001Mhm. >> Mhm. >> [music] [cheering] [applause] >> Okay. Please join me once again in thanking our BHS band and BHS band director Mr. Jason Constable for that beautiful prelude to today's ceremony. >> [applause] >> This summer our nation will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a moment that not only shaped our country into what it is today, but changed the trajectory of the world towards a belief in liberty for all, allowing for celebrations such as today's graduation ceremony for the class of 2026 from Belvidere High School. So, in that spirit, at this time, I ask that everyone please rise if you are able, remove your caps for the singing of our national anthem by the Belvidere High School Choraliers. >> [music] >> Oh, say, >> [singing] >> can you
002see by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we [singing] hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright [singing] stars through the perilous fight, o'er the ramparts we [singing] watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets' >> [singing] >> red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through >> [singing] >> the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, >> [singing] >> does that star-spangled banner >> For the land of [singing] the free and the >> [singing] >> home of >> [cheering] >> Good morning and welcome. My name is Billy Lewis, principal of Belvidere High School, and it is my honor to welcome you all to the graduation ceremony for the Belvidere High School class of 2026. >> [cheering] >> It is a privilege to be celebrating this momentous occasion
003with you all today. >> [snorts] >> I would like to welcome our Board of Education members who volunteer their time and talents on behalf of our community. Please give a wave as your name is called. President Jorge Herrera. Vice President Jeff Deestel Meyer. And members Barbie Young. Jermaine Piggy. Brian Hemke and Scott Mueller. >> [applause] >> We also thank board secretary Holly Houck who is unable to attend today. Welcome also to our district superintendent Dr. Cassandra Shug and district chief strategy officer Dr. David Carson. Thank you Dr. Shug, Dr. Carson, and members of the board for all your dedication in helping us reach our mission as a district to help our students become lifelong learners, innovators, and contributors to society. We have a strong and proud history at Belvidere High School established and strengthened by
004past graduates, many of whom are here today and who we would like to honor. So any Belvidere High School alumni in attendance, please stand and be recognized at this time. >> [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> And to all of our moms here and watching from afar, we hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day last Sunday. Please stand at this time to let us applaud and celebrate you. >> [applause] >> Moms, yeah. >> [applause] >> And to the BHS staff here joining us, thank you for the time, dedication, and love you've provided to the BHS class of 2026. A special thank you to BHS senior class advisor Lourdes Aguilar for preparing this week's senior luncheon rehearsal and today's ceremony. BHS staff, please stand at this time and be recognized. >> [applause] >> Go. Go. And to our
005students, there were many different paths you've taken to be here today. Please stand as we recognize the schools within and outside of our district that have been part of your educational journeys. Students, if you attended Lincoln Elementary School, please stand and be recognized. Students who attended Meridian Elementary School, please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] >> Students who attended Perry Elementary School, please stand and be recognized. >> [applause and cheering] >> Students who attended Seth Whitman Elementary, please stand and be recognized. Students who attended Washington Academy, please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Students who attended Belvidere Central Middle School, please stand and be recognized. Students who attended Belvidere South Middle School, please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Students who attended Belvidere North High School, please stand and be recognized.
006And students who attended Everest High School, please stand and be recognized. And to those students who attended the Running Start Program, please stand and be recognized. >> [cheering] >> And if your school if your journey included a school outside of our district, please stand at this time and be recognized. >> [applause] >> The Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy is an award presented in recognition of attaining a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other languages. And the State Commendation toward Biliteracy is for those students demonstrating significant progress. In 2025, BHS set a then school record with 13 students earning the Seal of Biliteracy and five earning the State Commendation. These students receive a special medal and seal on their diplomas. I am proud to announce that the BHS class of 2026
007has set new records with 32 students earning the Seal of Biliteracy and 12 the State Commendation. Please stand at this time and be recognized. >> [applause] >> Our students are also destined to go in many different directions after graduation. One special group to acknowledge are those enlisted to enter a branch of the United States Armed Forces. Please stand at this time and be recognized. >> [applause] >> Thank you for your service. Class of 2026, it has been a true honor to see your growth and your success. You have made BHS better for future students through your leadership and your example. You've built a deep connection with our staff and earned our highest respect for, most importantly, who you are as people. Your character. But also for your accomplishments. We've seen your dedication in the classroom,
