4 minute read
Class of 2017 Says Goodbye
Principal Allison DeFrancesco Castro ‘02, valedictorian Abigail Urbina ‘17, and and Dean of Studies Kerry Martin Mrs. Castro, salutatorian Jack Martinyan ‘17, and Ms. Martin Mrs. Castro and Mother Joseph Award and 2017 Archdiocese of Los Angeles Christian Service Award recipient Jaesen Evangelista ‘17
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Congratulations, Class of 2017!
The Class of 2017 officially became Providence alumni as they graduated on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Abigail Urbina ‘17, who will attend UCLA, was named the valedictorian. She was a member of the Medical Focus Program, secretary for the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and National Honor Society (NHS), and recipient of Science, Mathematics, and Medical Focus Program Department awards.
In her valedictorian address, Abigail mentioned the sense of unity the class embodied.
“I can confidently assert that here at Providence, we’ve learned to never suffocate under the façades of our own egos. Providence has fostered us all to be neighborly, open-minded, and amicable. You will never spend a day at Providence without being smiled at or greeted in the hallway. Everyone truly belongs here.”
She concluded her speech by urging her fellow graduates to take chances and make their mark on the world.
“You hold the pen to write the script of your life; don’t let others take that pen from you. At the same time, don’t be afraid to leave some pages blank. Not everything in life is predetermined. By all means, don’t let any obstacles hinder you from pursuing your aspirations with tenacity. Never cease to be persistent individuals, and never silence yourselves. Use your innate microphone to speak up and fight for justice.” Jack Martinyan ‘17, who will also attend UCLA, was named the salutatorian. Jack was a member of the Medical Focus Program, Friends Against Drugs (FAD) Ambassador, president of the table tennis club, and a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB).
Jaesen Evangelista ‘17 was named the recipient of the Mother Joseph Award and the 2017 Archdiocese of Los Angeles Christian Service Award and will attend The Catholic University of America. Jaesen was the ASB Commissioner of Religious Affairs, a member of the Medical Focus Program, and recipient of the World Languages Department Award for French.
Kayla Santos ‘17, who will attend Sarah Lawrence College, was named the recipient of the Spirit Award. During her senior year, Kayla was the ASB President, captain of the cheer team and won the Scholar Athlete Award and Performing Arts Department Award for Choral.
A new PHS tradition that was established last year is to recognize “Pioneering Families.” To be eligible, families must have at least three graduating members of Providence High School. This year, three families were recognized: the Boghokian family (Anto ‘13, Karni ‘15, and Nare ‘17), the Caedo family (Rogelio ‘11, Justine ‘15, and Therese ‘17), and the Kurkjian family (Kirk ‘11, Alec ‘14, and Christa ‘17).
Congratulations to the Class of 2017!
Prudenz Fajardo ‘17, Angela De Leon ‘17, Alyssa Dancel ‘17, and Sarah Alajajian ‘17 Callum Cunningham ‘17, Jack Maritnyan ‘17, Ammanuel Rufael ‘17, and Charlie Koechner ‘17 Kaellen Naphen ‘17 and Sarah Storbakken ‘17
Eden Dawit ‘17 and Head of School Joe Sciuto Noah Hurst ‘17, Liam Mahan-Mesa ‘17, Dacotah Fierro ‘17, and Jordan Tibbs ‘17 Dean of Students Ernest Siy and Spirit Award recipient Kayla Santos ‘17
Zachary Smithers ‘17 was presented his diploma by his mother, Board of Regents member Stacy Smithers. Paolo Largoza ‘17 was presented his diploma by his father, Board of Regents member Francis Largoza. Joshua Katz-Curtis ‘17 was presented his diploma by his mother, PHS Counselor Louann Katz-Curtis.
