001Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to North High School as we celebrate the graduation of the students of the class of 2026. At this time, please stand if you are able for the processional as the band, conducted by Mr. Jessen Smith, plays Pomp and Circumstance. And please remain standing if you are able for the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Amen. >> You're right here. You're right here. >> Dr. Theale, members of the Board of Education, faculty and staff, parents, families, and friends, the time is now. Welcome to our graduation commencement ceremony for the Downers Grove North High School class of 2026. My name is Courtney Dement and I have the honor and privilege of being the principal here at North High School. Today's ceremony is part of a very rich history as we gather on
002this beautiful day to celebrate the graduation of the 98th class from North High School and the 148th in the history of Downers Grove High Schools. To begin our ceremony, senior Helen Justice will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. While at North, Helen has been involved in DECA, track and field, cross country, empowerment club, North Star Leaders, and Investment Club. Helen will attend the University of Virginia in the fall. Please welcome Helen Justice. The Pledge of Allegiance will be followed by the Star Spangled Banner performed by our North High Combined Bands under the direction of Mr. Jessen Smith. To all our graduates and guests, please stand if you are able and join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic
003for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing if you are able for the Star-Spangled Banner, and please remove your hats. Graduates, because this is a formal ceremony, you may leave your caps on. Please be seated. My name is Colette Bell. At this time, it's my honor to introduce the platform guests. As I introduce each guest, I would ask each of them to stand, and for you to hold your applause until all guests have been introduced. Dr. Hank Thiele, superintendent. Dr. Travis McGuire, associate superintendent. Board vice president, Ms. Cara Kasten, and our board members present today, Mr. Ken Dawson and Mr. Christopher Espinoza. I would also like to introduce our faculty members who'll be reading the name of our graduates. Dr. Frank Pica, choir director, and
004Ms. Vera Velasquez, English teacher. Thank you for your participation in our ceremony today. It is my pleasure to introduce our first student speaker, Talulah Spor. While at North, Talulah was a member of National Spanish Honor Society, class board, student council, investment club, DECA, Morgan's Message, Lights of Love student board, and varsity lacrosse. She was also a student coach for D99 Hoops team three. Next year, Talulah plans to study business, marketing, and finance at Miami University of Ohio. Please join us in welcoming Talulah Spor to the stage. Good afternoon, everyone. Before I begin, I would like to take a moment to thank our parents and families, friends, and everyone else walking beside us, and to honor those that we have lost along the way. May their impact continue to live on within us. I want to
005note that what is about to follow is not a neuroscience lecture, but alternatively, it is a compelling comparison that I've discovered. This comparison was sparked during a mini unit on the human brain in our AP psychology class. And it was all it took to pique my interest in neurology and the development of personality. As we imagine the complexity, the intricacies of the human brain, and the parts flourishing as a whole, I can see how easily it compares to our four years at Downers Grove North. There are two hemispheres and eight lobes within the human brain, all working together as one intricate system that harmoniously balances unique roles, strengths, and ways of developing. The sea of identities that Downers Grove North encompasses carries over 2,000 extraordinary individuals, around 500 of whom are gathered here before me
006today. That is 4,000 lobes alone. And the most fascinating part is that out here, there are trillions of neural synapses working together to create a tidal wave of paths, perspectives, and voices. We are no longer the same people who first walked into this school August of 2022, and that transformation is worth honoring. This transformation was expressed through anger, grief, resilience, doubt, pride, and renewal, all of which are expressed by the temporal and parietal lobes. Whether it was analyzing music, writing poetry, collecting records, scrapbooking, hacky sacking, or training for your next half marathon, our different interests shaped how we grew. Together at North, our similarities and variability formed a whole rooted in love, honor, and passion. That growth, built through patience, practice, and challenge, is what psychology defines as neuroplasticity, the ability The brain's ability to
