THE 2025 EIGHTH-GRADE class of St. Bonaventure Catholic School in Huntington Beach was recognized during a special graduation Mass on May 30.
BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AND FR. VINCENT PHAM ARE WITH THE CLASS OF ’25. PHOTO BY VANESSA FREI, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & ENROLLMENT
Presided by Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, the graduating Mass served as the culmination of a busy week for the eighth graders, after they participated in a ‘Passing of the Light’ prayer service, a day at Disneyland, an awards ceremony and a retreat.
“I’m very excited,” said Fr. Vincent Pham, pastor of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church. “This is a very joyful celebration for the eighth graders, all 55 of them. They are very good boys and girls, very fine young men and women or faith and such good role models… they are the pride of the parish.”
Before the noon Mass, the eighth graders processed to “Pomp and Circumstance” through a cheering aisle of their fellow St. Bonaventure students.
From TK to seventh grade, the younger students applauded and waved signs with encouraging messages as they sent off the eldest among them off to new educational experiences.
LUKE HARRINGTON POSES WITH BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AFTER RECEIVING HIS DIPLOMA. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“It is a special community, it is a very active community—everyone is involved,” said Dr. Richard Yoon, principal of St. Bonaventure Catholic School. “I think this parish and this school more than any others I’ve seen has that tight knit sense of family that is interwoven between everything. It is a special place.”
The experiences of parent Timarie Shrum encapsulate just how special the school can be. Shrum herself is an alum of St. Bonaventure, and the school has been a home to her family for 14 years.
“It’s surreal,” Shrum said. “It hasn’t hit me yet. I haven’t apparently come to terms with it being the end of the road at this community. I went to school here; I had all my sacraments here. All of my kids have had all their sacraments here as well.”
With her eldest daughter in college and middle daughter in high school, Shrum has seen how their early Catholic education has borne fruit over the years.
“Raising your kids in an environment where we all have the same base of morals and values, it’s such a lovely and enriching environment for them. I just feel like they all have an underlying love and respect for each other.”
ELLA MORADKHANI WELCOMES FAMILIES AND GUESTS WITH HER SALUTATORIAN SPEECH DURING THE GRADUATION CEREMONY. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Eighth-grade valedictorian Kailah Tsai reflected on her time at St. Bonaventure after attending for 10 years.
“I honestly have made lifelong friends,” she shared. “I’ve been able to receive an amazing education… I’m able to learn more about my faith, about God and what He’s done for us.”
As valedictorian, her message to her graduating class is to “keep believing in God, keep striving to do your best in everything you do and you’ll accomplish amazing things.”
Out of the 55 graduating students, 80% will continue on with Catholic high schools.
“That’s a very good sign,” said Fr. Vincent. “When they go to Catholic school, chances are they will continue to be strong in their faith, and when they are strong in their faith there is a good chance to having a good influence on other students.”
Embodying the St. Bonaventure colors of their mascot, the “Saints” stood tall in caps and gowns of red and white as they marched with their peers to Mass. Inside, they were welcomed by family, friends and Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen.
Bishop Nguyen welcomed the graduating class after the procession and addressed them directly in his homily.
“You’ve reached what is probably the greatest goal of your lives so far, and you’re ready for whatever lies ahead,” he said.
He offered them images of an oak tree and an eagle.
“Wherever you will be, whatever you will achieve and whoever you will become, remember your roots,” he said.
He reminded that “if the joy and delight of youth are to be forever yours, you must find a way to dream, to hope and to believe in tomorrow.”
Bishop Nguyen concluded, “I pray that whatever you’ve learned from this parish and this community will help you to develop your roots in Jesus Christ. May the Holy Spirit be the wind beneath your wings of dreams.”