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Our Lady of Providence inspires Faith, empowers Hope, strengthens Love and the Formation of the whole person through exemplary Catholic Education
September 11, 2019 - eVision News
Serving Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Providence High School
Senior is a National Merit semifinalist
Senior Amanda Pasierbowicz is a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. She is one of approximately 16,000 semifinalists who will compete for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million. Her next step is to apply to be selected as a finalist in hopes of winning a scholarship.

Amanda was named a semifinalist based on her score on the PSAT taken last fall. She said she was excited to hear the news and looks forward to seeing how the status can help with her college and scholarship applications. She will apply to become a finalist and would be thrilled to receive one of the $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, but even if she doesn’t, she anticipates the award will make her application more desirable to colleges and open the possibility for a corporate or other scholarship.

If she is selected as a finalist, a process based on her academic record, school and community activities, leadership abilities, honors, and SAT or ACT scores, she would be eligible to compete for a National Merit Scholarship as well as a corporate-sponsored scholarship or a college scholarship.

She said she thought the PSAT was surprisingly easy, and her SAT score is in line with her PSAT score, so she hopes to be on track to become a finalist. She is involved in several extracurricular activities, which will help her chances too. She is a member of Book Club, Art Club, Drawing Club, Green Dot, Sherlock Club, and the National Honor Society. She also is a member of the House of Courage .

Amanda has applied to Purdue University, Indiana University Bloomington, Ball State University, and the University of California, Berkley, as well as a few other out-of-state colleges. Her top choices are Purdue, where her brother, James ’19 , is a freshman, IU because of the Kelley School of Business, and Berkley. She has not decided on a major but is interested in business because “it involves numbers but also personal relationships and connections and what is involved in owning or managing a business,” she said.
More School News
Cast enjoys challenge of this year’s fall show
This year’s fall show will showcase the depth of our students’ acting abilities.  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time  debuts Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the Ray Day Little Theatre. Additional show times are Sept. 21, 28 and 29 at 7:00 p.m., as well as one matinee on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance via the Providence website or by calling 812-945-2538 x 314, or at the box office prior to the show. Limited seating is available. 
Providence purchases former apartment buildings
Providence has acquired the property formerly known as the Midway Apartments at 621 - 623 Providence Way, effective Sept. 3. 

With the support of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and after generations of careful stewardship, the 1.4-acre parcel will enable Providence to improve its safety and security profile and enhance the frontage along Providence Way.

The immediate plan is to raze the structures on the property and stabilize the lot for future development. While the school’s master plan had long intended to redesign the front driveway entrance, this additional property will be an integral part of a new design and development plan.

As in the past, Providence remains debt-free and is forever grateful for the community of faithful donors and patrons that support Our Lady’s school.
Fr. Adam sends greetings
Fr. Adam Ahern , our previous school chaplain, says hello from the Middle East, where he is stationed as a Catholic chaplain with the Indiana Army National Guard.
STUDENT PROFILE
September Scholars excel in math, theology, English -...

New this year is the Leaders and Scholars program. Each month, students will be recognized by their teachers or House leaders. This month, one student from each grade was nominated by their teachers in English, math, and theology.

Read more
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FACULTY PROFILE
Welcome back, Mrs. Sarah Koetter
Mrs. Sarah (Buschemeyer) Koetter ’87 is glad to be back in the classroom part-time at Providence. She is able to teach World History, a subject she loves, while also having time to help her mother as she needs. She also is glad to be back at Providence.

“I like the kids,” she said. “Most of the time they want to be here, they want to learn, and they’re open to the process. And you don’t find that everywhere.”

Being away for the last three years helped her find more balance in her life, especially while her daughters, Emily ’17 and Molly ex-’19, were still in high school as she was caring for both her parents before her father passed away.

Now, her daughters are at Indiana University Bloomington, where she also earned her bachelor’s degree in history, and her son, Mason, ’15, is living in Florida.
Mrs. Koetter also had an opportunity to travel to Europe and see many of the sites that she teaches about in France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland.

“It’s nice to be able to put it all together and physically see the things I talk about,” she said.

Now she can give a first-hand account during her lessons and share her love of history and other cultures with her students.

“It’s almost like you can travel without going anywhere,” she said. “You learn their culture, and you can look back 2,000 to 3,000 years ago and see the origins of it.”
PIONEER SPORTS NEWS
Sports Spotlight: Cross Country, Boys Tennis

Seniors Kaylee Kaiser and Edy Letgens are each leaders on their soccer teams.
Senior Kaylee Kaiser is in her fourth season playing Girls Soccer. She played soccer when she was younger but gave it up after fifth grade only to start playing again her freshman year at the encouragement of a friend. She mainly plays outside midfielder and outside fullback but is versatile enough to play any position where she is most needed, except for goalie. She is in the House of Courage , plays Girls Basketball, and runs Track.

