Providence Catholic Athletic Director, has been a part of 17 state championshipsfirst as a player, then as a coach, and finally as an Athletic Director. Even more impressive? All of them were at Providence Catholic! Mr. Keith Healy, Providence Catholic Dean of Students, has been a part of 14 state championships at Providence Catholic as a coach! This includes six consecutive wrestling state titles from 1997 to 2002, and he was named coach of the year 8 times. #TheCelticStandard
Students even take their learning outside the classroom to explore opportunities in the trades and public service! Last year, students had an insightful field trip to Electricians Local 134 and Pipefitters Local 597, exploring exciting pathways in the trades. This is another career exploration opportunity offered by the Counseling Department to help students set goals for the next stage of learning.
BROADCASTCLUBBRINGINGSPORTS TOYOUATHOME!
Join our YouTube Channel for exciting broadcasts of sports games, brought to you by the talented Providence Catholic Broadcast Club! Get ready for some top-notch camera work, engaging interviews, lively commentary, and so much more. Don't miss out on all the funtune in and cheer on your favorite team with us!
National Merit Semi-Finalists
Mr. Paul Houston, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, was able to surprise seniors Katherine Timm and Richard Walsh with the news that they have been named Semifinalists for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,000+ National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring.
National Merit Commended Student
Senior Vince Murphy has been named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. Over 1.3 million students in about 21,000 high schools enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program each year.
National Merit African-American Recognition Award
Senior Sophia Leverett has been named a National Merit AfricanAmerican Recognition Awardee.
The College Board’s National African American Recognition Program is an academic honor for academically exceptional African American students who have scored in the top 10 percent of the state on the PSAT or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP exams by their junior year. To qualify, they must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
WHY
What makes Providence Catholic High School different: Truth, Unity and Love.
Family. This word is repeated and used so often that it almost loses its magic, except around Providence Catholic High School (PCHS.) To alumni, parents, staff, teachers and current students family” is the most commonly utilized word to describe the “Celtic Way.”
PCHS is more than just a place to earn a diploma; it’s a community where students are nurtured spiritually, academically, physically and socially, grounded in the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity and Love.
These powerful words that we see on the banners at Mass and the flags in the lot and on our walls are inscribed on our hearts when we become a part of this community. They are THE key components that make that word “family” come to life and change all of us, and eventually, the world. They make us different – here is how:
Truth – The PCHS Community will experience the ultimate truth in faith by embracing learning, leading and growth in a nurturing environment
Unity – Our community is welcoming and caring. This close-knit environment fosters a sense of belonging and shared values. Love – Each member of the PCHS community is a unique revelation of the Love of God
We live in a world of unprecedented change. Technology, COVID and the emphasis on individuality have ironically left us more disconnected and isolated than in generations past. The Augustinian values of Truth, Unity and Love promote community, teach us respect for each other, and accompany us on our journey through life. The faith journey is alive and well in an environment where you are known by name. It is up to all of us who have experienced these Blessings through PCHS to share this with a world desperately in need of hope. This is our strength.
On August 18, members of the Providence community celebrated Sunday Mass with His Eminence Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. (Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, Archbishop-Bishop Emeritus of Chiclayo). It was a glorious celebration of Truth, Unity and Love as we came together to worship, receive the Eucharist, and strengthen our connection to God and the Church community.
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
St. Augustine
Thank you, Northern Illinois Food Bank, for welcoming the Celtics with the opportunity to serve our community together. We are thrilled to continue our partnership for a second year and appreciate all the impactful work you do for those in need.
Each class at Providence Catholic volunteers more than 14,000 hours of community service throughout their four years at PC. This past summer, a group of 11 of our very own Provi students gathered to fill goodie bags and decorate for the 4th of July Parade in Mokena. They represented Silver Cross hospital and passed out 1,000 stress balls and 3,000 pieces of candy to the parade crowds.
BRINGING THE MISSION TO LIFE OUT IN THE COMMUNITY.
TRUTH,
The entire faculty and staff came together in a show of solidarity by wearing teal and purple to commemorate National Suicide Awareness Month. By raising awareness and showing support, we stand united in promoting mental health advocacy and fostering a compassionate, understanding community for all. Together, we can break the stigma and offer hope to those who may be struggling.
Mr. Houston, Principal, was joined by Assistant Pastoral Director, Mrs. Annie Persicketti, and President Father John Merkelis, O.S.A. (concelebrant of Mass), as well as Providence Catholic students Will Sullivan, Hannah Winkleman, Reagan Sincak, and Jaxson Foster for the 3rd Annual Diocesan Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish.
We are grateful for our Celtic family and the joy we find in friendship through classes, service, and athletics. Many of our teams gather in the grotto for prayer with their friends before competition and performances, just as the Dancing Celtics did throughout the season. As we gather at Mass and celebrate our faith with friends, let us remember what St. Augustine said of friendship. “In this world two things are essential: a healthy life and friendship. God created humans so that they might exist and live: this is life. But if they are not to remain solitary, there must be friendship.”
High-Five Fridays are back with Mr. Houston! You’ll find him at one of the entrances every Friday, wishing a good morning to students as they come in.
CELTIC CELTI
FRANKIEMARKOSOVIC ‘11
Twice a month, Twice a month, Providence Catholic Providence Catholic features an alumnus on features an alumnus on LinkedIn for “What You LinkedIn for “What You Do Wednesdays”, where Do Wednesdays”, where we talk about the careers we talk about the careers our alumni have chosen. our alumni have chosen.
Would you like to be Would you like to be featured? Contact featured? Contact Alumni Director Noah Alumni Director Noah Senffner! Senffner!
See the rest on our See the rest our LinkedIn page! LinkedIn page!
Frankie Markasovic, a proud member of the Class of 2011, currently serves as the Vice President of Graphic Image Corporation, a family business established in 1953 by his great-grandmother. Now in its fourth generation, the company employs 25 people, with Frankie and his father managing the daily operations.
Frankie refers to his colleagues as his “team,” emphasizing a collaborative spirit where everyone plays an essential role. Drawing from his experience as a member of the Providence Football team, he applies the principles of unity and teamwork to his leadership style. “I try to take a united approach to our team at our business,” he explained. “We have the saying ‘team GIC;’ everyone has their own roles. I will never be just in my office with my feet up; I will be doing the work next to you.” This commitment to collaboration fosters a supportive environment where employees feel valued and engaged.
Initially, Frankie ventured into the insurance industry but soon sought a more fulfilling path. After proposing a new marketing strategy to his father, he transitioned to the marketing division of Graphic Image Corporation. As Vice President, he thrives on the creativity inherent in his work and the daily challenges that keep him inspired. “I have always been a creative person. I was one of, if not the only, football players who took art classes. I love Mrs. Zlogar and creating art. Here I am, nine years later, having started the division that does wrapping and signs, which has been growing ever since. It’s been great working alongside my dad,” he said.
Frankie has achieved numerous accolades throughout his life, including being inducted into the Hampshire Honor Society and receiving the prestigious Bishop Kaffer Leadership Award in 2011. Reflecting on his greatest accomplishment, he states unequivocally, “My kids. My kids are the greatest things that have ever happened to me.” Frankie and his wife, Amber (Prskalo) Markasovic, Class of 2010, have three beautiful children. His pride in his family is evident as he shares heartfelt words about Amber, a dedicated speech pathologist who makes a significant impact every day. “I want to make sure it is known that I met my beautiful wife, Amber, here. She is intelligent and a great
Beyond his personal life, Frankie is passionate about the future of students at Providence. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and resilience, regardless of academic challenges. “You should work hard no matter what. Even if you are not ‘good at school,’ you can’t let that get you down. There are so many opportunities after school for you to do something. Youth is hard to come by, especially in the trades. Don’t be discouraged; find something that fits you.” He advises, “If you have the willingness to learn, the reliability to show up every day, and put in the work, you will succeed. And really, that goes for anything.”
Frankie carries forward the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love that he embraced at Providence Catholic. He believes these principles are vital for students to internalize and exemplify. “We must ensure that the Augustinian values are not only felt but lived. It’s not just something on the walls; it’s a way of life. I hope students take it with them as they graduate,” he stated.
Recalling the impactful experiences at Providence —from morning prayers to retreats—Frankie underscores the importance of community. “Driving community home is so important. Learning how to care for one another is invaluable,” he concluded. Through his journey, Frankie exemplifies how the lessons learned at Providence can set the foundation for a fulfilling life and career.
What are a few good memories from Providence?
“I have many: Meeting my wife Amber (of course!), attending Kairos as a candidate and leader, working in the lunchroom, pasta dinners with the football team, making a video in Coach Oliver’s class (this was back when we had an actual camcorder and had to edit the video and burn a DVD), all-school assemblies and allschool Masses were always a great experience.”
How did Providence give you a good base in your career and the person that you are today?
“I give almost all credit to PCHS for making me into the man I am today (the rest goes to my mom and wife.) PCHS helped solidify my faith and form my morals and ethics. PCHS played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. It gave me the tools and the confidence to excel as an athlete, a leader, a father and a husband.”
ATHLETICNEWS
1. Johnny Schlender earned All Conference Honors for Varsity Boys Golf.
Coach Lee Rucinski reached an incredible achievement - 300 wins coaching IHSA girls volleyball. The Varsity Girls Volleyball Team also won the sectional championship against Evergreen Park!
2. Maggie Wolniakowski finished 20th at sectionals and finished in the top half in state. Kyle Szafranski came in 45th at sectionals, just shy of qualifying for state by less than 10 seconds! He achieved a PR of 16:08.70.
3. Varsity Boys Soccer was named 2024 CoChampions of the Chicago Catholic League White Division. The Celtics also won the Regional Championship with a blocked penalty kick, ending the game 7-6.
4. Varsity and JV Tennis both took first place in the Marion Catholic Quad. Ema Szum and Reagan Sincak both qualified for state, too!
5. The Veteran's Cup is a yearly rivalry between Benet and Providence Catholic. Both JV and Varsity won the cup, which will remain at PC for the year!
7.
6. Girls Golf had an incredible season, with senior Marisol Kasper advancing to Sectionals.
8.
Twelve student-athletes committed to collegiate athletics. Read more about themand all of athletics - online at
Check out this video of Celtic Nation on our YouTube channel, along with more videos about what life is like as a Celtic today!
The most affordable way to see our home games is to purchase a season pass. Download the order form online and send it with payment to the Athletic Office. These can also be purchased at home games!
on the Athletics website.
(Thanks to senior Maia Allen for making the sign to keep our Celtic fans on their toes and cheering!)
