E-vision

Two receive Naval Academy appointments

The Class of 2020 has several notable achievements as the graduates head off to college in August, as noted in the previous eVision. Two of them are leaving even earlier — before the class celebrates its commencement — as they head off to the U.S. Naval Academy. Brigid Welch ’20 and Andrew Henderson ’20 head to Annapolis on July 1 and 2 for what is known as Plebe Summer in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year. They are starting a two-week self-quarantine now in order to join their 1,200 classmates for two weeks of restricted activity and four weeks of intense training. 

Both said they are excited for the opportunity and have been preparing for some time, first to be accepted and then to be physically, mentally, and academically ready to succeed. Andrew has wanted to attend the academy since attending a baseball leadership summer camp there in junior high.

“I was impressed by how the midshipmen and the coaches there carried themselves with integrity and just the dedication I saw in that short amount of time, so ever since then I’ve wanted to attend,” he said.

From his freshman year, Andrew said, he was determined to keep his grades up as he participated in various sports to stay physically fit. The summer before his senior year, he was accepted into the academy’s summer seminar, which gave him a taste of the physical activity and discipline required of the program — and furthered his desire to attend.

 

“I knew it was very competitive to get in, so I just tried to focus on staying strong in school,” he said. “I participated in varsity athletics because the physical (aspect) is one of the things they try to develop as well as the mental.”

Additionally, he said, participating in the newly formed Honor Council also helped him prepare with its focus on honor and integrity, two important qualities emphasized at the academy.

Brigid, whose parents both were in different branches of the military, has had a longtime desire to follow in their footsteps. Her brother Brogan ’19 shares that attitude and received his appointment to the academy last fall. He will be a detailer during Plebe Summer and will be one of the staff shouting instructions and encouragement at the freshmen, although not likely Brigid or Andrew’s unit.

Brigid attended the Naval Academy Summer Seminar last summer as well as seminars for the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force to help her decide which academy she wanted to attend. She applied to and received appointments from all three last fall and ultimately chose Navy for several reasons. First, the Naval Academy was her favorite among the three, and it still gives her an opportunity to become a pilot, should she decide on that route. Additionally, she will have the chance to become a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps after receiving her college degree.

“It gives me a lot more opportunity to go in many different directions, so that was probably the biggest deciding factor,” Brigid said.

Brigid said she is looking forward to being part of the Naval Academy community as well, thanks to things her brother has shared with her from his experience.

“I leave in two weeks to go do some of the hardest work that I’ll ever do with a bunch of people I’ve not known, but if you ask me in eight weeks, they’ll be my best friends,” she said. “So it’s just the bond you make with those people.”

She also has followed advice her brother gave her since she learned of her appointment last fall, starting with increasing her physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and studying the academy’s mission statements, which also led to her improving her self-discipline. Like Andrew, she has been preparing throughout high school in various ways, including taking AP and honors classes while participating in three sports in order to develop her time management skills.

“I challenged myself to do as much as I can and also exceed in all those areas,” Brigid said. “I’m ready as I can be. … No one will be fully prepared for what the academy throws at you, but I think I’m on the right path.”

Brigid and Andrew will be purposefully placed in separate units, but they each said they will take comfort knowing the other one is going through the same intense activities. 

Other recent alumni who have graduated from the Naval Academy include Brendan Jones ’07, Charmaine Solis ’14, and Patricia Mattingly ’15. It is a significant achievement for a school our size to have two appointments to the prestigious military college in one year following one the previous year.

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Senior committed to serving parish

Claire Reyes ’20 is the recipient of this year’s Service Award, given annually to the senior with the most service hours. She contributed more than 400 hours to her parish, St. Anthony of Padua. Overall, the senior class contributed 6,600 hours before the stay-at-home order.

Claire, who is still volunteering at St. Anthony this summer, said she chose to focus on serving her parish and its youth ministry program because she believes “they have one of the best youth ministries in the Deanery,” she said. “Our youth minister, Stacy (Uhl) Gillenwater ’85, is very devoted and organized, and she provides plenty of opportunities for us to serve.”

In addition to her parents, Gillenwater has been her role model for serving others.

“My parents work really hard to provide their service to others and do what needs to be done,” she said. “They work without complaint and encourage me to do the same. I’ve known Mrs.Gillenwater since I was really young, and she’s been a really important person in my faith journey. She demonstrates Christ’s love and patience, and her dedication to living out His will is incredible. Whenever I see her pouring out all her time and energy for others, it inspires me to do the same.”

In addition to the Providence award, Claire also received the Outstanding Leadership and Service Award from Catalyst Catholic, which oversees youth ministry throughout the New Albany Deanery.

Claire said she has learned a lot from her service experiences and enjoyed working with all age groups. She has found that in helping others, she benefits too. She learned patience, how to put others first, and how to put her own feelings aside to focus on others and their needs in the moment. She also has learned how to respond in various and challenging situations. Even more, she likes how she feels when helping others.

“One of the things I enjoy most about community service is the calm feeling I get when I serve others,” Claire said. “I am able to push my worries aside and focus solely on those who need help. I enjoy being able to interact with many different people like children and the elderly. I love making the people smile and relieving some of their stress or sadness.”

Claire said she looks forward to continuing to serve others as a student at Purdue University in West Lafayette and being part of the college’s Catholic community. 

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Top seniors reflect on final semester

Maria Popson ‘20 and Brynna Walthers ‘20 have done a lot together since they first started kindergarten at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. It’s only fitting, then, that the two friends graduate first and second in their class, with Maria leading as valedictorian and Brynna as salutatorian. When separate photo sessions were set up for this story, the friends asked to have their photos taken together to mark their joint achievements.

In the fall, the two will be going to separate schools for the first time, with Maria heading to the University of Louisville’s Speed School to study industrial engineering and Brynna to Purdue University in West Lafayette to study business as well as law and society, followed by law school. Maria will have much of her schooling paid for thanks to the $20,000 Jamie Parsley Family Foundation Scholarship as well as other scholarships, and Brynna will have her schooling completely paid for as a recipient of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Lilly Foundation Scholarship. Read more for a Q&A with them:

Question: What is one thing you learned or gained from this school year — outside of the classroom?
Maria: During eLearning and the shutdown, many events, plans, seasons, etc. were canceled. However, although all of those doors closed, COVID-19 opened the door for spending more time with family, praying more, learning a thing or two, or trying something new. What I learned from this school year was to take advantage of opportunities granted to you.
Brynna:  I learned that hard work eventually pays off and you can do anything you set your mind to if you have resilience. 

Q: What is one cancelled tradition that you really missed?
Maria: One thing that I missed that was canceled was my spring tennis season with my teammates. One “tradition” I missed from this was weekend tournaments with the team because the tennis community is very close knit, and we always had a great time before, in-between, and after our matches.
Brynna: I was really looking forward to senior farewell and my last day of in-person high school. It is such a mark of progression, and a lot of fun seeing the juniors become seniors with their new blue shirts. I missed out on that closure seniors usually experience on their final days of high school. 

Q: Is there something that a teacher or staff member did this spring that really meant a lot to you?
Maria: The entire faculty and staff did an exceptional job reaching out to each individual to check in on them and offer their assistance. I even had some former faculty and staff reach out to me during this time, and that meant a lot to me as well. 
Brynna: Mr. Makowsky went above and beyond doing nightly Instagram livestreams just to interact with us. He was a wall of support for everyone through the worst times. It cheered me up and let all of the student body come together during such a difficult time. 

