Padua Franciscan High School celebrated its Class of 2025 with their Commencement ceremony at St. Albert the Great Church on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Padua alumna Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj Pena ’03 gave the commencement address. She is the founder and expedition leader of Science in the Wild, an organization designed to mix adventure and travel excitement with environmental care. A Fulbright Scholar, she earned an undergraduate degree at Rice University, a Master’s from Brown University and her PhD at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she is the Communications Lead for the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.
Just as she did on the way to joining the renowned Explorer’s Club and visiting all seven continents by the age of 23, Horodyskyj Pena encouraged graduates to pursue their passions and further develop themselves into the leaders of tomorrow.
“Real change comes from those who show up with humility, who listen with intention, and who lead by lifting others,” Horodyskyj Pena said. “You’ve already modeled that kind of leadership here, and it’s exactly the kind the world needs more of because the world shouldn’t be shaped by those who shout the loudest or seek power for its own sake. The kind of leadership that you’ve shown on the field, on the stage, in the classroom, and in the quiet, courageous decisions no one else may have seen, that’s the kind of leadership the future is counting on today.”
“It’s not enough to keep knowledge locked up in the labs or lecture halls. We’re living in a time where misinformation spreads faster than facts and where real change depends on people who are willing to think critically and act boldly. The abilities to look deeper, challenge assumptions, and stay curious, these are the most powerful tools you can carry with you into the future.”
“Critical thinking isn’t optional. It’s survival. So here’s my challenge to you: Be thinkers, but also, be doers. Be bridge builders. See the world not just as it is, but as it could be. So go climb that mountain, start that movement, and don’t be afraid to fail, and then, write an even better version of your story because the world is better with you in it.”
Valedictorian Audrey Malcuit ’25, who is heading to The Ohio State University to pursue a computer science engineering degree, also addressed her classmates. She spoke about a freshman Christian Life assignment to create a “book” about themselves, and how the stories of each of the graduates is just beginning to be written.
“Our book still has plenty of blank pages, plenty of opportunities, and we have so much more to give,” Malcuit said. “We are made up of memories. The experiences are past with the ink already dried, the happenings with the present, our pen scribbling away to keep up and the potential to make more memories in the future.”
“I cannot wait to see what you all do with those pages. I know you’ll make Padua proud. I hope to still be in your books, but if this is goodbye, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your story. You are certainly a big part of mine.”
Class of 2025, we hope you’re Happy, Healthy, Holy and Highly Prepared for your next chapter! And remember – you’re never alone, you’re always a Bruin!
Click here to scroll through the Commencement program.
Click here to watch a video recording of the Commencement ceremony.