007adapt and reorganize through learning. The growth we had experienced at Downers Grove North did not just come from one practice or one game. It came from our small, repeated changes and most of the time, our mistakes. Yet, none of this occurred in isolation, but rather through connection. Without each lobe and hemisphere, the brain cannot function. Likewise, we wouldn't be here today without the people who shaped us, challenged us, and believed in us, often before we believed in ourselves. Vision is a neural function that varies among us. Some see it more clearly than others. Yet, regardless of how strong our vision is, the people who supported us along the way acted much like the occipital lobe, helping us process what we could not always see ourselves. Through family, friends, counselors, and teachers who served as role
008models, we gained new perspectives and learned to recognize opportunities beyond our immediate view. Self-comparison is inevitable, but being able to celebrate individuality and differences is a gift. I encourage you to embrace yourselves. As you lean into your role models and influences, a healthy balance will come with differentiation. Each audience member here is proof of your importance. If we have this many people here supporting us now, I encourage you all to think about the lives that we can continue to impact. After all, how we live our lives is our business. Just know that our hearts and our minds are given to us only once. Therefore, we cannot live our lives as though we have two more to live. Be free from your fears of judgment. All is temporary in due time. So, whether you are more
009logistical or creative, an introvert over an extrovert, or thinker rather than a dreamer, there's a place for you in this world to make an impact. This class of 2026 is not just one lobe or one hemisphere. We are a consonants of brains that are still growing up. I ask that you choose to be your own unique ray of sunshine, to come together, to hug your loved ones tighter, and to love your neighbors more intentionally, and to never underestimate the power of simply showing up for one another. We are proof that genetic individuality will not weaken the system that we have built here at Downers Grove North. It strengthens it. As we leave this chapter and continue to navigate the intricacies of our brains, may we carry forward the knowledge and wisdom that we've acquired from
010one another and from those that showed us how deeply life is meant to be lived. Because in the end, love is what connects us, sustains us, and keeps the system whole. So, whatever continent, country, state, county, career, or school we venture into next, may we lead with compassion, move with courage, and remember that we are stronger together than we ever will be alone. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Thank you, Talulah. Next, we will hear two selections from the Acapella Choir. The first, under the direction of Dr. Frank Pecars, is a contemporary arrangement of You'll Never Walk Alone from the Broadway musical Carousel. The piece is often performed at ceremonies celebrating graduate students as its setting in the original show takes place at a high school graduation. The second selection is the North High Alma Mater. Today,
011it will be conducted by senior Emma Hearn. Emma is involved in many things here at North, including band, choir, and our intro to teaching program. Emma will be attending the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign this fall, majoring in music education. When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high and don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of the storm is a gold and sky. above and sky and the sweet sweet silver song of a lark. Walk on through the wind. Walk on through the rain. Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on. Walk on with hope in your heart and you'll never walk alone. You'll never walk alone. Walk on. Walk >> [music] >> on through the wind. Walk on through the rain. Though your dreams be tossed and blown.
