Seven Providence Catholic Student-Athletes Make College Commitments

Don Sebestyen, Principal of Providence Catholic High School, is pleased to announce that seniors Charles Barth, Nick Cemeno, Eileen Kenny, Zac Morgan, Troy Sheppard, Mitch Vejvoda and Ryan Ward have made commitments to continue playing their respective sports at the collegiate level. 

“We are very proud of these talented students who have worked hard both in and outside of the classroom. We wish them the very best,” said Sebestyen.

Charles Barth, son of Mark and Sheila Barth of Homer Glen, committed to play football for Western Michigan University where he plans to major in business. Barth is a graduate of Oak Prairie Junior High and a parishioner at St. Dennis. The honor roll student has been a member of the Celtic football team his entire high school career.

Nick Cemeno, son of Mike and Joy Cemeno of Shorewood, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend St. Xavier University on a combined academic and athletic scholarship where he plans to major in Business and continue his football career. Cemeno is a graduate of St. Paul the Apostle and parishioner at St. John the Baptist. The honor roll student has played for the Celtic football team his entire high school career and the track team for the past three years. In addition, Cemeno was named CCL Blue All-Conference Team and All-Area (second team) for football.

Eileen Kenny, daughter of James and Mary Kenny of Tinley Park, signed her National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Illinois-Springfield on an athletic scholarship where she plans to major in business and continue her soccer career. Kenny is a graduate of Grissom Middle School and a parishioner at St. Julie Billiart.

Zac Morgan, son of Tim and Lynn Morgan of Mokena, committed to play football for the University of Dayton where he received an academic scholarship and plans to major in Business. Morgan is a graduate of Mokena Junior High and a parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church. The honor roll student is a member of the National Honor Society and has played for the Celtic football team his entire high school career. Morgan has also been a member of the wrestling team for the past three years. Furthermore, he was named to the CCL Blue All-Conference Team and Academic All-State.

Troy Sheppard, son of Larry and Andrea Sheppard of Joliet, committed to play football for Northwestern University. He is currently undecided on his major.  Sheppard is a graduate of Washington Junior High & Academy and member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. The honor roll student is a member of the National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry (AYM) and an Illinois State Scholar. Furthermore, he has played for the Celtic football and track teams his entire high school career. In addition, Sheppard was named to the CCL Blue All-Conference Team, All-Area, All-State (Honorable Mention) and Academic All-State.

Mitch Vejvoda, son of Greg and Nancy Vejvoda of Homer Glen, signed his National Letter of Intent to attend South Dakota State University on a combined academic and athletic Scholarship where he plans to major in Engineering and continue his football career. Vejvoda is a graduate of Homer Junior High and a parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi. The honor roll student is an Illinois State Scholar and has played for the Celtic football team his entire high school career. In addition, Vejvoda was named to the All-Area team.

Ryan Ward, son of Brian and Laurel Ward of Homer Glen signed his National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa on an athletic scholarship where he plans to major in Health/Human Physiology and continue his football career. Ward is a graduate of Oak Prairie Junior High and a parishioner at Our Mother of Good Counsel. The honor roll student is a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister. In addition, he is a member of the National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry (AYM) and an Illinois State Scholar. He has been a member of the Celtic football team his entire high school career and was the first player in Providence Catholic’s history to be selected to play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, which took place in early January. Furthermore, Ward was named to the CCL Blue All-Conference Team and All-Area.

Providence is a Catholic, co-educational, college preparatory Augustinian high school. A dedicated and caring faculty and staff integrate the core Augustinian values of truth, unity and love into all dimensions of student life. A demanding curriculum, inclusive service programs, competitive athletics and comprehensive extracurricular offerings challenge students in a safe and nurturing environment. The class of 2011 earned scholarships valued at $16.3 million dollars. In addition, these seniors performed in excess of 15,000 hours of community service during their high school careers.  Providence Catholic is located in New Lenox, Ill. 

For more information about PCHS, please visit www.providencecatholic.org.