Providence Hall High School

Even the best of friends sometimes disagree. Conflict is a normal part of growing up, but what matters most is how we respond. Strategic decision-making means thinking before reacting: should I argue, walk away, or try to work things out?

As Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” When teens approach disagreement with calm and purpose, they show maturity and strength. By pausing to ask themselves, Is this really worth damaging our friendship? Can we both listen respectfully? they turn conflict into an opportunity to build trust and deepen understanding. Thoughtful responses create not just peace, but stronger friendships that can last through challenges.

We’re nearing the end of Quarter 1!

All late work that teachers still allow to be turned in must be submitted by Thursday, which marks the official end of the quarter. There is no school on Friday so teachers can finalize grades. Grades will be available to parents and students on Tuesday, October 28th, following Fall Break.

On Monday, October 20th, we’ll have a Virtual Wellness Day. There is no school that day; however, I will be emailing wellness resources for parents and students that was prepared by our school psychologist, Maura Yellen.

Then, we will all take a well-deserved rest during Fall Break, and we’ll return to school on Monday, October 27th.

Please take time to review this week’s Principal's Update thoroughly—it includes important information about:

Patriot Spotlight this week PH Alumni Return as Teachers, AP Research Students Say "YES", & Celebrating the Navy's 250th Birthday
Haunted Obstacle Course
Guide to Making Online Payments
NEW! Scholarship Opportunities & Senior Section
& more!

Choose to have a great week, Patriots!

Melissa McPhail
PHHS Principal

THIS WEEK AT PROVIDENCE HALL

Mon. October 13: Navy's 250 B-day Celebration | Orchestra Concert (Gym, 7pm)
Tue. October 14: Senior Night Varsity Girls Volleyball (Gym, 6:30pm) | JV Volleyball (Gym, 5pm) | Freshmen Volleyball (Gym, 3:30pm)
Wed. October 15: JV Football (Riot Ridge Stadium, 6pm) | Cross Country Region Championship (Richfield)
Thur. October 16: LAST DAY OF 1ST QUARTER | Away Varsity Football (South Summit, 7pm) | Away Volleyball (Delta)
Fri. October 17: NO SCHOOL | JROTC Obstacle Course

ON THE HORIZON

Mon. October 20: Virtual Wellness Day (No School)
Tue. October 21 - Fri. October 24: Fall Break (No School)
Mon. October 27: First Day of Quarter 2

Some teachers at Providence Hall know these halls better than anyone because they once walked them as students. This year, we’re proud to feature three alumni who have come full circle, returning to inspire the next generation just as their own teachers once inspired them.

Hannah Fenwick, who graduated in 2017, always knew she wanted to be a teacher. “I loved school as a kid,” she said. “I used to make my siblings play school and give them homework.” Ms. Fenwick started at PHJH the very first year it opened and quickly fell in love with Spanish thanks to an inspiring teacher. By eighth grade, she already knew she wanted to teach Spanish herself.

Now in her second year teaching Spanish at Providence Hall, Ms. Fenwick loves seeing her students grow both in class and beyond. “The best part is when my students use Spanish outside of school,” she said. “And it’s so fun to work alongside my old teachers and see our PH traditions, like the SUP cheer and Senior Insomnia, still going strong.” Her advice to students who might want to become teachers is simple: find your passion and let it guide everything you do.

For Haley Pester, who graduated in 2021, the love of teaching started in college when she volunteered as a reading buddy for two sixth graders. “Helping them grow in confidence as readers made me realize this is what I want to do,” she said. Her years at Providence Hall gave her a strong foundation for her education degree, and she felt ready for anything when she graduated. Ms. Pester says the best part of teaching is the moment when everything finally clicks for a student. “It’s the most rewarding feeling,” she said. Returning to Providence Hall as a teacher has been surreal but deeply meaningful. “It really feels like coming full circle,” she said. Her advice for future teachers is to not be afraid to try it, to find a great mentor, and to remember that teaching isn’t just about academics but about helping students grow as people.

Makayla Delaney, who graduated in 2016 and now teaches third grade, was known for her curiosity and dedication when she was a student. One of her former teachers remembers her as an eager learner who always worked hard and asked great questions. Now she brings that same enthusiasm to her classroom, encouraging her students to be curious, confident, and kind—just like her own teachers once did.

Watching these three students return to Providence Hall reminds us what makes our school special. They’re living proof of the impact great teachers and a caring community can have. Elementary School Principal Michael Fry said, “They are phenomenal,” when asked how Ms. Pester and Ms. Delaney are doing in the classroom.