008on the fields, or on the stage. And even some of us have seen your dedication in our front yard at 3:00 a.m. And I must say, I've personally seen the success coming for a long time. In 2015, my first year in District 100, a future 2026 graduate was one of the first people I met. It was a Friday night football game in the early in the season and a spunky 7-year-old named Evette introduced herself. She told me everything I needed to know about first grade at Meehan. And it quickly became clear that these were some awesome first graders who would one day be some awesome high school students. And you've been just that. 33 of today's BHS graduates are part of our first generation club, which means they will be the first in their families
009to enroll in a college or university after high school, and you will hear from some of them at the podium today. For two consecutive years with the class of 2026 at the center, BHS has set school records for unique students taking advanced placement college exams with 197 last year and 223 this year. And for the first time in 10 years, our Bucks varsity football team defeated both Boylan and Hononegah in the same season. >> [cheering] >> And speaking of football, can we all agree that the Chicago Bears made one of the best decisions in franchise history when they named 2026 BHS graduate Juan Cervantes as its Latino Heritage Youth Leadership winner last fall? And Juan is graduating Summa Laude today and is attending Illinois State to study construction management in the fall. And that 7-year-old
010from Mian, Yvette English, is graduating laude today and plans to attend Rock Valley in the fall to continue her studies in nursing. >> [cheering] >> As you can see, the stories of today's BHS graduates of the class of 2026 are as unique as they are inspiring. And I can't wait for you to hear directly from them. Without further ado, it is now my pleasure to welcome to the stage Mr. Andrew Wooten, BHS Link Crew Leader, and Ms. Lilly Brandmeier, BHS Key Club member, for our opening address. After graduation, Andrew will attend Northern Illinois University to study business administration, and Lilly will attend Western Illinois University to study law enforcement. Good morning, parents, teachers, families, staff, and good morning, class of 2026. To start us off this morning, I wanted to thank our teachers, administrators, families,
011and most importantly, those who raised us. None of us would be the people who we are right now without all of your support along the way. Taking a look around, I don't just see my friends, peers, and classmates. I see the proud face of every parent, sibling, and family member. They're not the only ones who should be proud. Each and every one of you should be proud of the seat that you're in right now. Everyone has had very different ways of getting here, and I know I'm not just talking about the car you took to get here. Everyone has had their own set of challenges, setbacks, and opportunities. There's not a single person in here other than you who has overcome the same challenges. I suppose that's a fancy way of saying that we're all
012unique. The diploma that you're going to receive today is about the same as the one next to it. Except that your name and possibly some accomplishments are stamped inside. I find this fitting. Each one looks about the same, feels the same, and is very much the same. And really, it is just a fancy piece of paper. But it's not what it is that makes it so important. Whether you like it or not, that fancy piece of paper represents the last 4 years of your life. With that being said, I challenge each and every one of you to find your own meaning in these last 4 years. So, as the ceremony goes on, think of you as a freshman, a sophomore, a junior, and a senior, and what all of this would mean to each and
013every version of you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Good morning, everybody. My name is Lily Brandmeier, and it's an honor of mine to be able to stand up here to speak to you all today. To start off, I want to take a moment to thank our family and friends for their love and support for the last 4 years. I also want to thank the Belvidere High School faculty for their constant guidance, support, and never-ending patience over the last 4 years. Thank you all for attending the graduation ceremony for the class of 2026. We are all here today through our perseverance, determination, and the support that we received. Today is a day of celebration, reflection, and excitement for what lies ahead of us. >> [sighs] >> I want to take a moment to personally thank some
014of the the in my life who helped me through these years. Thank you, Mom, for helping me get through these emotional years and helping me through all my worries. I'm sure I'm to blame for some of those gray hairs. I also want to thank Ms. Chomko and Mr. Young for endlessly listening to me and helping me through my silly problems and showing me relentless support. I lastly want to thank my friends and my boyfriend. I've been blessed to have met you all and I can't wait to see what the future holds for us as we continue to grow. I've been chosen to talk about my high school experience. And if I'm being truthful to you all, I don't think I made that much of an impact on the community. I feel as if I didn't
015do enough in high school. I wasn't in a sport. I didn't partake in a club for all four years. I didn't claim any leadership roles, nor did I hardly engage in school events, and I never got amazing test scores. Due to this, I questioned why I should be the one be one of the people allowed to speak. But then I thought about it and I realized that everyone has a purpose. It's easy for us to compare and contrast and pick out our flaws, but none of us know what other people are going through. Each and every one of us has come from a different different background and faced unique circumstances, and we've all had different kinds of challenges that we've had to overcome to get to where we are today. I started off high school
016on a pretty rough start. I was failing most of my classes and leaving school or just not showing up to school at all. It's safe to say I was going through some personal problems. I was scared that I was going to be joining the class of 2027. But thanks to some love and support from my mom and guidance from a couple of teachers, I was able to overcome my my challenges and grow. Now I apply myself every day to doing better. I still face challenges and that's never going to stop, not for any of us. But it's important for us to keep trying even when we want to give up. It is important for us to persevere, continuously to grow, and to continue to strive for greatness. I'm here to tell you that no matter
