Saint Monica Alumna and Former U.S. Ambassador Nathalie Rayes to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address
![Saint Monica Alumna and Former U.S. Ambassador Nathalie Rayes to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748624449/stmonicachsorg/t8bkpkkhziqh1gkopgee/newspost21.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748624449/stmonicachsorg/t8bkpkkhziqh1gkopgee/newspost21.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748624449/stmonicachsorg/t8bkpkkhziqh1gkopgee/newspost21.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748624449/stmonicachsorg/t8bkpkkhziqh1gkopgee/newspost21.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748624449/stmonicachsorg/t8bkpkkhziqh1gkopgee/newspost21.jpg","width":1280}])
Saint Monica Alumna and Former U.S. Ambassador Nathalie Rayes to Deliver 2025 Commencement Address
Saint Monica Preparatory is proud to welcome back Nathalie Rayes ‘92, the former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, to deliver the keynote address at our 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m.
The following week, Rayes also has the honor of returning to her university alma mater, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, to deliver commencement addresses at both its undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
Rayes returns to Saint Monica with a message of resilience, leadership and purpose. Her career spans public service, private sector leadership, nonprofit advocacy and diplomacy—embodying the values we aim to instill in every student. In her address, Rayes shares lessons from her own non-linear path—from working in local government to becoming Vice President of Public Affairs at Grupo Salinas, leading the Latino Victory organization, and ultimately serving as U.S. Ambassador to Croatia. She encourages graduates to embrace uncertainty, follow their instincts, and stay connected to the communities that shape them.
“Returning to Saint Monica’s is deeply meaningful,” said Rayes. “This school helped shape the person I became. My hope is that every graduate leaves with the confidence to show up, take chances, and grow into the next version of themselves—with heart, with purpose and with conviction.” Nathalie Rayes was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia on December 11, 2023.
“We are honored to welcome Nathalie Rayes back to Saint Monica Preparatory,” shared Principal James Spellman. “Her journey from these classrooms to representing the United States abroad exemplifies the power of faith, determination and service.”
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Saint Monica Preparatory is proud to welcome back Nathalie Rayes ‘92, the former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, to deliver the keynote address at our 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Friday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. Her career spans public service, private sector leadership, nonprofit advocacy and diplomacy—embodying the values we aim to instill in every student.
The following week, Rayes also has the honor of returning to her university alma mater, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, to deliver commencement addresses at both its undergraduate and graduate ceremonies.
![SMPREP Students Make Headlines]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748546733/stmonicachsorg/txnueonl9lnif9zgunbt/newspost16.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748546733/stmonicachsorg/txnueonl9lnif9zgunbt/newspost16.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748546733/stmonicachsorg/txnueonl9lnif9zgunbt/newspost16.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748546733/stmonicachsorg/txnueonl9lnif9zgunbt/newspost16.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748546733/stmonicachsorg/txnueonl9lnif9zgunbt/newspost16.jpg","width":1280}])
Saint Monica Preparatory students are making waves beyond our campus. This month, both the Los Angeles Times and CBS News' "Inside SoCal" featured three of our seniors, all recipients of four-year, full college tuition and housing scholarships through the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholarship. SMPREP junior Tomas Officer finished in first place at UCLA's Open Mind Film Festival, while senior Lucy Lopez was recognized by the L.A. Archdiocese for this year’s Archdiocesan Christian Service Award. Senior Micaela Patajo took home Gold in the Speed category at the 2025 USA Climbing National Team Trials, while two Mariner juniors are among the 2025 Founding Forward National Essay Winners.
![Spring’s Record-Setting Achievements]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749750706/stmonicachsorg/l3p8zxgooiejymq88pvy/newspost1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749750706/stmonicachsorg/l3p8zxgooiejymq88pvy/newspost1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749750706/stmonicachsorg/l3p8zxgooiejymq88pvy/newspost1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749750706/stmonicachsorg/l3p8zxgooiejymq88pvy/newspost1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749750706/stmonicachsorg/l3p8zxgooiejymq88pvy/newspost1.png","width":1280}])
Mariner Boys Golf had a record-setting season, securing the league championship title with only one loss in its overall 14-1 record. Mariners made it all the way to the CIF Team Championship, where they missed the cut by only 11 strokes. Mariner Softball secured second place in Camino Real League play, while Mariner Baseball pulled off an historic win vs. Paramount - the first win in CIF Playoffs for Mariner Baseball in 20 years!
Track & Field, Boys Volleyball, as well as Middle School Golf and Track & Field athletes all also made the highlight reel this spring. SMPREP hosted a Signing Ceremony last week for four of its senior athletes continuing their achievements at the collegiate level. Congratulations, Mariners!