001Mhm. >> All right, good evening and welcome guests. Um, if you could please stand for the pledge of allegiance that will be done in both English and Spanish, led by Heritage eighth grade student Samaya Price, Sky Smith, Ivan Garcia, and Noemi Najera. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Guests and students, you may be seated. Thank you. >> It is my pleasure to introduce eighth grade students Luis Navarez and Jaylen Miranda to the stage to welcome all of our guests this evening. >> Good evening staff, students, parents, and other friends and family members of our graduates. My name is Luis Navarez and it is my honor to welcome you
002to this year's promotion ceremony for the class of 2026. All of us students at Heritage have truly shown growth in our work and we are proud of where we stand today. All of us students at Heritage Oh, whoops. On behalf of all Heritage students, thank you to everyone who is here tonight. For the past 3 years, students have been greeted each morning by the smiling faces of all Heritage teachers. Those mornings have helped us set off on a good note and carried us through our days, helping us learn new things and feeling supported. Heritage was not only a school, but also a second home. Our ohana family has brought us friends and groups together, making us feel stronger and better prepared to enter high school. Just like most adults remember their middle school experiences, we
003will, too. And we'll all remember that no matter what, we will always be the Heritage Falcons and part of the Heritage family. >> At this time, if the eighth grade band could please come to the stage. >> Okay. Um please enjoy the performance. Um they're playing tonight Call of Courage by Carmine Pasteri and it's directed by Ms. Jessica Gumper. >> performances, athletics, service to others, or simply the way you supported each other um every day. You have shown that you are ready for the next chapter ahead. As a school community, we continue to stand united in the spirit of Ohana, our school motto meaning family. The class of 2026 has truly embodied that spirit throughout your 3 years here at Heritage Middle School. Tonight is also an opportunity to recognize the many people who have
004helped guide and support our students along this journey. No student reaches this milestone alone, and every graduate here tonight has been surrounded by a their incredible Ohana. We would like to thank our dedicated Heritage Middle School staff, including Mr. Maharo, our assistant principal, our teachers, support staff, paraeducators, office staff, and the custodial team whose care and commitment make a difference in the lives of students every single day. Our district leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Havis and the administrative team, for their continued support of our students and school community. Our Board of Education members for their dedication to provide opportunities and ensuring student success. Our feeder elementary school principals, teachers, and staff who helped build the strong foundation that prepared this class for success. And of course, our families. Parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, caregivers, and friends,
005thank you for your unwavering love, encouragement, sacrifices, and support. You have been their first teachers, their biggest advocates, and their loudest cheerleaders. We appreciate you. To the graduating class of 2026, as you prepare to begin high school, remember that this is not the end of your story. It's just the beginning of a new chapter. High school will bring new opportunities, new challenges, and brand new experiences. Some of you will continue your journey here at Morton West, while others will take different paths, but each of you carries the lessons and memories of Heritage with you. There will be moments when things feel easy and exciting, and there will be moments that challenge you to grow. During all of those moments, remember the lessons of Ohana. You are never alone. You have teachers, families, friends, and an
006entire community that believes in you and is cheering you on. Continue to work hard, show kindness, lead with integrity, and believe in yourselves. Stay curious, take risks, and learn from those mistakes. Most importantly, to continue to be the caring and talented leaders we have come to know and love. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you, and remember you will always be a part of the Heritage family. Good luck, thank you, and congratulations once again to the outstanding Heritage class of 2026. It is my pleasure now to introduce and welcome onto stage the eighth-grade choir, who tonight will be performing Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, directed by Ms. Gabby Winther. >> I love you Jesus. I found you mountain and I found you there. And I found you there. No other love do