012Walk on and on and on. Walk >> [music] >> with hope in your heart and you'll never Never walk alone. You'll never Never walk alone. You'll never >> [music] >> You'll never You'll never walk. alone. Please stand if you're able for the alma mater. >> [music] >> O town of sites, to thee we raise with grateful hearts our songs of praise. With love sincere, we pledge to thee our everlasting loyalty. Thy wisdom, learning, faith, and truth >> [singing] >> shall ever guide us in our youth. The coming years will ever prove the greatness of thy watchful love. >> [singing] [music] >> Please be seated. It is my pleasure to introduce our second student speaker, Yash Garg. While at North, Yash was president of DGN DECA and a DECA state finalist, president of the National Honor
013Society, a four-year member of the math team and investment club, and he was an intern at both CliftonLarsonAllen and Northwestern Mutual. Yash will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study finance and accounting. Please join me in welcoming Yash to the stage. Hi, everyone. I'm Yash. I want to start by thanking the teachers, staff, families, friends, and everyone here today for being part of this special moment. It truly means a lot to all of us. When I started thinking about what I wanted to say to the class of 2026, there was one idea I kept coming back to. It's simple. Sometimes one small decision can take you farther than you ever imagined. And I didn't learn that from the internet or a quote, but I learned it from my own experience. Going into my freshman
014year, I didn't have a team, a sport, a club, or a community to be a part of. Like most students, I didn't know what I wanted to study or what career path I wanted to pursue. Then an older student told me to join DECA. And my first thought was, "No. That doesn't sound like me. I didn't think I was the business type. I didn't know if I'd be good at it. And honestly, I didn't want to try something and fail and have it all be a waste of time. But for some reason, I said, "Yes." And that one decision changed everything. It gave me confidence I didn't have before. It gave me people I didn't know I needed. And it gave me direction when I had none. It led to opportunities I would have never
015imagined, like leadership roles, involvement in multiple organizations, and even two internships in the field that I now plan on pursuing in college. But the most important part isn't what I gained. It's what almost didn't happen. Because I almost said, "No." And I I think if we're being honest, we've all had moments like that. Moments where we almost didn't try out, almost didn't talk to someone, or almost didn't take that chance. Why? Because it felt uncomfortable and because we didn't think it was us. But every time we said, "Yes." anyway, we took a step forward. And while not all of us joined DECA, we all did something. joined a club, a sport, a team, a community. Something that pushed us and shaped us into who we are today. And that's what I think defines the class
016of 2026. The fact that we showed up, we tried things, we stepped into opportunities even when we weren't sure how they would turn out. And over time, those small decisions we made throughout our four years added up. Now we're standing here about to take our next step, and we're all going in different directions. Some of us are going to college, some are entering the workforce, some are pursuing trades, some are joining the armed forces, and some are still figuring things out. But no matter where you go, those moments don't stop. Moments where you have to decide whether to step forward or stay where you are, and you have the same exact choice every time. Say no or say yes and see where it takes you. Now not every opportunity will work out. In fact, most
017won't. But one thing I've learned is this, is that the regret of not trying is almost always greater than the fear of failure. So, wherever you go next, don't be afraid to try and take that next step. Talk to people who have been there longer than you. Learn from those with more experience and don't sell yourself short when an opportunity comes your way. But because sometimes all it takes is one decision, one moment where you say yes, and it can change everything. Four years ago, I made a choice to try something that didn't even feel like me, and it led me here. So, class of 2026, as you step into whatever comes next, when that moment comes again, say yes and see where it takes you. It's been my honor speaking to you all today.
018Thank you and congratulations. >> Thank you, Yash. On behalf of the student body, I would like to take a moment to honor staff members who are retiring this year. Please join me in congratulating the following retirees. Ms. Karen Brown, Ms. Ruth Dukala, Ms. Kim Orada, Ms. Tracy Neals, Ms. Barb Rustick, Ms. Mr. Ms. Ruth Schneider, Ms. Sharon Serafin, and Mr. Marty Bulger. The class of 2026 is grateful for the guidance and support all our faculty members have given us during the past 4 years. For their dedication to providing us with the best possible education and prepa- preparing us for the road ahead. I ask the faculty members who are here with us today to stand for recognition, including those who are seated with our graduates. Please join the students in giving our faculty members a