CCL/GCAC TEAM CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Boys Soccer – CCL White Division CoChampions
IHSA TEAM REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Boys Golf
Boys Soccer
Girls Volleyball
IHSA TEAM SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls Volleyball
IHSA TEAM SECTIONAL QUALIFIERS
Boys Golf
Boys Soccer
Girls Volleyball
IHSA INDIVIDUAL SECTIONAL QUALIFIERS
Marisol Kasper – Girls Golf
Kyle Szafranski – Boys Cross Country
Maggie Wolniakowski – Girls Cross
Country
IHSA ELITE 8
Girls Volleyball
IHSA INDIVIDUAL STATE QUALIFIERS
Alex Hartman – Boys Golf
Reagan Sincak – Girls Tennis
Ema Szum – Girls Tennis
Maggie Wolniakowski – Girls Cross
Country
ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES
John Schlender – Boys Golf
Jimmy Piko – Boys Soccer
Luke McAlister – Boys Soccer
Lucas Garcia – Boys Soccer
Billy Savarino – Boys Soccer
Jovanny Gonzalez – Boys Soccer
Abbey Knight – Girls Volleyball
Cali Tierney – Girls Volleyball
Demi Carbone – Girls Volleyball
Gavin Hagan – Football
Luke Leverett – Football
Bryce Tencza – Football
Jay Jeziorski – Football
Koda Miller – Football
Jayden Mikulski – Football
Xavier Coleman – Football (Hon. Mention)
Dom Infelise – Football (Hon. Mention)
Seth Cheney – Football (Hon. Mention)
Tyler Cucio – Football (Hon. Mention)
Curtis Stubbs – Football (Hon. Mention)
Jaylen McMiller – Football (Hon. Mention)
ALL-AREA ATHLETES
Jimmy Piko – All Sectional, 2nd Team
Daily Southtown – Boys Soccer
Lucas Garcia – All Sectional – Boys Soccer
ALL-STATE ATHLETES
Abbey Knight – Girls Volleyball – IVCA
All-State – 1st Team
Gavin Hagan – Football – IHSFCA AllState – 1st Team
Luke Leverett – Football – IHSFCA
(Honorable Mention)
INVITATIONAL/TOURNAMENT
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls Volleyball – Wilmington Invitational
Girls Tennis – Marian Catholic Quad
MEDIA/CONFERENCE
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Jimmy Piko – Boys Soccer CCL White
Lawless Award
Luke Leverett – CCL Orange
Defensive Player of the Year
Gavin Hagan – CCL Orange
Offensive Player of the Year
MEDIA/CONFERENCE
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike Taylor – CCL White Division Coach of the Year
This summer, Celtic students and staff embarked on three incredible trips: an artfocused adventure in New York, exploring iconic sites like MOMA and Central Park; a culturally rich journey through Greece, where they discovered ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes; and an immersive experience in Peru, diving into local culture and cuisine. At Providence Catholic, we believe in the transformative power of travel to enhance learning and foster global awareness. These trips, designed to immerse students in real-world experiences, extend classroom learning to a global scale. Traveling abroad can significantly enhance cultural awareness and offer students a deeper understanding of God's presence around the world.
STUDENT
We want YOU to join the Celtic family! Discover all the fun ways to get involved through tours, junior high nights, shadow days, and more. Check out our upcoming events, scholarships, and everything else about Providence Catholic at www.providencecatholic.org. We can’t wait to meet you!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024 AT 8:00 AM *MAKE-UP DATES AVAILABLE Register online at providencecatholic.org/admissions.
SHADOWDAYS
Experience a day in the life of a Celtic in December & the spring - register online!
SCHOLARSHIPS&AID
Learn about opportunities to benefit students and families.
FAMILYTOURS
Contact the admissions office at (815) 717-3160.
JUNIORHIGHNIGHTS
Join us for a Junior High Night at several of our athletic events - and experience life as a Celtic fan!
(815) 717-3160
PCHSCharlieCeltic ProvidenceCatholic.org
PCHS_Celtics
PCHS_Celtics
TheClassof2028and theirfamiliesattended theincomingFreshmen BBQ!
SuperCelticShadow DayonSeptember20 gaveshadowsalookat lifeasaCeltic!
TheEnrollmentOfficeis takingStudent Ambassadorsouton visitstoourCatholic gradeschools!
Summercampswereablast!From DisneyVacationBibleSchoolto Swiftiecraftstoathleticsandbaking andyogaandtechandmore,grade schoolershurriedtocampustobring thefuntosummervacation!
Contact the Admissions Office: Mrs. Shannon Withers, at (815) 717-3160 or swithers@providencecatholic.org; or Mr. Noah Senffner at (815) 717-3288 or nsenffner@providencecatholic.org. Visit us online!
TRADITIONSTHAT
At the conclusion of each home football game, the boys head to the grotto. One by one, they place their helmets on the ground, follow the pathway, and unite as a team. The captains then lead the team in prayer. Rooted in the essence of Providence - encompassing athletics, academics, and all aspects of life - are the foundational values of Truth, Unity, and Love. We cherish the tradition and feel fortunate to be part of the Celtic family.
The Grotto was originally constructed by the first graduating class of the 1980s. “The 1st class of the 80s wishes all the others the good times and achievements it had while at Providence,” read their yearbook note.
Notice there is no appeal envelope in this issue! With the end of the Empower scholarship, our efforts are going to help our Empower students finish their years here at Providence.
Here’s how to help: Scan the QR code to make a direct donation. Call Steve Cardamone at (815) 717-3164.
Help us make a difference!
GENERATIONSOF PROVIDENCECATHOLIC
We love to see grandparents at academic awards, athletic competitions, Mass, and of course, graduation. Fun fact: we have many Celtic families that have multiple generations of alumni, like the Pilon family (pictured)! At graduation in May, they took a group photo of the family alumni, including (from L-R): Jeff Pilon ’88, Tyler Pilon, ’24, Kim (Riordan) Pilon ’92, Michael Pilon ’92, Pete Pilon ’66, Brian Pilon ’24, Terry Pilon ’67, Aaron Pilon ’94, Jenn (Sobota) Pilon ’92, and Jake Pilon ’24. And that’s not all! Pete and Terry have four other grandkids and five other children that graduated from PC as well - and 4 more grandkids currently in PC!
KENNY'S Corner
CAMPUS EXPANSION
By Kenny Raymond
“We will continue to grow, but for now our needs have been met thanks to Fr. Kaffer’s foresight and to the Augustinian leadership, determination, ingenuity and dedication to creating the best possible environment for the Providence Catholic Community.”
In my last article, I explored the expansion of our sports facilities and the efforts to enhance the appearance of our campus. Now, let’s turn our attention to the evolution of our school facilities themselves. The original plans envisioned a coinstitutional school for 400 boys and 400 girls, with the 100 wing designated for boys and the 200 wing for girls. The offices, café, and gym occupied the center hallway, flanked by two science labs. An iron gate separated the boys' and girls' wings whenever one gender was using the gym or café, which was a unique approach in an era when most Catholic schools were either all-girls or all-boys.
After the initial fear of closing subsided and the Christian Brothers departed, Fr. Kaffer recognized the urgent need for facility expansion. Enrollment had surged from 490 in the 1970-71 school year to 863 by 197576, necessitated in part by the introduction of sports for girls. The expansion project was announced in 1975 and completed two years later. Plans included adding two more science labs, six new classrooms (now the theology wing), a new gym for school Masses and assemblies, and a fine arts section on the second floor, which is now the wrestling room. We also converted the boys’ old locker room into a girls’ locker room and established the weight room.
Fundraising efforts were crucial to this expansion. Faculty members, including myself, were servers at a sold-out
This groundbreaking model was staffed by the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of Providence. However, as vocations declined and costs rose, we faced challenges, including curriculum differences and staffing duplications. This ultimately led us to transition to a fully co-ed environment. I had the opportunity to teach our first co-ed class when five senior girls needed a social studies credit for graduation. They arrived two minutes late to avoid encountering boys in the hallway and left two minutes early for the same reason, humorously choosing seats closest to the door. Their presence eased many concerns about co-ed courses.
$500-a-plate dinner honoring Bishop Blanchette. This event drew significant attention, even from President Ford, who sent a representative due to our inspiring story. Politicians like Lt. Governor Neil Hartigan also attended, reflecting the community’s commitment to our growth.
The library, originally located in what was part of the girls' wing, underwent significant changes under Fr. Kaffer's leadership. He transformed the friary into a library and repurposed its kitchen for home economics classes. However, another pressing issue was the café. Initially operated by a canteen service, the food quality left much to be desired. Fr. Kaffer aimed for a functional café, leading to a kitchen redesign completed by 1981, with Sue Mores managing it. Her daughter Lucy later took over and expanded the offerings.
As we continued to grow, discussions about having a religious order manage the school emerged. The Augustinians and Irish Christian Brothers expressed interest, which would have led to the friary becoming a residence once again. Fr. Kaffer was also keenly aware of the rising importance of computers and initiated plans for the Bishop Blanchette Memorial Library and the Cooper Computer Center. Completed in 1984, this project included two computer labs and a spacious library that also served as a Memorabilia Room honoring Bishop Blanchette. By 1985, the Augustinians had fully taken over the school’s administration, while Fr. Kaffer transitioned to parish leadership and eventually became an Auxiliary Bishop of Joliet.
With the Augustinians now at the helm, the need for upgraded science labs became evident. The project, completed in 2002, added six new classrooms designed for experiments and lectures, a band and chorus room, and a spacious locker room. It also included an airconditioned art room and a hallway reconnecting to the gym, enhancing our learning environment.
Yet, the building developments didn't stop there. Recognizing the need for an expanded commons area, we addressed issues with the old café, which was cramped and overwhelmed during lunch periods. The new Commons area offers a bright, open space
with round tables for socialization and two food service entrances that minimize wait times. It has a large kitchen prep area, increased storage, and a variety of food options. Additionally, it can be sectioned off for meetings, events, and other school functions.
As some former graduates remarked during our recent homecoming, the campus now exudes a collegiate feel. While there may always be wants for further improvements, I am grateful that our current needs have been met thanks to Fr. Kaffer’s vision and the dedication of the Augustinian leadership. Their determination and ingenuity have created an exceptional environment for the Providence Catholic community, fostering both academic excellence and a vibrant school culture.
What PCHS stories do you want to hear about? Email Mr. Raymond: kraymond@providencecatholic.org.
Check out what campus looks like today on our YouTube channel!
Honoring Those Who Helped Shape PCHS
Cor Unum Award
The Cor Unum Award is the highest honor presented by Providence Catholic High School. It is awarded to those who have provided extraordinary service to Providence Catholic, to the Church or to the community. Honorees personify the essence of the medallion’s inscription: One in Ministry, One in Mission and One in Family. This year’s honorees are Kevin and Colleen Houlihan, Paul and Carla Janik, and Lucy (Mores) Pomykala ’68 (nominated by alumni). We thank them for their incredible dedication to PCHS.
Read more about this year’s recipients and see prior honorees online.
Welcome Our New Assistant Principal, Mrs. Ann Toutant
We are excited to announce the appointment of our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Ann Toutant. A proud graduate of Fenwick, Ann holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, a master’s degree in education from Loyola University, and an administrator's license from Dominican University. With six years of teaching experience at Our Lady of Tepeyac in Chicago and sixteen years in various administrative roles within Catholic elementary schools, Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community. Most recently, she served in the Joliet Diocese, where she was also the president of the Joliet Diocese Principals Association.
She expresses her excitement about joining Providence, stating, "I am blessed to share my life with my husband, stepdaughter, and our four dogs. I cherish the opportunity to work at Providence and am deeply honored to be part of this community. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to our collective mission and am eager to embark on this new chapter with great excitement."
Since joining the Providence community on July 9th, she has already made significant contributions, including leading our accreditation renewal process, initiating a mentoring program for new teachers, and reinstating articulation meetings with representatives from local grade schools. We invite everyone to welcome Ann with the warm and vibrant spirit that embodies Providence.
STUDENT
Faculty Faculty Principal’s Principal’s
withMr.PaulHouston withMr.PaulHouston
I am grateful and excited to share updates, successes, and important information about Providence Catholic. It’s been a wonderful start to the year, and I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, and community for their dedication to excellence.
First, I am thrilled to report outstanding academic achievements so far this year. Two seniors have been recognized as National Merit Semi-finalists, and another as National Merit Commended Student. Our students continue to challenge themselves with AP and Honors courses and explore varied interests in electives and new courses like Robotics and Sports Officiating. A special shout-out to our freshman class, which has shown remarkable spirit and adaptability during their first high school quarter!
It has also been an impressive year for extracurriculars. Boys’ soccer won regionals, girls’ volleyball won sectionals, and we had state sendoff parades for athletes in golf, tennis, and cross country who advanced to state. We look forward to the winter sports season. Our theater put on a wonderful fall musical, and our marching band has been incredibly active. Math team and scholastic bowl are already competing, and they and our other activities provide invaluable experiences fostering teamwork, leadership, and creativity.
We are blessed with our new assistant principal Mrs. Toutant, and she has been very productive launching a mentoring program for new teachers, hosting articulation meetings with representatives from the grade schools, and leading the school through our required accreditation review through Cognia.
