Class speaker Sophie Stuecken addressed the crowd during Immaculate Heart’s commencement ceremony at the Hollywood Bowl. (photo courtesy of Immaculate Heart)

Under the lights at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, 123 Immaculate Heart High Schools seniors accepted their diplomas on June 4 during school’s 118th commencement. The ceremony recognized each graduate, who received applause from family, friends and faculty. The students, dressed in white and carrying red roses, joined the ranks of more than 11,000 graduates in the school’s history.

It was also a night of emotional remembrances, including during the class address by senior Sophie Stuecken, who recalled how she and her classmates spent their freshman year during the pandemic studying form home, yet still formed a tight-knit community.

“We were all isolated, but at the same time, we were all together. I started high school over the Internet and had never been happier,” Stuecken said. “Even in difficult times, Immaculate Heart gave me a sense of belonging. It was a resilient community, something we all needed to help us assimilate in a world filled with uncertainty and fear.”

Making her first appearance on the Bowl stage since her own Immaculate Heart graduation in 1969, actress and singer Lucie Arnaz was moved to tears as she watched the seniors walk to their seats before she delivered a commencement speech.

“I am honored to be coming back to my alma mater to try to give you the send-off you deserve,” Arnaz said.

Arnaz gave a special tribute to Immaculate Heart’s drama club, The Genesians, which she said gave her an “inspiring start” in theater performance. Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, has since starred on Broadway, off-Broadway, in London and in regional theaters across the U.S.

Arnaz added that she pondered over words of wisdom to share with the graduates.

“It finally hit me that no one needs to tell you any of that. You graduated from Immaculate Heart,” she said to applause.  “The world needs Immaculate Heart women now more than ever. No one has been better prepared to tackle the troubles of the world or bring more compassion to a planet in such dire need. So, just get out there. Look around. What needs doing? Get involved. Get creative. Follow your gut. It will never let you down. If you truly believe in your immaculate heart that something is right, you just go for it.”

Founded in 1906, Immaculate Heart High School and Middle School educates young women in sixth through 12th grades at its location in the Los Feliz foothills near Griffith Park. For information, visit immaculateheart.org.