eVision
news & updates
August 12, 2020 | Issue 1
School News
AP Scholars announced
The College Board has recognized 43 seniors and recent graduates as AP Scholars in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams taken in May 2020. 

Earning the commendation of AP Scholar are seniors Aaron Burke, Lauren Castleberry, Cai Celestin, Marcus Fuson, Miranda Harley, Nicholas Hooper, Sophia Hottois, Emily Kemp, Landon Kruer, Jacob Russell, Brooklyn Stocksdale, and Sean Wetzel, and recent graduates Jillian Andriot ’20, Laramie Cecil ’20, K. Andrew Henderson II ’20, Elyse Kristiansen ’20, Meghan LaMaster ’20, Kasey Lockard ’20, Alex Perkinson ’20, Lauren Stapp ’20, Brigid Welch ’20, and Stephen Wilson ’20. The AP Scholar Award is for those students earning an average score of 3 or higher on a five-point scale on three or more AP exams taken.

Earning the commendation of AP Scholar with Honor Award are seniors Samuel Bowles, Andrew Jones, Dominic LaDuke, Monica Nokes, and Logan Reisinger, and recent graduates Logan Applewhite ’20 and Bryce Carl ’20. The AP Scholar with Honor Award is for those students earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Earning the commendation of AP Scholar with Distinction Award are seniors W. Grant Dierking, Abigail Hanlon, Kieran Kelly, Rose Kempf, and Allen Kruer, and recent graduates Emily Dodd ’20, Zoe Libs ’20, Elle O'Bannon ’20, Amanda Pasierbowicz ’20, Maria Popson ’20, Claire Reyes ’20, Luke Rodski ’20, Brynna Walthers ’20, and Shelby Wright '20. The AP Scholar with Distinction Award is for those students earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and a 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Additionally, Providence was recognized by the Indiana Department of Education and College Board for having at least 25 percent of the graduating class cohort earn a score of 3 or higher on at least one AP exam at any point in their high school career. This year, that percentage was 38.1 percent. Overall, 77 percent of Providence students scored a 3 or higher on the 2020 exam, the highest percentage ever. In 2017, the percentage was 74 percent. The 2020 exam was different than other exams years in that it was taken online at home, and the sessions were shorter.

The College Board’s AP program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. Students earning a 3 or higher can earn college credit for those subjects.

Providence offers six to nine AP courses in a variety of subjects in science, math, computer science, English, and social studies, as well as dual-credit courses in those subjects plus world language and communications through Ivy Tech Community College and Advance College Project (ACP) via Indiana University Bloomington.
Welcome, Mr. Esbenshade
Mr. Don Esbenshade is happy to back in the classroom on a regular schedule. After having subbed for several years at St. Francis School in Louisville, where he was a founding faculty member after 30 years teaching physics in St. Louis, he was glad to find a part-time teaching job. He teaches AP Computer Science and ACP/Honors Physics.

"I like having more control over my schedule and having more ownership of my classes," he said.

He also loves his subject matter.

"I simply enjoy physics, and I like getting students to think about things in a different way," he said.

Teaching at Providence also allows him to work closer to home. He and his wife had moved to Southern Indiana about five years ago to be near his son and his family. He also has a step daughter and two other grandchildren living in Georgia. Outside the classroom, Mr. Esbenshade enjoys woodworking, bicycling, and reading science fiction.
Student Profile
Pioneer Sports News
Fall sports calendar available; attendance plan in works
Schedules for fall sport events have been posted to the Providence website. You can view events from the Athletics Calendar Quick Links tab on the school website or the schedule for each sport as a PDF under the Athletics/Athletics News & Links tab.

The IHSAA is allowing a limited number of spectators at high school sporting events, and the PHS Athletic Department is creating a plan for Pioneer fans. Information will be posted to the Providence website soon.
Dance team moves camp to PHS
Many athletic teams saw their traditional, offsite summer camps canceled, but like Dance some were able to find an alternative. The Dance team invited two UDA instructors to Providence for a three-day instructional camp. The team learned several routines and earned various awards.

The team accumulated multiple superior and excellent ribbons for routine evaluations, as well as an overall superior trophy. Drill Down award ribbons went to juniors Sydney Allen, Addison Mills, and Maya Paris; sophomore KB Merchant, and freshmen Annika Brooks and Emma Colin. Pin It Forward awards were presented to Emma and freshman Laney Dykes, who then paid the award forward to teammates Maya and Annika.

Maya, KB, Emma, Annika, sophomore Ana Cabezas, and freshman Juliana Vales received UDA All American medals. This distinction is a high honor and enables them to participate in such special events as the Thanksgiving Day parade in Philadelphia and also a Citrus Bowl pre-game performance in Orlando.
Freshman competes in national AAU tourney
Some of our students were able to participate in summer AAU sporting events, including freshman Sydney Waldron, a member of the AAU Indiana Blaze girls' basketball team. Her team participated in The National Championships--Indianapolis at the Indiana Convention Center and ended 2-2 in the tournament, advancing to the silver bracket.
Sports Spotlight
Parent Connection
Hybrid Schedule continues
Classes will now continue on the Hybrid Schedule through Aug. 28.
Updated Reentry Plan
An updated version of the school's Reentry Plan, which includes moving several separate documents into one document, is now posted to the school website.
Scholarship Spirit Wear next week
Students will have their first Scholarship Spirit Wear Day next week. On Thursday, Aug. 20, freshmen and sophomores can pay $1 to wear spirit wear, and juniors and seniors will on Friday, Aug. 21. Proceeds help students attend retreats, camps, workshops, and other spiritual or leadership activities.
Senior portraits reminder
Seniors have several options for their senior yearbook portraits but must follow the guidelines. Photos should be scheduled by early November to ensure they can be sent to school by Dec. 1.
Alumni Notes
Reunion dates, changes for 2020

Several class reunions have been canceled or rescheduled due to safety concerns. Please check the list below. If you don't see your class below, contact Ryan Miller '99 at rmiller@providencehigh.net.