007the land I Oh yeah, in the And the child cries above. And I felt ocean And I felt of my love. Because I prayed on you. Because I love you. The time over children I get older too. >> It is now my pleasure to invite Aliyah Leyva and Alejandro Revilla to address their fellow eighth grade peers and guests this evening. >> Hello, my name is Aliyah Leyva and I'm proud to be standing here today to share how having a growth mindset helped me evolve throughout my years in middle school. Heritage Middle School has shaped me and all of the eighth grade into the people we are today. The teachers here have constantly pushed us to believe in ourselves and reminded us that we can achieve whatever we put our minds to. We have been taught
008that practice makes perfect and that along the way we will make mistakes. But more importantly, we can learn from them. Throughout our three years here, the teachers and staff have made a lasting impact on every single student. Building strong relationships and making us feel truly valued. Every year, we were encouraged to grow, to discover who we are and to realize what we can achieve in the future. In middle school, I always had teachers I got to know. And once I did, I could see they had a determination to help us. To help us with our education, with our mindset, and to actually smile throughout the day. They've done that for me and all of their students. I've been taught by my teachers that although practice makes perfect, it's okay to not be perfect. No one
009is. Personally, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Narwich, Ms. Serrata, Ms. Sykes, and Ms. Elcock. These teachers have truly helped and been there for me and many others in such a phenomenal way. I wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for them. If we were all to look back at the person we all once were in sixth grade, I think all of us would be proud to say how much we have grown. With education and the person we have become, the memories we have made becoming that person, good or bad. We have all had hard moments when we felt like giving up. However, having that growth mindset helps you have hope and faith. It makes you believe you can get back up. You have to get back up every time, and once you can
010do that, you become a better version of yourself. I've become a kind, smart, strong, blissful, empathetic, and optimistic person. I am that person today because I have learned how to have a growth mindset. And my Ohana family at HMS has helped me along the way. We do not know what high school will be like, but we are prepared for it, and we are ready to move on to this next chapter in our lives. Congratulations, and thank you. >> Buenas tardes, profesores. Familias de Heritage. Amigos. Y lo más importante, la clase 2026. Hoy es un día muy especial para todos nosotros. Marca el final de nuestro capítulo de secundaria y el comienzo de un nuevo capítulo en todas nuestras vidas. Quiero compartir algo que establecimos en Heritage. Es Ohana, nuestra lema. Significa familia. Cualquiera con quien
011compartas un vínculo de profundo apoyo representa la creencia la creencia de que la familia es elegida y que nadie debe quedarse atrás. Esto es lo que Heritage significa para nosotros. Una de mis cosas favoritas de Heritage es el aplauso, o como nos gusta decir clap out, que tenemos todos los años. Los alumnos de sexto y séptimo grado se paran en los pasillos justo antes de de que los alumnos de octavo grado se gradúan. Recuerdo estar en el pasillo cuando estaba en sexto grado. Escuchando escuchando aplausos. Gritos de los alumnos de séptimo grado, como si supieran lo que venía después. Mientras que yo no tenía ni idea. Es there and I was so curious and wondering what would happen. All of this was so new to me and to all of us. And then the 8th
012grade students came around the corner and they all started making noise. And now I, as an 8th grade student, look back at that moment. I look back at that moment. I wonder if I'll ever be the one to be up there one day. And now here we are. Heritage always supports us in any event or achievement that we have accomplished. However, as exciting as all these moments are that we have at Heritage, there are challenges that we have to face. That is that maybe we'll go to different high schools. One of our friends will go to this high school, another one to that one. And suddenly our family, our ohana, is separated. After spending three years together, growing, learning, and making so many memories with each other, it's hard to imagine not seeing each other
