Reflecting back on the last four years as a Niles West High School senior, Blythe Dobbs, 18, said she couldn’t have imagined a more encouraging and uplifting environment to be a student.
“I’ve truly loved it here, this has been a wonderful time,” Dobbs said with a smile. “I felt really supported by all the faculty; I made lots and lots of friends. [Niles West] was never really lacking in things to do, people to meet.”
Dobbs plans to attend the University of Illinois Chicago at the end of August, with the hopes of pursuing a future medical degree.
“This has been my second family,” senior Celine Rayan, 18, said as she scanned the gymnasium filled with hundreds of her classmates eagerly counting down the final minutes before their graduation.
“I’ll miss the friendships, the connections, but I hope to carry them with me in the future,” said Rayan, who plans to stay local this fall and attend Oakton Community College.
As graduates lined the hallway in preparation to greet the many family members and friends poised and ready to see their loved ones up on stage to accept their diplomas, a sense of pride and accomplishment reverberated among the senior class.
More Top Picks Best Whiteboards For Homeschool
The 65th annual Niles West 2026 Commencement Ceremony was held Wednesday, May 20, a mere 24 hours after their Niles Township District 219 counterpart, Niles North High School, held a ceremony of their own in the same Northwestern University Welsh-Ryan Arena. Both schools are located in Skokie.
But despite the two high schools’ heated rivalry, Wednesday evening was only a showcase of fond memories, anticipation for the future and heartfelt congratulations from family members as the Class of 2026 officially entered its next chapter.
“Tonight marks the end of your high school journey, but as you look ahead to whatever your future holds, this is also a moment to ask yourself, ‘What more can I do?’” said Niles West Principal Steve Parnther in his commencement address.
“That question captures an important stage of this life. It’s understanding that who you are today doesn’t have to limit who you become tomorrow. There is still more to learn, more to experience, more ways to grow, and more opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Parnther urged graduates to continue asking questions about the world around them, asking themselves who they hope to become and challenging themselves to meet the moment.
“Your story is still unfolding,” Parnther said, “your potential is far greater than you realize today.”
“Class of 2026: Wherever life takes you after tonight, remember where you came from…your time here is not defined by your setbacks or your accomplishments, it’s defined by your willingness to keep learning, to challenge yourself, to care about others and to continue growing through every experience.”
Niles West student speaker Orli Eisenberg encouraged her classmates to continue the “Wolf Pack” mentality of fearlessness and dedication in whatever environment they are headed to next.
“We have endured hardships interpersonally and as young adults, nonetheless becoming stronger and more determined,” Eisenberg said.
“Crossing the stage will not change these values. We must continue to be intentional in our relationships and goals, be open to new opportunities, while staying grounded by your internal purpose. Be proud of what you stand for, but engage in dialogue and discussions.”
Eisenberg added she hopes her peers will keep their eyes “wide with curiosity.”
“Remember that your memories and relationships define who you are and who you aspire to become.”
Fellow senior speaker Nikolas Mestousis echoed these sentiments. “The smallest opportunities often matter the most, even when we don’t realize it at the time,” Mestousis said.
“The world rewards the people bold enough to walk through doors they have no business opening. Be that person,” he added.
“Be the person who shows up, who tries, who four years from now someone points to and asks, ‘who would have thought?,’ and you can say ‘I did.’”