Tinley Park Teen Named Valedictorian of Providence Catholic High School

Eric Connelly has been selected as the Class of 2014 valedictorian of Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.

"We are very proud of these academically gifted students who are leaders among their peers both in and out of the classroom and we wish them the very best in their future endeavors," said Principal Donald Sebestyen. 

Son of John and Heidi Connelly of Tinley Park, Eric is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School and a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Seton Church.
Connelly received an academic scholarship to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he plans to major in Engineering Physics.  The honor roll student is a National Merit Finalist, an AP Scholar with Honor, an Illinois State Scholar and has received numerous PCHS subject awards over the past three years. He is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl Team and Math Team.  

He has been a member of the Honorary All-Sectional Scholastic Bowl team for the past two years and placed 1st in regional math competition for the past three years.  During the 2013 state math competition, he placed 8th individually and 4th as a member of the calculator team.  

Connelly is also a member of the Theatre Club and has had numerous lead roles during his high school career. He also performs in several school bands including marching, concert and jazz; he has been Drum Major for the marching band for the past two years.