NEWS Humanity Volunteers

PROVIDENCE CATHOLIC
NEWS A NEWSLETTER FOR FUTURE CELTICS
Rain or Shine
Habitat for Humanity
Volunteers Align
SEPTEMBER 2015
www.providencecatholic.org

pc news
inside this issue
Top of Their Class....................... 2
TOP OF THEIR CLASS
Cover Story
Welcome Class of 2019.............. 3.
Congrats Graduates
Shadow Days
College Commitments.............. 4
Jatis Pole Vault Record
Baseball Champs....................... 5
Habitat for Humanity................ 6
National Honor Society............. 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Children’s Academy
Save the Date............................ 8
.Open House
Fall Musical
Publisher:.......PCHS Advancement Office
Editor:.................................Jamie O’Brien
Photographs by:................... Bruce Burns
Jamie O’Brien
Al Wycislo
COVER STORY
PCHS Habitat for Humanity
volunteers take a break
between rain drops to pose
for a photo on their June
trip to Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Pictured are Mrs. Alice
Hartel (Chaperone), Anthony
DiNardi ‘16 (Palos Park), John
Barrett ‘16 (Lemont), Alexis
Salazar ‘15 (Plainfield), Aliana
Winkle ‘16 (Frankfort), Jack
McErlean ‘15 (Oak Forest) and
Ryan Pilon ‘16 (Shorewood).
Standing: Matthew Francis and Michael Davis Sitting: Stephanie Mastorakos, Ryan Carp and
Srirajkumar Ranganathan
The Class of 2015 Co-Valedictorians were Michael Davis and Matthew Francis;
the Co-Salutatorians were Ryan Carp, Stephanie Mastorakos and Srirajkumar
Ranganathan.
Co-Valedictorian Michael Davis ‘15, son of Jerold and Margie Davis of New
Lenox, is a graduate of St. Jude Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Jude
Catholic Church (New Lenox). Davis received the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship
and is attending the University of Notre Dame where he is majoring in
Accounting. The honor roll student is an AP Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar and
has received numerous PCHS academic awards. He was President of the school’s
National Honor Society, a member of the Spanish National Honor Society,
Augustinian Youth Ministry, Student Council, International Club and Math Team.
Furthermore, Davis was a member of Respect Life Club, Habitat for Humanity,
Student Augustinian Values Institute, Sandwich Patrol and was a Sacristan. He
was also named Joliet Exchange Club “Youth of the Month,” National Society
of High School Scholars, Villanova University Book Award recipient, three-time
PCHS “Student of the Month” and the recipient of the Freshman Celtic Scholar
Award. Davis was a member of the cross country and track and field teams for
the past two years and named All-Conference for both teams. In addition, he was
named the 2014 Cross Country Team MVP.
Co-Valedictorian Matthew Francis ‘15, son of Ted and Therese Francis of
Homer Glen, is a graduate of Homer Junior High School and a parishioner at
St. Francis of Assisi. Francis received the Henry T. Heald Scholarship to
attend Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) where he is majoring in Aerospace
Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. The honor roll student was a
member of the National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, an Illinois State
Scholar and has received numerous PCHS academic awards. Furthermore,
Francis played on the Celtic ice hockey team for the past four years; he is a
member of the 2014 Kennedy Cup championship team and a CCL Hockey
League All-Star.
continued on page 6
2