Q: What do you like about being part of the Girls Soccer team?
A: What I like about being a part of the Girls Soccer team is the amazing relationships I have formed with my teammates and coaches. We truly are a family, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.

Q: What are you looking forward to this season?
A: I am looking forward to finishing my senior season with my teammates and making it the best season yet, on and off the field.

Q: What has your favorite service activity (at PHS) been?
A : My favorite service project I’ve done at Providence was helping at a place in Louisville that teaches immigrants how to speak English. I got to assist these people in their education in a new country and it was a very eye-opening experience.

Q: What is your favorite subject?
A: My favorite subject in school is any science class. My two favorites have been anatomy and AP Chemistry. I have just always found science interesting and am planning on going into the medical field partly because of it.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a Pioneer?
A : My favorite part about being a Pioneer is being a part of a school that is so full of spirit and faith and getting to share in that with everyone around me. 
Senior Edy Lutgens is in his fourth season on the Boys Soccer team and his 12th year playing overall, having started at age 4 when his parents signed him up. “And I’ve been playing ever since,” he said. He plays several positions for PHS, including right midfield, left midfield, center midfield, and striker. He is in the House of Loyalty .

Question: What do you like about being part of the Boys Soccer team?
Answer : I can show up to practice every day and play the sport I love with my friends and coaches.

Q : What are you looking forward to this season?
A : I am looking forward to playing against New Albany on senior night and playing in the postseason tournament.

Q: What has your favorite service activity been?
A: My favorite service activity at Providence has been helping coach little kids in soccer and help expand their knowledge on the game. I always enjoyed seeing the little kids laugh and have fun while learning the sport. 

Q : What is your favorite subject in school?
A: My favorite subject at school is economics because I like learning how it relates to business. 

Q : What is your favorite part about being a Pioneer?
A: My favorite part about being a Pioneer is the friends I’ve made there over the past four years. 

Q : Do you plan to play soccer after high school?
A : If the opportunity comes to play soccer in college, I will gladly take it.
Did you miss the Game of the Week?
If you missed coverage of Providence's appearance on HS GameTime Game of the Week, click here for video interviews with Coach Larry Denison '86 , freshman Ella Unruh, sophomore Akhil Long , senior Brigid Welch , and the Volleyball team as well as a tribute to the late Coach Gene Sartini (Hon. '93) .
Athletics program continue to grow with SportsLeader
The SportsLeader program helps coaches, players, and parents to grow in their faith through various activities for each season. Many of our teams started the fall season with special parent-player ceremonies and prayer opportunities.

When the girls’ locker room for the Volleyball and Girls Basketball programs was updated recently, one of the doors was emblazoned with all of the virtues promoted by the SportsLeader program.

Girls Basketball Coach Brad Burden submitted a photo of the door upon the program’s call for schools to share how their athletics implement the VIRTUE = STRENGTH motto. SporsLeader then published this submission in their newsletter, in which Coach Burden wrote:

“We believe at PHS better people make better Pioneers. We thought having our virtues as a centerpiece in our locker room would help remind our players and coaches what makes us who we are as Catholics and Pioneers.”
Two more Deanery Nights this season
Students in the New Albany Deanery are invited to the following Providence sporting events to celebrate  Deanery Night  .
  • Sept. 12 Girls Soccer: Future Blue Soccer Crew will be introduced before the varsity game and sit with the team during the game. Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Sept. 17 Boys Tennis: Deanery Tennis will be introduced before the varsity match plus join in the pre-match prayer, and pizza will be provided before the game. Game time: 4:30 p.m.
Deanery students wearing their Deanery team jersey or T-shirt get in free to these events with their Pioneer Pass when accompanied by an adult.
PARENT CONNECTION
Picture Retake Day rescheduled for Sept. 13
Due to a scheduling error, last week's Picture Retake Day needed to be rescheduled. The new date is Friday, Sept. 13, during lunches in the Administrative Corridor. Students unhappy with their original school photo, must bring the entire original packet with them and may dress up but no jeans. Students grades 9-11 who did not have their photos taken at registration should have their photo taken on this day as well and can place an order for photos. Please follow the guidelines in the handbook for clothing options.

First Quarter Progress Reports
First Quarter Progress Reports were posted in Skyward on Friday. Please contact your student’s teacher if you have questions about your student’s progress.  

 Guerin Day early dismissal
Students will participate in Guerin Day on Friday, Sept. 20, and school will be dismissed at 2:00. Students will enjoy a guest speaker, participate in competitive events between the Houses, and watch the talent show finalists. The winning House receives an automatic bid to compete in the House Cup in the spring. 
Save the Date: FAFSA Night
Seniors and their parents are invited to attend the College Financial Aid Night on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Administrative Corridor. The director of financial aid from Ivy Tech will present to students and parents about financial aid and the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students and parents are encouraged to come and hear important updates and receive answers to any questions they may have. The FAFSA should be completed by all seniors and the application window will open on Oct. 1, 2019.  

Sophomore Unity Ceremony tomorrow
Tomorrow, Sept, 12, the sophomore class will participate in the Unity Ceremony in which they receive their House pins, and have their class rings or another special item blessed. They will begin by celebrating Mass together. Parents received an email invitation to the event last month and should enter the Robinson Auditorium and be seated in time for Mass to begin at 9:30 a.m. 
ALUMNI NOTES
Register now for ASAP Dinner
The Annual Student Assistance Program Recognition Dinner is Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 6:30 p.m. at Huber's Orchard & Winery. This year's event includes the presentation of the Awards of Distinction. Recipients of this year's Awards of Distinction are: Ruth (Uhl '59) Kaiser, Distinguished Alumna; J. Terrence Cody '67 , Distinguished Alumnus; Kerry Gerber , Honorary Alumna; Mark J. Hublar , Community Service Award. The guest speaker is Bellarmine University President Dr. Susan M. Donovan. RSVP by phone at (812) 945-3350 or email advancement@providencehigh.net .
Reunion dates for 2019
Reunion season is underway for the class years ending in 4 and 9. If you don't see your class below, contact Ronda (Miller) Stumler '83 at rstumler@providencehigh.net

2019 reunions:
  • 1955: Quarterly gatherings: Sept. 13, and Dec. 6, 2019. 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.
  • 1956: 2019 Gathering: Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville
  • 1960: Dec. 14, 2019. Annual mini-reunion brunch, Orange Clover Kitchen in Jeffersonville. 60th reunion is scheduled for Aug. 22, 2020, Calumet Club in New Albany. Information for both events will be added to our Facebook page and class website as plans are finalized.
  • 1964: Sept. 28, 2019,  4:30-?, Clarksville Radisson Hotel. Formal invites sent. For more information contact Noelle Kramer Gohmann.  
  • 1969: 50th Reunion, Sept. 20-21, 2019. Formal invites. See class website or email providenceclassof1969@gmail.com for more info.
  • 1974: 45th Reunion, Sept, 14, 2019, 6:00-11:00 p.m. at the Clark County Conservation Club in Utica. $25 per person in advance. Invites have been sent. To Register: https://bit.ly/2KhuVoN
  • 1984: Oct. 4, 2019, at PHS home Football game, and Oct. 5 at Wick's Pizza in New Albany. Invites have been sent. Register here https://bit.ly/33yq4rU or check out the Facebook event.
  • 2009: Planning underway for fall 2019. Contact Whitney Popp Forbis for more info.
BLUE PRIDE ON DISPLAY
Brothers enjoy once-in-a-lifetime vacation
For the three oldest Harper brothers, finding time to spend together is rare. Tony ’02 is a data engineering manager at Facebook living in Foster City, Calif., Paul ’07 is a reconnaissance system trainer for Raytheon in Honolulu, Hawaii, after recently leaving a six-year career in the U.S. Air Force – most recently as an imagery intelligence analyst stationed at Osan Air Base near Seoul, South Korea – and Stephen ’13 , who is an English teacher at a private academy in Seoul. This past spring as Paul was considering leaving the military, Tony decided it was a good time to travel to Asia and see the sites with his brothers as his guides. He spent 10 days traveling, sightseeing, and enjoying time with his brothers, and all three treasure the experience.
Coming Events
Sept. 12: Sophomore Unity Ceremony
Sept. 13 : Photo Retake Day
Sept. 20 : Guerin Day, 2:00 dismissal
Sept. 20-22: Fall Show
Sept. 26-27: Fall Show
Oct. 1: ASAP Dinner
Oct. 4-11: Fall Break
Let Us Pray
A Prayer for the Anniversary of 9/11
by the Rev. Jeremy Pridgeon
O God, our hope and refuge,
in our distress we come quickly to you.

Shock and horror of that tragic day have subsided, replaced now with an emptiness,
a longing for an innocence lost.
We come remembering those who lost their lives in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

We are mindful of the sacrifice of public servants who demonstrated the greatest love of all by laying down their lives for friends.
We commit their souls to your eternal care
and celebrate their gifts to a fallen humanity.

We come remembering and we come in hope,
not in ourselves, but in you. As foundations we once thought secure have been shaken,
we are reminded of the illusion of security.
In commemorating this tragedy, we give you thanks for your presence in our time of need
and we seek to worship you in Spirit and in truth, our guide and our guardian. Amen.

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Christa (Payne) Hoyland '84 
Director of Communications 
eVision reporter/writer
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