Consult our calendar on the PCHS website for upcoming concerts, holiday events, and other important dates.
As always, I feel blessed to be a part of the Providence family, and I look forward to what our students will accomplish and become.
“I attended a 16-day summer camp at Camp Highlands in Sayner, Wisconsin, marking my final year as a camper. The trip included canoeing in Quetico Provincial Park, four days sailing in the Apostle Islands, and five days hiking in the Porcupine Mountains. One h was cliff jumping in Lake Superior, despite the cold water. I learned that the biggest challenge was not the physical demands but the ment endurance of living in a tent and moving campsites daily. I hope to lead this trip as a counselor in the future, as it was an incredible experience.”
- Eli O’Neill (junior)
ALUMNI
Susan (Nasenseny) Byrne ‘75 and her husband Gerry took a tour of campus to see how it’s grown since graduation. Susan was especially happy to visit with Mr. Kenny Raymond - whose column she reads in each issue of the Celtic Review!
and Kyle Van Stedum were
The Chicago Bears paid tribute to former defensive tackle and newly inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer teve McMichael during their home opener on Sept. 8 at Soldier Field. ust days prior, McMichael was honored by the National Football Players Fathers Association - the Vice President of which is Orland Park Chief and Providence alumnus
Michael Schofield ’78. Schofield and his son, Michael—who played a decade in the NFL—presented McMichael with a special NFPFA shirt at his home in Homer Glen, along with Curtis Randle El.
Bobby ’09 and Kayle Leonard were blessed with twin girls Navy (left) and Collins (right) born on April 1st, 2024. This photo was taken at baptism at University of Notre Dame.
Frank ’11 and Amber (Prskalo) ‘10 Markasovic have the whole family ready for the football game - and these cuties are all sporting some Celtic gear!
Morgan (Martensen) Furmann ’12 and Gary Furmann were married in Chicago on July 20th, 2024.
Jordan Leonard ’13 married Derek Ashbaugh in Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy on June 1st, 2024.
The wedding party included PCHS alums Tess Barrett Troy ’15, Claire Barrett ’18 and Jack Barrett ’18. Liza Ellingson ’16 married Adam Nichols ’16 on June 21, 2024.
Mrs. Mary (Davey) Turkowski ’03 and Mrs. Harris were thrilled to spot PC alumnus Joey McConnell ‘21 among the firemen who arrived for a fire drill at school.
ALUMNI
and published a book? Who Are You Fred is a story about life in high school with a learning disability.
Kristen Szabla ’98
Current Profession: Marketing Consultant. “I’ve started my own marketing consulting agency. My clients include Chicago based entertainment spaces, restaurants, private school, non profit, and private medical practices.“
Can you guess what year this team won? Submit your answers to celtics@providencecathol ic.org for a chance to win a t-shirt!
Degree & Major: Marketing degree from DePaul University
Career Highlight: “Leaving corporate life behind to work for myself!”
Tell us about your family: “I am married with three kids - Vivian, Ian and Evelyn. We are raising the kids in downtown Chicago, which we love!”
Favorite PCHS Memories: “The faith formation.”
How did Providence give you a good base in your career and the person that you are today? “Providence gave me a strong foundation of discipline and responsibility that helped me develop my strong worth ethic, time management and accountability. I also feel like PCHS gave me a strong moral and ethical foundation, which has served me well in challenging personal and professional interactions. Another thing it taught me was the value of Catholic education. It was important for my husband and I to send our kids to Catholic school. Also, giving back. I serve on the board of our neighborhood baseball and softball league- we have over 600 kids from all over Chicago in our league!”
ALUMNI
A heartfelt thank you to three Providence greatsMrs. Mary Beth (Behrman) Harris ’82, Ms. Moira Olivetti ’81, and Ms. Mary (Sullivan) Colbert ’77 - for their years of unwavering dedication to Providence Catholic students. As they embarked on their welldeserved retirement this past May, we wished them all the best in their new adventures!
Did you know that Providence Catholic has 27 alumni on staff? (Four are missing from this photo). Having alumni work here provides unique insights and perspectives that can help strengthen the school community and foster a sense of connection and pride among current students. Their personal experiences and successes can serve as inspiration and guidance for the next generation of Celtics.
Providence Catholic is proud to have Mr. Noah Senffner ’14 as the new Director of Alumni! He will collaborate closely with the Advancement Team and our alumni community to create engaging events and opportunities. Congratulations, Noah!
What a legendary night it was at Bishop Kaffer Stadium as the 1994, 2004, and 2014 state championship football teams take to the 50 yard line on Matt Senffner Field to celebrate their 30th, 20th, and 10th anniversaries this past season! The spirit of Celtic pride is alive and well as these champions reunited to honor their incredible achievements on the field.
Celtic Nation never fails to pump up the crowd!
Homecoming at Providence isn't just a celebration for current students - it's a special time for alumni to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about their high school years, and join in the traditions - and the Truth, Unity, and Love - that shaped their lives. Yesterday, at our inaugural Celticfest, alumni spanning decades returned home for an unforgettable evening of fun, camaraderie, and of course, football.
Do you have any Alumni News you'd like to share? Have you recently reached a milestone? Do you have a lifelong dream? Have you won an award? Changed jobs? Moved? If so, please complete the "Alumni News" form, and you can even attach a photo.
December 14 – Breakfast with Santa December 17 – Christmas Mass February 21 – Alumni Trivia Night April 26 – Hall of Fame
Visit the Alumni page at www.providencecatholic.org for more on upcoming events!
REUNIONS
Class reunions are a great way to reunite with high school friends. It’s never too early to start planning. Check out the alumni section on the website for upcoming reunions. Questions? Email the Alumni Office at alumni@providencecatholic.org. Noah Senffner, Director of Alumni, can help you with getting your reunion advertised!
FINE ARTS RECAP
The cast of our fall musical, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, put in some serious work, blocking, singing, and dancing like pros for their performances. We can just hear Schroeder's piano setting the tone! Stay tuned for updates on the spring musical, The Little Mermaid. Follow the PCHS Theatre on Facebook to see more behind the scenes action (near right).
Meanwhile, the Art Club is on fire, creating masterpieces one brushstroke at a time (far right). Art classes are hard at work, too, making masks that represent who they are (top).
The Providence Catholic Marching Celtics finished up a successful competition season with their performance, Scenes From A Park Bench, under the direction of new band director, Michael LaRocha.
The Providence Catholic Color Guard - the Spinning Celtics - along with the Marching Celtics won Best Percussion and took 2nd Place overall at the Prospect Knight of Champions in September.
Sophia Leverett attended the Univeristy of Michigan MPULSE Theatre & Drama Program, Northwestern High School Institute Theatre Arts Division, otherwise known as “Cherubs” this past summer. “I also attended the Musical Theatre Extension. These programs are known for their training! I knew that in order to elevate my level of focus and artistry, I needed to expand my knowledge. I wanted to learn the techniques of professors from around the nation. Different backgrounds lead to complex learning styles and dynamic performances.” In addition to attending some incredible summer theater programs, Sophia has been elected the Co-President for the entire State Thespian Society!
Alumni
Theresa Kelly ’70, sister of Rita (Kelly) Cronin ’67, Paul Kelly ’71, Richard Kelly ’73, John Kelly ’74 and Leo Kelly ’76,
Patrick Wheaton ’83, brother of Timothy Wheaton ’78, Karen (Weaton) Quinn ’79, Daniel Wheaton ’80, Michael Wheaton ’84, Christopher Wheaton ’86, Thomas Wheaton ’85,
Tom Withers ’86, brother of Jeanne (Withers) Lawson ’88 and Steven Withers ’96
Henry Nemanich ’76
Gordon Patterson ’76
Mason Santiago ’23, son of Shannon (Riemer) Santiago ’97
Mary Evelyn Magee-Huth ’77
John Murphy ’83, brother of Robert Murphy ’86
Phillip Murray ’05, brother of Nicole (Murray) Chen ’94, Megan Murray ’06 Francis Murray ’08 and Alana Murray ’11
Kevin O’Hara ’86, brother of William O’Hara ’70 and Eileen Stroud ’81, and the late Thomas O’Hara ’72
Catherine Sefcik ’81, sister of Mary Therese (Sefcik) Maslanka ’75, Ronald Sefcik ’77, Jacqueline (Sefcik) Thompson ’79, Rosanne (Sefcik) Faron ’85 and AnnMarie Sefcik ’89
Parent of Alumni
Michele Klimek, mother of Michael Klimek ’02, Shannon (Klimek) Rogers ’03, Christine (Klimek) Trojan ’06 and Brittany (Klimek) Simunac ’08
Anthony Faut, father of Rachel Faut ’24
Cecilia Wingate, mother of Theresa (Wingate) Clark ’68, Kathleen (Wingate) Peceniak ’70, Michael Wingate ’71, Carol (Wingate) Niemann ’73, Mark Wingate ’74, William Wingate ’79 and Mary (Wingate) Hinchley ’83, grandmother of Melissa (Peceniak) Johnson ’92, Sarah Peceniak ’99, Amy (Peceniak) McDermott ’94, Mark Peceniak ’96, Jessica (Wingate) Arbanas ’07 and Samuel Wingate ’09, mother-in-law to Nancy (Sharpe) Wingate ’76, and the late Robert Wingate ‘75
Parent of Faculty/Staff
Tony Coglianese, father of Mark Coglianese, grandfather to Anthony Coglianese ’04, Mark A. Coglianese ’08 and Amanda (Coglianese) Hunniford ’11
FORMER FACULTY/STAFF
With sadness, we inform you of the death of former Providence Catholic teacher, Mr. Tim Gawla. Mr. Gawla spent his life teaching in Catholic high schools, the majority of which (37 years) were spent at Providence Catholic. He began teaching at Providence in the 1971-1972 school year. Over the years, he served as a faculty member in the Business and Technology Departments, Assistant Dean, Head Dean of Students, Vice Principal, Golf Club Moderator, Assistant Girls Golf Coach and Head Boys/Girls Golf Coach.
“THE
MEASURE OF LOVE IS TO LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE.” ST. AUGUSTINE
LETTER
Warm greetings to the Providence Catholic High School community,
I hope this letter finds you enjoying the new school year and anticipating the growth and learning that is to come. As autumn begins, I am reminded of the blessing and beauty of shifting weather, falling leaves and the intensity of the vivid colors.
During this season of change, we celebrate in a special way our students who faithfully live by the principles of St. Augustine. Our paternal patron lived a life of servitude and scholarship, as many of our Celtics do as well as they give back to our community and focus on academic excellence. The achievements of our students – and Celtic Alumni – honor St. Augustine’s legacy and bring pride to us all. Recently, we celebrated a milestone in athletics: our baseball team claimed the
state championship. This victory is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and teamwork of our students and coaches. It reminds us that excellence in athletics is a powerful complement to the academic and spiritual development that we cultivate. Congratulations to our winning students!
We also use this transitional season to look back on changes to our school throughout our history. We continue to expand our student body and Alumni network, adding new programs and new opportunities for community engagement.
In the pages ahead, you will also have an opportunity to read an annual report that shares highlights of great work and moments of growth in the past year. Together, the Word of God
fills our lives with purpose as we drive forward through this year’s final season.
May God’s blessings provide an abundance and joy throughout this semester,
Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. Prior Provincial of the Midwest Augustinians
AROUND
Cosmetics Club had its second meeting of the year just in time for the Homecoming Dance! Local makeup artist, Julie Munn, visited and gave a fantastic makeup tutorial. Her tips were easy to follow and gave her model, club president Alaina Garrigan, a gorgeous, natural look.
The Counseling Department’s College Visit Series began! Several students visited North Central College to explore the possibility of becoming a Cardinal. Visit us on social for more college visits and opportunities to explore local trades.