Q: How did being a Providence senior help you cope with the shutdown and extended eLearning? 
Maria: The Providence community aided the seniors each step of the way through the shutdown and extended eLearning. They never ceased to make efforts to keep with tradition and make the end of the year just as special for the seniors despite the unorthodox circumstances. 
Brynna: By being a senior, I’ve gained a lot of experience in managing my time and staying current with assignments for classes. This really helped me with eLearning, as we had so much free time and my time management skills kept me on track. 

Q: How do you feel Providence prepared you for next year? 
Maria: Providence offered me countless opportunities spiritually, socially, academically, athletically, and artistically. For example, the chapel near the student entrance was available all day every day throughout my days at Providence with certain days being reserved for adoration or daily mass. While I was at Providence, I tried to take advantage of these opportunities and made a habit of attending and participating in daily Mass. I hope to continue these efforts next year at the University of Louisville and in their Catholic community. 
Brynna: PHS has helped me prepare for next year with all of the AP coursework offered that I’ve taken advantage of over the last years. The amazing staff pushes us and challenges us to do our best. 

Q: Which teacher will you miss the most, and what did he/she teach you that will stick with you?
Maria: I don’t know if I will miss a particular teacher most as each teacher played an integral part in my experience at Providence whether I had them for class or not. However, one teacher I did really click with the last couple years was Mrs. Swessel, who taught my Honors and ACP Physics classes. During these classes, we discovered we have a lot in common. We share a mutual love for Maryland and its snazzy-looking state flag — you can’t convince me another state flag tops it. We both enjoy mathematics, which is very important to physics. We both love to hike, especially at Mount Saint Francis and Charlestown State Park’s Full Moon Hike. Additionally, this past winter she convinced me to join the Bowling Team. I’m really glad she did because I enjoyed the season: bowling napkins, second ball strikes, and all. In fact, the last day of school before break we discovered we had a similar taste in music. I will definitely miss having Mrs. Swessel as a teacher and coach, but I’m sure we will keep in touch. 
Brynna: I will miss all of my teachers, but I will especially miss Ms. Aebersold and Mrs. Harritt. I have had Mrs. Harritt as a volleyball coach and teacher, so we have a special connection. I have had Ms. A for several different classes since sophomore year, and she has taught me how to be a diligent student in the classroom. 

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Two accepted into college-to-med-school program

Seniors Elyse Kristiansen and Logan Applewhite have been admitted into the prestigious Indiana University Southeast Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Degree Scholarship Program, which covers the cost of tuition, room, and board for eight semesters and provides a provisional acceptance to Indiana University Medical School.

Elyse plans to double major in chemistry and biology with a minor in Spanish for her bachelor’s degree before applying to the Indiana University School of Medicine her senior year. The B/MD Scholarship Program pays for tuition for eight semesters at IU Southeast as well as on-campus living expenses and is intended to encourage more college students to pursue a medical degree with the goal of practicing medicine in Southern Indiana. 

Elyse said she chose to apply to this program because of her interest in the medical field. Receiving this scholarship expanded her career goals.

“I thought about being a nurse, but because of this program, I realized that I could be a doctor,” she said, adding that she particularly likes being able to “focus on my studies instead of worrying about how to pay for college.”

Her interest in medicine came from our experience as a patient throughout her childhood as she received therapy for autism and partial deafness. 

 “I would not be where I am today without the work of these doctors,” Elyse said. “They changed my life. I want to help people like they did, to make someone’s life better.”

She said she is particularly interested in obstetrics and gynecology and has also considered pediatrics because she would like to work with children.

In addition to the financial benefit of the scholarship, Elyse said she also is grateful for the affirmation of her abilities. 

“Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me,” she said. “Being awarded this scholarship showed that there were other people who believed in me and thought that I could do this.” 

Logan plans to major in biology and business management at IU Southeast and is looking forward to taking part in the program. He said he first learned about the Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Degree Scholarship Program when he was a sophomore looking into college classes at IU Southeast. The program fit his desire to attend a smaller university followed by medical school at IU.

“Already having a provisional seat in IU medical school is reassuring.” Logan said. “According to the IU Medical School website, they received 7206 applications and only admitted 363. I also look forward to going through the program with the other B/MD scholarship recipients.”

Logan said he developed an interest in a medical career after watching his father perform surgeries on animals in his veterinary practice and volunteering over summer breaks at the Louisville VA Medical Center, which gave him valuable firsthand experience in the healthcare field.

“It was really rewarding to help our veterans, and I enjoyed interacting with the doctors and nurses in the surgery department,” Logan said. “Plus, the science classes at Providence have been my favorite classes.”

His volunteer work at the VA center also gave him the opportunity to shadow several ophthalmologists, which sparked his interest in following that career path.

“I really enjoyed (seeing) what they do,” Logan said. “It would be rewarding to help improve people’s vision and quality of life.”

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Seniors awarded millions, multiple accolades

The 83 seniors in the Class of 2020 are a talented group, earning a collective total of more than $8 million in direct award scholarships from numerous colleges. Twenty-one seniors received a total of more than $92,000 in awards from 21 community organizations. Below is a listing of scholarships from community and national organizations as well as

Community Scholarships

The following seniors received scholarships and awards from various community and national programs, many of them monetary awards totaling more than $92,000:

Nolan Banet – Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Who Wants to be a College Student Scholarship

Natalie Boesing – PHS Booster Club Scholarship supported by John E. Fitzgerald ’68

Bryce Carl – National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation

Regan Elias – Mortenson Charitable Foundation Scholarship

Alec Fougerousse – PHS Booster Club Scholarship supported by John E. Fitzgerald ’68

Austin Grantz – Caesars Foundation  of Floyd County Scholarship (formally The Horseshoe Foundation Scholarship), PHS JR Cartrette Memorial Scholarship for Track & Field, and Wendy’s Heisman School Winner Award

Bryce Hutchins – Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Scholarship (formally The Horseshoe Foundation Scholarship)

Stephanie Koopman – David C. Smith ’82 Memorial Scholarship Award

Zoe Libs – 2020 ICC Indiana Academic All-State Cheer Team

Carlie Miiller – Centra Foundation Loretta M. Burd High School Scholarship

Elle O’Bannon – Hoosier State Press Association Foundation Legacy Scholarship

Amanda Pasierbowicz – National Merit Finalist

Alex Perkinson – Community Foundation of Southern Indiana – Paul W Ogle Scholarship

Maria Popson – Right to Life of Southern Indiana Scholarship, Community Foundation of Southern Indiana – John C. Gatz Memorial Scholarship, Jamie Parsley Family Foundation Scholarship, National Merit – Letter of Commendation, and Wendy’s Heisman School Winner Award

Claire Reyes – Tri-Kappa – Alpha Chapter of Jeffersonville, Clarksville Rotary Scholarship, Kiwanis Club of Clarksville Robert “Bob” Kraft Memorial Scholarship, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Scholarship, PHS Service Award 

Luke Rodski – National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation

Chloe Sprigler – 2020 ICC Indiana Academic All-State Cheer Team

Lauren Stapp – Clark County REMC

Avery Stumler – Caesars Foundation  of Floyd County Scholarship (formally The Horseshoe Foundation Scholarship)

Brynna Walthers – Community Foundation of Southern Indiana – Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship

Stephen Wilson – Centra Foundation Loretta M. Burd High School Scholarship, Clarksville Rotary Speech Winner, Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Who Wants to be a College Student Scholarship, DAR Good Citizenship Award

Direct Academic College Scholarships of Note

Brigid Welch – Appointments to U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Naval academies

Elyse Kristiansen and Logan Applewhite –  Indiana University Southeast Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Degree Scholarship Program

Amanda Pasierbowicz – National Merit Scholarship to The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