013every day. The challenge is figuring out how to maintain our ohana even when we all go our separate ways. How do we stay together when we're not in the hallways every day? We continue to look back at our ohana, the love, the support, and the strength that brought us here. No matter where we go, our ohana stays with us, and so do the memories we made. To the graduating class of 2026, be proud of everything you have accomplished, and continue to pursue your dreams. Make good decisions and never be afraid to try something new. And to my family, who didn't know I was giving a speech, surprise! Mom, Dad, thank you for being here. >> At this time, I would like to welcome Berwyn South School District 100 board members Corrine Steinfeld and Adriana Calabero
014Calabero to the stage. Good evening, faculty, staff, families, and students of Heritage Middle School. Tonight, we proudly celebrate the incredible accomplishments of the eighth-grade class of 2026. My name is Corrine Steinfeld, and I'm the vice president of the Berwyn South Board of Education. Elizabeth Jimenez, the president, is ill and is unfortunately unable to attend tonight. On behalf of the entire board, thank you for allowing us to share in your special moment. It is truly a privilege to celebrate each of you and recognize all that you have achieved. Today is more than just a promotion ceremony. It is a celebration of growth, perseverance, and resilience. Over the years, you have learned not only academic skills, but also important life lessons about teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, and determination. Each challenge you faced helped shape the young adults you
015are today. None of these accomplishments accomplishments happened alone. Behind every student is a community of people who supported and encouraged you along the way. I would like to thank the teachers, administrators, education support professionals, and staff members who work tirelessly every day to help students succeed. Your dedication has made a lasting impact. And we can't forget your families. Thank you for your love, sacrifices, and support. Many of our families came to this country hoping to create better opportunities for future generations. Their courage, strength, and dreams have paved the way for this moment. Our diversity, cultures, and languages are something we should always celebrate with pride. As you move on to high school, remember that your voice matters. Continue to work hard, stay curious, and believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to ask questions, take risks,
016and dream big. Whether your future leads you to college, a trade, the workforce, or another path, pursue it with purpose and confidence. During the last couple of years, we have learned how important community truly is. During times when civil rights are being challenged and families in our communities are living in fear and uncertainty, we have learned we've leaned on one another for strength, support, and hope. We want you to continue advocating for yourselves, your friends, your neighbors, your families, and your community. Use your voice to stand up for kindness, dignity, justice, and respect for all people. Together, through every success and challenge, we have learned that we are stronger when we support one another with compassion and care. As you enjoy these final middle school moments, the celebrations, field days, and time with friends, take
017pride in how far you have come and the difference you have already made. Congratulations, class of 2026. Your future is bright, and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things that you accomplish. We are so proud of you. Thank you. Okay. When I snatch a student is familiar as my address to personal and Heritage Middle School. Elizabeth Jimenez tiene el honor de servir como la presidente de la mesa directiva de educación del distrito 100. It's very very mentally a privilege to celebrate a cada uno de ustedes y reconocer todo lo que han logrado. Hoy es más que una ceremonia de promoción. Es una celebración de crecimiento, perseverancia y resiliencia. A lo largo de los años ustedes han aprendido no solo habilidades académicas, sino también importantes lecciones de la vida sobre el trabajo en equipo,
018creatividad, resolución de problemas y determinación. Cada desafío que enfrentaron ayudó a formar a las personas jóvenes en quienes están convirtiendo hoy. Nada de esto ocurrió solo. Detrás de cada estudiante hay una comunidad de personas que los apoyó y los animó en cada paso del camino. Quiero agradecerles a los maestros, administradores, profesionales de apoyo educativo y miembros del personal que trabajan incansablemente todos los días para ayudar a los estudiantes a tener éxito. Su dedicación ha dejado un impacto duradero. Y a las familias, gracias por su amor, sacrificio y apoyo. Muchas de nuestras familias llegaron a este país con la esperanza de crear mejores oportunidades para las futuras generaciones. Su valentía, fortaleza y sueños hicieron posible este momento. Nuestra diversidad, culturas, idiomas son algo que siempre debemos celebrar con orgullo. Mientras avanzan hacia la preparatoria, recuerden que