PCHS Freshmen were welcomed into the
Providence Catholic family during the school’s
annual Freshman Welcome in late-August.
The goal of this retreat was not only to
welcome new students, but to introduce
them to the mission of Providence Catholic.
The theme of the day was IALAC (I am
Lovable and Capable). Through small group
activities, discussions and liturgy, students
were reminded that they are children of God.
At the end of the day, the incoming freshmen
enjoyed lunch in the school’s cafeteria. At
right, freshmen get to know one another at
the Freshman Picnic in mid-June.
september 2015
welcome to pchs class of 2019
congrats graduates
PCHS celebrated the Class of
2015 commencement in early June
at the Rialto Square Theatre in
Joliet. Each of the 258 members of
the class crossed the Rialto stage
to receive their PCHS diploma,
marking the completion of four
successful and memorable years.
During the ceremony, Valedictorians
Michael Davis (New Lenox) and
Matthew Francis (Orland Park)
and Salutatorians Ryan Carp (New
Lenox), Stephanie Mastorakos
(Homer Glen) and Srirajkumar
Ranganathan (Lemont) addressed
their classmates with powerful words
of encouragement and expressed
their gratefulness to family, friends
and Providence faculty and staff.
During the special awards
portion of the graduation
ceremony, Athletic Director, Doug
Ternik announced Anne Corso
(Palos Park) as the recipient of
the Senior Athletic-Spirit Award
and Justin Hunniford (Frankfort)
and Maeve Garvey (Mokena)
as recipients of the Jaime Garcia
Scholastic Athlete Award. Fr. John
Merkelis, O.S.A. named Jillian
continued on page 6
SHADOW
Are you currently an 8th grade
student who is considering PCHS
for your high school? Shadow Days
are held on select days throughout
the school year. You will be paired
with a current Providence Catholic
freshman so that you can experience
a day in the life of a Celtic! Come
meet our students and faculty,
experience some classes and enjoy
lunch in the cafeteria. Visits must
be scheduled by 2:30 PM on the
Wednesday preceding the visit.
Below is a list of upcoming Shadow
dates for 8th graders; 7th graders
may begin shadowing in January.
• Friday, October 9
• Friday, October 16
• Friday, October 23
• Friday, November 6
• Friday, November 13
• Monday, November 16
• Friday, December 4
• Monday, December 7
• Friday, December 11
Visit the PCHS website for the most
up-to-date Shadow Days.
If you would like to participate in a
Shadow Day, please contact Mrs.
Ellingson at (815) 717-3160.
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pc news
PCHS College Commitments
Twenty-Seven members of the Class of 2015 signed National Letters of Intent or
made commitments to continue their respective sports at the collegiate level.
Bowling Green State University
Jordan Ernst (hockey)
Carroll University
Troy Howat (basketball)
Michael Jerik (baseball)
Carthage College
Nicholas Barker (football)
Michael Beller (football)
Emmet Trost (football)
DePaul University
Morgan Greenwood (softball)
Lewis University
Alyssa Jurges (basketball)
Loras College
Patrick Follenweider (wrestling)
Marian University, Wisconsin
Damon Bartos (baseball)
Maryville University
Jacob Carlsen (baseball)
Millikin University
Tyler Pygon (basketball)
Monmouth College
Justin Gardner (football)
North Central College
Justin Hunniford (football)
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Joseph Zemen (football)
Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame
Grace Barrett (volleyball)
St. Ambrose University
Dylan Fairbairn (tennis)
St. Norbert College
Jakob Swenson (football)
University of Chicago
Maeve Garvey (softball)
Emma Griffiths (track)
Brenton Villaseñor (baseball)
University of Indianapolis
Jonathan Brody (basketball)
University of Iowa
Andrew Jatis (track)
Nathan Vejvoda (football)
University of Notre Dame
Miles Boykin (football)
Valparaiso University
Tess Barrett (soccer)
Corynne Griffith (soccer)
Pole Vaulter Andy Jatis Sets Record
Photograph by Eric Ginnard, Shaw Media
Andy Jatis ‘15 (Homer Glen), signed his National
Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa
where he will continue his track career. Jatis
received an academic and athletic scholarship and
is majoring in Pharmacy. The honor roll student is
an Illinois State Scholar, member of the National
Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity. Jatis
was a member of the varsity Celtic track and
field team for his entire high school career. He
holds the school’s current pole vault record at
16’ 3” (indoor) and 16’ 6” (outdoor). He was a
two-year CCL Champion. During his junior year,
he placed 2nd at State (Indoor) and 3rd at State
(Outdoor). His senior year, Jatis was named Indoor
State Champion and earned 2nd at State (Outdoor)
in pole vault.
4