College Destinations of seniors who decided prior to the June 1 deadline

Chase Aldridge – Campbellsville University

Kennedy Allender  – Western Kentucky University 

Jillian Andriot – Ball State University 

Jack Arnson – University of Louisville

Sydney Barron – Indiana University Bloomington

Brandon Barron – Indiana University Bloomington

Matthew Boehm – Indiana University Southeast

Natalie Boesing – Butler University 

Nadia Brooks – Purdue University

Bryce Carl – Indiana University Bloomington

Laramie Cecil – Indiana University Bloomington

Claire Culwell – University of Cincinnati 

Emily Dodd – University of Louisville 

Ryan Drury – Indiana University Southeast

Bishop Edwards – Pittsburg State University 

Regan Elias – Ball State University 

Colin Flake – Ave Maria University 

Alec Fougerousse – Ohio Wesleyan University

Gavin Galligan – Indiana University Southeast

Brayton Gettelfinger –  Illinois Central College 

Courtney Glotzbach – Jacksonville State University 

Austin Grantz – Indiana University Southeast

Jessica Hartlage – Indiana University Southeast 

Max Holman – Indiana University Bloomington 

Alissa Hughes – Indiana University Bloomington 

Bryce Hutchins – Bellarmine University

Kaylee Kaiser – Indiana University Bloomington  

Luc Knable – University of Louisville

Stephanie Koopman – Purdue University

Elyse Kristiansen – Indiana University Southeast 

Meghan LaMaster – Indiana University Bloomington

Zoe Libs – Indiana University Bloomington 

Lauren Lindquist  – Indiana University Southeast

Kasey Lockard – Indiana University Bloomington

William Lutgens – University of Louisville 

Olivia McCurdy – Indiana University Southeast

Carlie Miiller – Hanover College

Ashley Miller – Ivy Tech

Megan Murphy – Indiana University Bloomington 

Elle O’Bannon – Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business

Faith  Oakley – Ball State University

Amanda Pasierbowicz – University of Alabama Tuscaloosa

Dylan Payne – Ball State University

Alex Perkinson – Bellarmine University 

Maria Popson – University of Louisville

Maggie Purichia – Spalding University

Angela Quintero – Indiana University Southeast

Claire Reyes – Purdue University

Ceci Rush – University of Louisville

Liberty Russell – Western Kentucky University

Augusta Schonard – Indiana University Southeast

Caden Sidebottom – Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business

Chloe  Sprigler – Indiana University Bloomington 

Lauren Stapp – Indiana University Southeast

Helena Stoner – Indiana University Southeast

Avery Stumler – Indiana University Bloomington 

Jacob Sullivan – Purdue University

Christian Tate – Indiana University Southeast

Brynna Walthers – Purdue University

Brigid Welch – United States Naval Academy

Stephen Wilson – Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business

Kyle Wisdom – University of Louisville

Shelby Wright – Indiana University Bloomington 

Four Year Four Quarter Honor Roll

Logan Applewhite

Austin Barnett

Brandon Barron

Emily Dodd

Austin Grantz

Kylee Kaiser

Luc Knable

Stephanie Koopman

Zoe Libs

Kasey Lockard

Olivia McCurdy

Carlie Miiler

Faith Oakley

Amanda Pasierbowicz

Alex Perkinson

Maria Popson

Claire Reyes

Cecilia Rush

Chloe Sprigler

Lauren Stapp

Avery Stumler

Gabe Tucker

Brynna Walthers

Brigid Welch

Shelby Wright

Distinguished Scholars

Logan Applewhite

Emily Dodd

Andrew Henderson

Zoe Libs

Amanda Pasierbowicz

Alex Perkinson

Maria Popson

Claire Reyes

Lauren Stapp

Brynna Walthers

Brigid Welch

Shelby Wright

 

Valedictorian – Highest class rank in the senior class: Maria Popson

Salutatorian – Second highest class rank in the senior class: Brynna Walthers

 

Honor Council – The Providence High School Honor Code and Honor Council were created and introduced to the school community during the 2019-2020 school year. The goals of the Honor Council are to educate and promote academic integrity in our school community. Selection to the Honor Council is one of the highest honors a student can achieve at Providence. Service on this council requires meaningful dedication, a clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion, and an authentic time commitment to this organization. Honor Council members should be viewed as models of character and honor.

Andrew Henderson

Bryce Hutchins

Maria Popson

Brigid Welch

Department Awards

English

AP Language & Composition:
Elle O’Bannon

English 12:
Claire Culwell
Ceci Rush
Austin Grantz

Fine Arts

Theatre I:
Jacob Sullivan

Theatre II:
Nolan Banet

Musical Theatre Production:
Regan Elias

Directing:
Dylan Payne

Advanced Theatre:
Luke Rodksi
Stephen Wilson

Technical Theatre:
Matthew Boehm
Gus Schonard

Technical Merit Award:
Nick Freville

Intro to 2D Art:
Kasey Lockard
Chloe Sprigler

Intro to 23D Art:
Claire Culwell
Jessica Hartlage
Maggie Purichia

Ceramics:
Meg LaMaster
Gus Schonard
Shelby Wright   

Ceramics II:
Amanda Pasierbowicz
Lauren Stapp
Courtney Glotzbach                                    

Photography:
Stephanie Koopman
Avery Stumler

Drawing:
Nolan Banet
Kaylee Kaiser
Faith Oakley 

Sculpture:
Donte Davis
Liberty Russell

Painting:
Claire Culwell 
Taylor Hensley

Digital Design:
Alex Perkinson
Caden Sidebottom

Advanced 2D Art:
Olivia McCurdy

Advanced 3D Art:
Elyse Kristiansen  

Health & Physical Education

Advanced PE:
Logan Applewhite
Carson Happel
Bryce Hutchins
Kaylee Kaiser
Avery Stumler

Intro to Weightlifting:
Sterling Huber

Mathematics

Honors Precalculus:
Kaylee Kaiser
Avery Stumler

AP Calculus:
Emily Dodd

Precalculus & Trigonometry:
Ryan Drury
Austin Grantz

IUS Finite Math:
Zoe Libs
Lauren Stapp

IUS Calculus:
Emily Dodd
Lauren Stapp

Probability & Statistics:
Claire Culwell

Quantitative Reasoning:
Lauren Lindquist

Science

Computer Science:
Ryan Drury 
Austin Grantz

Intro to Engineering:      
Sterling Huber 
Alex Perkinson

Honors Physics:
Zoe Libs                                                                                                                                            

ACP Physics:
Maria Popson

Social Studies

Personal Finance:
Brandon Barron

Government:
Nolan Banet
Austin Barnett
Courtney Glotzbach

Economics:
Austin Grantz
Kaylee Kaiser
Avery Stumler

AP Government:
Andrew Henderson
Kasey Lockard

AP World History:
Maria Popson
Brynna Walthers

Theology

History of the Catholic Church:
Austin Grantz
Michael Morra
Caden Sidebottom 
Shelby Wright

Catholic Social Teaching:
Jillian Andriot
Colin Flake
Elle O’Bannon
Maggie Purichia

World Languages

ACP Spanish IV:
Amanda Pasierbowicz
Ceci Rush

Honors Spanish V:
Claire Reyes

 Honors French V:
Jillian Andriot

ACP French III:
Brynna Walthers

Special Department Awards

The Karen Benham Memorial English Award
Named after the late Karen Benham, a beloved English teacher at Providence for 25 years. She was greatly respected by her colleagues for her dedication and love of literature. Mrs. Benham passed on her love of literature and the English language to her many students until her premature death of cancer in 2001. This award, in her memory, recognizes an outstanding student in English whose love for literature and language is evident in the student’s work, both written and verbal. 
Recipient: Zoe Libs