019su voz importa. Continúen trabajando duro, manténganse curiosos y crean en ustedes mismos. No tengan miedo de hacer preguntas, intentar cosas nuevas y soñar en grande. Ya sea que su futuro los lleve a la universidad, a una carrera técnica, al mundo laboral o cualquier otro camino, síganlo con propósito y confianza. Durante los últimos años hemos aprendido verdaderamente lo importante que es la comunidad. En momentos en que los derechos civiles están siendo cuestionados y muchas familias de nuestras comunidades viven con miedo e incertidumbre, hemos encontrado fortaleza, apoyo y esperanza unos en otros. Queremos que continúen abogando por ustedes mismos, por sus amigos, vecinos, familias y comunidad. Usen su voz para defender la bondad, la dignidad, la justicia y el respeto para todas las personas. A través de cada éxito y cada desafío, hemos aprendido que somos más
020fuertes cuando nos apoyamos mutuamente con compasión y solidaridad. Mientras disfrutan estos últimos recuerdos de la escuela intermedia, las celebraciones, días de actividades, momentos con sus amigos, siéntanse orgullosos de todo lo que han logrado y de la diferencia que han hecho. Felicitaciones a la clase de 2026. Su futuro es brillante y estamos ansiosos por ver todas las cosas maravillosas que lograrán. Estamos muy orgullosos de ustedes. Gracias. >> Thank you. And now for what you all have been so respectfully and patiently waiting for, the presentation of graduates. Please be respectful throughout the reading of graduates so that all families and friends can hear their graduates' names. Dr. Havens and school board members, I certify that the students before you have met the requirements set forth by the state of Illinois and are eligible for promotion. Will the
021first row of graduates please stand? >> Graciela Graciela Delpino Acosta Alexander Aban Eric Aguirre Liliana Aldape Sabina Almanza Daniel Daniel Alvarez Daniel, okay, sorry. Daniel Alvarez Joel Emiliano Andrade Mhm, Lucas Arellano Lara Carlos Arreola Angel Barraza Diaz Aiden James Peluso Vincent Alexander Bernabe Olivia B. Bradley Jayla Marie Brown Scott Brown Bree Shackles Angel Camacho Aubrey Nicole Campbell Evelyn Antoinette Campbell Ronnie Michael Cassiano Elizabeth Naomi Casimiro Damian Castro Jaylene Candelaria Hinojosa Castro Saheli Cervantes Nathan Miguel Chavez Fernando Maite Contreras Nuñez Jeremiah Cordero Julian A. de la Torre Edgar Badillo Badillo de Santiago Adrian Jacob Baldic Magnolia Barrera Robert Joseph Eilert Alondra Matero Mendez Earl Monroe Eskridge Xiomara G. Espinosa Sofia Araceli Estrada Raul E. Fernandez Felipe Castillo Eric Flores Ivan Garcia Jacob Eric Garcia Yesenia Anabel Garcia Marisol Carolina Garcia Rosa Ann Garcia Sophia Sophia Garcia
022Marquez Miranda Carolina Alvarado Giron Uriel A Gonzalez Aleah Gonzalez Hanafi Mason Gabriel Garceau Tamaya Hamilton Jayden Elijah Harris Ricky Harris Anthony Santiago Hernandez Aiden Hernandez Blanca Rosa Hernandez Brian Hernandez Joshua E Hernandez >> Jocelyn Hernandez Antonio Huerta Edgar Jaramillo Jr. Kalea Jenkins Liliana Barraza Calicliman Ashley Landeros Josiah Lara Jocelyn Laun Jimena Leon Alia Leyva Jacob Michael Lopez Samuel Lopez Indigo Sebastian Lopez Mercado Mason Manuel Macias Sophia Blair Sebastian Malo Gerardo Martinez Jr. Caitlin M. Martinez Kimberly Martinez Rolando Martinez Maximilian Masana Leo Mona Isabella Manchaca Israel Berino Jalen Axel Miranda Sebastian O Montes Janae Navey Montoya Adrian Montoya Astudillo Eli Isaac Moran Adrian Moreno Villa Morena Layla Muncy Liliana Nadler Chacon Naomi Isabella Najera Villians Luis Epifanio Morales Miguel Angelo Ocampo Alitzel Nac Olivares Kamaya Albert Kelsey Jaylene Ortega Evan Steven Ortiz Valentina Pachoan Munoz Andres
023Pardina Mia Alejandra Paredes Zambrano Eva Passi Melanie Pabon Astrid Barrett Patterson Rocio Perez Lucas Burton Francis Samaya Imani Price Ruby Rosales Armando Axel Quiroz Muniz Melanie Ramos Lila Raya Alison Elizabeth Redmond Alejandra Revilla Padilla Saul Maximino Rivera Daniel Rodriguez Amani Rodriguez Liera Juan Victor Rivera de la Fuente Alani Bella Romero Evan Junior Romero Juan Esteban Romero Rey Delilah Irene Rosell Rachel Rubio Leah Juliet Ruiz Xavier Salgado Samara Ann Salinas Josiah Sanchez Sam M Santana Keilani Serrato Vincent Antonio Serrat Sanchez Adrian Rakashaj Arthur Simpson Vasil Skakle Skylar Monae Randolph Smith Emily Sang Sok Kylie Marie Stewart Leilani Alejandra Tapia Pacheco Mariah Ann Taylor Diana Guadalupe Tinoco Perez Nicolas Joaquin Tabor Analee Urquizo Vianney Jayleen Urquizo Christian Vargas >> Elijah Anthony Vasquez Natalia Bella Vasquez Neveah Amaya Vigil Sofia Villaseñor Breanna Zian Brab Forrest Dean Ward Jenna
024Jenna Jessing And finally, Adrian Saldivar >> Congratulations to the class of 2026. We do ask that you allow our graduates and staff to exit first. At this time, could our graduates please stand? It is my true honor and pleasure to introduce you to the class of Heritage Medical School class of 2026. >> Mhm.