019round of applause. Thank you so much, Coco. While here at North, Coco was a student activities aid, the student council secretary, adaptive PE leader, cheerleader, National Honor Society member, and a Positively North leader. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall and major in biology. Thank you, Colette, for leading us today and for being such a positive role model over your 4 years. Before I share a few thoughts, yeah, thank you. Before I share a few thoughts with you, I want to first recognize and take a moment to hold space for those who aren't able to be with us today, but who are always in our hearts, particularly those we've lost this year who are close to us. I am honored to have the opportunity to speak to you, the class of
0202026 today. I would first like to recognize our 2026 graduates who are entering the US US Armed Forces. Will the following students please stand to be recognized? Matthew Edelman, Marines. Alexander Andreen, National Guard. Terrence Burton, Air Force. Daniel Durkin, Army. Alexander Garcia Hernandez, National Guard. Caitlin Caporal, National Guard. Joseph Lasota, US Military Academy at West Point, Army. Ashley Mascote, Navy. Ivo Panevic, Air Force. Mark Spisak, Air Force. Kendall Stevenson, Army. And Miles Wiggins, Army. We are incredibly proud of you, and we thank you for your commitment to our country. You may be seated. Again, I am truly truly honored to be with all of you here today. It was a joy to be your principal because I have the privilege of seeing all of you grow into the wonderful individuals sitting in front of me
021today who are ready to take a huge next step into your life. Graduation is a time of reflection. Whenever I sit down to write my speech every year, I think about the things I've said to you and what all of you have done over the four years you've spent here. I think about when I talked to you as ninth graders, telling you to get involved, and talking to you now on the verge of your next amazing adventure. Woo! And certainly, class of 2026, you have made your mark. You have collated a beautiful collection of metals, awards, scholarships, state trophies, accolades, and accomplishments that frankly are matched by no one. The reason why people know Downers Grove North High School is because of the incredible things that all of you have done. And every time I
022thought about the accomplishments you've made, which were so many, my brain kept going to a different direction. I kept thinking about who all of you are as people, as humans, and how you will choose to navigate the new world opening up to you. This week I was reminded about how precious life is and how we must make sure at all times to find the silver linings in the setbacks we encounter and not sweat the small stuff. Because, class of 2026, you will absolutely encounter setbacks during many parts of your life. On Friday night, during my own son's baseball game, he was playing shortstop, which he's pretty good at, and because he's pretty aggressive, he went to try to get a kid out who was stealing second base, and he broke his arm. He likely won't
023play much more of his season, and my first thought was how are we going to handle this with him at home? Parents, I'm sure that you can relate. What kind of attitude will he have if he can't play baseball? Now, Charlie's a pretty positive-minded kid, but he also loves baseball more than anything, and the thought of losing a season could have been pretty upsetting. But when we got into the doctor's office and they told him that his arm was, in fact, broken, Charlie didn't cry. He didn't pout. He didn't whine. He didn't even put his shoulders down. He smiled. And it was one of those really big smiles full of teeth. He said, "Mom, it's okay. Michael Jordan broke his foot, and when that happened, he said, 'Sometimes setbacks reveal strength we didn't know we
024had.'" From the mouths of babes. I said, "Charlie, where did you learn that or read that?" And he said, "Mom, I've got a Jordan sticker that has the story about when he broke his foot on there, and I read it every day. It sits on my desk." And I was reminded, as an adult who was preparing for the worst, I actually should have shifted my own mindset. This setback is in no way, shape, or form the end of anything. It's a moment for opportunity. And as I said earlier, you will have setbacks. You may break a bone that causes you to stop playing sports. You may not get into the major you were planning for. You may not get something you really, really wanted and worked really, really hard for. Things may not work out