Homecoming wouldn't be complete without the annual assembly, the crowning of the king and queen, and of course, a little help from the dance and cheerleading families with decorating the school! Drumroll, please... This year’s royalty includes king Jimmy Piko and queen Ella Kucala!
Homecoming Week came with some fun dress down days, ending in spirit wear on Friday.
Ms. Sanchez’s Spanish classes had a fiesta of flavor, tasting a variety of delicious Hispanic foods.
Celtic Unity Day for freshmen and sophomores was a beautiful reminder of the importance of self-discovery, building connections with our peers, and embracing the values of Truth, Unity, and Love. Together, we can create a strong Celtic community.
On September 10, the volleyball team gave a big thank you to our amazing teachers at the varsity girls volleyball game for Teacher Appreciation Night!
If you keep your grades up and listen in study hall, Mrs. Harris might give you a little free time to play virtual golf with the Oculus! Talk about a hole in one!
It was a sweet reunion as the Baking Club held their first meeting of the year.
In the INCubatoredu entrepreneurship class, our year-long mentor volunteers finally met our students during a dynamic "speed meet" activity. Each student team presented a cover letter and individual resumes to the mentors, sparking some great conversations.
Augustinian Youth Ministry (AYM) hosted a drive for Undy Sunday in collaboration with Catholic Charities of Joliet. Many lowincome families and senior citizens struggle to afford basic necessities like underwear.
Thank you to St. Mary Catholic School Mokena, St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic School, and St. Joseph Grade School for sharing their talents with us at our Articulation Roundtable. We are proud to be partners in Catholic education with you!
What a fantastic time at Providence Catholic fall clinics! These grade school baseball stars took to the field, soaking up skills and wisdom from the 2024 state champion Celtics.
The Coding Club rolled up their sleeves and dove into their latest projects.
Congratulations to all the Students of the Month at Providence Catholic! These events are an incredible morning celebrating these students along with their teachers and families.
Senior volleyball players Sean Dovin, Jackson Fowler, and Hayden Hill pitched in as volunteer assistant coaches for the 6th and 7th grade girls volleyball team at Noonan Academy in Mokena.
Father Rich Young and Brother David Relstab matched for Same or Fame day of Homecoming Week!
The Varsity Hockey team served with The Firehouse Chapel and filled 89 food boxes for Boxes of Hope that will provide nourishment for 249 children in the community.
11 12 13 14 15 16
The Marching Celtics hosted the 11th Annual PC Marching Invitational. Fourteen outstanding local marching bands participated, along with the Cornerstone Special Needs Drumline, which performed as an exhibition band.
A group of Providence Catholic juniors, including America Lopez, Syd Hultsch, Delaney Johnson, Ava Ostrowski, Jenna Chetnik, and Siena Adducci, made a meaningful impact by participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk alongside their moms.
It was a fun-filled Girls Night Out at Junior High Night as junior high students came to craft and cheer on the volleyball team!
FOUREAGLESCOUTS
At Providence Catholic, a remarkable bond of achievement quietly threads through the lives of these four dedicated staff members. Each day, they focus on the education and well-being of students, demonstrating some of the incredible and personal skills they learned on their journey to becoming Eagle Scouts. This prestigious rank, achieved by less than 5% of those who embark on the journey, stands as a testament to their leadership, perseverance, and dedication—qualities they now infuse into their roles at Providence. They are Mr. Dan Potempa, Mr. Jim Peltzer, Mr. Anthony Nuccio, and Bro. David Relstab.
The Harvest Drive Directory is online! Be sure to visit the directory when searching for a vendor or company for anything from realtors to restaurants and more! These businesses have generously supported the Harvest Drive Fundraiser, so let's support them in return.
Support the Harvest Drive by contacting the Office of Advancement at (815) 7173164.
Go to providencecatholic.org
Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage OR go to the the main menu then Support PCHS<Harvest Drive
Click on it to search for a company or category!
UPWARD
In addition to the campus buildings and facilities growing, so are our academic programs! We have dual credit classes, AP classes, and have added important electives like the INCubatoredu program, the Sports Officiating class, and many technology options like:
ROBOTICS:
At Providence Catholic High School, the robotics class offers students an engaging, challenge-based curriculum that immerses them in the engineering design process. Through this hands-on learning experience, students identify problems and progress through cycles of designing, building, and programming robots for in-class competitions.
“The course begins with foundational lessons in mechanics, wiring, and programming using a robotics kit,” says teacher Bro. David Relstab. “As students advance, they build on their knowledge to develop more complex robots, tackling a variety of projects and challenges.” This curriculum not only enhances their technical skills but also highlights the relevance of robotics concepts across various fields, including manufacturing, autonomous vehicles, transportation, and artificial intelligence.
“Collaboration is key in this classroom,” adds Bro. Relstab.
“Students work in small groups, fostering teamwork and effective communication as they navigate challenges together. This approach not only prepares them for engineering but also provides a dynamic learning environment where they can engage with hands-on projects, moving beyond traditional desk-based learning.”
The integration of disciplines such as mechanics, electricity, and programming demonstrates how interconnected these fields are. Just as industries rely on professionals who can recognize these connections, students learn to approach problems with a holistic perspective, aiming for innovative solutions that enhance quality of life.
Senior Richie Shirley notes, “There definitely were some challenges, but
3D Printing Real-World Application of Engineering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Digital Media & Web Design Robotics AP Computer Science Principles Coding
figuring out the build and then reconfiguring to solve any problems we encounter has been fun.”
Sophomore Tate Pietrzyk adds, “We’re learning about how drive systems, gear systems, and gear ratios work. We’re learning about engineering and how to work in a group, which is really important. You have to work together well to succeed in the build competitions.”
Overall, the robotics class at Providence Catholic High School is a remarkable introduction to engineering, equipping students with valuable skills for their future endeavors.
HAPPY50TH to the band
Founders’ daughter shares about its inception…
“My name is Diane Caneva and I’m a Class of ’78 alumna. My father, Ernie Caneva, started the band at Providence. He had been the band director at Lockport High School for 40 years, retiring after the 71-72 school year. Fr. Kaffer heard about his retirement and appeared at our home to ask Dad if he would be interested in starting a band at Providence – as an unpaid position. For some reason Dad agreed, and somehow or another convinced my mom, Lillian Caneva, to take over direction of the choir. For quite a few years they essentially WERE the Music Department.
Despite all my siblings having attended Lockport High School, I was drafted to attend Providence so I could play clarinet in the band and accompany the choir on the piano. I’m not sure how long my parents remained there; I think Dad stayed for around 8 years and my mom several years longer (she also taught Junior English).
When I saw that a new sound system was needed for the music department, I thought it would be a nice remembrance to make the gift in my parents’ names. I think my folks would have liked my providing this.
Best wishes for a successful 24-25 school year!”
Thank you to the Caneva family for establishing our excellence in music. We will continue to honor your legacy!
Photos include original handwritten score of our
OPENINGDOORS
“This summer, I attended an aerospace engineering camp at UIUC, eager to explore a career in nuclear research. The experience confirmed my passion for the field through engaging lectures and hands-on exposure in research labs. I particularly enjoyed seeing the labs up close and discussing hydrogen retention in titanium with an undergraduate, which deepened my interest in materials science. The insights I gained about the subject and potential career paths were invaluable, and while I can't attend more camps, I highly recommend this opportunity to any high school students interested in nuclear research.” - Ema Szum (senior)
“I spent a week at ARCON Associates, where each day offered new experiences: a site visit to a building, learning about commercial roofing, exploring interior design, seeing how they photograph projects, and observing drone use for roof inspections. My interest in architecture stems from my love of creativity and design, and my math skills have solidified my desire to pursue this field. I'm excited to see the schools I visited last summer come to life!” - Sydney Duffy (senior)
SPORTS
NEWSPORTSOFFICIATING CLASSATPROVIDENCEAIMSTO HELPSTUDENTSEARNIHSA CERTIFICATIONWHILEINHIGH SCHOOL
Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) is adding to an already dynamic curriculum with a new elective course for juniors and seniors: Sports Officiating. Beginning this fall, this innovative class offers students a unique opportunity to gain the skills and certification necessary to become a certified Illinois High School Association (IHSA) official. The purpose of the IHSA is to provide leadership for the development, supervision and promotion of good sportsmanship in interscholastic competition and other activities for participating high schools in Illinois.
“Sports Officiating is more than just a class; it’s a gateway to understanding the game from a different perspective,” says Mr. Kevin Kozan, the course instructor. “Students will delve into the rules and nuances of sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, wrestling, baseball, and softball. They will not only learn the IHSA rules but also develop crucial skills such as assertiveness, self-confidence, and conflict resolution. Upon successful completion, students will earn the certification needed to officiate at the youth level, providing them with valuable summer job opportunities. Everyone wins.”
The course curriculum is designed to align with the “in season” sport each semester.
By utilizing IHSA rule books, students will gain comprehensive knowledge as well as hands-on experience in officiating. “Students interested in additional certifications can also take the course for duplicate credit. I’m genuinely excited for our inaugural year and eager to see our students excel,” added Kozan.
Students will take part in activities including studying game films to understand the multifaceted responsibilities of an official, mastering key aspects such as positioning, movement, and the diverse decisions required during games. Students will visit fields and courts to practice proper placement and movement, ensuring they can execute their roles with precision and confidence.
This initiative not only enhances students’ understanding of sports but also prepares them to contribute effectively to athletic events, fostering a deeper appreciation for the game and the officials who make it all possible.
Grace Lustig, a junior at PCHS and a varsity volleyball player, is taking the course during its inaugural semester. She says, “I am excited about learning what officials look for in games, and being able to teach others how to play effectively!”
This course not only enhances their understanding of sports but also fosters essential life skills. We are proud to offer a program that supports both personal and professional growth, and we look forward to the impact it will have on our students.”
Principal Mr. Paul Houston highlights the significance of this new offering:
“Introducing the Sports Officiating elective is a testament to Providence Catholic’s commitment to providing diverse and enriching opportunities for our students.
For more information about the Sports Officiating course or to learn about other educational opportunities at Providence Catholic, please visit our website or contact our admissions office.
We couldn't have done it without your generous Thank you to all our donors and volunteers.
support.
“In order to discover the character of a community, we have only to observe what they love.”
St. Augustine, City of
God, 19:24
As people of faith, we love the Lord above all. We love Mary, the mother of our Lord. We love our Church and our neighbor, and face daily obstacles in an imperfect world. In these shared loves and challenges, we are united across borders and cultures.
What do you LOVE?
At Providence Catholic High School (PCHS), we love competition, as proven in our latest state championship in baseball, and the chance to showcase our many talents, evident in our consistent academic achievements. We love service and receiving the fruits of the Holy Spirit as a result. We love the Truth we find in our activities and education steeped in Augustinian values.
What do you LOVE?
I love my family. My husband who is my best friend, my son who is my daily joy, my parents who set me up for success in its truest form, my brother who graduates PCHS this year (hi Luke!), my relatives and in-laws who build me up with encouragement and challenge me with conversation. I love my friends, who support me and laugh with me and remind me what not to take for granted. All the blessings in my life flow from the love I share with those I treasure.
What do you LOVE about Providence?
I love what my PCHS experience did for me. Now, I want to know about yours. If you had a heavy cross to bear, did members of the Providence community help you endure? Did you discover and grow one of your talents on our campus? Did you reinforce your faith or find God on Kairos or during all-school Mass? Did you meet your spouse, best friend, or mentor in our halls? Please share using the QR code to the left.
Share your story here!
I know that if you love Providence, you have a character rooted in Truth, Unity, and, of course, Love. The individuals and families listed on the next few pages are able to demonstrate that character through financial support. Please join me in saying a prayer of gratitude for their sacrifices, for their intentions, and consider joining them in their support of our school’s mission. There are many ways to do this – pray, volunteer, donate, or spread the word of the good we accomplish!
Thank you all for your contributions to the Celtic community.
