She's not Yoda and she's not Miss Cleo, but she inspired and she looked into the future.
Classmates selected Sirinthorn "June" Suepunpuck as this year's class valedictorian, and she didn't disappoint her fellow seniors. One hundred and sixty-six students received their diplomas at Bishop Ireton’s graduation ceremonies on May 31, and Suepunpuck's address to them was on the mark.
“This is the time when I have to give you the most enlightening and inspiring words of wisdom that I know,” she said. “Unfortunately for you, you chose the wrong person because I’m not Yoda. I’m also supposed to come up here and tell you what lies ahead in your future, but I’m also not Miss Cleo, and you can’t call me now for a free reading.”
She closed by speaking directly to her classmates. “You guys really are … and having to say goodbye to you will be the most difficult thing I have done in my high-school career. And what I have learned the most at Bishop Ireton is that success in friendship, love and laughter go hand in hand with success in life. Without those people that have brought and taught you these values, you would not be here tonight. So give a hug to your teachers, your parents and your fellow classmates and thank them for making you into the wonderful person that you are. I know that I am thankful every day for having met you. As long as you have a big heart, goodbyes don’t mean forever. It’s au revoir… ’til we meet again.”
"We are grateful to gather as a Catholic school to celebrate our graduation over two nights," said Rev. Kevin Nadolski, principal at Bishop Ireton. "Beginning with the Baccalaureate Mass and concluding with the Commencement Ceremony, our graduates and their families can celebrate the accomplishments of a young church rooted in service, gentleness and wisdom."
Bishop Ireton students will attend a variety of colleges and universities, including Virginia Polytechnic Institute, George Mason University, James Madison University, Christopher Newport, William and Mary and Catholic University.