DiannaSledge

This school year, many new things are appearing at Marian, including a special guest in the senior class. Meet Sirimata Suthamma, nicknamed Mint, an international student from Bangkok, Thailand. 

Suthamma was encouraged to consider Marian based on the recommendation made by a returning international student, senior Pattiya Apiwattangsakul, better known as Janny. 

“We have known each other since grade one, but we started to get close during grade seven. She’s one of my best friends, and it’s fun living with her right now,” Suthamma said.

Meet Mint • Seniors “Mint” Suthamma and “Janny” Apiwattangsakul smile for the camera during orientation.

Right now both Suthamma and Apiwattangsakul are living with Shari Battaglia. Battaglia and her daughter, Alli, are both Marian alums. Both girls will stay with Battaglia for first semester, then they will live with another host family during second semester. 

“I’m interested in computer programming, but never tried to learn it before,” Suthamma said. She saw that Marian teaches some courses related to computer programming and thought it would be interesting to try out. This year she will take a Computer Science, Mobile Computing and Cybersecurity with Dr. Sharon Genoways.

“I’m excited to meet new people and make a lot of friends,” Suthamma said. The Marian community is excited to welcome Mint into the school.