017who you are or what you do and where you'll end up is all for a reason. All of you are capable of achieving things no matter your background. So, even if you didn't do a sport or a club, if you were never in any leadership roles, if you engaged in zero school events, and got bad test scores, you still played an important part in the community, and you'll continue to impact whatever community you find yourselves in next. We've all got to this moment because you've tried, and that's what's important. And every single one of you should be proud of yourselves for getting here today. As we move on, I ask you to think about what Andrew said and to reflect on your time in high school, and to think about the memories and friendships you've
018made. Some of us have grown up with each other since we were 5 years old. Some others we've met 6 months ago. Making today a bittersweet moment. So, take a look at your peers as today could be the last time you'll see one another. Don't forget to make every moment count because one day these will all be memories. Thank you again, admin and faculty, for giving me the opportunity to speak today. Thank you. Please now direct your attention to the BHS choir students led by Belvedere High School vocal music director, Mr. Mark Miller Cornejo. They will be performing Fly Away Home by Pink Zebra. Switch me out. >> I'll take time to notice [music and singing] all that I see. And after I've [singing and music] come so far, you know where [music and singing]
019I'll be. >> [music] >> Life is a mission. That's how it should be. The >> [music] >> world is a canvas and the choices are free. At the end of the journey, When all is complete They'll all wonder where I >> [music] >> But you know that >> [singing] >> I'll fly away >> [music] >> Our dreams last [singing and music] forever For all that we know >> [music] >> The roads come together And that's where [singing] we'll go I'll fly >> [music] >> I'll fly >> [singing] >> I'll fly I'll fly >> [music] >> I'll fly >> [singing] [music] >> I'll fly >> [music] >> I'll fly fly away. >> [applause] >> Thank you, BHS choir students. It is now my pleasure to welcome to the stage Miss Ruby Arteaga, student council president, and
020Miss Ellie Roddy, senior class president, to deliver the senior class address. After graduation, Ruby plans to attend DePaul University to study accounting, and Ellie plans to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana to study atmospheric science within their honors program. Good morning, everyone. My name is Ruby Arteaga. And my name is Ellie Roddy. We are honored to be here today to deliver the senior class address. We'd like to begin by recognizing our fellow classmates for some of their accomplishments. We've had several students commit to continuing their athletic careers in college, all-state vocalists, visual arts awards, and several scholastic achievements. We've had first place finishes and breakthrough wins in athletics. Our clubs have also seen success through national competition qualifiers and numerous thriving events. We are extremely proud of our peers for all of their achievements
021throughout their time at BHS, and we are so excited to see what they will accomplish next. As we gather here one last time, I don't just want to say goodbye. I want to honor what this moment truly means. For many of us, this moment is more than a ceremony. For me and for every first generation graduate here today, this is history. We didn't just walk into a school. We walked into a future no one in our families had ever stepped into before. We carried dreams that weren't just ours, but the dreams of parents, grandparents, and generations who hoped for a day like this, but never got to see it. And now, here we are. We made it through long nights, early mornings, crash outs, and moments we weren't sure we could keep going, but we
022did. Every late assignment, every tough test, every this is too hard moment, we faced them. There were times along the way when things didn't go as planned, when we felt stuck, or when steps in our journey weren't clear. But even in those times, we kept going, even if it was just one small step at a time. We learned how to adjust, how to be patient with ourselves, and how to persevere without having everything figured out yet. I want to take a moment to thank my older sister, Daisy. Thank you for always making me believe I can be anything and do anything. You always told me it's going to be okay, and I didn't believe that back then. I didn't think everything would turn out fine. But looking back now, those words were the pillar that
023helped me grow into the person standing here today. I always thought I needed to have everything planned. I always wanted to know exactly what I needed to do. But But now I realize you were preparing me for this moment all along. After today, we step into the real world. Some of us already have a plan: college, the workforce, athletics, the military. And some of us are still searching for our path. But no matter where we're headed, every one of us is carrying the hopes, sacrifices, and love that brought us to this moment. Whatever path you choose to follow, it will all be okay. There's no one correct path we all have to follow, and I believe that is what makes us all so unique. We all have different strengths, values, and dreams that we want
024to make a reality. Our success isn't defined by what others expect of us, but by the patience we give ourselves while we're still figuring things out. Always remember that things will work out, no matter what your path may look like or how different it looks from everyone else's. Don't be afraid to experience new things or get out of your comfort zone. One failure does not define the course of your future. Right now, the hallways are quiet. The desks are empty and the road we've been walking for years finally comes to an end. And endings can feel sad. They can feel heavy. But don't be sad that this road has ended because every ending is just a beginning in disguise. There's always another side, a new chapter, a new journey. And we take all of it.