september 2015
back to back STATE CHAMPIONS
The Providence Catholic varsity baseball team earned their second
consecutive IHSA Class 4A State Championship Title on June 13 at Silver
Cross Field in Joliet. The Celtics came from behind defeating Mount
Carmel 6-5 in the eighth inning; finishing their season 31-11. This marks
29 state championship titles for the Celtics; the most among private
high schools in the state of Illinois. “It is humbling to realize that we are
the first large school in the state to win back-to-back championships in
56 years. The confidence and perseverance these guys put into every
practice and every game paid off. I am very proud of these players and
honored to be their coach,” said Mark Smith ‘88, PCHS Head Baseball
Coach. At left, Mike Madej ’16 (Manhattan) drives in the game-winning
run in the bottom of the eighth inning.
Players
• Colin Airola ‘16 (Shorewood)
• Connor Bowles ‘16 (Tinley Park)
• Alex Brittan ‘15 (Homer Glen)
• Jake Carlsen ‘15 (Romeoville)
• Colin Chibe ‘16 (Homer Glen)
• Connor Creed ‘16 (Lockport)
• Matt Diehl ‘15 (Orland Park)
• Jackson Dvorak ‘16 (New Lenox)
• Kevin Fitzgerald ‘16 (Orland Park)
• Matt Gruszkowksi ‘16 (Orland Park)
• Shawn Harper ‘16 (Plainfield)
• Connor Hilty ‘16 (Mokena)
• Justin Hunniford ‘15 (Frankfort)
• Jimmy Jeffries ‘16 (Mokena)
• Mike Jerik ‘15 (Mokena)
• Tom Kelley ‘16 (Orland Park)
• Mike Madej ‘16 (Manhattan)
• Reed McCool ‘16 (Plainfield)
• Adam Nichols ‘16 (Elwood)
• Noah O’Brien ‘16 (Manhattan)
• Brendan O’Hara ‘16 (New Lenox)
• Zach Pych ‘16 (Homer Glen)
• Joey Strick ‘16 (Mokena)
• Kyle Struck ‘16 (Orland Park)
• Jackson Stulas ‘16 (Lockport)
• Matt Trzesniewski ‘16 (Orland Park)
• Brent Villasenor ‘15 (Orland Park)
• Matt Waznis ‘16 (Joliet)
Coaches
• Mark Smith ’88 (Head Coach)
• Chris Carlsen (Assistant Coach)
• Frank Cavallone (Assistant Coach)
• Garrick Pranchke (Assistant Coach)
• Jason Vitas (Assistant Coach)
Managers
• Joe Calderone ’15 (Orland Park)
• Brendan Nieukirk ’18 (Tinley Park)
• Blake LaBelle ’16 (Orland Park)
• Garret Walter ’16 (Homer Glen)
5

pc news
continued from page 2
Christian Spesia and Jillian Rademacher
received the prestigious Bishop Blanchette
Religion award.
continued from page 3
Rademacher (Mokena) and Christian
Spesia (Joliet) as the recipients of the
Bishop Blanchette Religion award.
Furthermore, Tess Barrett (Tinley
Park) and Michael Davis (New Lenox)
received the prestigious Bishop Roger
Kaffer Leadership Award.
Ninety-nine percent of the Class of
2015 continued their education at a
college or university. Approximately
775 scholarships valued at nearly
$28 million were offered to this class.
Eighteen percent of these graduates
were named Illinois State Scholars.
These seniors performed in excess of
25,000 hours of community service
during their high school careers.
Twenty-seven student athletes signed
National Letters of Intent or made
commitments to continue their
respective sports at the collegiate
level. In addition, this class witnessed
many athletic accomplishments,
including four state championship
trophies earned by the Celtic baseball
teams (2014, 2015), football team
(2014) and cheerleading team (2013).
Providence Catholic now has 29 state
championship titles; the most among
private high schools in the state of
Illinois.
Co-Salutatorian Ryan Carp ‘15, son of Stan and Kari Carp of New Lenox, is
a graduate of St. Jude Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic
Church (New Lenox). Carp is attending the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, where he is majoring in Business Administration. The honor
roll student was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National
Honor Society, Student Council, Augustinian Youth Ministry and Habitat for
Humanity. Furthermore, he was a member of the Scholastic Bowl, Mock Trial
and Math teams. He was named an Outstanding Attorney at the 2015 State
Mock Trial Competition. Carp is also an Illinois State Scholar, was named
Joliet Exchange Club “Youth of the Month,” is a recipient of the Freshman
Celtic Scholar Award and the Student Council Scholarship and has received
numerous PCHS academic awards.
Co-Salutatorian Stephanie Mastorakos ‘15, daughter of Chris and the
late Maria Mastorakos of Homer Glen, is a graduate of St. Michael School
and a parishioner at St. Spyridon. Mastorakos is attending the University
of Notre Dame where she is majoring in Business with a minor in Spanish.
The honor roll student is an National Merit Commended Student, AP Scholar
with Honor, an Illinois State Scholar, PCHS “Student of the Month” and has
received multiple PCHS academic awards. Furthermore, she was a member
of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Habitat for
Humanity, Mock Trial and Math teams.
Co-Salutatorian Srirajkumar Ranganathan ‘15, son of Thodur and Usha
of Lemont, is a graduate of SS. Cyril and Methodius. Ranganathan received
the Presidential Scholarship to attend the DePaul University where he is
majoring in Biological Science. The honor roll student is an National Merit
Commended Student, AP Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar and received
numerous PCHS academic awards. Furthermore, he was a member of the
National Honor Society and Habitat for Humanity.
Habitat for Humanity
A group of eighteen PCHS
student members of Habitat for
Humanity and three chaperones
volunteered their time working
in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Led by
PCHS moderator, Mrs. Diane
Hart, the students spent several
days landscaping, staining doors
and installing floors. At an old
Re-Store facility, workers sorted
wood piles, organized inventory
and loaded trucks, which were
taken to the new Re-Store. At the
new location, students painted,
organized products and unloaded
trucks.
6

