Onward! Lincoln-Way East Sends Off 525 Graduates

The Lincoln-Way East High School Class of 2014 is ready to embark on a new phase of life after commencement Thursday, June 5 in the stadium at the school.

“Seniors, we are not the same school we were when you entered in 2010. We are better because of your presence and because of the impact you made on Lincoln-Way East and our communities,” said Dr. Sharon Michalak, principal.

“You have come together as a class, closer today than yesterday, close forever” she continued, “You entered East as kids and are now prepared to leave as young adults to face the next set of challenges. Take with you the Effort, Attitude, Spirit, and Teamwork that makes you strong. You are all, 100 pecent Griffins.”

Valedictorian Kasper Borys and Salutatorian Kurt Lezon led the Class of 2014 on to the stadium field at 6:30 p.m. as Lincoln-Way East instrumentalists played “Land of Hope and Glory” by Elgar.

Seniors Hanna Samawi and Timothy Michuda sang the National Anthem while Borys and Senior Class President Kiya Ford addressed the students.

“Lincoln-Way has laid an excellent academic foundation for all of us, but only you can figure out what your dreams are for the future,” said Borys to his classmates.

“We are a diverse class of brilliant individuals who have dreamed the impossible and made it a reality. We have created a multitude of fantastic memories and we hope that you look back on them with a fondness of heart, knowing that these moments were some of the best of your life,” said Ford.

“We have succeeded in our classes, created ever-lasting friendships, grown accustomed to sitting in the same place in lunch, and set our feet upon the doormat of the paths we have chosen. So let us wipe our feet of any moroseness that threatens to dampen this occasion and look into the future with only optimism. Realizing that each of us controls the feet that stride down our paths, let’s appreciate our four years, rejoice today, and impatiently await the next opportunity we have to create success and beauty in our lives,” stated Ford to her classmates.

District 210 Superintendent Dr. R. Scott Tingley addressed the members of the Class of 2014 stating, “To the young men and women in front of me this evening, your best years are ahead of you, as most likely are your greatest challenges. It is my sincere hope that your experiences at Lincoln-Way have prepared you for all of life’s challenges and successes that will certainly come your way.”

Board of Education President Dr. Arvid Johnson congratulated the over 525 graduates and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and “to fail.”

“By failing, something is going right, and you have the opportunity to learn. Failing is a sign of something good—namely, that you took a chance and left your comfort zone and had an opportunity to grow. When you take a chance— whether it’s studying a subject that you find particularly difficult—or trying to master a new sport or hobby—or asking someone to a dance—while you may fail, there’s also a chance that you may succeed and grow beyond your present limitations,”  said Johnson.

“We look forward to hearing about your continued achievements and to proudly claim you as Lincoln-Way East alumni. It is important and appropriate that we’ve honored your achievements today,” said Johnson.

Just prior to the ceremony, members of the senior class presented the district and Board of Education with a class gift. The gift, which was purchased with proceeds from candy sales and other fundraisers, is a plaque above the outside doors, located at the entrance to the field house.

The plaque was presented by the senior class officers Kiya Ford, president; Claudia Baffo, vice-president; Hannah Eggert, secretary; and Jaime Schreiner, treasurer as well as senior class advisor Patricia Tutko.

“The wooden plaque includes the East saying “Go East, Go Griffins, Go Blue” was placed above the field house doors because more visitors enter and exit these doors than any other entrance. The students, teachers, and staff take great pride in our school and we wanted the future students, community members, and visitors to feel that pride,” said Pat Tutko.

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