025Every laugh, every fear, every moment with us into whatever comes next. So, let's take a deep breath. Feel the pride, the joy, the fear, the sadness, all of it because it means this moment matters. I would like it to take a moment to thank our teachers. We notice the countless hours of work you spend to ensure the success of your students. We notice how strongly you value the connections you form with every student. And most importantly, we've all noticed how you changed our lives. We couldn't be here today without you all and I sincerely thank you for everything you have done for my fellow peers and I. Thank you to all other staff members for the work you do behind the scenes to make our education possible. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and
026we are extremely grateful for the work you do for all students in our building. Finally, I want to thank all of my classmates. Some of us have known each other for almost our entire lives, while some of us have just crossed paths this year. Whether we've spoken every day or never spoken at all, we've been a part of each other's lives and made more of an impact on each other than we realized. I think that is what makes this moment so special. We didn't get here by ourselves. We've all grown up together and have become the strong individuals we are today because of each other. We get to witness how all of our hard work over the past 4 years has built the foundation of everything we are about to accomplish after today. Thank you
027all for being a part of my story. Thank you for being letting me be a part of yours. We started as strangers, but we leave as something more connected by everything we shared and everything we've overcome. We are all still young and our lives are just beginning. Don't limit yourself when you still have the entire world to discover. There are millions of people and opportunities out there for you to find. Fight for your goals. Fight for your dreams. Right now, we still have the freedom to make mistakes. So, use that opportunity to grow and discover yourself. I want to take a moment to thank my parents for their unwavering support throughout my entire life. They've shown up for me every single time, no matter what it took to be there or how small of a
028reason. They've shown me what compassion, resilience, and unconditional love look like. I am forever grateful for their hard work and countless sacrifices. Without them, I would not be the person I am today. I love you guys and sincerely thank you. I would also like to acknowledge my friends. I was blessed to connect with some of the most dependable and kind-hearted people I've ever met through my time at BHS, and they have made this experience unforgettable. To my family and to every family who sacrifices made this moment possible, this diploma has your name written on it, too. And finally, to the class of 2026, this is just the beginning for all of us. I wish all of you luck in your future endeavors. It is time for us to embrace all the changes we'll be faced
029with in our lives from this point onward and define our own success. As we leave this chapter behind, we're stepping into the unknown. That can feel both exciting and overwhelming, but it is important to welcome that uncertainty. Not all of us know exactly what comes next, and that's the beauty of beginning a new chapter. Congratulations, we did it. >> [applause] >> It is now my pleasure to introduce Dr. Cassandra Shug, Superintendent of Belvidere Community Unit School District No. 100. >> [applause] >> Good morning. It is my honor as Superintendent of Schools to present the class today. To the District 100 community and the Board of Education, as the Superintendent of the Belvidere Community School District 100, I certify that the Belvidere High School graduating class of 2026, sitting here before you this morning, has met
030all the graduation requirements deemed appropriate by the Board of Education and the State of Illinois. And therefore, they have earned their high school diplomas. >> [applause] >> Congratulations, class of 2026. Honors graduates for unweighted GPA are those achieving the status of laude, GPA 3.5 to 3.74, magna laude, GPA 3.75 to 3.99, and summa laude, GPA 4.0 or above. Simon Acevedo. >> [applause and cheering] >> Emily Ignacia Aguado. Alejandro Aden Aguilar. >> [applause] >> Dalia Maria Aguilar. Naomi de Jesus Aguilar, laude. >> [applause] >> Jimena Aguilar. Benjamin Aguiar. >> [applause] >> Sean Patrick Albano. Edgar Aleem Alfaro, summa laude. Colton Danny Allendorf Tedecita Almaraz Dominic Alexander Alvarado Arturo Francisco Alvarez >> [cheering] >> Valeria Alvarez Omar Anaya Leonardo Andrade Marquez >> [applause and cheering] >> Octavio Manuel Arellano Thomas Christian Armstrong Ruby Arteaga Magna Laude Jennifer