025the way you intended, but those setbacks don't define you or your pathway. They actually are a sign that growth is about to happen if you let it. The past 4 years at North you have spent a lot of time figuring out your likes, your dislikes, your interests, and your strengths. And that time is not over just because you're moving on to the next step. You will continue to grow, to evolve, and to change. And you are so lucky because you have this wonderful foundation that you began right here at North High School. You have spent the past 4 years figuring out who you are and how you evolve. You figure out what fits and what doesn't, and you have become confident young people along the way. And young people who have opportunities to change the
026world. So, when the day comes and the setback occurs, take a breath and do something I didn't. Shift your mindset, lean on what you've learned here, find the strength you hadn't tapped into, and above all, don't sweat the small stuff. To the class of 2026, please know we have so much love in our hearts for all of you. And I personally am so incredibly grateful to have spent these last 4 years with you. You make our world a very, very better place. And I am personally so grateful and lucky to have been a part of that with you. I look forward to seeing what's to come in your very bright futures. Congratulations, class of 2026. And now, Dr. Thiele and members of the Board of Education, it is with great honor that I present to
027you the North High Class of 2026. As principal, I certify that the graduating class of 2026 has met all of the requirements as set forth by the state of Illinois and the Board of Education of District 99 and are hereby granted all the rights and privileges that correspond accordingly. It is now my pleasure to introduce the superintendent of Community High School District 99, Dr. Hank Thiele. I would like to start out by congratulating the class of 2026 on all of your accomplishments over the last 4 years. Uh before we proceed today, but I'd like for you to take a moment, find your family or friends in the crowd, and just wave at them to thank them for helping get you here today. Now, from this point forward, it will be those folks setting you free
028out into the world, and you'll go with all of the help and assistance that other adults and friends have given you throughout your life. So, take a moment to think about all of those that helped get you here as well. Now, as you go forward, what you're going to going to find is that what you are most in control of now is your time. And where you spend your time shows what you value. So, spend it wisely. I want you to know as you go forward into the world, this place will always be your home. So, always feel free to come back to visit us, to share your great successes with us. We can't wait to see what you become from here. It is now my privilege to recommend to the members of the Board
029of Education that the class of 2026 moves forward as graduates of High School District 99. Let me now welcome Board of Education member and Vice President Carrie Caston to accept the graduating class. To the class of 2026, you have created a vibrant and strong community within DGN. In classrooms, on stages, on fields, and beyond, you have accomplished a lot. I hope each one of you feels a genuine connection to DGN through your peers, your teachers, staff members, coaches, and others. You have also positively impacted the larger community that enthusiastically watched and celebrated your achievements. From what we've seen over the past 4 years, we have no doubt your future is bright. On behalf of the District 99 Board of Education, it is my honor to accept and recognize the Downers Grove North graduating class of
0302026. Congratulations and enjoy the exciting next chapter in your life. >> Thank you, Dr. Affili and Ms. Caston. At this time, we are going to begin conferring the diplomas. Uh I ask that our line leaders please move into place and prepare the graduates. For those in the audience, I respectfully request that you remain in your seats and hold your applause and other acknowledgements until all students have been awarded diplomas in order to provide the appropriate recognition that each student deserves. Just as you want to hear the name of your child read, so too will other parents and families. Any loud noise can drown out the reading of a student's name. Please do not be responsible for preventing a student's name from being heard. We thank you so much for your appropriate and respectful behavior. Will
