In his commencement address, Lake Zurich High School Principal John Walsh encouraged the 405 graduating seniors in the Class of 2024 to continue to be their authentic selves.
“When we are true to ourselves, we inspire others to do the same. We create a ripple effect that can transform our communities and the world. I see these ripple effects every day in our school,” Walsh said during the May 19 graduation ceremony.
Gracie Potts and Mallory Collins, who are members of the executive team of the Senior Class Board, talked about what they learned during their time at LZHS.
“As we leave Lake Zurich High School, we should remember that it’s important to go outside of our comfort zones because you never know how it’s going to turn out,” Potts said in her address.
Collins offered thanks.
“The support of our amazing family members, friends and staff created a safe environment where we could try new things without judgment. We wouldn’t be the people we are today without all of you,” Collins said.
Senior board executives Morgan Lesniewicz and Nicole Bass presented the Class of 2024 gift to the school. Bass noted that the senior class gift will be used not only during the school day but also at after-school activities.
“As we leave the school, we want to gift a brand new sound system for the main gym, which will help students and staff accommodate the gym space more efficiently,” Bass stated at the commencement.
Lesniewicz lauded graduates’ collective accomplishments.
“Some of us are athletes, honor students, fine arts star students and even set school records. The Class of 2024 has accomplished so many great things,” Lesniewicz said.
The tradition of inviting a student-nominated faculty member to speak at graduation continued this year. Jonathan Clarke, who has taught in District 95 for six years as a chemistry teacher and is the founder of the high school’s E-Sports club, took the podium.
“As you step out beyond the walls of Lake Zurich High School, know that you carry the knowledge, skills and wisdom you’ve gained during this time. By graduating, you have proven that you have the resilience, determination and tenacity to exceed,” Clarke told the graduates.
Senior Anna Kramska, who delivered a speech titled “Class Dismissed,” shared how she and her family came to the United States from Ukraine when she was about 8 years old, and how District 95 has felt like home since she moved into the area as a sixth-grader.
“Our high school journey definitely did not start off like the one we see in the coming-of-age movies. Rather, we got a once-in-a-lifetime experience living through a pandemic,” Kramska said “Over the past four years, we all experienced a different version of high school.”
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer.