031Avila Hernandez >> [cheering] [applause] >> Kaylena Faith Marie Baker >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Ayari Diana Valtierra Ramos >> [applause] >> Christopher Banuelos Giovanni Hayel Barajas Anthony Barrera April Barrientos Hernandez Summa Laude Alexander Thomas Bauer >> [screaming] >> Gage Benkey Adilene Beltran Magna Laude Katie Nicole Bishop. Addison Lynn Bloom, magna laude. >> [cheering] >> Emily Christine Body. Nivea Bolden. Brian Douglas Bora. >> [applause] >> Caden Jack Bolds, magna laude. >> [cheering] >> Shalamar Starr Brandyberry. Lilly Sierra Brandmire. De'Anthony Brown. >> [applause] >> Aidan William Bruening, laude. Braden James Bullock. David Paul Brunettes. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Hayley Ann Businski. Martin Cabral. >> [cheering] >> Sophia Giselle Cabrales, magna laude. >> [cheering] >> Diego Calero. >> [cheering and applause] >> Giana Destiny Carmona. >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Adrian Carranco. Cameron Alexander Carrillo. >> [cheering] >> Caesar Robert
032Carroll Emily Marie Casey >> [cheering] >> Saida Yareth Castanon Ellie Reynalda Castro Diana Lynn Guadalupe Cervantes >> [cheering] >> Juan Adiel Cervantes Magna Laude Victor Raimundo Cervantes >> [cheering] >> Angie Guadalupe Cervantes Hernandez Jaselyn Elizabeth Sonora Summa Laude >> [cheering] >> Jaden Mason Corral Julio Correa Tapia Marco Antonio de Sedario Hernandez Michelle de Sedario Hernandez Evelyn Degante Rogel >> [cheering] >> Emily Alejandra del Rio Ana E Diaz >> [screaming] >> Antwan Diaz Breanna Santana Dillon Laude >> [cheering] >> Leonel Manuel Dominguez Laude Landon Thomas Doyle Alondra Duarte. >> [cheering] >> Yareli Duran, laude. Victoria Faye Edwards. >> [cheering] >> James Eisenbraun Bowman. Devon Tyree Embry. Yvette English, laude. >> [cheering] >> Sophie Escalera. >> [cheering] >> Montserrat Escutia. >> [cheering] >> Kimberly Esparza, magna laude. Josue Estrada. >> [cheering] >> Ruby Estrada Mojica. Valentin Fernandez
033Hernandez. Yaneth Arendi Ferral Ferral. Lisette Fierros. >> [cheering] >> Victor Flores. >> [cheering] >> Kelly Floyd. >> [cheering] >> Addison Reese Foreman, summa laude. Franklin Anthony Freeman. Paxton Jean Friend, magna laude. >> [cheering] >> Shayan Marie Fritch. Jacqueline Galicia, magna laude. Brody Frederick Galleno. Elizabeth Gallegos, magna laude. Jaden Francisco Gallegos Silva Soto. Charles Chigican Chamaldo Naval Gandolfo, Jr. >> [cheering] >> Antonio Garcia. Brendan Nicolas Garcia. Emily Garcia. >> [cheering] >> Eric Ivan Garcia. >> [cheering] >> Mariela Sarahi Garcia. Alvaro Garcia Garcia, laude. Essie Dariela Garcia Madril. Angel Zoan Garcia Rivera. Mark Alan Geiger. >> [cheering] >> Lisyaritza Gomez. Thais Natasha Gomez Bello. Diego Gomez Lopez. Jennifer Daniela Gonzalez Helista. Rene Gonzalez Martinez. Perla Grecian Mendoza, magna laude. Caden Graham. >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Antonio Graves Annelyn Helen Griffith Gabriel Granaccia >> [applause] >> Rogelio Guerra
034Yanetzi Gutierrez Esteban Gutierrez Mendez Johanna Guzman >> [cheering] >> Leslie Guzman laude Jimena Guzman >> [cheering] >> Patrick Hang laude Laney Katherine Haines >> [cheering] >> Ty Scott Henninger Devon Alan Herman Anel Hernandez Itati Alexandra Hernandez Jacqueline Hernandez Lara Matthew Hernandez Guzman laude >> [screaming] >> Omar Hernandez Vanessa Isabel Hernandez >> [screaming] >> Ariana Hernandez Lara magna laude. Edgar Hernandez Ruiz. Diego Herrajan. >> [applause] >> Vladimir Herrera. Chloe Madison Hill, laude. >> [cheering] >> Javon Tyrese Howell. >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Ava Lynn Halsey, laude. David Inostroza. Diamond Reyana James. >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Olivia Danae Jensen. Julian Alexander Jones. Alexander Jordan. Gabriel Joseph. >> [screaming] >> Cassandra Elida Juarez Amaya. >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Amrit Kaur. Hailey Renee Kemppainen. >> [cheering] >> Joshua Robert Caristory. >> [cheering] >> Lauren Mamie King, laude. Chassidy Cryman. Jason