The Sister Joseph Louise Mathematics Award
Named after the late Sister Joseph Louise, who served at Providence from 1955 through 1965. She headed the Math and Science Department and taught a variety of math classes while here. In 1961, she inaugurated the “Mathematical Association of America Award,” which was bestowed on a graduating senior for outstanding mathematical achievement. One year following her departure, the annual mathematics award was renamed in her honor – the Sister Joseph Louise Mathematics Achievement Award.  It has been presented annually for 52 consecutive years.
Recipient: Lauren Stapp

The Judith Manning Social Studies Award
Named in honor of Jude Manning (Hon. ’16), who is retired in 2018 after 34 years at Providence. This award is given to a senior who has excelled in social studies and has a desire to major or minor in history in college. Ms. Manning’s teaching career has spanned over 40 years, the majority of that time spent as a member of the Providence Social Studies Department. Her love of history and enthusiasm for teaching has been an inspiration to many Providence students. Hard work, dedication and a desire to make a difference have all been core principles modeled by Ms. Manning. 
Recipient: Elle O’Bannon

Norma Reynolds Science Award
Named after the late Norma Reynolds, who served Providence for 21 years (1968-1989) as teacher of chemistry, physics, and biology. This award was established in 1990 and has been awarded annually ever since. Ms. Reynolds was an extremely dedicated and highly respected teacher of science who impacted students for more than two decades.
Recipient: Maria Popson

Kathleen Polansky Theology Award
Named in honor of Kathleen Polansky, who taught theology at Providence for 30 years. This award is given in her honor to a student who has excelled academically in the study of theology all four years; has shown exemplary character in dealing with teachers and peers; and has participated fully in theology classes as well as religious-based school activities – such as retreats and liturgical ministry. Lastly, this student has consistently modeled a Christian lifestyle. 
Recipient: Andrew Henderson

Don Zipp Blue Pride Award
Named in honor of long-time social studies teacher Don Zipp (Hon. ’12) and given to a male and female student who best show the true spirit of BLUE PRIDE:

  •         Worked for class unity through building positive relationships; treated classmates with respect, showed genuine care and concern for all classmates.
  •         Participated fully in the life of the school by attending school activities.
  •         Demonstrated pride in their school by being respectful of the missions of Providence, and its rules and regulations, its faculty and staff, and the student body.
  •         Helped to make Providence a better school by giving of their leadership, time, and talents and helped promote the Providence spirit in the school and community.

Recipients: 
Brigid Welch
Sterling Huber

Our Lady of Providence Honor Award
Given to a male and female student who best live the Providence mission and philosophy:

  • Demonstrates exemplary Christian character
  • Upholds high academic standards and integrity; achieves scholastically
  • Participates fully in the life of the school through co-curricular and extracurricular activities
  • Demonstrates leadership and dependability
  • Promotes self-discipline, high personal standards, healthy relationships, and positive role modeling

Recipients: 
Zoe Libs
Andrew Henderson

Fr. Badin Citizenship Award
Given to either a male or a female student who furthers the high ideals of the Knights of Columbus:

  • Exemplary Christian character
  • Outstanding service to others
  • Extraordinary dedication and loyalty to Providence
  • Committed to making a positive difference at Providence and in the community
  • Inspires others to give of themselves for the betterment of all people

Recipients:
Maria Popson
Bryce Hutchins

Catalyst Catholic Leadership Awards

2020 Outstanding Leadership & Service Award:
Maggie Purichia – Holy Family

Andrew Henderson – Holy Family

Claire Reyes – St. Anthony

Faith Oakley – St. Mary of the Knobs

Brigid Welch – St. Mary Navilleton

2020 Certificate of Leadership & Faithful Involvement:

Sydney Barron – St. Anthony

Michael Morra – St. Anthony

Helena Stoner – St. Anthony

Gabe Tucker – St. Anthony

Kaylee Kaiser – St. Mary of the Knobs

Jessica Hartlage – St. Mary of the Knobs

Zoe Libs – St. Mary of the Knobs

Nolan Banet – St. Mary of the Knobs

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Sports Spotlight: Boys Track, Baseball

This issue our Sports Spotlight is on members of the Boys Track and Baseball teams. Four-year seniors on the Boys Track team include Brandon Barron, Bishop Edwards, Taylor Hensley, Alex Perkinson, and Gabe Tucker. Three-year seniors include Jack Arnson, Austin Grantz, and Christian Tate. The seniors on the Baseball team include Gavin Galligan, Bryce Hutchins, and Caden Sidebottom. The Q&As for those who wanted them published can be found below.

Baseball

Caden Sidebottom, outfield. House of Faith.

Question: What did you like about playing baseball?
Answer: I’ve played baseball my entire life. I think my favorite part of playing baseball has been making friends with kids from all over the state solely because we share a love for the sport.

Q:  How did I get started in PHS baseball?
A: I started playing in middle school at Providence, and then that obviously just led me into high school ball.

Q: What do you like about your position?
A: The outfield just offers a lot of room to run, which I loved a lot about it. 

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: Right now I’m just continuing to lift weights in the basement.

Q: What has been your favorite quarantine activity?
A: Is there anything to like about quarantine?

Q: How have you stayed connected to friends?
A: We’ve got our group chats.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: I’ve always been into history/government type classes.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: It at least gives me SOMETHING to do to pass time.

Q: What is the best part of being a Pioneer?
A: I got to meet a lot of lifetime friends at Providence and felt proud to represent the school every time I put the jersey on and took the field.

College plans: Indiana University Kelley School of Business

Bryce Hutchins, second base. Boys Basketball. House of Spirit delegate, Honor Council, Student Ambassador

Question: What did you like about playing baseball?
Answer: I loved a lot of things about playing baseball, but more than anything I loved the people in and around the Providence program. I loved my teammates and playing for all of my coaches.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Baseball?
A: With my dad being a coach my whole life, I’ve been around it my entire life. I went to my first game when I was a few days old.

Q: What do you like about your position?
A: I like the mental aspect of the game at my position, and I also like working on the hand-eye coordination skills required to play my position.

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: I am working out at my house using free weights and my pull up bar.

Q: What has been your favorite quarantine activity?
A: Working on my sports blog and podcast that I do with my friend Sterling Huber.

Q: How do you stay connected to friends?
A: I FaceTime with my friends almost every day, and a few of us try and stay connected through doing physical challenges.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: Economics, I am interested in that type of stuff.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: I like that I can do my work at any hour of the day. 

Q: What is the best part of being a Pioneer?
A: I would say being a part of the Providence family and having so many great people around me.

College plans: Bellarmine, with the possibility of getting involved in some way with its baseball program.

Gavin Galligan, pitcher and outfield. Boys Tennis. House of Humility.

Question: What did you like about playing baseball?
Answer: What I enjoy most about baseball is all the people I meet and the competition I have with my friends. It’s alway fun to play against friends on other teams.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Baseball?
A: I got started in PHS baseball when I was in eighth grade. I played for Chris Lorenz, and that’s when I knew I wanted to become a Pioneer.

Q: What do you like about your position?
A: My favorite is pitching. What I love about pitching is that I am active during every play, and it makes me stay on my toes.

Q: What has been your favorite quarantine activity?
A: My favorite quarantine activity is to play PlayStation with a small group of friends. I play with my teammate Caden Sidebottom and his dad, and I also play with two of my other closest friends.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: My favorite school subject is PE class just because it helps take my mind away from school, and I get to have fun with my classmates. 

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: What I like about online class is that I can eat during any class without getting yelled at for it. 

Q: What is the best part of being a Pioneer?
A: The best part about being a Pioneer is that you can really get to know your classmates since there are only like 80 of us. IU Southeast to major in criminal justice. 

