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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
March 18, 2020 - eVision News
Serving Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Providence High School
Events rescheduled, classes move online in face of shutdown
As our students do schoolwork from home this week and prepare for two weeks off from school, including our regularly scheduled Spring Break, know that Dr. Mindy (Lankert) Ernstberger '74 and President Steve Williamson continue to seek guidance and plan for contingencies in light of the COVID19 pandemic. We ask parents to remind students to continue social distancing and good hygiene not only at home but during any travels over spring break. Here is a reminder of the suggested practices:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

During eLearning, students with special learning needs may contact the Learning Support Coordinator or a counselor for additional help if needed via email: 
  • jmcrae@providencehigh.net
  • elosey@providencehigh.net
  • kschueler@providencehigh.net 
The above faculty will be checking their email from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on eLearning days.

After having to postpone the spring musical and regional Boys Basketball game, we hope to be able to reschedule these events when school resumes. Tickets to both can be refunded once school resumes. Students can bring their regional tickets to the Main Office for a refund.

For the spring musical, we kindly invite ticket holders to consider donating the cost of the tickets rather than asking for a refund. However, we are happy to offer refunds as requested. In order to request a refund, ticket holders should contact Mrs. Connie Scharre via email at cscharre@providencehigh.net. Please include in your message the date of the show and the number of tickets (children and adult). For those who purchased tickets online, we regret that we will only be able to refund the cost of the tickets, not any charges from Vendini. We will also provide information on purchasing a DVD of the performance. 

In the meantime, we’re inviting the cast to follow the lead of Broadway star Laura Benanti, who invited cast members of canceled musicals from around the country to post themselves singing their parts on social media and tag her in it. Students may tag Ms. Benanti on public posts on Twitter at @LauraBenanti -- and @gophspioneers so our fans can enjoy them. Actress Jennifer Garner has done the same on Instagram (@Jennifer.Garner) -- and tag @providencehighclarksville. Cast members may also post in the Providence High School Performing Arts group on Facebook.

Senior/Mother Luncheon postponed
The Senior/Mother Lunch also has been postponed due the size restriction for events at this time. We hope to reschedule this signature event and will communicate a new date, if so. If the event cannot be rescheduled, we will issue refunds.

Cafeteria helps out
Some heartwarming news -- Cafeteria Manager Sarah Gahagen organized a food giveaway of perishable items that would spoil otherwise over the next few weeks, donating the food to PHS families who benefit from the government’s Free & Reduced Lunch Program since it was not practical due to distance to offer meals.
More School News
Senior wins Rotary speech contest
Senior Stephen Wilson received first place at the Clarksville Rotary speech contest. He will receive a $125 prize and the opportunity to compete at the district level, which was planned for Saturday, April 4, in Bloomington.
ProLife Club prays for life
Earlier this month, the Pro- Life Club joined the 40 Days for Life movement’s national prayer vigil that is taking place throughout the season of Lent. Students and faculty sponsor Ms. Monica Vander Woude prayed outside of the EMW Surgical Center one afternoon last week and were quiet witnesses to the joy of life and prayed for all mothers and babies affected by abortion.

STUDENT PROFILE
March Scholars excel in variety of subjects
Earlier this month, we honored students who excel in social studies, Health/Freshman Focus, theatre, and physical education. These 12 students include freshman Dylan Boggs , sophomore Tyler Brogdon , junior Nathan Striby, and senior Donte Davis in P.E.; freshman Jacob Schonard in Health/Freshman Focus; sophomore Zach Van Wie , junior Allen Kruer , and senior Mike Morra ; and freshman Avery Johnson , sophomore Penny Trinkle , junior Mara Holifield , and senior Dylan Payne . Click Read More for a Q&A with these March Scholars:
PIONEER SPORTS NEWS
Boys Basketball claims sectional title
The Boys Basketball team captured the sectional title with three big victories over Austin, Switzerland County, and Southwestern (Hanover). In the first game, the team defeated Austin 68-46. The Pioneers were led by junior Zack Johnson with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Sterling Huber chipped in 17 points.

In the second game, the Pioneers defeated Switzerland County 53-43, with Zack leading the scoring with 23 points. Senior Austin Grantz added 11. On Saturday, March 7, the team defeated the host team Southwestern to capture the program’s first sectional title since 2016 with a score of 87-66. 

The sectional win was an all-around tremendous team effort with multiple players stepping up in their own way to help the Pioneers capture the ninth Boys Basketball sectional title in school history. PHS had four players recognized for the All-Tourney team including Zack, who was sectional MVP, as well as Austin, Sterling, and junior Nick Sexton . Several other players were pivotal in the sectional victories, contributing good defense, rebounding, ball handling, and leadership, the coaches said. 

The IHSAA hopes to reschedule the postseason games after classes resume.
Basketball player receives second CJ nomination
Senior Sterling Huber was nominated for Courier Journal Southern Indiana Athlete of the Week for the second time this season. The nomination came for his scoring a total of 23 points in the three sectional games.
Spring sports delayed
The IHSAA has delayed the opening of spring sports until classes and practice can resume in the state.
PARENT CONNECTION
Job opening: Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator
In advance of the 2020-21 school year, Providence is conducting a candidate search for an Alumni Relations and Events Coordinator. This full time, 12-month role includes responsibility for planning and executing key alumni events and activities throughout the year.

Tasked with building community and supporting the mission of the school, the staff member in this role works collaboratively with each school function to create value and excitement for PHS alumni and in the New Albany Deanery. 

Interested candidates will submit a letter of interest along with their resume to Ms. Debbie Fackler at dfackler@providencehigh.net by March 31, 2020.  