031the class of 2026 please come forward to receive your diplomas? Omar Abaroa Maya Aboud Jordan Abutar Alberto Acevedo Soto Ashley Adamo Tyler Adams >> [screaming] >> Matthew Adelman Abigail Adjokatcher Yeraldine Aguilar Aria Ahmad Rama Alamad Shayka Alcantar Rodriguez Emma Alexunas Sophia Algaben Jazlyn Allen Matthew Althols Ethan Alvario Nathan Amade Priscilla Amazu Alexis Anderson Alexander Andreen James Noah Apap Andres Arellano Maria Armas Perez McKenzie Ashcraft Thora Askland Alexander Badillo Lucas Baginskis Breanna Baker Jose Baluon Emilia Banazak Amelia Banavicius Michael Barrios Smilta Boroloskaite Jason Beavers John Bauer Logan Beeby Claudia Bednars >> Gabriel Gabriel Byrne Finnian Beechler Nora Benjamins Colette Bell Evan Bergen Maxwell Burger Brandon Bath Anthony Bertocchi Ariana Bizzarri Ruth Bayana Ramari Binyon Benjamin Bianco Smith Ella Bonk Bogoy Bogoyev Naya Bouvier Alan Boucher Kristen Bowers Weston Boden Molly Brazina Matthew Brenner Samuel Brockway Isaac
032Broadnax Rishona Brooks Claire Bromberick Alexander Bruno Sophia Brown Nina Buscelato Gage Bryant Terrence Burton Olivia Burge Joseph Calderon Maya Bykal Benjamin Campos Jude Caldwell Cecilia Casas Addison Carter Stephanie Castillo Shannon Casey Gavin Chan Augustine Chidester Kira Choudhury Joseph Andrew Thomas Chang Angelo Ciarelli Eliana Chen Aubrey Ciarelli Mia Chico Caden Ciarelli Savan Choksi Liliana Ciuffini Lucy Crisos Saraiyah Coleman Kamarian Coleman Ava Cook Jason Collazo Christopher Cordero Griffin Cooper Grace Cristiano Drake Casenza Mallory Croft Nazareth Crawford Samantha Cruz Kelly Crowley Philip Supio William Cunningham Caitlin Cutright James Curry Abigail Dara Sydney Serwinski Oliver Davies Jake Devaro Michael Davis Justin Davis Abigail De Sico Tia De Meso Jack Delaney Damian Dela Cruz Medrano Sanaiya Dixon Diego Delgado Galvan Isabelle Doll Anthony Dinigris Lucas Donut Amanda Dobres Alexander Douglas Reese Domino Jessica Ann Doomlaw Eve Donnellan Omar Duran Lane
033Dubois Lilly Eddington Jose Duran Varina Eyubbi Daniel Durkin Emma Enright L Edwards Ryan Enright Carson Engel Yeva Ezerskis Aaron Erickson Addison Fanta Emily Falk Aiden Felts Joshua Ferraro Mason Felts Melanie Ference Nia Finley Alexandra Fertig Breanna Flynn Colin Fitzgerald Kylie Ford Jada Ford Harmony Foster Grant Ferdonksi Brenda Angela Frias Noah Fox Alexa Gallardo Grace Gagnon Emiliano Garcia Emilio Gandaria Alexander Garcia Hernandez Jesus Garcia Romina Garcia Ulloa Oscar Garcia Lopez Haley Garrity Yash Garg Jada Gazaferri Julia Gasson Daria Gibson Dylan Guyer Maddy Goddard Tyler Gibbons Giana Goodwin Osmar Gonzalez Maria Gurriades Angel Gonzalez Cruz Jack Grebentin Andrew Gorman Audrey Graves Matthew Godziak Olivia Graves Alexander Growman Aaron Gray Lucy Grable Elizabeth Griffin Edward Green Jr. Nathan Hash Brady Griffin Winter Hammon Arianne Faye Guevara Zane Huck Aiden Halpin Noah Harkness Sawyer Henson Charlotte Hayes Brennan Hardy
034Brendan Hackett Emerson Harris Julia Heisler John Herndon Jack Housden Emma Herr Joshua Hensley Cordelia Heller Alyssa Higher Alexander Hengels McKenna Hodges Juan Hernandez Brennan Holmes Megan Hill Michael Humphrey Anna Horsley Michael Humphrey Ethan Horsley Gianna Horridge Cruz Huerta Puntos Alaya Hubbard Ethan Houlihan Anaya Hubbard Kristi Huerta Allison Hurley Kyler Hunchy Ricardo Yopolo Rania Hussein Corina Irvin Emma Irby Ivana Yakelya Connor Jackson Isaac Jenisauskas Mackenzie James Evan Jeske Aris Jeskulis Molly Jeske Sophia Jimenez Kyla Johnson Hannah Grace Johnson Michael Jones Richard Johnson Helen Justice Ava Joseph Caitlin Kapraal Siratorn Lazar Karanakov Mustansir Karimi Rua Kazaz Colin Keefer Layton Callan Leonidas King Jane Kanavy Dean Klebanov Morgan Klein Skyler Kloos Elena Knezevich Ivy Konop Grace Konuchal Brandon Kolen Monica Kolodziej Jaden Kolbeck Jacob Kopanak Luke Konechna Joshua Kopanek Ruby Kanapacki Louis Kraus Ruby Kowalski Emily Kukta Kieran
