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Lincoln-Way East High School's mid-year graduates included 11 girls and only one guy--Derrick J. Swyndroski-and he wasn't complaining! The students were among the district's 28 early graduates on Saturday morning in the Fine Arts Auditorium at Central. In addition to Derrick, East graduates were Kasie Lee Albertino, Stephanie Marie Becerra, Mariela Carrera, Sarah Elizabeth Delegatto, Carmina Cherie Feliciano, Candice Noel Goodman, Emily Grace Marie Granath, Megan Emerenda Hall, Ashley Nicole Kopinski, Brittany Ann O'Connor and Katrina Leah Walas. Photo by Karen Haave.
28 Students Graduate Mid-Year  Share
Mid-year graduation on Saturday marked the culmination of the high school careers of 28 Lincoln-Way East and Central students, as well as the ''first big step into the world outside of Lincoln-Way.'' The students are allowed to graduate early after completing the required courses and credit hours at District 210 schools. Some of the students already have begun taking classes at area colleges, and others plan to enter the workforce or enroll in a four-year college in the fall. The mid-year graduation ceremony, held in the Fine Arts Auditorium at Central, was a festive occasion with administrators and board members participating. A reception followed in the Atrium. Students graduating from East on Saturday were: Kasie Lee Albertino, Stephanie Marie Becerra, Mariela Carrera, Sarah Elizabeth Delegatto, Carmina Cherie Feliciano, Candice Noel Goodman, Emily Grace Marie Granath, Megan Emerenda Hall, Ashley Nicole Kopinski, Brittany Ann O'Connor, Derrick J. Swyndroski and Katrina Leah Walas.
Central students graduating on Saturday were: Martha Ambar Barrios, Meridith Louise Bauer, Natalie Marie Bjorklund, Jeanelle Ann Bratlien, Karina Bravo, Gina Marie Cantone, Vanessa Carbajal, David G. Cavada, Katelyn M. Gagan, Ryan Emery Gerencher, Sarah Caitlyn Krohn, Lauren Marie Mandernach, Angelina Ann Palermo, Alex Paul Scheuerman, Taryn Lynn Speroff and Brian Keith Thompson, Jr. In her remarks to the graduates, L-W Central Principal Monica Schmitt congratulated them and reminded them how proud of them the district and their parents are. She said: ''Today is such an exciting event for all of us at Lincoln-Way High School. It is our last time to address you as students, so on behalf of Dr. Jensen, Dr. Gardner and myself, I would like to personally congratulate you and wish you happiness as you pursue your future endeavors. ''My guess is that your parents and other family members are thinking right now about how quickly the past 18 years have flown by. You should know that we are all very proud of you and your accomplishments. ''Our hope for you - for each and every one of you - is that you live a life of happiness. We hope that your education from Lincoln-Way High School, combined with the love and support of your family, has prepared you to make solid decisions that will lead you down a path of health, happiness and fulfillment.'' Dr. Schmitt and Dr. Brenda Jensen, principal at East, awarded the diplomas. Lincoln-Way Superintendent Lawrence Wyllie presented the Class of 2009 after certifying that all requirements had been met. In his comments to the mid-year graduates. Dr. Wyllie reminded them that life is a challenge and urged them to ''continue to grow.'' He said: ''It is with great pleasure and a great deal of pride that I have the opportunity on this day to be a part of the mid-year commencement exercises for the fine Class of 2009. On behalf of the board of education, the administration, faculty and staff, we bring our sincere congratulations to each of you. ''A special day of this type would not be possible without the efforts of our outstanding Lincoln-Way faculty. We have with us today, a group of faculty members wishing to show how they feel about this senior class by choosing to participate in this program. To many of you seniors, a tremendous impact has been made on your life by experiences you have shared with many of the faculty members here today. ''When you walk across this stage to receive your diploma, these teachers will have fond memories for you as well. It is with great pride that I ask them to stand and be recognized not only for the outstanding job they do, but for being a part of a profession that is the key that unlocks the future of our world. At this time, will the Lincoln-Way faculty present here today, please rise and let's show them the appreciation they so richly deserve. ''Parents - how proud you must feel today, and deservedly so. I'm sure as you watched your son or daughter walk in today, you had a tear in your eye as you think back over the years. Oh, Where have those years gone? ''To you fine looking young men and women going through today's ceremony, I urge you to continue to grow. Life is a challenge - each of you in your own way has contributed to the excellent accomplishments accumulated by your class during the years you attended our high schools. You are much better prepared than most 2009 high school graduates for that first big step into the world outside of Lincoln-Way. As you move on, I know you will continue to be as outstanding as you have been here. You can make your future years whatever you want to make them. You are all in charge of your own destiny. ''It is the hope of everyone here today that your pathway may be straight and true, and that your destination may be filled with happiness and alive with promise. On behalf of all of us here today, we wish you the happiness of a long, healthy, productive life, the respect of your fellow human beings, and the love of your family. ''Mr. Kokal, president of the board of education, members of the board of education, Dr. Schmitt, and Dr. Jensen have notified me that these young men and women have successfully completed the requirements necessary for graduation from Lincoln-Way Central High School and Lincoln-Way East High School and now qualify to be recipients of the high school diploma. I certify that all requirements have been met and I now present the Class of 2009.'' Karen Haave is a regular contributor to Russell Publications.
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