035Wayne Labauve. >> [cheering] >> Breanna Isabel Lara. Matthew Thomas Laschouski. >> [cheering] >> Adrian Felipe Linares. Gabriel Christopher Lopez. >> [cheering] >> Rigoberto Lopez. >> [cheering] >> Isabel Lopez Nicolas, laude. Kendra Ann Lowry. >> [cheering] >> Stefan Lagania. Jamison Ted Malaithong. >> [cheering] >> Peyton Jeffrey Maldonado. >> [cheering] >> Yahaira Yamilet Mancillas, magna laude. >> [cheering] >> Logan Vincent Mancini. >> [screaming] >> Adam Enwin Manring. >> [cheering] >> Kylie Elaine Martin, magna laude. Fatima Itzel Martinez Frutis. >> [cheering] >> Hema Alexandra Martinez. >> [cheering and applause] >> Kaylee Martinez. Javier Martinez. Sergio Martinez. >> [cheering] >> Brody Shane Matheson >> [cheering] >> Cheyenne Noel McCoy >> [cheering] >> Evelyn Crystal Medina Lopez Noe Mendez Hernandez Eva Liliana Mendoza >> [cheering] >> Yamelen Raquel Mendoza Christian Alexander Mendoza Padilla Nicholas Hunter Mishaw Rory Miller Adrian Mondragon
036Jaden Monto >> [cheering] >> Mark Owen Royal Moore >> [cheering] >> Genesis Morales >> [cheering] >> Francesco Massimo Moscato Elijah James Motos >> [applause] >> Jordan Mundy >> [cheering] >> Chloe Naeding Garrett Nash >> [cheering] >> Victoria Navarrete, magna laude >> [cheering] >> Lex Nevarez Roberto Ochoa, magna laude >> [screaming] >> Aaron Olguin >> [cheering] >> Kylie Marie Oltmans >> [screaming] [cheering] >> Edwin Ortiz Melanie Pacheco, laude Jesus Pena Casas Jason Alfonso Perez >> [cheering] >> Josh Evan Perez, magna laude >> [cheering] >> Karina Perez Ethan James Peterson, laude >> [cheering] >> Alexis Sophia Poliansky, laude >> [applause] >> Isabella Marie Puga Jayla Jeriah Pugh >> [screaming] >> magna laude >> [cheering] >> Fernando Ramirez >> [cheering] >> Luis Adrian Ramirez Giselle Ramos Natalie Ramos >> [screaming] >> Vanessa Ramos Garcia Stephanie Ramos Gonzalez >>
037[cheering] >> Holden Andrew Ridinger Lisette Resendez Perez >> [cheering] >> Moises Luis Reyes Cornejo Ellie Nicole Roddy, Summa Laude Eduardo Rivera >> [screaming] >> Colin James Robinson Naziah Robinson >> [cheering] >> Carolina Robles, Summa Laude Andre Rocha >> [cheering] >> Brandon Rodriguez >> [cheering] >> Carla Rodriguez Carlos Rodriguez Estrada Ariana Rojas Arevalo Ruby Rosas >> [cheering] >> Mia Rose Pesana Diana Rushiti >> [cheering] >> Alexander Sanchez Citlalli Sanchez >> [cheering] >> Evelyn McCoy Savage, Magna Laude >> [cheering] >> Jackson Oliver Schaefer >> [screaming] >> Sean Thomas Schiller Mason David Schreiber >> [cheering] >> Caden Jonathan Schrans, laude >> [cheering] >> Fernanda Sierra Duran Ava Smith >> [cheering] >> Emily Elise Smith >> [cheering] >> Alexandria Iris Summers Pearson Philip Summers Paul Albert Stark >> [cheering] >> John David Starry >> [cheering] >> Keegan Joseph Sweeney,
038magna laude >> [cheering] >> Demetrius Elijah Tayborn Jose Manuel Tamayo >> [screaming] >> Jocelyn Terrasas, laude Brooke Thornton >> [cheering and applause] >> Adan Tinajeros Cardenas Sarah Hayel Torres, magna laude Megan Danielle Tracy >> [cheering] >> Anthony Damien Troncoso Jace David Vail, magna laude Adrian Valencia Nava >> [cheering] >> Mackenzie Natalie Vallejo Landon Lee Van Acker Luis Gabriel Vargas Ortiz >> [screaming] >> Anthony Joseph Vasquez >> [cheering] [screaming] >> Nahaly Vasquez Justiniano >> [cheering] >> Natalie Jean Val Paul Mariah Tanya Marie Veal Audrey Catherine Virkey laude >> [cheering] >> Ashley Vilchez >> [cheering] >> Giovanni Vilchez Suarez Romeo L Villarreal >> [cheering] >> Yadira Sarahi Villamontes >> [cheering] >> Kyla Rain Vivian >> [cheering] >> Griffin Curtis Wendell >> [applause] >> Annika Lee Wissmann Andrew Edward Wooten magna laude Jackson Christopher Wooten magna laude Cole
039Kenneth Yerk Jeffrey Zavala. >> [cheering] >> Gabriel Zeno. >> [applause] >> Christian Zepeda. >> [screaming] >> BHS school community, I present to you the Belvidere High School graduating class of 2026. >> [cheering] [applause] >> At this At this time, once again, please direct your attention to the BHS a cappella students led by Belvidere High School vocal music director director Mr. Mark Miller Cornejo. They will be performing "Estu Tiempo" by Francisco J. Nuñez. >> [music] >> Ooh. >> [music] >> She got a chance >> [music] >> to do it. >> [music] >> Come on, children. >> [music] >> It's your time. As to >> [singing] [music] [singing] [music] >> Come on, children. Come on, children. >> [music] >> It's your time. As to Come on, children. >> [singing] >> Come on, children. Come on, children. [music]
040It's your time. As to As to >> [singing] >> As to >> [music] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music and singing] [music] [singing] [music and singing] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music] [singing] [music] [singing and music] >> Come on children do your thing. Come on children shout and sing. Come on children it's your [singing] time. Let's do tiempas. Come [music] on >> [singing and music] [singing] [music] [singing] [cheering] [applause] >> Thank Thank you BHS A Cappella. It is now my pleasure to welcome to the stage Mr. Roberto Ochoa, BHS Color Guard Captain, and Ms. Jocelyn Sonoda, BHS Chapter President, for the Illinois Music Honor Society to deliver our closing address. After graduation, Roberto plans to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana to study computer science, and Jocelyn plans to attend Michigan State University to study arts