Boys Track

Alex Perkinson, mid-distance, fourth year for Track & Field. Boys Swim & Dive, one season.  House of Truth.

Question: What did you like about Track?
Answer: I liked the competitive meets, especially the relays. 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: My Providence alumni cousin, Luke Schroering ‘17, was a senior when I was a freshman. He was a pretty good runner, and he told me that running Track and Cross Country is a great experience. I continued to run throughout all my four years in high school.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: Since I ran Cross Country too, I liked that my events were mid-distance. I also liked that my mid-distance coaches were very experienced in the events, and that they were great to learn from. Also, the other runners on the mid-distance team were great to see work with.

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: To stay in shape, I’m riding my recumbent bike at home and playing basketball.

Q: What has been your favorite quarantine activity?
A: It’s been great to spend time with my family, and to just relax throughout the day. 

Q: How have you been staying connected to friends?
A: Sometimes we play video games.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: My favorite school subject would have to be math.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: I’ve been able to relax throughout the day, and I enjoy that. Also, I like the Wednesday flex days. It’s a great break in the middle of the week, and it’s a good opportunity to catch up on work.

College plans: Bellarmine

Gabe Tucker, sprints. Fourth season in Track & Field. House of Courage.

Question: What did you like about Track?
Answer: I like running and staying in shape

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track? 
A: It’s a good activity to hang out with friends.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I run short distances and not a fan of long distance.

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: Lifting weights.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: PE.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: Nothing. I do not like remote learning.

College plans: University of Louisville

Taylor Hensley, jumps. Cheerleading and Boys Volleyball. House of Loyalty.

Question: What did you like about Track?
Answer: I like how I can be around all my friends and just hang out and cheer them on the entire day.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I’ve always done and loved track. I even played in middle and elementary. So for me, I absolutely love track.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I like how every year I break my PRs because I always like to set goals for myself, and I’ve always met that goal for each year that I set up for myself.

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: I run sometimes, or I do some workouts with my family.

Q: What has been your favorite quarantine activity?
A: Drawing and playing games with my family.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: I love math, but I also like Advanced PE.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: I like how I’m at home, but I would honestly rather go to school.

Brandon Barron, sprints, fourth season. Freshman Boys Basketball, Boys Soccer senior year. House of Justice.

Question: What did you like about Track?
Answer: Track and Field was fun because the meets took forever, but I always had a good time.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I started running track at Providence because I ran in grade school.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: In the 200m I like how you get build up your speed and in the 4×4 everyone is watching cause it’s the last event

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: To stay in shape I am lifting everyday, which is my favorite during quarantine.

Q: How have you been staying connected to friends?
A: I stay connected through my friends by PlayStation playing games or texting them

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: My favorite school subject is science because it comes easy to me

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: I like getting to do my work at a time when I’m most focused to finish it.

College plans: Indiana University

Austin Grantz, throws, high jump, third season. Boys Basketball, Bowling. House of Justice.

Question: What did you like about Track?
Answer: I enjoyed getting to compete with some of my closest friends while the Providence community supported me. 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I ran track in middle school and wanted to stick with it, especially when I heard how fun it was to be a part of the team.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I participated in individual events. I like to set my own personal goals and work toward achieving them. 

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: I get outside every day that is nice enough to run or bike, or I do my own workout inside. 

Q: What has been your favorite quarantine activity?
A: Detailing cars and mowing lawns (by the way if you need any work done feel free to give me a call.)

Q: How have you been staying connected to friends?
A: My friends and I have been getting together to bike or walk at parks while maintaining our distance. 

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: Math-related classes.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: It’s more comfortable doing work at home, and I don’t have to wait for lunch. 

College plans: IU Southeast 

Christian Tate, third season Track & Field, Bowling Team. House of Humility.

Question: What did you like about Track & Field?
Answer: I like Track and Field because I’ve been able to make tons of new friends, memories, and learn a lot more about what I like to do

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I got started in track when I tried out in 8th grade and I realized how much I loved, which motivated me to try out for high school track.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I like the 200m sprint and high jump because I’ve always liked to run and I was told that I naturally had a great form for high jump.

Q: What have you been doing to stay in shape?
A: I go on jogs and walk during the morning and do some at-home workouts.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A:Sleeping or playing video games

Q: How have you been staying connected to friends?
A: I stay connected with my friends through group video/FaceTime calls.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: Anything to do with science would be my favorite because I’ve always liked learning about anything to do with science.

Q: What did you like about having class online?
A: I like that we can have our own schedule and get stuff done whenever.

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Interim principal leads Sacred Heart through extended eLearning

Cathy (Meiners) Bremmer ’81, a long-time teacher in the New Albany Deanery, accepted the interim principal job at Sacred Heart Catholic School for the 2019-2020 school year intending it to be a one-year term. Quickly, she found that she loved the job, and after ending her first year leading the school through its first extended distance learning, she has been named the principal for the school. Here is a look at her experience:

What do you enjoy about being principal?

I have taught in the New Albany Deanery schools for 33 years and have always enjoyed working with the students and the teachers. 

I went into teaching for my love of children and the joy I feel when helping them learn new things and grow to be the best they can be. I also enjoy working with my colleagues, figuring out solutions and best practices and helping each other be the best teachers we could be.  Becoming principal allows me to continue to work with students and teachers in a very fulfilling way. I could support students and teachers and help lead the school as a whole to be a great place to learn and work with students and families.  

You started off the year as interim principal. What changed that you agreed to become principal for another year or more?

I have enjoyed being the interim principal for Sacred Heart Catholic. Sacred Heart has wonderful staff, students, and families, and I feel blessed to be able to help each group.  I have been asked to continue as principal for the upcoming school year and have agreed to do so. It is an honor to be able to make a difference for a community I care deeply about.

What has been the most challenging part of being a principal, especially a first-time principal, during extended eLearning?

Being principal encompasses so many jobs especially in a small Catholic school. Juggling all the jobs, things that come up naturally, being there to help teachers, students, and parents, all while learning the job was quite the challenge and led to even longer days and nights. 

Although as the director of technology (her prior role) I had helped get Sacred Heart prepared for eLearning, the extended eLearning due to COVID-19 brought new challenges. I am so proud of how our teachers jumped right in and adjusted as needed and also of our students and families that worked with us to make this as positive and successful as possible. Trying to make the best of the extended eLearning, keeping teachers, students, and parents connected and highlighting the positives in a situation that was out of our control and continually being flexible is a challenge but one Sacred Heart has achieved.

How did Sacred Heart have to adjust to provide eLearning?

Sacred Heart had already been using eLearning days for snow days and to allow for whole-school professional development days. The extended eLearning meant we had to teach all new concepts outside the classroom. We used live, online Google Meets and prerecorded video lessons to introduce new concepts. The Google Meets also helped us stay connected with our students, which is so very important. 

One thing that was key was flexibility. Our students and their families were of course affected by the pandemic in many different ways, and we needed to adjust while maintaining appropriate expectations so that our students would continue their academic growth and be ready for the next grade level.  Our resource team stepped up and helped teachers work with students that needed a little more assistance. We reinvented some of our traditions and everyday routines to try and maintain some normalcy during this abnormal time. Staff also had their own adjustments to make with teaching from home and maintaining their own families at the same time. 

What creative/outside-the-box/out-of-your-comfort-zone things have you done during extended eLearning?

I would have never ever thought I would do a Facebook Live. I love helping people and doing what I can to support and build others up. I am not as comfortable being at the forefront, so putting myself on Facebook Live was definitely outside my comfort zone.   

The staff and I have switched things to online, like Stations of the Cross, eighth grader baby picture guesses, announcements, and had an eighth-grade sign parade to name a few.  