In Truth, Unity, & Love, Celine (Stroup) Pierce, ‘17
P. S. Our giving societies have new benefits! Check them out online!
PCHS ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2023JUNE 30, 2024
SUPPORT AND REVENUE
Student Income
Bookstore, Bus, Cafeteria
Advancement/Grants & Aid
Harvest Drive
Athletic Income
Interest Income
Activity/Other Income
Parent Club Income
Total Income
EXPENSES
Instruction
Bookstore, Bus, Cafeteria
Employee Benefits
Administration
Plant Maintenance & Operation
Athletic Expenses
Scholarships, Grants & Aid
Advancement/Marketing
Capital Improvements/Depreciation
Student Activities
Religious & Pastoral Expenses
Total Expenses
Results of Operation
Notes:
$12,259,277 $672,295 $857,301 $310,352 $866,578 453,929 107,370 see note $15,527,102
$4,749,146
·Unrealized gain or (loss) on investments of $ 278,369 is not included above.
·Parent Club income of $ 96,500 was donated to the Celtic Campaign of Champions.
·Campaign of Champions donations not included in revenue as they are dedicated exclusively to funding capital improvements.
“Giving to the St. Monica Fund offers a tangible opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the Augustinian values of Truth, Unity and Love. As a family of alumni donating to the St. Monica Fund allows others the opportunity to experience the impact a Providence education provides not just during the four years of high school, but for a lifetime.”
- John Behringer, St. Monica Fund Donor
LEADERSHIP: 2023-2024
Administration
President: Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A.
Principal: Mr. Paul Houston
Dean of Students: Mr. Keith Healy
Advancement Director: Mr. Steve Cardamone
Counseling Director: Ms. Huda Hamdan
Athletic Director: Mr. Doug Ternik ’89
Technology Director: Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti
Faculty & Augustinian Representative: Rev. Richard Young, O.S.A.
Department Chairpersons
English: Mrs. Mary Beth Harris ’82
Fine Arts: Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti
Mathematics: Mrs. Jamie Walker
Science: Mr. Michael Stenoish
Physical Education: Mr. Keith Healy
Social Science: Mr. Josh Ditzler ’99
Computer Science and Applications: Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti
Theology Rev. Richard Young, O.S.A
World Language: Mrs. Lara DeVries
advisory board
Mrs. Hidali Alejo
Mr. Ed Barrett
Mr. Ken Cicirale
Mr. Chuck Engvall
Mrs. Jayne Garrigan
Mrs. Kristine Hill
Mr. Paul Houston, Principal
Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Ophelia Leverett
Mr. Brian Masterson ’84
Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A., President
Dr. Lenell Navarre
Mr. Ed Olszta ’97
Mrs. Amy Piazza
Mr. Al Pintoy
Mr. Brian Schroeder
Mr. Marc Senffner ’86
Mrs. Carrie Sincak ’93
Advancement Council
Mr. Ed Barrett
Mr. Jay Hamilton
Mr. Dan Horn ’77
Mr. Luke Ivers
Mr. Rob Martin
Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A.
Mr. Steve Morrissette ’79
Mrs. Meredith Spesia
Mr. Doug Ternik ’89
Mrs. Shannon Withers ’95
Finance Committee
Mr. John Airola ’84
Mr. Jeff Arseneau
Mr. Ed Barrett
Ms. MaryBeth Carroll
Mr. Chuck Engvall
Mr. Paul Houston
Mr. Frank Jurmann
Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A.
Mr. Steve Morrissette ’79
Mr. Paul Slade
Rev. Rich Young
Buildings & Grounds Committee
Mr. Chris Adler
Mr. Luigi Alberico
Mr. Ed Barrett
Mr. Jacob Been
Mr. Bruce Burns
Ms. Mary Beth Carroll
Mr. Bill Cullen
Mr. Chris Davis
Mr. Jim Domzal
Mr. Mark Duffy ’90
Mr. Chuck Engvall
Mr. Dean Forbes
Mrs. Rosanne Grigoletti
Mr. Tim Hayes ’84
Mr. Ryan Hill ’97
Mr. Paul Janik
Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A., President
Mr. Ron Plantz
Mr. Sam Scapellato
Mr. Doug Ternik ’89
Mr. Brian Ward
Fr. Rich Young, O.S.A.
celtic campaign of champions Steering Committee
Mr. Ed Barrett
Mr. Ken Cicirale
Mr. Mark Coglianese
Mr. Tim and Mrs. Kim Dee
Mr. Dean Forbes
Mr. Jay and Mrs. Tracy Hamilton
Mr. Kevin and Mrs. Colleen Houlihan
Mrs. Susan King
Mr. Joel and Mrs. Holly McCallister
Mr. William McDermott '98
Rev. John Merkelis, O.S.A.
Mr. Chris and Mrs. Holly Pignotti
Mr. Al and Mrs. Stephanie Pintoy
Mr. Tyler Plantz ’10
Mr. Kenneth Raymond
Mr. Mark Smith ’88
Mr. Doug Ternik ’89
Dr. James and Dori Tess
Mr. John ’91 and Mrs. Michelle ’92 Ward
PROVIDENCE LEGACY SOCIETY
The Providence Legacy Society includes generous benefactors who have indicated a gift to Providence Catholic in their estate plans by way of a will, charitable remainder trust, gift annuity, life insurance policy, or other means of a planned gift. By remembering Providence Catholic in this way, alumni, parents, and friends are able to become perpetual partners with the school that has served students for so many decades.
Cary Czichon, Ph.D. ’72
Dave and Charlie Kaminski
Dennis Hildebrand
Estate of “Bitz” and Dorothy Brown+
Estate of Anna V. Johnson †
Estate of Bernadine (Moran) Worland ’49 †
Estate of Beverly Welsch †
Estate of Bradley Swanson †
Estate of Charles and Loretta Murphy †
Estate of Dorothy Shukley ’30 †
Estate of Fr. Leonard Guz †
Estate of Gordon Michels †
Estate of Hazeldean (Shepley) Trussa ’36 †
Estate of John and Annette Gill †
Estate of Ley Family Foundation †
Estate of Lillian Tunze †
Estate of Lois G. (Fox) Orlovich ’46 †
Estate of Mynne K. Schmidt †
Estate of Raymond F. Stoiber
Estate of Val and Sue Mores †
James and Paulette Domzal
John and Mary Brosius
John Sosnowski
Larry Viano
Leo and Judy Wrona
Lois Barbara (Kestel) Satrun ’67
Margaret and William Benoit
Michael Bennitt ’84
Regina (Piazza) Block ’74 & George Block
Robert Davis
Ronald Wozniak Sr.
Sister Lois Ann Stoiber, S. P. ’45 †
Stephen and Miki Jarvie
Vince Ambrose ’13
William F. Bevan†
PLANNED GIFTS
Planned gifts are always a great strategy for maximizing future gifts, offering many tax benefits for both you and your family and of course, are absolutely uncomfortable to talk about. Look at it this way, many of us spend time being the best person that we can be, being faithful Christians or religious so we can enjoy the first fruits of going to God. Planned giving is just one more piece to that puzzle: helping others with the gifts that we have been given.
Planned gifts are vital to the future success of Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) because they provide funding that ensures that the school can continue to offer a high-quality education, steeped in Truth, Unity and Love. All of us can relate to changing technologies, inflation and uncertainty in the world. Planned gifts ensure that PCHS can continue to provide our students with world class opportunities, regardless of what lies ahead.
A Secure Financial Future for You and Providence Catholic
Benefits of Planned Giving:
Meaningful Legacy: Ensure your generosity continues to impact future generations of Celtics
Secure Income Stream: Create a reliable income source for yourself or your family
Tax Advantages: Potentially reduce your income and estate taxes
Peace of Mind: Know that you've provided for your family and supported Providence Catholic's mission
Planned Gift Options:
Bequests: A gift from your estate
Cash Value Insurance: Designate Providence Catholic as a beneficiary
Charitable Remainder Trusts: Receive income for life and then transfer the remaining assets to the school
Qualified Retirement Plans: Name Providence Catholic as a beneficiary
Specific Gift Language:
To make a specific bequest, you can use the following language in your will or trust:
I give and devise to Providence Catholic High School located in New Lenox, 60451, the sum of $__________ (or asset) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific fund or program).
By planning a gift to Providence Catholic, you're not just making a donation; you're investing in future Celtics. Because Truth, Unity and Love are not just needed now, they are core values needed to our families in the future. If you have not considered it in the past, now is the time.
Accepting gifts of stock!
Providence Catholic High School is proud to partner with Atlas Wealth Management (https://www.atlaswm.com) in Frankfort, IL. Founder and wealth advisor, Steven Swanson, CFP is the parent of Madison Swanson, PCHS graduate of 2023.
Benefits of Donating Stock:
Maximize Tax Deductions: Donating appreciated stock can provide a significant tax deduction
Avoid Capital Gains Tax: By donating appreciated stock, you can avoid paying capital gains tax Simple and Efficient: Donating stock is a straightforward process that can be completed through your brokerage firm.
Contact Steve Cardamone today for details on supporting or core values of Truth, Unity and Love at 815-717-3164.
NAMED ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Providence Catholic is grateful to those who have wisely chosen to establish endowed funds for scholarships. Earnings from the investments are used to address the specific needs identified by the donor while retaining the corpus in perpetuity. Currently our named scholarship funds include:
Alumni Class Scholarships are endowed for the classes of:
Class of 1984, Class of 2010, Class of 2011, Class of 2012, Class of 2013, Class of 2014, Class of 2015, Class of 2016, Class of 2017, Class of 2018, Class of 2019, Class of 2020; Class of 2021; Class of 2022; Class of 2023, Class of 2024
Cheryl (Zdziarski) Allen Memorial Scholarship
William Ball Memorial Scholarship
Rick Baranak ’72 Memorial Scholarship
Jason Brenski Memorial Scholarship
The Cleveland Family Scholarship Fund
Craughwell Endowment
Mary Fran and Tom Dedin Endowed Scholarship
Ralph Dralle Memorial Scholarship
Faculty Endowment Fund
David Follenweider Memorial Scholarship
Joseph Galli Memorial Scholarship
Stanley and Adele Guz Memorial Scholarship
Billy Hultgen Memorial Scholarship
Kairos Endowment
Arthur & Kathryn Kennedy Memorial Scholarship
Pam Kettwig Memorial Scholarship
Louis Kocsis Memorial Scholarship
Eric Krall Memorial Scholarship
Ley Family Memorial Endowment
Emily McCabe Memorial Scholarship
Margaret McCormick Endowment Fund
Richard Sr. and Victoria McGrath NeedBased Aid Endowment
Charles E. Murphy Memorial Scholarship
Ronald Rob Memorial Scholarship
Marie Osborne Memorial Scholarship
Mr.& Mrs. Frederick W. Schmidt Sr. & Mynne Kuhn Scholarship
Charles Sharp Memorial Scholarship
Lillian M. Tunze Endowment
Scholarship
Turk Family Endowment
Scott Whisson Memorial Scholarship
Kristen Zastro Scholarship
COR UNUM SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
These endowed scholarship funds were established in honor of the recipients of the school’s highest honor, the Cor Unum Award. The recipients of this award have demonstrated oneness in ministry, mission and family in their extraordinary service to Providence Catholic, the Church or the community. Currently our named Cor Unum scholarship funds include:
Jeff and Debby Arseneau
Augustinians of The Midwest Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel
Thomas and Marta Bennett
Ted ‘76 and Norma ’78 Berman
LaVerne “Bitz” and Dorothy “Dottie” Brown
Bruce and Karen Burns
Ben and Helen Cabay
John and Jeanette D’Arcy
Kevin and Christine Doyle
Chuck and Pat Engvall
Bill and Reneé Farrell
Mike and Mary Grady
Tim ’84 and Julie ’87 Hayes
Dan ’77 and Karen Horn
Mike and Denise Huguelet
Frank and Janet ’66 Jurmann
Bishop Roger Kaffer
Dave and Charlie Kaminski
Robert and Mary Ann Kaminski
Kazma Family Foundation
Wayne and Barbara Klasing
Bob and Rosemary Leonard
Bob and Lisa Marth
Rob and Laura Martin
Tim and Meg McCabe
Bill and Maggie McEnery
Phill and Joan Meegan
Steve ’79 and Maureen Morrissette
Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana
Scott ’67 and Mary Beth ’69 Reiter
Don “Buck” and Joyce Reynolds Family
Dan and Betty Ruettiger
Philip and Barbara Salvador
Eric ‘98 and Carrie Steinbach
Beverly Welsch
Leo and Judy Wrona
The Don and Nancy Duffy Family
Luke and Mary Jo Ivers
Kenneth “Kenny” Raymond
Paul and Carla Janik
Kevin and Colleen Houlihan
Lucy (Mores) Pomykala ’68
In a gathering this past spring, Ms. Leigh-Anne Kazma visited Providence for a luncheon alongside the Kazma Scholars. Providence Catholic was also honored to take part in the Kazma Mass officiated by Bishop Hicks and concelebrated by Fr. John Merkelis in August. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Kazma Family Foundation for their unwavering dedication to Catholic Education at PCHS and across the Diocese of Joliet!