041education. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Good morning, class of 2026. My name is Jocelyn Sonoda, and I'm standing here with my friend and classmate Roberto Ochoa. As we look ahead into our future, there's one thing that I want all of us to remember. We can never be late or behind on our own journey. There always seems to be this pressure of having our whole lives together at this very moment in time. That after we're done with high school, we have to know everything about ourselves. But in reality, our learning has just begun. We have not even dented the surface of figuring out who we really want to be. So, no matter how many times someone asks you, "Where are you going to college? Are you getting a job? What's your plan? Where do you see yourself
042in 10 years?" It's okay if the answer is, "I don't know." Life is messy. It's not going to be perfect, so we shouldn't try to change that. Because it's the uncertainty that makes the journey worth it. We don't have to have everything figured out right at this second. And if you do, that's amazing, too. We are all at our own place in our own lives, and no one can change that, no matter how hard they might try. And despite anything thrown at us, now our futures are the brightest they can be. Whether you're staying in town to work a few blocks away, or going off to university a few states away, we're all in the pursuit of our dreams. After today, the chase is truly on. In this pursuit, however, we must not merely toss
043away our roots. For some, you'll still have plenty of time around the people who came to see you today. But for others, there are some people here they may not see for a while. To graduate is defined as moving from one stage of proficiency to the next. So, before we truly move on, let's make sure to take in whatever time is left with everybody we cherish, for this constant of our past 18 years flies by before we know it. Throughout our time at BHS, we have heard the same phrase integrated into our learning for all four years. Strive for greatness. But how do we choose what that greatness will be? The simple answer is, we don't. Each and every one of us creates our own greatness. You create it by figuring out the way you
044want to achieve your goals and by being the person you want to be. Figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life can be scary, but once you know your own strategy for success, you will, without a doubt, find your unique contribution to the world that makes each and every one of us great. All that truly matters when finding your greatness is that you are proud of the person who walks out at the other end of the journey. And finding this greatness, in my eyes, is best achieved by being open. Whether it's to others, to special opportunities, or even being open to yourself, being welcoming to all is what should be strived for the most. With vast achievements in sports, all the way to the performing arts, even to the small
045swing on a test. In my eyes, there is no one who has fostered such a variety more than one of our biggest fans, who is soon to step down, Principal Lewis. He and his ideas have truly been one of the most underlying constants of our past four years. And to say that we are the last class to be able to truly have had that honor is a blessing. If I may provide a personal anecdote, one of the proudest things I can say I've been open to has been choir. And And on our May 6th concert, for our final song, we were accompanied by Mr. Lewis. It was shocking, truly, to have such a busy person, who's probably as busy as making sure this transition in life goes as smoothly as possible, take the time out
046of his day to perform the best he can for us for one night. It's these little actions that speak volumes to so many. And it's in this drive, this passion and care, that should not only be what we see and appreciate from him, but should apply to our own lives. For the choir seniors especially, it was one of the greatest feelings to welcome him into our choir family and invite him to close that chapter alongside us. I think I can speak on behalf of all of us that we are so glad to have been able to share that moment with him. Mr. Lewis' constant dedication to our school and students is something that we all love about him, and he truly has been the best principal we could have ever asked for. Having especially been