As a PH teacher, then assistant principal, and now principal, I’ve known Mrs. Fenwick for over ten years. When I learned we had a Spanish opening and that she was about to graduate, I sought her out immediately. I’m so glad she chose to teach with us. She brings so much to Providence—her willingness to help our ELL students learn English and her dedication to Latinos in Action are both inspiring and add tremendous value to our school.

Seeing these three alumni return to Providence Hall means so much to me. It’s a reminder that the relationships and experiences built here truly last. When our former students choose to come back as teachers, it makes me proud of the caring, connected community we’ve created together.

Ms. Fenwick the Teacher

Ms. Fenwick the Student

Ms. Pester the Student

Ms. Pester the Teacher

Our AP Research students recently got “engaged” to their research questions, a fun tradition that marks the start of their yearlong independent research projects. AP Research is part of the AP Capstone program, which challenges students to design and conduct original research on a topic they’re passionate about. The research question is the heart of the project it guides their work and helps them think critically, solve problems, and communicate their findings effectively.

These dedicated students are also on the path to earning the Distinguished Graduate Diploma, the most rigorous academic honor available at PHHS. We’re proud of their commitment to scholarship, curiosity, and academic excellence!

This week, our Navy JROTC program is proud to help celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Navy!

Now in its eighth year, our JROTC program continues to build leadership, discipline, and pride among our cadets. To honor this milestone, there will be a special flag ceremony led by the cadets, followed by a celebration with the entire student body. All students are invited to join in the fun and enjoy birthday cake at lunch as we recognize this historic occasion.

We’re so excited to celebrate alongside our JROTC cadets and show our Navy pride!

Our Patriots do amazing things—in school and beyond! Maybe you ride horses, race cars (legally, of course!), help with a family business, or have a hobby that’s totally unique.

Fill out this form to share your story (or nominate someone else) for a spotlight in our newsletter, announcements, and social media. Big or small, every story inspires our Patriot community!

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Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. The 2025-26 theme is: “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

More information: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Deadline: October 31, 2025

Hercules First Federal Credit Union Scholarship

At Hercules First Federal Credit Union, we are committed to supporting and recognizing the potential of exceptional students in our community. Our mission is to help members achieve their financial goals while “Growing Stronger Together.” We believe that today’s youth are the future of our credit union and our community. The winners of this essay contest will be selected by Hercules First Federal Credit Union and a panel of designated judges.

More information: https://herculescu.com/accounts/youth-student-accounts/

Deadline: November 1, 2025

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

The Youth Awards were founded in 1998 by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Now entering their 27th year, the Youth Awards honor high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories including: Community Service, Engineering, Green and Technology, with additional categories being added throughout the awards season. Must have a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Gold, Silver and Bronze recipients are selected in each category and receive a one-time grant to fund their college education or to fund a community service effort that tackles a social issue. Once selected, recipients will be celebrated in virtual ceremonies and will become part of our broader HHF network of 200,000 professionals and fulfill our unique cycle of leadership where we meet America's priorities in the classroom and workforce.

More information: https://hhfawards.hispanicheritage.org/2025/forms/welcome.php

Deadline: November 2, 2025

Cooke College Scholarship

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities. Minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.75. Families with annual gross income up to $95,000 are considered.

More information: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/

Deadline: November 12, 2025

Visionary Scholarship Program

Our Visionary Scholarship is a bi-annual award. There are five (5) awards given with each bi-annual deadline - with a total of ten (10) college scholarships awarded for each school year. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500 each.

More information: https://americancollegefoundation.org/college-planning-visionary-scholarship-details/

Deadline: December 1, 2025

Denny's Hungry for Education Scholarship

Denny’s Hungry for Education™ scholarship program is awarding scholarship money to deserving high school and college students and helping bring communities together. Students must provide a 300-word (high school) or 500-word (college) essay on “How Denny’s can help bring communities together?”.

More information: https://www.ushli.org/dennys-scholarship-application/

Deadline: December 8, 2025

Senior Upcoming Events

Nov. 3: BYU Priority Deadline
Nov. 5: FAFSA Night
Nov. 10: Jostens Visit (Purchase Cap & Gown)
Dec. 1: U of U, Weber State, USU & SUU Scholarship Priority Deadline & Westminster Early Action Deadline
Dec. 15: BYU Final Application Deadline