Of what in the students and staff are you most proud during the last few months?

I am so proud of the students and staff for just working together and getting through this unprecedented situation with a smile. Sure, we had our ups and downs, worries, concerns, and struggles, but on both the teacher side and student side, we continued to work together, adjust as needed, encourage one another, support one another, push ourselves to do the best we could with the given situation, and gave the rest to God.

No, this is not a perfect situation, and it is not what we would recommend for the best education, but it is what it is, and I know Sacred Heart staff and students did their very best and rocked our eLearning/non-traditional learning at home. I am also so very proud of our parents who had to become home educators and take on more than they signed up for at the beginning of this year.  I appreciate our parents working with us, understanding it was out of our control, being patient as we adjusted when needed, and also trying to look for the positives.

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April Scholars & Leaders recognized

Our April Scholars and Leaders this month were recognized for their excellence in World Languages, French, or for their contribution to the Houses of Truth and Spirit. Mrs. Kerry Gerber delivered a goody bag to each of their homes, and they were featured on the school’s social media sites. Their Q&As are below.

April Scholars – World Languages, French

Abby Adams, freshman, Honors French I, House of Faith, Drawing Club.

Question: What do you like about French in general?
Answer: I like learning about the French culture and enjoy learning the language. Shout out to Ms. A for being a great teacher! She makes learning easy and fun.

Q: Why did you choose to take this world language?
A:  I was interested in taking French over Spanish, but had to take Spanish in junior high. Now I can take French and find that I enjoy it very much.

Q: What was your favorite French class activity?
A: My favorite class activity in French has probably been the Celebrity Family Tree. I enjoyed being able to choose some of my favorite celebrities to be a part of my imaginary family. 

Q: What has been your favorite French eLearning activity?  
A: My favorite eLearning activity has been the Town Planners Project where I got to make up my own town using French words for places in a town. I liked this project because I enjoy using my artistic creativity. 

Dallas Bonnet, sophomore, ACP French III, House of Truth sophomore delegate, Girls Tennis, Honor Council. Outside of school, she rides and shows horses except during the pandemic.

Question: What do you like about French in general?
Answer: I love the way it sounds; it’s such a fluid language and rhythmic. 

Q: Why did you choose to take this world language?
A: I’ve always wanted to go to France one day, maybe live there for a short period of time. I love the French culture and cuisine. France is just beautiful, and I wanted to be able to really understand it and experience it fully by knowing the language. I also liked the language because it’s not all that popular a language to take in this area, and it felt like a cool thing to know. 

Q: What was your favorite French class activity?
A: My favorite French activity we’ve done was the Celebrity Family Tree where we talked about our families in French and described them but instead of having pictures of our actual family members, we got to put celebrities that reminded us of our family.

Q: What has been your favorite French eLearning activity?  
A: My favorite French eLearning activity we’ve done so far is Quizizz quizzes because they’re a great and helpful way to review, and it’s nice for a refresher. 

Monica Nokes, junior, ACP French III, House of Humility, Quick Recall, Tech Theatre

Question: What do you like about French in general?
Answer: I like French because it’s fun to learn and practice and is definitely a challenging language.

Q: Why did you choose to take this world language?
A: I chose to take French because my siblings had taken it and liked the class. I’ve always been interested in French, so I’m glad I have the opportunity to take this class.

Q: What was your favorite French class activity?
A: My favorite French class activity has probably been our sorting activities in groups because we get to work together to solve a puzzle and learn along the way.

Q: What has been your favorite French eLearning activity?  
A: During eLearning, my favorite French activity has been our Quizizz games as a review tool because they are fun and competitive.

Jillian Andriot, senior, French V, House of Humility, Drawing Club, Art Club, Book Club, and Sherlock Club.

Question: What do you like about French in general?
Answer: I love how the French language sounds and is written. I’ve also always found language and how it’s used interesting, so being able to study another language is fascinating to me.

Q: Why did you choose to take this world language?
A: I didn’t choose French in junior high (when she first took world language); I was gently forced into it because the Spanish class was too big. But, I’m glad that it worked out that way!

Q: What was your favorite French class activity?
A: My favorite activity from French class was probably in ACP French III when my class took selfies in our favorite outfits and gave presentations about them in French.

Q: What has been your favorite French eLearning activity?  
A: My favorite eLearning assignment for French class is probably the project that I’m working on now. I recently read The Little Prince in French, and now I‘m practicing creative writing in French by creating an additional chapter for the book.

April Leaders – House of Truth 

Elyse Kristiansen, senior executive delegate (as well her sophomore and freshman years), National Honor Society, Softball, Green Dot, Student Ambassador, Pro-Life Club 

Question: What house activities did you help plan? 
Answer: I helped plan the Can Sculpture Competition. I loved this activity because it allowed the grade levels to get creative and have fun while also helping out the local charity In Heaven’s Eyes. 

Q: What did I like about being a House leader? 
A: I loved being a House leader because I felt like the position really helped me connect with people in my House , specifically the underclassmen. The best parts of my days would be when members of the House would come say hi to me or tell me about their day or even ask for help. 

Q: Describe your leadership style. 
A: I would describe my leadership style as very detailed. I love to plan fun events and organize things with charities and outside groups. I would often plan events, and then let the House members run things when the time came so that everyone got to play a part in the event. 

Q: What has been your favorite service experience?
A: The Can Sculpture Competition. It was so much fun to see all the effort and creativity that went into the art projects. And I loved how involved everyone got in the end when it came to delivering the cans to the charity, specifically the House of Truth and the Boys Basketball team coming together to get the task done. 

Luke Hesse, junior, Boys Soccer

Q: Describe your leadership style. 
Answer: I lead by example, and also try to keep other’s spirits up.

Q: What has been your favorite service experience?
A: I represented Providence at the March for Life this year in Washington, D.C. That was such a great experience, and I am happy to have been able to support my beliefs while representing Providence.

Q: What did you like about your House? 
A: I enjoy talking with my small group during the meetings and trying to improve the school.

Maddie Kaiser, freshman executive delegate, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Pinterest Club, and Drawing Club.

Question: What did I like about being a House leader? 
Answer: I like being a delegate because I am more involved, and my voice is able to be heard.

Q: What has been your favorite service experience?
A: My favorite service experience was building the can sculpture! It wasn’t a normal can drive which made it fun.

Q: What did you like about your House? 
A: My favorite thing about my House is the people in it. When we break into small groups during meetings we always have fun during the meetings!

Q: What house activities did you help plan? 
A: I enjoyed helping plan what we did for St. Nick’s Day. It was small, but who doesn’t like getting candy!

Will Dykes, sophomore, Football, theater.

Question: What has been your favorite service experience?
Answer:  My favorite service activity I did at school is the can sculpture.

Q: What did you like about your House? 
A: The House of Truth, I believe, is very connected, and that is my favorite part of being in this House.

Q: Describe your leadership style. 
A: I think I have a very approachable leadership style.  I try to be a good listener and kind to everyone whom I lead.

April Leaders – House of Spirit 

Claire Reyes, senior Executive Delegate, Cross Country, Track & Field, ProLife Club, Quick Recall, National Honor Society, theatre, Student Ambassador. House leader four years – three as class delegate and one as event coordinator.

Question: What skills, gifts, or talents have you contributed to your House?
Answer: For my House, I’ve contributed my leadership, friendliness, and positivity. I’m no Ms.Vander Woude, but I do my best to interact with people in my House and make them smile.

Q: What did I like about being a House leader? 
A: I like being a House leader because I get to connect with more people than I would if I was just a House member. Being a House leader also forces you to be creative and determined. You have to work with a lot of people and somehow come together as a whole. That’s the hardest part, but I enjoy the challenge. 

