How S. Elgin's first graduates came together

In the course of three years, South Elgin High School's Class of 2008 not only progressed through the ranks, but also found their own voice.

"I think, initially, it was a big adjustment for a lot of the students coming here," Assistant Principal Pete Wince said.

"They was certainly excitement about opening a new building, but some reluctance, too, about leaving their home high school."

A portion of the 380 members of South Elgin's first graduating class came from Larkin High School. Others came from Elgin, Streamwood and Bartlett highs.

"Allegiances were already built," Wince said.

Over time, however, Wince said he saw the class come together as a group.

"There's a sense of pride that they are the first graduating class. They have helped establish a lot of new traditions."

For instance, Wince said, a "rain stick" is now passed around at recognition ceremonies to symbolize South Elgin's team name, the Storm.

This American Indian musical instrument -- typically made from a dried cactus -- makes a sound like rain when its shaken.

The class also helped pick a name for the school mascot.

Striker, a sort of tornado creature, was voted in by students this year.

In 2005-06, when the school opened, only freshmen and sophomores attended. "That first year," Wince said, "we didn't even have to do state testing, because we didn't have a freshman class."

A unique code of ethics, Wince said he believes, helps South Elgin students stand out among their U-46 peers.

"We have this positive behavior philosophy where we talk about 'Storm traits' " Wince said. "Safety, making good choices, being ready to learn," he said. "Those are traits we use here in school, and we've taught them to bring to the community," he said.

With a brand-new facility, a brand-new student body, almost everything in South Elgin's first three years was "a first," Wince said.

"The kids are what have brought this new place to life," he said.

"We're a proud bunch."

That bunch will graduate at 5 p.m. today at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.