HR0053 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0053 LRB101 07711 MST 52759 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox on the 100th anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, Providence Catholic was established in 1918 when the Sisters of Providence from St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana were asked to staff a small high school and teach the 59 students who were attending; the school was named Providence High School on October 22, 1918; and

WHEREAS, Student enrollment at the school grew through the years, and a new co-institutional facility was opened in September of 1962 with an enrollment of 340; by 1993, enrollment reached 1,140; and

WHEREAS, Today, Providence Catholic is a co-educational, college preparatory Augustinian high school located on 75 acres in New Lenox; and

WHEREAS, Students come from more than 70 elementary, middle, and junior high schools within a 30 mile radius; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated and caring faculty and staff teach a demanding curriculum and conduct inclusive service programs in a nurturing environment, all with the core Augustinian values of truth, unity, and love; the most recent graduating class performed over 100,000 cumulative hours of community service during their high school careers; and

WHEREAS, Since 2010, Providence Catholic has produced 840 Illinois State Scholars, 12 National Merit finalists, one National Merit semi-finalist, 57 National Merit commended students, four National Hispanic Scholars, and one National Achievement Scholarship Program finalist; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the strong academic offerings, Providence Catholic is also known for its competitive athletics; the school has 30 state championship titles, the most of any private high school in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Providence Catholic continues to build upon a strong foundation of rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and extensive community service; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox on a century of education, admire all their years of success, and know that, through the hard work of the students, faculty, and staff, a bright future lies ahead; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of Providence Catholic, Fr. John Merkelis, and the Principal of Providence Catholic, John Harper, as a symbol of our respect and esteem.