The bleachers at the stadiums at Naperville Central and Naperville North on Wednesday were filled with people who looked like they were belonged at a chilly football game. Instead family and friends of the Class of 2015 huddled under umbrellas and wore multiple layers of clothes to brave graduation ceremonies scheduled for 7 p.m. at both Naperville School District 203 high schools.
As the graduates approached their seats, many could be seen giving their seats a quick wipe before sitting down to ensure they would not be walking across the stage with a wet spot on the backs of their gowns.
Graduation season kicked off Wednesday night in Naperville as faculty, family and friends gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 1,470 graduating seniors in District 203.
At Naperville Central High School, diplomas were awarded to about 700 graduates. Seniors Esther Lu, Sanjay Subramanian and Ali Charmoli addressed the Class of 2015, offering reflection and inspiration for graduating seniors as they embark on their future.
Charmoli, the Redhawk class president, tasked her fellow classmates to have passion in whatever they pursue, even if they are unsure of what path they will take at this time.
“We should all want passion in our lives; something that make our hearts beat faster at just the name, something that even in our lowest moments can pick us up again,” said Charmoli. “We should work in the long-term, the short-term, in all terms, with these passions toward our definition of happiness.”
According to school officials, about 97 percent of the graduating class will attend college. The top four-year colleges students will reportedly attend include University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University and Iowa State University. Twenty-two graduates were names as National Merit Finalists.
The Class of 2015 gifted the school monetary donations as follows: $2,000 each to the adapted art program, the sensory physical education program, Family Connections, and a Redhawk mural; $800 for the Brady Toy Drive and $500 for the freshman Class of 2019.
Seniors Bobby McMillen and Cass Goldner were named Athletes of the Year.
At Naperville North High School, about 778 seniors earned alumni status at the graduation ceremony. Senior speaker Tony Zhou addressed the crowd, pointing out that challenges faced throughout high school didn’t hinder fellow students, “they merely are the trials that confirm our commitment to something.” Senior Harrison Beard offered a clever analogy of the high school years and one’s hand, which culminates in a “thumbs up” at graduation.
School officials reported that about 96 percent of students will attend college, with the top four-year colleges Huskies will attend being University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois State University and University of Iowa.
Thomas Bleifuss was appointed to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and 33 were named National Merit Finalists.
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Seniors Chris Gajcak and Abbie Boswell were named Athletes of the Year, and Arresh Amleshi was named a National Hispanic Recognition Scholar.
Donahue is a freelancer.