Graduates bid goodbye to U-46, hello to the rest of their lives

The lesson learned by many students of Elgin Area School District U-46's class of 2012 was that you never know how you're going to react at your own graduation.

Graduate Nick Welu, of Streamwood, found himself getting emotional when Streamwood High School Principal Terri Lozier teared up during her introductory remarks Saturday morning at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

“It got to me a little bit. It was kind of like, ‘Wow, this is the end,'” said Welu, who will attend the University of Wisconsin — Stevens Point, where he expects to join the fishing team.

Others, like graduates Kaytlin Iten and Shannon Magnus, were surprised they didn't shed more tears.

“I really thought I would cry,” said Kaytlin, who's going to play softball at Joliet Junior College.

Altogether, about 2,700 seniors graduated from U-46's five high schools in staggered ceremonies that took place at the Sears Centre. Each school's valedictorian and salutatorian were honored with awards.

Monica Dorda, valedictorian for Elgin High School, will attend the University of Wisconsin — Madison where she plans to major in genetics. Other graduates include Kory Brown, who received a full scholarship to North Dakota State University for basketball, and Hannah Perryman, who received a full scholarship to the University of Missouri — St. Louis for softball.

At Bartlett High School, the valedictorian was Marianne Palczewski. Graduates included 74 members of the National Honors Society. Ninety-two percent oft them plan to pursue higher education, school officials said.

Matt Diede was valedictorian at South Elgin High School.

Amanda Rychtanek, valedictorian at Larkin High School, received a full scholarship to University of Illinois for the Air Force ROTC program. Larkin's Amanda Lang also received a full ROTC scholarship.

Streamwood High School Valedictorian Lana Sutker will be taking a year off with the “Generation Peace Academy” leadership training program through her church. The 2012 class includes 26 Illinois State Scholars and 46 National Honor Society members

On Saturday, U-46 School Superintendent Jose Torres encouraged graduates to always have the courage to follow their hearts and intuitions, and be actively engaged in their communities. “Dream big, make plans and work hard,” he said.

Also, 41 students graduated this year from Gifford Street High School, which is part of District U-46's alternative programs. Sixty percent of graduates will pursue higher education, a school official said. The official especially praised Julianna Zuniga, a teen mom who took extra classes and summer school in order to graduate and be a good example for her child.