[Student Report] A high school graduation at the Hollywood Bowl

On June 4, 2024, Immaculate Heart High School held its annual graduation ceremony at the Hollywood Bowl. 123 students, wearing their traditional white gowns and suits with their matching red roses, crossed the stage of the Hollywood Bowl to receive their diplomas and celebrate the school’s 118th commencement.

Guest speaker Lucie Arnaz, an American actress and singer, delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2024 as an Immaculate Heart alumna. Arnaz stated that “the Panda Sisters are graduating from Immaculate Heart with some stellar SAT scores and big hearts. Arnaz, who began her acting career in high school, said, “I wanted to graduate from Immaculate Heart so I could get my diploma at the Hollywood Bowl. I mean, that’s probably one of the coolest traditions!”

Lucie Arnaz has performed the opening number at the Academy Awards (1981) and several times at the White House. She executive produced the I Love Lucy 50th Anniversary Special (Emmy nomination) and Lucy & Desi: A Home Movie (1993 Emmy winner).

Senior Sophie Stuecken was selected as the class speaker, the recipient of the Community Service Award for the Class of 2024, and the Associated Student Body Vice President. The Christian Service Awards are recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and honor students and teachers who demonstrate a commitment to service in the local community.

Stuecken’s commitment to social justice, compassion, and volunteerism through her work with Homeboy Industries led her to represent Immaculate Heart this year. “Attending Immaculate Heart was the best decision I ever made,” Stuecken said.

She recalls how she began her high school experience as a distance learner, but Immaculate Heart’s tradition of Welcome Day still prevailed and excited her for the rest of her high school experience. “I met my classmates, future bridesmaids, and panda sisters for life here!”

In addition to Steucken, the following seniors graduated with awards: Amelia Little (The Mother Regina Award), Rowan Carney (The Julie Sheehan McCormick Award), Samantha Torres (The Distinguished Scholar Award), Gabrielle Chang (The Distinguished Scholar Award), Priscilla Hidalgo (The Virginia Hurst Award), Emma Factors (The Mother Eucharia Award), and Addalynne Acosta (The Ruth Anne Murray Leadership Award). This year, Immaculate Heart honored two young women with valedictorian awards.

As a college preparatory school, Immaculate Heart has been successful this year in sending young women to Yale University, Boston University, New York University, Northeastern, and many others!

Immaculate Heart High School & Middle School is located at 5515 Franklin Ave., Los Feliz, Los Angeles. Founded in 1906, Immaculate Heart is a college-preparatory Roman Catholic school that educates and empowers young women of “great mind and right conscience” in grades 6-12. For information, please visit immaculateheart.org.

<Heather(Seoyoung) Yang Student reporter>hseoyoungy@gmail.com

Seoyoung Yang is a Sophomore Student in Immaculate Heart High School. She is interested in Koreatown, its gentrification phenomenon, and Korean American culture.