  • 1955: 2020 Quarterly Gathering - Dec. 4, 2020. 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.
  • 1956: Class Gatherings - October 9, 2020. 11:30 a.m., The Radisson dining room, 505 Marriott Drive, Clarksville.
  • 1960: 60-year reunion now Aug. 21, 2021, Calumet Club in New Albany. Full information will be made available on our class website, www.olp1960.com. Annual mini-reunion brunch Dec. 12, 2020.
  • 1970: Sept. 19, 2020. Contact Kathy Kull at 502.558.0173 or Laura Baker Buehler at 812.923.5260.
  • 1974: Save the date for next year's reunion on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Email ProvidencePioneers1974@gmail.com with questions.
  • 1980: 40 Year Reunion to be rescheduled for spring or summer 2021. Please contact Chris or Ann (Kaiser) Day for details (Chris 812.989.3268 or Ann 502.396.9943).
  • 2011: Planning has begun for 10-year reunion to be held in 2021. For more information or to help plan, contact Clancy Hauber at clancyhauber@gmail.com or 812.987.1729.
Pioneer Golf Scramble next week

The Pioneer Golf Scramble is an important fundraiser for the Annual Student Assistance Program. Join us on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Champions Pointe Golf Club. Registration for individuals and teams is underway, and sponsorships are being accepted. Sponsorships start at just $100 for Golf Cart Sponsors and continue up to $5,000 for Title Sponsor, so alumni- and parent-owned businesses can find a sponsorship level to fit their budget. Green fees are $225 for individual players and $900 for a team.

The four-person handicapped-scramble will begin with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and includes several prizes, including:

• Three-Flight Competition with three first-place prizes awarded
• $10,000 Putting Contest
• $5,000 prize awarded for Hole-in-One on Hole #4 and Hole #15
• Other prizes awarded for Closest-to-Pin on select holes, and Straightest Drive and Longest Putt on select holes.

To register, click here. For more information, click here.
Blue Pride on Display
Fr. Adam returns to lead St. Michael, St. Francis parishes
Fr. Adam Ahern, former Providence chaplain, has returned to Southern Indiana, this time as administrator of St. Michael in Charlestown and St. Francis in Henryville. Following his time at Providence and as chaplain at Hanover College, he was assigned as associate pastor to St. Mary, Greensburg, and as sacramental minister (providing sacraments to the parish) at St. Charles, Milan.

At the end of May 2019, Fr. Adam, a member of the Indiana National Guard, deployed to Kuwait for 10 months with the 38th Infantry Division of the Indiana National Guard. As an Army National Guard chaplain, he traveled to Syria, Afghanistan, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain to celebrate Mass and hear confessions for soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and U.S. government personnel.

After returning to Indiana at the end of March, Fr. Adam served St. Vincent de Paul in Bedford and St. Mary in Mitchell as sacramental minister for a couple months. Last week, he became St. Michael and St. Francis Xavier parishes’ administrator. Archdiocesan priests are typically named administrators in their first year leading a parish and named pastor the following year.

Fr. Adam said he is grateful for the opportunities he has had since leaving Providence and is happy to be back serving the people of northeastern Clark County – and returning to watch Providence sporting events and theatre productions.

“Christ has led me on an amazing road for the past two and a half years, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next,” he said. “I’m looking forward to growing and leading the faith community of northeastern Clark County by the grace and will of the Holy Spirit. But most of all, I’m looking forward to doing God’s will and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with all who seek him with an open heart."
Coming Events
Aug. 14: National Honor Society Induction livestream
Aug. 20: Pioneer Golf Scramble
Aug. 20: Scholarship Spirit Wear Day for Grades 9&10
Aug. 21: Scholarship Spirit Wear Day for Grades 11&12
Aug. 31: All students in building
Let Us Pray
Prayer for inner strength and serenity, Novena to St. Jane Frances de Chantal, today's saint
O glorious saint, blessed Jane Frances,
by fervent prayer, attention to the Divine Presence,
and purity of intention,
you attained on earth an intimate union with God.
Be now our advocate, our mother,
our guide in the path of virtue and perfection.
Plead our cause near Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
to whom you were so tenderly devoted, and whose holy virtues you so closely imitated.
Obtain for us, O amiable and compassionate Saint,
the virtues you deem most necessary for us;
an ardent love of Jesus in the most holy Sacrament,
a tender and filial confidence in His Blessed Mother,
and like you, a constant remembrance
of His sacred Passion and death.
Obtain also, we pray, that our particular intention in this prayer may be granted.

V. Pray for us, O holy St. Jane Frances,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.