Each year, we encounter a financial gap, as tuition payments cover only 75% of our operating costs. We bridge this gap with contributions to the annual fund. Your gift can truly make a difference for our students. Thank you for your generosity, and God bless!
NAMED ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Providence Catholic is grateful to those who offer scholarship funding each year to PCHS students. The named scholarships include:
The Cicirale Family Scholarship
Diocese of Joliet Council of Catholic Women
Emily McCabe Scholarship
Empower Ilinois - Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship
Irish Fellowship Educational and Cultural Foundation
Kaminski Family Foundation Scholarships
Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship
Knights of Columbus #10926
The Michael Langlois Scholarship
Mary A. Leiser Memorial Scholarship administered by the Simenc Family
Mike McHugh Memorial Scholarship
Mary Ann McIsaac Scholarship
Mendel Alumni Scholarship
Mokena Women's Club
Lou Patras Scholarship
Saint Jude Parish, New Lenox
Saint Mary Parish, Mokena
Saint Michael, Orland Park
Sullivan Family Scholarship
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
Wagner Family Scholarship
Larry Walsh Memorial Scholarship
Arthur A. Zervos '09 Scholarship
DONOR GIVING SOCIETIES FOR ANNUAL FUND AND CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
Members of our giving societies donate to the operations of our school through the Annual Appeal. Thank you to each and every daily lives of our students! To learn more about the benefits of joining our giving societies, visit providencecatholic.org/su Annual Report of Donors recognizes the alumni, parents, and friends that have invested financial support in Providence Catholi 2023 through June 30, 2024.
St. Augustine Giving Society $10,000+
John ’94 and Jill Behringer
Margaret and William Benoit
Steven Feigl
Bill ’96 and Karen (King) Grogan ’96
Tim ’84 and Julie (Ludwig) ’87 Hayes
William Hough and Patricia McHenry
Paul and Deborah Jackson
David and Charlie Kaminski
Mary Ann Kaminski
Leigh-Anne Kazma
Gerald and Margaret Kazma
Wayne and Barbara Klasing
Philip and Mary Krall
Len and Lyn McEnery
Thomas and Rosemary Muldowney
John and Beth Potocsnak
Marty and Sheila Saele
Charles and Kathleen Sharp
Russ and Dawn Smyth
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL GIVING SOCIETY $5,000-9,999
Mary Lynn Behringer
David and Colleen Brown
Thomas Cantwell and Barbara Bevan
Shawn and Jessica Connors
Patrick Fox ’76
Peter and Lisa Gilles
Patricia Harris-Tubbs
Daniel ’77 and Karen Horn
Maximino and Anne Hurtado
Frank and Janet ’66 (Cullen) Jurmann
The McAllister Family
Thomas and Annette Morrison
Mark and Doris Santschi
Richard and Marian Schouten
Edward and Tara Vrdolyak
Wagner Family
Frank and Jennifer Wajda
ST. CLARE MONTEFALCO GIVING SOCIETY
$2,500-4,999
Antonio and Hidali Alejo
Tom ’67 and Barb (Ardaugh) Bolek ’67
Bob Bourne ’67 and Joan Grabenstetter
Luke ’94 and Jill Duffy
Ms. Emma E. Griffiths ’15
Ryan Meegan ’03
Frank and Margaret Palmasani
Robert and Catherine Bonzani
Stephen and Sarah Wirth
WHENSTUDENTS
St. Nicholas Tolentine Giving Society
$500-2,499
Jeff and Debby Arseneau
Katherine and William Ball
Linda Barr
Steve Barrett ’74
Dan ’05 and Brett (Harton) Blabas ’05
Tom ’99 and Molly (Reiter) Boland ’99
Bonnie Brenski
Joseph and Christine Burla
Diane Caneva ’78
Steve and Corina ( Burla) Cardamone ’91
MaryBeth Carroll
Ms. Carrie L. Cicirale ’13
Kenneth and Tracey Cicirale
Gary Colabuono
Sean and Eileen Crean
Mike and Barb DeMent
Beth (Cwikla) Dlutowski ’82 and John Dlutowski
Jim and Paulette Domzal
Michael and Kathleen Dorning
Nancy J. Duffy
Don and Nancy Duffy
James and Renee Dykas
Robert Flavin
Cheryl Garetto
Tim Garvin Family
Bill ’69 and Peggy Gerard
Cristina Gonzalez ’70
Sarah Grady ’92 and Subba Sama
Michael and Mary Grady
Greg ’87 and Peggy (Walsh) Grill ’87
Kurt and Kim Hartman
Matt and Stephanie Healy
Hank and Kathy Hines
Harry and Arlene Hoff
James and Tina Holba
Luke and Mary Jo Ivers
Scott ’97 and Mary Janik
Brett and Laura Johnson
Patrick and Kathleen Jones
Thomas and Maureen King
Jonathon and Terri Konow
Edward and Karen Marie Kozol
Robert and Colleen Krol
Michael ’93 and Tricia Kruchten
Mrs. Catherine Langlois
Judy Legan
Mike and Paula Lenart
Ronald and Donna Likovic
Kevin and Christine Lynch Family
Bob and Lisa Marth
Rob and Laura Martin
Brian Masterson ’84
Philip and Julie Matton
Craig and Karin McCutcheon
Mary McHugh
Jay and Kristy Mikulski
Salvatore Mori
Mary Nassar
Brian and Marie Parker
John and Rosemary O'Reilly
John Osborne
Jason and Jill Ostby
Brian and Marie Parker
Scott and Maria Perme
Bob ’84 and Annie Persicketti
Eric and Kathy Peterson
Ryan and Jessica Petrow
Ronald and Laura Plantz
Ken Raymond
Roseanne Rega
Michael ’94 and Meredith Reiter
Joyce Reynolds
Alexander and Janet Ripp
Kevin ’87 and Amy Saunders
Leonard and Colette Schrank
Bill ’74 and Mary Schubert
Arthur Sebek
Mr. and Mrs. John Serafini
Paul and Margaret Slade
John and Denise Slepski
Art and Dianna Smoljan
Andrew Stevens ’08
Mark and Gail Stevens
Travis ’92 and Valerie (Olenek) Stoub ’92
Harold and Renee Streicher
Ray and Michelle Sullivan
Thomas and Cynthia Summers
Dr. Jennifer Switak ’96
Thomas and Kristi Szum
Annemarie Thomas ’04
Kevin ’85 and Margo Timm
Victoria Trahey ’11
John and Kathleen Trainor
Mr. and Mrs. Turkowski
Cynthia Vernon
James and Teresa Whisson
Mrs. Judy Wrona
Gus and Melissa Xydakis
Joseph Zdziarski ’70
Anthony and Pamela Zervos
“We discovered Young Hearts for Life (YH4L) online, motivated by our family's history of heart issues, including our dad's need for a pacemaker. Excited by YH4L's initiative to provide free ECGs at Providence, we actively participated in their annual 5k fundraiser in June, helping raise over $50,000 for ECG screenings in underserved schools and other vital programs. Additionally, we organized a dress-down day, raising over $1,000. Joining the YH4L Junior Board has been rewarding, connecting us with 73 students from 18 high schools and allowing us to raise awareness about Sudden Cardiac Death. This experience has empowered us to step outside our comfort zones, make a meaningful impact, and forge lasting friendships.“ - Madilyn (senior) and Cole (junior) Hagwell
Sts. Alypius and Possidius Giving Society
$100-499
The Alfirevich Family, John and Christine, John ’16, Olivia ’18 and Joe ’20
Garold and Karen Allen
Keith and Jennifer (Mosses) Andrews ’94
Matthew and Patricia Arena
Bob and Sandy Arthurs
Brock and Florence Austrums
Thomas Banas ’92
Robert ’86 and Maeline Barnstable
Edward and Cheri Barrett
Gail Bauer
Kurt and Rachel Bednar
Mary Lynn Behringer
Bill Berman
Scott and Christine Blake
Charles and Patricia Blatti
Ms. Mary Ann Block
Regina (Piazza) ’74 Block and George Block
James Boban ’79
Brian Boland
Drs. Ronald and Sheila Bonaguro
Bob Boros
Theodore and Adrienne Brasky
Tony Showers and Lauren (Brasky) Showers ’86
John and Mary Sue Brosius
Henry and Sandy Burla
Sandy and Don Carlson
Michael and Kelly Carroll
Scott ’01 and Jamie Cassidy
David and Christina Charnot
Gina (Bobber) Clapp '88
The Cleveland Family
Mike and Anne Connor
Greg and Darlene Conrad
Jack and Tammy Costello
Nicole (Raymond) Cox ’95 and Jim Cox
Ed and Carol Day
Thomas Dedin
Michael and Karen DeFilippis
Jack ’79 and Tonia Devine
Jim and Maureen Dillon
Kelly (McEnery) Donlevy ’90 and Michael Donlevy
Timothy and Renee' Doughney
Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Doyle
Kevin and Christine Doyle
Mark ’90 and Pam Duffy
Henry and Janice Eisses
Gayle Esarove
Janet Barker-Evans ’85 and Jim Evans
Christopher Glynn
John and Sherrill Gray
Bob and Janet Griffiths
Rosanne and Jeffrey Grigoletti
Stephanie (Joutras) Gross ’00 and Jay Gross
Emery and Marlene Gura
Judith (Lehmann) ’57 Hammel and Neal Hammel
Bill and Maureen Harton
James and Madonna Healy
David and Carleen (McGrath) Hilty ’82
Mark and Ester Houlihan
William ’69 and Elizabeth Housing
Philip and Joan Hultgen
Jim and Jamilah Huyer
Thomas and Geanna Iaquinta
Peggy (Devine) Idstein ’71 and Gerard Idstein
Luke and Mary Jo Ivers
Paul and Carla Janik
Mr. and Mrs. John F. Janiszewski
Patricia (Legan) Jaskowiak '52
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Daniel Joyce
Henry and Lizette Kalis
Charles and Barbara Kansler
Raymond and Catherine Kay
Michael and Carol Kelly
Tom and Dolores Kennedy
Barbara (Kestel) Satrun ’67 and Eugene A. Satrun
Andrew and Susan King
Anthony and Ann King
Daniel Kinmonth ’86
Phil and Debbie Koth
John and Marion Kramer
Thomas and Arlene Kramer
Marilyn (Kohlbrecher) Kranz ’66 and Michael Kranz
Brett ’00 and Hannah Krapil
Daniel Krzysciak ’77
Edward and Christine Labuda & Family
Steven and Carla Lebre
Thomas and Donna Lenahan
John C. and Patricia A. Lisicich
Doris (McDermott) Lonergan '67
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Lynch
Gerald and Judith Maier
Darlene Marasco
Joel Martis ’75
Brian Masterson ’84
Philip and Julie Matton
Mr. and Mrs. James H. McGowan III
Brendan ’03 and Colleen McHugh
Robert and Barbara McNellis
Phill and Joan Meegan
Thomas and Beverly (Kessler) Meyer ’61
Lynn and Tom Murray
John and Colleen Naughton
Thomas and Mary Nielsen
John (Jack) Nugent ’70
Margaret O'Brien ’07
Jim and Linda Ogurek
Brendan and Nancy O'Hara
Kevin and Angie Oliver
Moira Olivetti ’81
Joseph ’79 and Mary Lynn (Reynolds) Olszta ’80
Richard Oosterbaan
Janet Osuch ’66
Holly (Kehlenbach) Ozbolt ’66 and Jay Ozbolt
Frank and Margaret Palmasani
Jim and Lori Paruszkiewicz
Angela Pascente ’90
Margarita Peltzer
Chris Penwitt