september 2015
Class of 2016 NHS Officers are left to right Colin Brankin (Orland
Park), Michael McGuire (Frankfort), Christina MacNab - President
(Homer Glen) and Mia Massaro (Homer Glen).
NHS INDUCTION
The 2015 National Honor Society (NHS) members
were officially inducted during a ceremony this
past Spring. The NHS is founded on the principles
of scholarship, leadership, character and service.
Members participate in many community projects
and are also called upon to coordinate the PCHS
Book Sale, lead tour groups during the school’s
annual Open House and staff the Annual Fund
phon-a-thons, parent-teacher conferences and
special events.
SCHOLARSHIPS
& FINANCIAL AID
The total amount of Need Based Grants, Aid and Scholarships awarded
to PCHS students in 2014-2015 EXCEEDED $1.5 MILLION.
More than 25% of Providence Catholic families qualify and are awarded
Need Based Aid. Need Based Scholarship Applications are available to
all students who take the Placement Exam.
Providence Catholic families who feel they may qualify are encouraged
to apply for Need Based Aid through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment.
The deadline is March 1 of the previous school year. There are two
sources of aid:
1. PCHS Student Need Based Aid (all families may apply).
2. Catholic Education Foundation Need Based Aid (only those
families who are registered parishioners in the Joliet Diocese
will be considered).
Through scholarships, endowments and the generosity of the Catholic
Education Foundation, Providence Catholic is able to provide a quality
college preparatory education to many students at an affordable price.
Listed below are the scholarships available to freshman students and
financial aid opportunities for those who qualify.
• The Augustinian Service Scholarship
• The BMO Harris Bank “Off to a Good Start” Scholarship
• The Celtic Leadership Scholarship
• The Chase Academic Achievement Scholarship
• The Freshman Celtic Scholar Award
• The Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship
• The Stanley and Adele Guz Memorial Scholarship
LITTLE LEARNERS CLASS
- age 30 to 36 mos. -
PRESCHOOL
- age 3 -
PREKINDERGARTEN
- age 4 -
KINDERGARTEN
- age 5 -
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CALL
(815) 485-7129
VISIT
wearepc.org
7

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See the Celtics in Action
Please join us this season in
watching your favorite team
play for the win! Complete
athletic schedules can be found at :
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save the date
PCHS OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 22
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tours • Information • Refreshments
theatre club
presents
Performance Dates
• Thursday, October 29 @ 7 PM
• Friday, October 30 @ 7 PM
• Saturday, October 31 @ 3 PM
• Sunday, November 1 @ 3 PM
Location
Bicentennial Theater (Joliet)
Cost
Adult - $8.00
Child/Senior/Student - $5.00
Pre-order tickets/Questions
815-485-2136 ext. 3323
theatre@providencecatholic.org