Q: What has been your favorite service experience?
A: My favorite service experience I’ve had while at PHS is volunteering at the Deanery Cross Country meets. I love seeing the little kids and getting to cheer for them. It’s also nice to have a different service environment. Normally, people go to soup kitchens and homeless shelters, which are extremely important and need our help. However, volunteering with Deanery kids is also important. They might need our help less than the others, but they still need our help to comfort them and be role models for them.

Q: What did you like about your House? 
A: My favorite thing about my House is the leaders I get to work with. I am very fortunate to have Bryce Hutchins as the other senior delegate. He is a hard worker and is always willing to put 110 percent of his effort into any activity. He is also the person who hypes up our house and really puts the “spirit” into the House of Spirit. Ms. Monica Vander Woude and Mr. Scott Hutchins (‘91) are also leaders I am fortunate to work with. They keep our House running and make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. They also make our House fun and include everyone.

Sydney Allen, sophomore, Dance Team co-captain, Book Club, and Bowling 

Question: What roles have you filled in your House
Answer: I helped with our House recycling program and also helped stack cans for our sophomore Spiderman display for the canned food drive.

Q: Describe your leadership style.
A: I’m pretty much an introvert so I wouldn’t say I’m really a vocal leader at all.  I try to do my best to help people and pitch in wherever I can to make our House and our school a good place to be.

Q: What was your favorite service experience?
A: I have enjoyed the projects where we collect things, like the canned food drive, collecting items for the homeless, and the Penny Wars.  I also like collecting the recycling.  

Q: What is your favorite thing about your House?
A: I really like that some of my best friends are in the same House as me.  I also have liked getting to know a lot of new people and making new friends in my House.

Landon Kruer, junior executive delegate (previously sophomore executive delegate), Baseball, Boys Tennis. 

Question: What did I like about being a House leader? 
Answer: I enjoy being a House leader because I am able to plan enjoyable activities for members of my House.

Q: Describe your leadership style.
A: The leadership style that I prefer to use is have members of my House suggest something, then I revise what they suggest, and then I present them with the revisions to be sure they are happy with the final idea or project.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your House?
A: My favorite thing about my House is our small group time during House meetings. We get to meet and talk with people we normally wouldn’t on a day-to-day basis.

Q: What house activities did you help plan? 
A: Some activities I have helped plan in my House are Guerin Day activities, House meetings,  small groups, and Angel Tree shopping and gift wrapping.

Luke Jorden, freshman, Boys Soccer and Boys Basketball, Track & Field.

“He consistently helps with collecting recycling and is a reliable participant in House meetings and activities,” said faculty House sponsor Ms. Monica Vander Woude.

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Three juniors qualify for National Merit program

Juniors Allen Kruer, Rose Kempf, and Grant Dierking learned they scored among the top 50,000 scorers on their PSAT taken last fall to be recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program. They will be notified in fall 2020 if they have achieved the commended student or semifinalist level for 2021. 

Rose Kempf, who is the junior executive delegate for the House of Truth, said she was surprised and pleased to hear the news. She said she felt prepared going into the test thanks to the English and math classes she has taken, “specifically Dr. Jacobi’s and Mrs. Mauk’s classes,” she said. (Rose is in Honors Precalculus & Trigonometry taught by Mrs. Stephanie (Mayfield) Mauk ‘99, and AP English Literature taught by Dr. Kathryn Jacobi.) She also wanted to improve her test-taking skills, so she used full-length SAT practice tests as well as quizzes on Khan Academy to prepare. 

Rose said that she is undecided about what colleges to which she wants to apply. Her favorite subject is chemistry because “although it is challenging, it is interesting to learn about, and I like doing labs in that class.”  

Rose is a Student Ambassador, was a member of the Math Team and Bowling Team, and was in Popcorn Players, the spring musical, and the fall show. She is is on the Youth Planning Team for her parish, St. Anthony.

Grant Dierking said he felt confident about having done well on the PSAT when he took it in the fall and hoped he would land among the top scorers. After taking it as a sophomore, he began preparing to take the SAT early this school year. He spent last summer using Khan Academy quizzes and SAT practice tests every weekend. So by the time he took the PSAT with his class last fall, he felt comfortable with the types of questions and problems that were posed.

“It gave me a pretty good advantage because I had already taken the SAT, so I was used to harder questions on the SAT,” Grant said. “The PSAT is not that much easier, but I already had the test-taking strategies down a little bit. … and really felt comfortable in the test-taking environment.”

Grant said his English and math classes provided him with the background knowledge he needed, and taking the ISTEP or similar tests each year prepared him for how to approach the math questions. So getting accustomed to answering the English questions through practice tests was the biggest help.

Grant is in Providence Singers, spring musical, Quick Recall, Drawing, and CYO basketball at his parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He also is the House of Integrity junior executive delegate and applied for the senior delegate spot. With an equally good SAT score, Grant is beginning to think about college and is considering engineering or the seminary. He said his preference is a Catholic college, no matter his major, because his faith is important to him and “I want an environment in college that can help me grow in my faith.”

Allen Kruer said he is excited to have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Board. 

“Just being known as a Merit Scholar is an honor,” Allen said, adding “not to mention the possibility of winning a scholarship.”

Allen said the math courses he has taken as well as taking the PSAT as a sophomore helped him feel confident taking this school year’s test. Math and science are his favorite subjects, especially because the answers are not subjective.

“I like having one and only one answer to problems, and I also like having a set structure or method used to find the answers to problems,” Allen said.

Allen is a parishioner at St. John the Baptist parish in Starlight. He is undecided on his college plans, but he is leaning toward pursuing mechanical engineering. 

Allen is in the House of Truth, Quick Recall, Math Team, and Pro-Life Club, and he is a Student Ambassador and Lector. 

These three students are among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants out of the 1.5 million program entrants who took the test in fall 2019. From these high scorers nationwide, about 16,000 will be named National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists, representing the top scorers in each state, and the other 34,000 students will be commended for their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT. Semifinalists and then apply for the finalist round, with the possibility of receiving a scholarship.

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Spring Sports Spotlight: Girls Track

Our Spring Sports Spotlight this issue highlights four-year seniors on the Girls Track & Field team. Here are Q&As with Sydney Barron, Kaylee Kaiser, Stephanie Koopman, Maggie Purichia, Claire Reyes, Ceci Rush, Avery Stumler, and Brigid Welch.

Sydney Barron, 300 meter hurdles and 400 and 1600 meter relays (4th season), Cheer (2 seasons), and Girls Soccer (2). House of Justice. 

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: My favorite part of Track was getting to do what I loved with the people I loved. My teammates and coaches were the best. I also loved the feeling of breaking a record or setting a PR (personal record); there’s nothing like it.

Q: Why did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I got involved with PHS Track because I had grown up running track. It has always been my favorite sport, so I had to continue it in high school. 

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: Running hurdles was so physically but also mentally challenging; however, it did make running around a track a little more exciting. My favorite part of relays was when you get a perfect handoff. It’s the best feeling ever.

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: My favorite quarantine activity would have to be hanging out with my pet rat, Squirts!

Q: How do you stay connected to friends?
A: I stay connected with friends through our nightly FaceTimes.

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: My favorite part about having online classes is that when I need a break, I can take one. 

College Plans: Indiana University-Bloomington for psychology with a minor in criminal justice.

Maggie Purichia, distance (4th season), Volleyball (4), Girls Basketball (4). Committed to Spalding University for women’s track and women’s volleyball. House of Integrity leadership team.

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: What I love about Track and Field is I’m able to be outside everyday and exercise, meet new friends, and have great coaches.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I ran track in junior high at Holy Family, and I loved my coach Dan Schoenfelder so much.  He helped me love track!