June Persicketti
Nikola and Marija Pervan
Sally Petersen
Peter and Mary Ann Piet
Jim and Susie Piko
Gena (Masterson) Pilon ’86
Ronald Pilon ’86
Annette Pletcher
Patrick ’72 and Doreen Polcyn
James and Margaret Polo
Joseph ’66 and Lucy (Mores) Pomykala ’68
Stan Potempa
Lawrence and Laurie Pottorff
Joseph ’72 and Jean (Schubert) Prieboy ’73
Brian Quigley ’93
Marissa Rahmann
James Raymond ’91
Eileen Redican
Roseanne Rega
Mary Beth (Devine) Reiter ’69
Mary Catherine Reynolds
Michael Roach ’88
Thomas and Eileen Roe
Daniel and Elise Rogers
“I participated in a mission trip to Kansas City with Catholic Heart Work Camp through my parish, St. Francis, after hearing about it from Fr. Jay. This experience allowed me to help an elderly woman with much-needed home renovations while growing closer to God. Over five days, I worked with a group of teens from across the country, and my favorite moments included witnessing the woman's gratitude and reflecting on my experiences. The trip taught me to appreciate what I have and demonstrated how even small efforts can make a significant impact. Having attended two mission trips, I highly recommend them to other teens for their lifechanging experiences and insights into the needs of others.” - Delaney Johnson (junior)
Hans ’04 and Molly (Duffy) Schulte ’04
Lauren (Cramer) Schumacher ’98 and Luke Schumacher
Matthew and Wanda Senffner
Emily Sheehy and Ryan Kelsey
Thomas and Allyson Shepherd
Scott and Karen Shinners
Mark '88 and Jennifer Smith
Mrs. Carol Zdziarski-Snikeris ’74
Mariano and Katrina Sori-Marin
Peter and Kathleen Staley
Blair Stilling
Norman Stoiber ’69
Marlene and Leonard Sturdy
Tracy Sullivan
Bob and Chris Swiatkowski
David '00 and Julie (Reynolds) Szafranski ’00
Dave and Nancy Takashima
Arvind and Cynthia Talwar & Eric ’08, Jessica ’14
Jim '76 and Cindy (Mackey) Thomas ’79
Sean Treacy
Michael Trevarthan ’89
Tess (Barrett) Troy ’15 and Kyle Troy ’15
Judy Valek
David and Carol Vollmer
John and Susan Walsh
Eileen Walsh ’06
Jim Walzak
James and Heather Wasicki
Robert and Mary Welch
Sarah Whisson ’02
David and Linda Whitaker
Timothy ’94 and Shannon (Conroy) Withers ’95
Pat Yeager
Jeffrey and Dawn Zoppa
Campaign Donors
St. Monica Fund
John ’94 and Jill Behringer
Mary Lynn Behringer
Bernard and Karen Biegel
Shawn and Jessica Connors
James and Renee Dykas
Bill ’96 and Karen (King) Grogan ’96
Daniel '77 and Karen Horn
Luke and Mary Jo Ivers
Paul and Deborah Jackson
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Jim and Sharon Martig
Philip and Julie Matton
The McAllister Family
Thomas and Rosemary Muldowney
Brian and Marie Parker
Roseanne Rega
Russ and Dawn Smyth
Ray and Michelle Sullivan
Edward and Tara Vrdolyak
“We are often asked why we send our children to Providence, and the answer is simple: it’s family. Providence has established a strong culture of performance both academically and athletically, built on a foundation of faith. There is no price tag we could place on this. As an alumnus myself, I can speak firsthand about how powerful this experience can be. We couldn’t be happier with the teachers, coaches, counselors, and staff, and we truly believe they have our children’s best interests and futures in mind.”
- The Noonan Family: Michael ’96, Anna, Michael ’25, Kyra ’27, and Ryan ‘30
When Empower Illinois was abruptly eliminated last December, 15 students at Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) found themselves in a precarious financial situation. The program's sudden discontinuation also left a significant $500,000 gap in our school budget.
In response to this crisis, we established the St. Monica Fund. St. Monica, a woman renowned for her unwavering faith and perseverance, is the perfect patroness for a project supporting young men and women of faith.
Thanks to the outpouring of support from the PCHS community, we've raised an impressive $250,000, ensuring that our students can complete the 2024-25 school year without interruption. However, our work is far from over.
Our generous benefactors have always been a cornerstone of our faith community. Whether it's through time or financial contributions, we unite as one to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
We urge you to continue this tradition by supporting the St. Monica Fund.
Together, we can ensure that these students graduate and carry into the world the much-needed Augustinian values of Truth, Unity, and Love.
As Father Merkelis so eloquently stated, “We will not leave a Celtic behind.”
AnotefromSteveCardamone, DirectorofInstitutionalAdvancement
Celtic Godparent Fund
The Celtic Godparent Fund exists as a safety net for families who face unexpected tragedies like serious illness, unemployment, or the passing of a parent/guardian. We don’t want the students of these struggling families to have to sacrifice their education; neither do these generous benefactors, who donate to make sure that these students stay enrolled while their families find long-term solutions.
Bill and Mary Jo Burfeind
Thomas Cantwell and Barbara Bevan
Steve and Corina (Burla) Cardamone ’91
Kenneth Carruthers ’72
Kenneth and Tracey Cicirale
Sean and Eileen Crean
Beth (Cwikla) Dlutowski ’82 and John Dlutowski
Christine ’88 and John Egan
Estate of William Bevan, III
Steven Feigl
Susan Giovanazzi
Cristina Gonzalez ’70
Ms. Emma E. Griffiths ’15
Patricia Harris-Tubbs
William Hough and Patricia McHenry
Maximino and Anne Hurtado
Patrick and Kathleen Jones
Thomas and Maureen King
Michael '93 and Tricia Kruchten
Ronald and Donna Likovic
Brian Masterson ’84
Craig and Karin McCutcheon
Marcia Metesh-Smith
Jay and Kristy Mikulski
Salvatore Mori
Frank and Margaret Palmasani
Scott and Maria Perme
Eric and Kathy Peterson
Ronald and Laura Plantz
John and Beth Potocsnak
Mary Catherine Reynolds
Marty and Sheila Saele
Kevin '87 and Amy Saunders
Leonard and Colette Schrank
Campaign of Champions
Jeff and Debby Arseneau
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Augle
Lawrence and Kathy Bahnaman
Jayne Ballun
Sandy and Don Carlson
MaryBeth Carroll
Jack and Tammy Costello
Jeffrey Cucio
Nancy J. Duffy
Robert Fisher and Christopher Fisher ’07
Ginny Huguelet-Fowler ’97 and Chris Fowler
William and Molly Gaus
Timothy and Donna (Borchardt) ’73 Gawla
Brian and Jill Geers
Felix and Donna Giczewski
Peter and Lisa Gilles
Sarah Grady ’92 and Subba Sama
Bill ’96 and Karen (King) Grogan ’96
Jay and Tracy Hamilton
Kurt and Kim Hartman
Laura (Erfort) Hoffman ’76
Kevin '91 and Christa Hogan
Steven Honacki '91
Kevin and Colleen Houlihan
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Mary Ann Kaminski
Michael ’93 and Tricia Kruchten
Craig and Karin McCutcheon
Bill and Mary Jane McDermott
Michael '80 and Rima Murphy
Lynn and Tom Murray
Dana ’92 and Robin Noble
Tom and Janet O'Grady
Ms. Ashley N. Ortiz ’08
Frank and Margaret Palmasani
Bob and Sandy Paszczyk
Annie and Robert Persicketti ’84
Steven and Yvonne Pickett
Jim and Susie Piko
Joe Pomykala, Jr. ’90 and Xinrong Pomykala
Noah Senffner ’14
Rich Sinko
John ’89 and Kristea Stipanovich
Wolfe and Laura Lee Tone
Celtic Campaign of Champions
As of July 1, 2024, we brought the Providence Catholic High School (PCHS) Celtic Campaign of Champions to a successful conclusion. This ambitious initiative aimed to raise funds to support and enhance our school's athletic programs.
Thanks to the generous contributions of our community, alumni and friends, we achieved our goal of raising over $1,100,000. These funds have been allocated to several key athletic projects, including: New synthetic turf for Matt Senffner Field at Bishop Kaffer Stadium
Visitor stands for in Bishop Kaffer Stadium
Bleachers for the softball and soccer fields
Resurfacing of the tennis courts
Jumping pits for track Netting for Baseball and football
The Champions Project has profoundly impacted and beautified our school community, providing our athletes, both male and female, with the resources and facilities they need to excel in their respective sports. We are grateful for the tangible display of Truth, Unity and Love that we have received and are committed to fostering a culture of excellence in
PCHS Parents CLUB
The Providence Catholic High School Men’s Club and Women’s Club exists to provide a social outlet for parents and financial support to the school. Support is given through service, projects and fund-raising. The Men’s Club holds the Super Celtic Sweepstakes and a Golf Outing each year. The Women’s Club sponsors an annual auction and fashion show. Our parent clubs support capital improvements projects that benefit all students. The Men’s and Women’s Club combined provided $168,000 in funding for the CAMPAIGN OF CHAMPIONS since we announced the campaign. Over the years the clubs have been responsible for many major capital improvements to the school.
Boots & Bowties Fashion Show
White Satin Bridal
Joeys
Double A Farms
Elite Ambulance
Jessica Petrow, Village of Frankfort Trustee
Wennlund & Associates
Orland Bakery
Candle Vault
Lessons Learned Education Services
Los Comales
Eggcetera
Bite Size Pediatric Dentistry
Bella Flori Flower Shop
Golf Outing 2023
101 Mobility of South Chicago
Adler Roofing
Airys Construction
Allstate Insurance - New Lenox
American Combustion Service
Aurelio's Pizza - Joliet
Beggars Pizza
Bella Fiori Flower Shop
Berkot's Super Foods
Berman & Son's Accounting
Better Gaming Group
Blueberry Hill Café
Calumet City Plumbing
Carbone Dental
Carefree Sprinklers
Cemeno's Pizza - At The Park Inwood
Cemeno's Pizza - Essington Road
Cigar's Across Town
Cosgrove Construction, Inc.
