Class of 2018 Says Farewell

The Class of 2018 officially joined the ranks of Providence alumni as they graduated on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Hall of Liberty at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills. Michelle Vardapetyan ‘18, who will attend UCLA, was named the valedictorian. She was a member of the Medical Focus Program, president of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and National Honor Society (NHS), and member of the Spanish Honor Society, and ASB Religious Commissioner. Michelle was also named recipient of the Mother Joseph Award.*

Ionne Arakelyan ‘18, who will also attend UCLA, was named the co-salutatorian, along with Ryan Donnelly ‘18, who will attend Kansas State University. Ionne was a member of the Medical Focus Program, co-founder of the STEM Projects Club, Solar Boat Captain, and ASB Spirit Commissioner. Ryan was Captain of the track and field team, member of the cross country team, and President of the Urban Ecology Club. Angela Romano ‘18 was named the recipient of the 2018 Archdiocese of Los Angeles Christian Service Award** and will attend Willamette University. Angela was President of High Arts Leadership, captain of the cheer team, and involved with Mock Trial. Truman Picazo ‘18 was named the recipient of the Spirit Award.*** Truman was involved in the drama department, golf team, and member of NHS and CSF. He will attend the University of California, Santa Cruz.

In keeping with a fairly new tradition, “Pioneering Families” were recognized during the graduation ceremony. To be eligible, families must have at least three graduating members of Providence High School. This year, four families were recognized: the Buenaventura-Hurst family (Luke ‘14, Michael ‘16, Noah ‘17, and Zachary ‘18), the Gregorio family (Carina ‘18, Lauren ‘18, and Patrick ‘18), the Markey family (Caitlin ‘13, Sarah ‘16, and Brian ‘18), and the Roxas family (Adrian ‘07, Andrew ‘12, and Albert John ‘18).

Lilianna Davila ‘18, Sophia Bardelli ‘18, Academic Advisor and Learning Specialist Ms. Louann KatzCurtis, Sam Weitekamp ‘18, and Danielle Hamel ‘18 Members of the Class of 2018 flank Choral Music Director Mrs. Marisa Rawlins Bradfield Noelle Aladgem ‘18, JJ Totah ‘18, and Cameron Protzman ‘18

David Grigoryan ‘18 and Melanie Mooangprang ‘18 Head of School Joe Sciuto and valedictorian and Mother Joseph Award recipient Michelle Vardapetyan ‘18 Principal Allison DeFrancesco Castro ‘02, cosalutatorian Ryan Donnelly ‘18, and Dean of Studies Kerry Martin

Principal Allison DeFrancesco Castro ‘02 advised the graduates to “always remember that who you become is more important than what you become. Your talents will take you far but your values make a difference and influence the world around you.”

In her valedictorian address, Michelle echoed Mrs. Castro’s sentiment.

“Each and every one of you has so many great talents that helped us achieve anything we put our minds to. Now, the time has come to put these talents to use in the real world. The path we will soon undertake is going to be a new journey, a journey with endless possibilities and a fresh start to something great.”

Michelle urged her fellow graduates to forge their own paths, staying true to themselves while also embracing challenges and not being disappointed with failure.

“Be the person that you want to be and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Class of 2018, we all have so much potential to color the world with our knowledge, our energy and our creativity. We will fail and we will fail often. We must always take part in challenges and always embrace those challenges. The success we have all worked for will propel us upwards and outwards.”

Michelle concluded her speech by imparting words of wisdom to her fellow graduates.

“Wherever you choose to go and whatever you choose to do, use the talents you have learned and matured at Providence High School to impact this world and make a difference. Remember, make this world a place of color for all and whenever you are in doubt, just remember: ‘Behind you are all your memories, before you are all your dreams, around you are all those who love you, and within you is all you need.’”

Congratulations to the Class of 2018!

*The Mother Joseph Award is Providence High School’s highest honor, voted upon by faculty and staff members. It is named in honor of Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart, who was the foundress of Providence schools and healthcare facilities in the western U.S. The faculty and staff, while voting on the recipient, consider Providence’s core values of Respect, Compassion, Justice, Excellence, and Stewardship. **The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Christian Service Award recognizes the significant contributions made by a student in service to the Church and society. ***The PHS Spirit Award is presented to a senior for outstanding contributions to school spirit. The recipient is chosen by the entire faculty and staff.