Summer camps announced
Pioneer Summer Camps have been announced, so mark your calendars. Click here for a full list. To register now, please contact the coach listed in the brochure. Registration forms will be posted on the school website at a later date.
Senior/Mother Lunch
The Senior/Mother Lunch has been postponed. Information about a new date or ticket refunds will be forthcoming.

Scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen extended
Incoming Providence freshmen can apply for two additional scholarships, as outlined below. The due date is extended until one week after classes resume. Completed applications may be dropped off in the school drop box outside the Main Office:
  • Providence Alumni Association Award: A one-time award of an iPad equipped with wi-fi only. The scholarship application is open to all prospective freshmen. Application, essay, and letter of recommendation from the principal or a teacher is required.
  • Dale Durham Performing Arts Scholarship: Awards $1,000 to an incoming freshman interested and enrolled in performing arts at Providence. Essay, letter of recommendations and application required.
ALUMNI NOTES
Reunion dates for 2020

Reunion planning season is starting for the class years ending in 5 and 10. If you don't see your class below, contact  Ronda (Miller) Stumler '83  at rstumler@providencehigh.net . Note: Dates below subject to change based on the extent and length of the COVID-19 outbreak.

2020 reunions. Contact Ronda Stumler to start your planning now!
  • 1955: 2020 Quarterly Gatherings - June 12, Sept. 11, and Dec. 4, 2020. 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.
  • 1956: Class Gatherings - April 17, 2020 & October 9, 2020. 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.
  • 1958: 2020 Luncheon Gathering: June 19, 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville. For more information, contact Mimi Paris at 812.246.1020.
  • 1959: Class Gathering on April 14, 2020, at Roosters in Clarksville at noon. For more information call Rosie Grantz McCartin at 502.552.1970
  • 1960: 60-year reunion Aug. 22, 2020. Calumet Club in New Albany. Invitations to follow, and full information will be made available on our class website, www.olp1960.com. Annual mini-reunion brunch Dec. 12, 2020.
  • 1970: Golden Diploma Event compliments of PHS on March 7, 2020. Contact Ronda Stumler for details at rstumler@providencehigh.net or 812.945.3350 ext 224. 1970 Class Reunion given by and for the class on Sept. 19, 2020. Contact Kathy Kull at 502.558.0173 or Laura Baker Buehler at 812.923.5260.
  • 1974: Sept. 12, 2020. More details to come. Email ProvidencePioneers1974@gmail.com with questions.
  • 1980: 40 Year Reunion. Sept. 12, 2020, Covered Bridge Recreation Center, 7 p.m. Please contact Chris or Ann (Kaiser) Day for details (Chris 812.989.3268 or Ann 502.396.9943).
Class of '70 enjoys Golden Diploma dinner
On Saturday, March 7, we honored the Class of 1970 with the Golden Diploma Dinner to help the alumni celebrate their 50th year as Providence graduates. Forty-eight grads plus guests attended the dinner and received a commemorative Golden Diploma to celebrate. Many grads also attended the production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at a special price. The 50th reunion is scheduled for Sept. 19, 2020 .
Cast member of 1975 Joseph looks back
The production of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat brought back memories for Jerry Ernstberger ‘75. He writes: 

"I played in PHS's 'first' production of Joseph in 1974-75. We performed it as the second act of the Christmas Show - a much simpler version than today's production. We took it on the road to Jeff High and performed it in their 'new' auditorium during the school day. Some of the cast: Bob Gilland ‘75 - Joseph; Bill Boyd ‘75 (dec’d.) - Jacob; Dan Bullington ‘76 - Pharoah; yours truly - Potiphar."
'63 grad honored with special award
The spring musical production also includes the conferring of the Ray Day Award upon someone who has contributed extensively to the Performing Arts Program. This year, the award was shared by  Vic & Carmela Reyes , parents of Camille Reyes ‘15, Ross Reyes ‘19 a nd senior Claire Reyes .
 
The Performing Arts Department also created a new award for Marion (Nolan) Pastor '63, who has worked f or Providence Performing Arts during spring musicals for 40 years. She has worked in many capacities but most of her years she has been the house manager, making sure things run smoothly by organizing the ushers and concession workers, handling audience issues, and keeping the house ready to start on time. To honor her dedication, she received the new Golden Ticket Award, which is good for admission for two to all Providence Performing Arts events, with no expiration.

Spring musical director Ellen Holifield said she is so thankful for Pastor and all her years helping with Providence theatre. 

“Her dedication to our program has been unsurpassed, and I’m so grateful for the many years that she worked with us,” Mrs. Holifield said.
BLUE PRIDE ON DISPLAY
Unsung Heroes: Team parents help players, coaches
Any parent of a Pioneer student-athlete knows it takes a village to feed a team. No matter the sport, there is a group of parents behind the scenes making sure the team has what it needs to succeed during the season. Their volunteerism goes beyond what the coaching staff provides and organizes things from team meals and carpools (for small teams) to spirit wear and more. This article focuses on the parents who support the Boys Basketball team.
Coming Events
April 6 : Return to classes (tentative)
April 10: Good Friday
April 12: Easter Sunday
April 17: Senior Mass
April 25: Prom
Let Us Pray
Pope Francis’ Prayer to Mary during the coronavirus pandemic 
O Mary,
you always shine on our path
as a sign of salvation and of hope.
We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick,
who at the cross took part in Jesus’ pain, keeping your faith firm.
You, Salvation of the Roman People,
know what we need,
and we are sure you will provide
so that, as in Cana of Galilee,
we may return to joy and to feasting
after this time of trial.
Help us, Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who has taken upon himself our sufferings
and carried our sorrows
to lead us, through the cross,
to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

Under your protection, we seek refuge, Holy Mother of God. Do not disdain the entreaties of we who are in trial, but deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

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