035Krishnan Alex Kutsev Ava Keither Charlotte Labianco Melina Kirsch Jacqueline Lally McKinley LaForge Kaylen Landry Reese Lamentia Ava Langley Chloe Lang Sade Lanucha Jessica Laning Joseph Lasoda Colin Larkin Addison Legare Ava Lansu and Owen Lansu Ireland Lenz Helen Long Tessa Levy Ashley Lou Bethany Lopez Giana Lopez Charlie Love Reagan Lovelady Dylan Low Bianca Laurigio Caden Lusk Tyler Lynch-Goff Matt Masik William Maher Lucia Madden Calvin Mendoza Jason Malanowski Mackenzie Macy Gabriel Marone Calvin Mendoza Giana Martinez Adriana Marsicano Georgia Marzo Jasmine Martinez Sacramento Eli Matthew Ashley Moscote Ann McCluskey Landon May Lee McCluskey Kevin McAlinan Alexandra McDonald Colvis McCann Colin McGlone Julian McDermott Morgan McGrath Allison McGinn Connor McLaughlin Rose Ellen McLaughlin McGowan Xavier McMahon Zachary McAllen James McDolty Chase McNamara Spear Matthew Mendez Dashiell McNamara Spear Mia Mertus Teagan McNulty Coy Meyer Eleanor Merfeldas Aidan Metzel Maxwell
036Metcalf Kate Miller Madison Myers Zachary Miller Annabelle Miller Klim Minkoff Mary Miller Vasiliki Vivian Metropolis Kathleen Milos Nolan Montague Miles Mitchell Ella Moreno Gabriella Monroy Serena Moy Claudia Moran Colin Murphy Stanislav Mosons Sophie Murphy Sai Mundy Kemper Myers Elizabeth Murphy Mega Nambisan Tessa Murphy Jonathan Nelson Katie Miles Liam Neustadter Emma Nelson Maya Nicholson Melissa Newman Carter Nothnagel Jessica Nieber Matthew Novak Rachel Nieber Liam O'Brien Evan Novak Oliver O'Shaughnessy Steven Oyedele Nathaniel Olona Kevin O'Donahue Grigory Onika Mary Oaks Raquel Oriana Lauren Olson Jose Ortiz Bettencourt Cali Ordway Braden Page Amelia Ortiz. Kieran Pardue. Adan Pacheco. Hardy Patel. Lila Pantuso. Kira Peoples. Theodora Pappas. Ivo Panavic. Owen Park. Jack Perez. Dia Patel. Mahogany Poteat. James Patterson. Noah Pillai. Jackson Pelhank. Anastasia Ponomareva. Ivan Perez. James Potter. Carson Porzina. Nolan Pondman. John Peranunzi. Abigail Quirk. Luke Pollock. Penelope
037Raja. Flynn Poplawski. Matthew Rahimi. Kylie Proctor. Maya Rana. Jack Quinn. Owen Roush. Celia Rademacher. Alyssa Rawson. Thomas Redzevicius. Norma Reyes Juarez. Fayaz Raihan. Jaslyn Rivas. Melania Retay. Eva Rodriguez. William Roush. Mia Rogers Paxton Roman Jack Ramsey Emily Reyes Jackson Rosenberg Matthew Ristanovic William Recolas Yari Robinson Natalie Rutkowski William Rodriguez Tessa Ryden Imari Romero Mary Salgado Ariana Rosales Raymond Sanchez Abigail Rowe Isabelle Santiago Gwendolyn Russell Caitlin Shui Gwendolyn Russell Samuel Schneider Blake Ryden Owen Scholes Emsley Ryall Alia Seraponas Delilah Sanchez Audrey Shafer Benjamin Sands Colin Scheedy Olivia Sasson Jacob Sherlag Mary Schindler Kira Shoshensky Breanna Scholes Daria Shishkina Mary Seagroves Zeven Simpson Simran Sethi Katarina Sinner William Shay Nathan Slavkin Ashley Sheridan Luke Snider Avery Sherk Kayla Solum David Schuster Haley Speck Basic Zoya Siddiqui Mark Spisak Suchin Sinopon Robert Stephus Nico Skeen Kendall Stevenson Avery
038Slevin Nabood Sudrania Aiden Selecky Chloe Sullivan Ethan Sparks Nora Sweeney Jacob Spector Oliver Thulin Marissa Spivey Michael Terrado Talulah Sporer Anjali Tiwade Molly Steiner Kai Tolbert Yandel Suarez Trevor Tomlinson Zachary Sue Yandel Torres William Surratt Sean Toth Maya Tetpa O'Rourke Madison Turick Orbit Thirdman Adacina Uka Scarlett Titterington Jonathan Van Plew Molly Tokars Preston Vega. Catherine Toledano Vasquez. Yahear Velasquez. Brandon Torres. Aaron Vasselli. Langston Toth. Katerina Vitali. Maxwell Troha. Jared Waden. Kyle Yuler. Nathaniel Wales. William Vala. Daniel Watson. Antonio Vasquez Carillo. Emily Winegust. Jose Villanueva. Grayson Weltler. Mia Villanueva. Forest Whitaker. Callan Villarreal. Miles Wiggins. Brock Wardlow. Kyle Wilson. Drew Wardlow. Anna Woods. Jack Watling. William Woods. Ethan Weiner. Lindsay Wright. William Weiss. Theo Young. Finley Warner. Kieran Zaludek. Riley Whitaker. Luke Williams. Catherine Whitmer. Madison Wolfe. Colton Woodring. Abigail Wiseman. Addison Zeldner. Let's give them
039one more round of applause. Graduates, if you are able, please stand. At this time, you may move your tassels to the left side of your caps to signify your graduation from high school. At this time, I would like to dismiss the faculty to form the staff receiving line. During the recessional, the combined bands will perform under the direction of senior Tessa Murphy. Tessa's involved in marching band, wind ensemble, band leadership team, jazz ensemble, math team, empowerment club, NHS, and the Illinois Music Honor Society. Tessa will be attending the University of Illinois and studying statistics and computer science. Graduates, during the recessional, please wait for your section leaders to dismiss you by row to the field house to receive your diplomas. Thank you to all of our guests for joining us today on this beautiful day
040and for being such a gracious and patient audience. We ask that you please remain in your seats until the conclusion of our recessional. Congratulations, class of 2026. YOU ARE NOW PROUD ALUMNI OF DOWNERS Grove North High School. >> Mhm.