D.S. Auto Repair
D'Arcy Motors
Double J Sports Bar
Edsons II Auto & Heavy Truck Body Repair
Edward J. Batis & Associates
Elens & Maichin
Environmental Cleansing Corporation
Excel Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
FitShepherdsCathMen'sGroup-StMaryMok
FSC Money
Gatto's Italian Restaurant
Home Cut Donuts
IL State Representative
Image 360
Izzy's Bar
JBD White Horse Inn Bar & Restaurant
Jimmy Jonh's - Francisco Minone
Joe Promotions
Jonker & Associates
Judge John Anderson
Kelleher Landscaping & Snow Plowing
Law Office of Timothy McGrath
Leipart Heating & Cooling
Lenny's Gas & Wash
Matt & Wanda Senffner
McCutchen Insurance Agency
Moran Athletic Club
National Machine Repair
O'Gorman Cabitetry
Ozinga Foundation
Precision Med Spa
Providence Soccer
Pursuit Wealth Group
RCM Heating & Cooling
Robert J. Huguelet Law Office
RWK IT Services
Sheehan For IL State Rep
Tri-Star Cabinets
Will County Executive
Williamsons Restaurant & Bar
Joliet City Municipal Workers Union
Law Offices of Peterson, Johnson & Murray
Lionheart Financial
Gifts in Memory Of:
Cheryl (Zdziarski) Allen ’99
Joseph Zdziarski ’70
Garu Colabuono
Cheryl (Zdziarski) Allen ’99 and Burton Barr
Linda Barr
John and Marion Kramer
John and Susan Walsh
Larry Bahnaman, Jr.
Lawrence and Kathy Bahnaman
Phil Bauer ’71
Jayne Ballun
Cynthia Barkowski
Gail Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burke
Patricia David
Christine Doucet
Joe and Pam Garrett
Bob and Janet Griffiths
Barbara Hanson
Peggy (Devine) Idstein ’71 and Gerard Idstein
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Debra Lindstrom
Richard ’73 and Jean (White) Mandella ’74
Deborah Null
Mary Catherine Reynolds
Jay Seaberg
Andy and Amy Voisard
Irene Walsh ’68
John and Susan Walsh
Brooke Zemlan
Carol T. Berman
Bill Berman
John Block
Providence Men's Club
Armand Bonaguro
Drs. Ronald and Sheila Bonaguro
David Botello
Providence Men's Club
George Brenski
Linda M. Anderson
Bonnie Brenski
Ernie and Lil Caneva
Diane Caneva ’78
Russell Carroll
Wayde and Laura Beechy
Amy Cucio
Providence Men's Club
Phillip M. David
Patricia David
Matthew Dawson and Bobby Diaz
Mary Beth (Owens) Casper ’79 and Dean Casper
Joseph Diaz
John and Marion Kramer
Alexander Dombrowski ’09
Lawrence and Laurie Pottorff
Matt Domzal
Jim and Paulette Domzal
Don Duffy
Luke ’94 and Jill Duffy
Reed and Wes Esarove
Gayle Esarove
Michael Egan
Christine ’88 and John Egan
Patrick Farritor
Michael and Kelly Carroll
Lois and Marty Flanagan
Colleen Flanagan ’77
Peter A. Garetto, Founder of Beggars Pizza
Franchise Corp.
Cheryl Garetto
Tim Garvin, Jr.
Tim Garvin Family
Billy Hultgen
Mike and Anne Connor
Philip and Joan Hultgen
Rich and Marilyn Schmidt
Bert and Flo Huyer
Jim and Jamilah Huyer
Louis and Elizabeth Joutras
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Louis A. Joutras and Buck Reynolds
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Patricia A. Joyce
Daniel Joyce
Deacon Robert Kaminski
Mrs. Mary Ann Kaminski
Bernie Keigher
Frank and Janet ’66 (Cullen) Jurmann
Pam Kettwig, Fr. John Kret and Bev Welsch
Mike and Paula Lenart
Kathy Kinmonth '83
Daniel Kinmonth ’86
John and Audrey Kooyenga
Harry and Arlene Hoff
Anthony Kovacevich
Ashley N. Ortiz ’08
Eric Krall
Philip and Mary Krall
Eric Krall and Scott Whisson
Robert and Barbara McNellis
Dolores Krzysciak
Daniel Krzysciak ’77
John R. Lebert
Mary Ann (Lebert) Burke ’76 and Michael
Joseph and Shirley Lehmann and Virginia O'Bolet
Judith (Lehmann) ’57 Hammel and Neal Hammel
Richard Mandella and Pam Kettwig
Ed ’74 and Patty (Mandella) Olszta ’74
Joseph Marth
Tammy and Jack Costello
Len and Lyn McEnery
Mike McErlean
John McErlean ’95
Robert McGee, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert McGee, Sr.
Michael J. McHugh
Brendan ’03 and Colleen McHugh
Kevin Mitros
Anne Connelly-Mitros
Lester N. Moore
State's Attorney James Glasgow
Jim Kinsley
Marie Osborne
John Osborne
Lance Ostby
Jason and Jill Ostby
Richard Pervan ’00
Nikola and Marija Pervan
Daniel Pletcher
Annette Pletcher
Kelly O'Connor Purcell
Brendan and Nancy O'Hara
The Rach Family
Peter and Kathleen Staley
Phil Rash
Mary Nassar
Daniel R. Redican
Eileen Redican
Scott Reiter
Matthew and Patricia Arena
Tom ’99 and Molly (Reiter) Boland ’99
Tom ’67 and Barb (Ardaugh) Bolek ’67
Bob Bourne ’67 and Joan Grabenstetter
The Cleveland Family
Albert ’68 and Julianne Devine
Jack ’79 and Tonia Devine
Henry and Janice Eisses
Mildred Erickson
Janet (Goss) Feeney ’69 and Dan Feeney
Robert Flavin
John and Marybeth Foody
Christopher Glynn
Michael and Mary Grady
Mary (Petrosko) Gretz and Rick Gretz
Peggy (Devine) Idstein ’71 and Gerard Idstein
Paul and Carla Janik
Ronald and Kathy Johnson
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Mary and William Kloock
John and Marion Kramer
“As a alumni parent of 3, I believe it is extremely important for as many children as possible experience and benefit from a quality Catholic education. It is unfortunate that many children do not have the resources to afford the type of education they desire. I believe it is important, if possible, to help those in need obtain the quality education that will propel them to a bright future.”
- Ray Sullivan, St. Monica Fund Donor
(Reiter cnt’d)
Doris (McDermott) Lonergan ’67
Richard ’73 and Jean (White) Mandella ’74
Mr. and Mrs. James H. McGowan III
Stephen ’79 and Maureen Morrissette
Ed ’74 and Patty (Mandella) Olszta ’74
Patricia (Quigley) Poll ’69 and Don Poll
Michael ’94 and Meredith Reiter
Richard and Pamela Santucci
Matthew and Wanda Senffner
Erik Snikeris
Adrian and Jamie Toole
Mrs. Dorothy Van Dyke
Larry Viano
Mary Jane (Forsythe) Walsh ’69 and Joseph Walsh
Dr. and Mrs. Leo Wrona
Donald Reynolds, Sr.
Steve ’71 and Kathleen (Reynolds) Joutras ’73
Don "Buck" Reynolds and Karen Reynolds
Joseph ’79 and Mary Lynn (Reynolds) Olszta ’80
Joyce Reynolds
Donald "Buck" Reynolds, Karen Reynolds, Louis Joutras, an Elizabeth Joutras Brewer
Stephanie (Joutras) Gross ’00 and Jay Gross
Phil Reynolds
Mary Catherine Reynolds
Kevin and Diane Willis
John Roach
Michael Roach ’88
Joseph Leo Robbins
Brian and Marie Parker
Leonard W. Schrank
Leonard and Colette Schrank
Gene and Dorothy Schubert
Bill '74 and Mary Schubert
Matt Senffner, Jr.
Tom and Dolores Kennedy
Matt Senffner, Jr. and Bishop Kaffer
Catherine (Zlogar) Senffner '53 and Stanley Senffner
Charles J. Sharp ’01
Charles and Kathleen Sharp
Larry Sisk
Providence Men's Club
Sister Charles Ellen S.P.
Judy (Reardon) ’62 Duhoski and James Duhoski
Sister Mary Jo Young, OSF
Mark and Gail Stevens
Lillian Treacy
Sean Treacy
Peter Dennis Valek
Judy Valek
Burke
Scott Whisson ’01
Sarah Whisson ’02
Rita Winters
Jim and Sharon Martig
Dr. Leo Wrona
Tops #Il 1646
Robert and Patricia Adametz
Edward and Cheri Barrett
Lynn Blaser
Elbert and Patricia Carroll
Nancy J. Duffy
Brian and Diane Egan
Stephen Gawron
Janice Gould
Michael and Mary Grady
Judith Green
Emery and Marlene Gura
Victoria Hare
Mr. and Mrs. John F. Janiszewski
Robert and Colleen Krol
Jerome and Margaret Lakota
William and Maria Elena Lareau
Darlene Marasco
Megan McElroy
James and Mary Susan Moore
Stephen ’79 and Maureen Morrissette
Martin and Catherine Petersen
Gena (Masterson) Pilon '86
Elieen Plese
Audrey Reiter
Mary Beth (Devine)Reiter ’69
Louise Rentz
Emily Sheehy and Ryan Kelsey
Cary Anne Simpson
Mrs. Patricia Tonelli
Arthur Zervos
Anthony and Pamela Zervos
The Alfirevich Family
The Alfirevich Family, John and Christine, John ’16, Olivia ’18 and Joe ’20
William F. Burfeind IV ’91
Bill and Mary Jo Burfeind
The Carroll, Kucala and Bruton Families
MaryBeth Carroll
The Carruthers Family
Kenneth Carruthers ’72
Declan ’25 and Dylan ’27 DeMent
Mike and Barb DeMent
The Engvall and Jurmann Families
Margaret M. Schauer
Chris Fisher ’07
Robert Fisher
Josephine T. Gelsominio
Josephine T. (Gelsomino) Schmitz ’57 and James Schmitz
“Providence has a special place in our hearts, we cherished our time there and appreciate the lasting impact it has had on us. We are blessed to be able to give back to help students continue on their educational and spiritual journey at Providence.”
- William Grogan, St. Monica Fund Donor
Anthony and Ann King
Norah McDermott ’27
Bill and Mary Jane McDermott
Fr. John Merkelis, OSA
Tess (Barrett) Troy ’15 and Kyle Troy ’15
Moira Olivetti ‘81
Mark and Gail Stevens
Ken Raymond
Steven Honacki ’91
Nina Sinko ’26
Rich Sinko
Jules Stukel ’19
Robert and Catherine Bonzani
Katherine Timm ’25
Martin Timm ’80
Geraldine (Paterson) Timm ’55
NEWSCHOLARSHIPS,
“Winning this scholarship was so amazing! I love to embrace the talent that God gave me and being able to receive this scholarship to share my voice with others is a Blessing. This meant so much to me that I was chosen to receive something so important.” -Bryah Wright
{an entrepreneurial class for students}
Providence Catholic is pleased to introduce a new scholarship available for performing arts students! The Triskelion Foundation Scholarship is for students who have an interest in the arts. This scholarship will be awarded to students who will participate in Band, Choir, Theatre (Includes those on stage in the crew or the orchestra pit), and Color Guard. This year, two students were the recipients of this new scholarship. For more information on how you can create scholarships at Providence, contact Steve Cardamone at scardamone@providencecatholic.org.
In the INCubatoredu program, teams learn about all aspects of entrepreneurship. Together, they develop ideas and implement a business plan over the course of two semesters, including product development and pitching their ideas, products, and services. Congratulations to team HydroDip, who were named Runners-Up; to team Just IN Case, who were named the pitch winners; and to team The Travel Companion, who won for the best Trade Show booth! Thank you to Ms. Moss and Mr. Ditzler for another exceptional year of the entrepreneurship program, as well as our dedicated mentors, coaches, and of course, the Sharks! We appreciate the many donors who help make this class happen each year.
Learn more about INCubatoredu and see the newest updates.
Providence Catholic in New Lenox is founded on truth, unity, and love. We invite you to learn more about the Celtic family! Choosing a high school is like selecting a second home for the next four years. It’s where you’ll create memories, explore new academic paths, develop athletic skills, and forge forever friendships.
Excellence in academics
A tradition of athletic dominance
Spiritual growth
An array of clubs & organizations
Dual credit for college Scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Truth. Unity. Love.