047blessed with so many leadership positions, leading flags and conducting choirs, I can only hope that I've spread a bit of the pure love of the world that our principal has. But frankly, you don't need all of that to make your impact. Our journey hasn't ended here. Spread your love. All you need is just a drive and a dream. One thing we couldn't have made it here without is the support of our families. Justin and I would like to say a quick thank you to the people who have been and continue to be there for us throughout our journey. To my parents, thank you for never letting me believe there was anything I couldn't do or any path I couldn't choose. Your love and support have been my guiding light through every tough time. To the
048rest of my family, thank you for continuously showing up for me in everything I do and finding time to come to a ton of my activities. I wouldn't be the same person standing here today without all of you. On a similar note, I'd like to thank mine. There's a lot that I've thrown myself into on a whim, and you've been supportive every step of the way. A lot of parents would have started thinking I was doing too much, and to some extent, they're probably right. However, I wouldn't be half the person I am today without the roots you've allowed me to grow. To all my friends, thank you. Thank you for being the most welcoming bunch of people that I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Whether you've been there for me keeping our roots
049within our classes, or you're a part of the very arms that welcomed me into the programs I joined, you've defined high school for me. We have a saying in theater, at the end of each production, when the house is full and they call places for our closing night performance. Since the moment I first heard our choreographer say it, it has continued to inspire me every day. It goes a little something like this. Every experience must come to an end. If they didn't, we wouldn't appreciate the moments we have together. So, embrace those moments because sometimes you won't realize their true value until they are only a memory. During our senior year, I've seen all of us do just that. We've gone to more events, met tons of new people, and tried new things because we
050want to make the most out of what we have left here. This is how we should go about our whole life, not just at the end of our journeys because our time is running out, but when we still have the whole world ahead of us. Go get that sweet treat. Go dance in the rain with your best friend. Go take that vacation you've always wanted because you never know how different your life might turn out to be for the better simply because you took the leap and started making memories that were truly worth remembering. And now, for the moment we have long awaited. Ready? Class of 2026, we invite you to join us in turning your tassels >> [laughter] >> from right to left, >> symbolizing our academic journey. We've made it here to this
051moment, the the one that everyone waits for all throughout childhood. Though the experience has been bittersweet, as we all go our separate ways, if we continue to grow with kindness and curiosity, we are sure to match the dreams we have set for ourselves on our paths. I'd like to end off this speech with a quote from a show that's inspired me to be everything I can and more. Girl Meets World. I feel all right. I'm going to take on the world. Light up the stars. I've got some pages to turn. I've got a ticket to the top of the sky. I'm coming up. I'm on the ride of my life. We'd like to say a final thank you to every person who has shaped us. From our closest and most loving families to our brightest
052and best principal and staff members. We'll truly never walk alone, no matter how far we are. So, let's show the world that under each and every one of our covers, there is so much more. And with [snorts] that, class of 2026, this is our chance to take on the world. >> [cheering] >> Faculty, please take your positions for dismissal. Junior leaders, please prepare for the graduates to exit. Graduates of the BHS class of 2026, please rise and face the audience. >> [cheering] >> We are so proud of you. Congratulations. >> [cheering] [screaming] [cheering] [screaming] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [screaming] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [cheering] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [screaming] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah.