NEW LENOX (February 8, 2023) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School, announced that six student athletes will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “As always, we are extremely proud of these athletes. They are academically accomplished students who are leaders in the classroom and in their respective sports. We wish all of them the very best in college and in the future, and are excited to see them continue playing at the next level,” said Ternik.

Sean Kane of Tinley Park, Illinois, son of Tim and Julie Kane, has been recognized for committing to Wisconsin Lutheran College to continue his volleyball career on an WLC Foundation in Christian Education scholarship. He plans to major in Sports Management. Kane is a member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Parish and a graduate of Summit Hill Junior High. During his four years at Providence Catholic, he has been involved in volleyball all four years. “Providence helped me develop important life skills,” says Kane. “I am grateful for my parents, teachers and coaches, and look forward to playing in college.

Genevieve Peterson of Lockport, Illinois, daughter of Todd and Tamara Peterson, has been recognized for committing to Ave Maria University to continue her softball career on academic and athletic scholarships. She plans to major in Psychology. Peterson is a member of St. Joseph, Lockport parish and a graduate of Oak Prairie Junior High. A member of the honor roll, she has also been involved in the National Honor Society, as well as volleyball, basketball, and softball at Providence Catholic. “Providence prepared me for college by not only challenging me in my studies, but also in sports,” says Peterson. “The teachers and coaches here at Providence push us to be better than we were the day before. The people surrounding me have supported me and helped me want to be a better student and athlete. I am excited for this next step in my academic and athletic journey.”

Clement Horak of New Lenox, Illinois, son of Todd Horak and Julia Shauger, has been recognized for committing to the United States Military Academy to continue his track career on a full ride scholarship. He plans to major in Computer Science and minor in Business. Horak is a member of St. Jude New Lenox parish, from which he is also a graduate. At Providence Catholic, Horak has been involved in the Augustinian Youth Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Band, Bagpipes, and Computer Club. An honor roll student, he is also a member of the National Honor Society. Athletically, Horak was a member of the football and track teams. He took third in the Chicago Catholic League in the 400m his junior year. “Providence has been an amazing place for me to learn about myself and grow as a person. They have taught me how to work hard, be respectful, and treat everyone with dignity and respect. They have helped me develop my talents and interests, while being open-minded enough to let me take risks within those areas. They have also given me the tools I need to succeed in college, whether it be by helping me prepare for the ACT and AP exams by offering extra classes on topics like business (Incubator) or my career interests (AP Computer Science),” says Horak. “I am thankful for the support I’ve received from my parents, the faculty, and the Providence community.”

Natalie Papes of Elwood, Illinois, daughter of Michael and Joan Papes, has been recognized for committing to Western Kentucky University to continue her track and field career on academic and athletic scholarships. She plans to major in Education. Papes is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manhattan, where she was also a graduate. She is a member of the honor roll, and has also been a member of the National Honor Society. She has served as a Student Ambassador during her years at Providence Catholic. Papes competed for the volleyball and track and field teams all four years. She was named Track and Field MVP her junior year, Volleyball Captain her senior year, earned the Illinois Top Times (Indoor State) by taking 1^st place in the pole vault her junior year, and was a Pole Vault IHSA State Medalist her sophomore and junior years. “Providence has prepared me for college by challenging me both academically and athletically. The college prep classes have helped me prepare for the next level of my education,” says Papes. “I am grateful for all my amazing teachers and coaches who have given me all the resources I need to be successful.”

Aidan Duggan of Frankfort, Illinois, son of John and Jill Duggan, has been recognized for committing to Cameron University to continue his baseball career on athletic scholarship. He plans to major in Business Management. Duggan is a member of St. Anthony’s Parish, and is a graduate of Hickory Creek Middle School. At Providence Catholic, Duggan has played on the baseball team all four years, and was voted Most Improved Player his junior year. “The teachers and staff have helped me a lot with athletics and academics, preparing me to go to college,” says Duggan. “So many people have helped me to get to where I am, and I am thankful for that.”

Kaylinn Kundrat of Lockport, Illinois, daughter of Michael and Jennifer Kundrat, has been recognized for committing to College of Lake County to continue her softball career on athletic scholarship. Kundrat is a member of SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish and a graduate of Homer Junior High. She has been a member of the softball team for her junior and senior years, earning an All-Conference designation her junior year. “The teachers really helped me keep my grades up and if I ever needed help, I wasn't afraid to ask,” says Kundrat. “My coaches and parents have always supported me on the field, and I am excited to play at the next level.”