The 672 graduates of the Barrington School High School Class of 2025 were celebrated at a ceremony inside Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington on Friday evening, May 30.
The Class of 2025 for the Broncos and Fillies had students beginning freshman year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To Pioneer Press, Craig Winkelman, superintendent of schools for Barrington 220 School District, said, “I’m very proud of them for obviously being able to come back from the pandemic.
“It was hard,” Winkelman said of early COVID-19 years. “I’m just so happy for our kids and so happy that they get to have a night like tonight.”
Jonathan Curbelo of Barrington offered the senior speech, reflecting on a freshman year launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our greatest challenges are what form our new beginnings because we know that sometimes the sun shines the brightest after the storm hits the hardest,” Curbelo said.
“And when it comes down to it, that’s what defines the Class of 2025.
“The sheer will and resolve to carry on through the storm is what defines a Bronco and a Filly,” Curbelo said.
“We have yet to cease facing adversity, but if there’s one thing I have learned from BHS, it’s that we can choose how we respond and our destiny.
“We can choose who we are, who we will become, and what we do,” said Curbelo, who concluded with, “Never stop climbing that mountain.”
Shreeya Gandhi of South Barrington has plans to become a doctor with no chosen clinical specialty yet.
About leaving Barrington High School, “It feels great, a little bit sad, but obviously I am excited,” Gandhi said.
Regarding the pandemic, “The transition from freshman year was kind of tough on me but I feel like in the end, I think I got used to it and (the pandemic) actually helped me grow as a person a lot more,” Gandhi said.
“Because it helped me adjust to new environments better,” Gandhi added, “and that way, the pandemic helped me out a lot.”
Friends Caroline Langanke of Lake Barrington and Erin Salajean of Barrington also reflected on the pandemic and about having to wear a PPE mask early on.
Now for 2025, “It’s definitely different for sure,” Langanke said.
“I think just learning how to navigate life through different situations will definitely grow my future,” Langanke said.
To the Class of 2025, “Have fun, go Fillies, go Broncos,” Salajean said.
David Marsinelli of Barrington wore an American patriotic sash with the red gown.
Marsinelli was honoring, “just the freedom that we have.
“I think it’s the best country that I ever could have lived in and I think that we should be more grateful for what we have in the United States,” Martinelli added.
Cheering for Keana Nicole Cornelissen of South Barrington as the graduate received a diploma, was parent, Cori Cornelissen in a balcony.
To Keana, Cori Cornelissen said, “We are so proud of you and we are so happy for you.
“We can’t wait to see what you’re going to do from here,” Keana’s mother added with a smile.
“We love you so much.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
