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Jimmy Piko, a junior at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox, has achieved a rare feat by scoring a perfect 36 on the ACT test. This accomplishment is attained by less than half of one percent of the 1.3 million students who take the ACT annually.
Piko, son of Jim and Susan Piko from Orland Park, intends to major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business. He attributes his success to his education at Providence Catholic. “The challenging curriculum at PCHS has succeeded in teaching me not only the material but also good study habits and the merits of hard work,” said Piko. He believes this preparation will ease his transition to college life.
At school, Piko participates actively in various activities including Augustinian Youth Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, IALAC 2.0, and National Honor Society. Additionally, he serves as a Sacristan and plays Varsity Soccer and Intramural Sand Volleyball. His academic excellence is reflected by his consistent presence on the High Honor Roll each semester and accolades such as Student of the Month for December 2023 (Social Science Department/AP U.S. Government) and President of the National Honor Society.
Expressing gratitude towards those who have supported him, Piko said, “I would like to thank my parents for teaching me discipline.” He added appreciation for all his teachers, particularly Ms. Gura and Mrs. Begeske.
Piko acknowledges spirituality's role during his time at PCHS: “The constant exposure to prayer and the community aspect of the all-school masses have made me feel welcome and included in the PCHS community,” he noted. The spiritual environment allowed him to engage with new people while embracing Augustinian values such as Truth, Unity, and Love which he considers essential to his achievements.