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I like running the long distances because the training is different everyday.

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A:  I love riding my bike, going for a walk, and running.

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: Making dinner with my family each night. 

Q: How do you stay connected to friends?
A: Text message, SnapChat, and FaceTime

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: I like having class online because I get to stay in my PJs and enjoy being outside to finish up my work while enjoying the gorgeous weather.

Q: What is your favorite subject?
A: PE

College major: Elementary education

Stephanie Koopman, mid-distance/manager (4th season), Girls Soccer (4). Student Ambassador and National Honor Society. House of Justice.

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: I enjoyed being with my friends every day. The sport was also very rewarding.

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I first tried track my eighth grade year at Holy Family and loved it. I knew it was something I wanted to continue at Providence. 

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: My main events were the 800m, 3200m relay, and occasionally the mile. However, my favorite event was the relay because I felt like I was running for more than just myself.  

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: I found a really good fitness app with workouts that I can do at home.  

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: My favorite activities have been painting canvases and watching Grey’s Anatomy. 

Q: How do you stay connected to friends
A: I have been texting my friends every day. We also Group FaceTime often. 

Q: What is your favorite subject?
A:  My favorite school subjects would be anything math or science related. 

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: I enjoy working at my own pace throughout the day.  

College plans: Purdue University to major in pre-occupational therapy

Brigid Welch, throws (4th season), Girls Basketball (4), Girls Soccer (4). Pro-Life Club, Student Ambassador. House of Justice Senior Activities Leader.  

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: The track coaches were always so encouraging and pushing me to be the best version of myself. 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I attended Providence Junior High, and we’d always practice at the same time as the high school. I’d watch their practices and knew that I wanted to be a part of it when my time came. 

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: There’s always room for improvement.

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: Running and doing HITT workouts

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: Sitting out in the sun and reading

Q: How do you stay connected to friends? 
A: Facetime and Snapchat

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: Math

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: I can do all my work in my pajamas

College plans: United States Naval Academy.  

Kaylee Kaiser, mid-distance and distance (4th season), Girls Soccer (4), Girls Basketball (4).  National Honor Society, Student Ambassador. House of Courage Senior Activities Leader.

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: I liked running with my best friends and running for the best coach ever, my dad. (Bill Kaiser ’91, assistant coach – distance). 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I ran track all throughout grade school and never really questioned joining the team my freshman year.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: My favorite thing about the mile was competing with someone neck to neck and sprinting down the home stretch on the last lap to try and win the race. 

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: I am running, biking and doing at home workouts to stay in shape. 

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: My favorite quarantine activity is playing with my new puppy.

Q: How do you stay connected to friends? 
A: I stay connected with friends by talking in our group chats and doing group FaceTime.

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: Any science class.

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: I like getting to do my schoolwork in bed.

College plans: IU Bloomington

Avery Stumler, mid-distance (4th season) and Girls Soccer (4). Student Ambassador, Eucharistic Minister, and National Honors Society. House of Loyalty Delegate

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: There were so many things I loved about track. There honestly wasn’t much I didn’t like about it. I loved the coaches, practices, meets, and of course getting to run with my best friends. I would have to say practices were probably my favorite part though. I loved the atmosphere of practices. It was always so upbeat and encouraging, and whether we were doing workouts or recovery runs, I always had the best time. 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: Running has always been something I’ve been good at and enjoyed, so I always knew I wanted to run track at PHS. Alysia Wade, my coach freshman year, definitely urged me to do it though. 

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I ran the 400, 800, 1600 relay, and the 3200 relay. I’m best at the longer sprints and this is exactly what my events are. I love the fast-paced nature of these events as well, especially the 1600 relay. It’s such an energetic relay and as you come down the homestretch, you can always hear the crowd roaring, and that’s the best feeling. 

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: Coach Kaiser has been sending the team workouts to do during the week, so I alternate between those and longer distance runs every day to stay in shape during this time. I also lift weights at my house.

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: My favorite quarantine activity has been running. Running always puts me in a good mood, and it’s a safe and easy way to get out of the house during these times. I have also enjoyed cooking with my mom and all the time I have gotten to spend with my brothers who had been off at college. 

Q: How do you stay connected to friends? 
A: I stay connected with my friends through text, Group FaceTime, and social media. 

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: My favorite school subject is science. I have always enjoyed all of my science classes, especially AP Chemistry with Mr. Hutchins my junior year. 

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: I like having a schedule again with online classes, and I love getting to video chat with the teachers and my classmates because I’ve definitely missed seeing them every day. 

College plans: IU Bloomington to major in exercise science/pre-physician’s assistant. Plans to room with Kaylee Kaiser next year, “so I know we will continue to run on our own time.”

Claire Reyes, high jump/manager (4th season), Cross Country (2), JV Girls Soccer (2). National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Pro-Life club, Pinterest Club, Quick Recall, Math Team, Green Dot, Student Ambassador, Providence singers, Popcorn Players, and theatre. House of Spirit Senior Executive Delegate.

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: I liked the environment, the coaches, and the actual sport itself. There are so many people you can meet through track, especially during meets. Everyone is very friendly and there’s always someone to talk to. The coaches are also very attentive, and they listen to what team members want. They always try to do what’s best for the team and still fit everyone’s wants. The sport itself is so much fun because of the different events you can do. 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I got started in PHS Track because I always wanted to do track in high school. I did track in fourth, seventh, and eighth grade and I really wanted to keep doing it. In junior high I did high jump, and I was hoping to improve my skills in high school.

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: I had many different events, but I always liked high jump best. I’ve done 400m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, 3200m relay, 1600m relay, and high jump. The relay races were really fun because of my teammates and being able to push each other. High jump was just always my number one because I loved the actual jumping part and the excitement of making it over the bar. 

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: I’m mostly riding my bike, walking, and running every now and then.

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: My favorite quarantine activity is making smoothies and other drinks and also riding my bike. I also love taking naps with my dog and cat.

Q: How do you stay connected to friends? 
A: Social media, text, and video calls. 

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: My favorite subject in school is science and math. I’ve taken almost every science class I could, and I plan to major in a science-related field. I also love math, even though I’m not very good at it.

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: One part I like about online class is being able to wear my comfy clothes and eat during class. I also like kind of having a flexible schedule where the teachers give us work but don’t make us video call every class.

College plans: Purdue to major in pharmacy

Ceci Rush, high jump, 400m (4th season), Volleyball (4). Committed to University of Louisville to play women’s volleyball. Pinterest, Green Dot, and Pro-Life Club. House of Courage.

Question: What do you like about Track & Field? 
Answer: There are so many things I love about Track. The atmosphere, coaches, and teammates especially. Everyone was so supportive. 

Q: How did you get started in PHS Track?
A: I ran track in middle school, so I thought I would give it a try. The coaches reached out and were very welcoming. 

Q: What do you like about your events?
A: My events, high jump and the 1600 relay, were so fun because of the girls on my team. They always made me smile and laugh. I usually play on a team, so individually jumping brought on a lot of new challenges. 

Q: What are you doing to stay in shape?
A: I am working out at home and hiking at parks. It’s nice to get outside and workout. 

Q: What’s your favorite “quarantine” activity?
A: Painting and baking.  

Q: How do you stay connected to friends? 
A: My friends and I have been talking over social media, texting, and FaceTiming. Sometimes we go on bike rides and hikes, but 6 feet apart!

Q: What is your favorite school subject?
A: Anything science related.

Q: What do you like about having class online?
A: I don’t have to wear a uniform, and I can stay in my room and do my homework with my dog!

College major: biology/pre-dental

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