U-46 seniors celebrate graduation day

Pomp and circumstance replaced rock and roll Saturday at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates as the state's second largest school district held commencement ceremonies for its five high schools.

Almost 2,500 students from Elgin Area School District U-46's Bartlett, Elgin, Larkin, South Elgin and Streamwood high schools participated in graduation events throughout the day. Streamwood and Bartlett bookended ceremonies with graduation classes of 520 and 655 students, respectively.

While schools like Elgin had more than a century of commencement experience -- Elgin held its 136th ceremony -- one celebrated its inaugural graduation ceremony Saturday.

South Elgin graduated its first class of students, with 378 students being the first to receive diplomas from the school.

"We set the tradition for the future at this school," said Kevin Davis, 18, from South Elgin. "That's special."

Just as fans had screamed and cheered during Kid Rock's performance Friday night, so too did about 2,000 relatives and friends as the first student walked across the stage.

"It is nerve-wracking," said Stephanie Auney, the school's first graduate, as she waited backstage. "I am the first one to walk in high school history."

Like the varied histories of the schools, the future plans for the thousands of graduates also varied.

For Elgin High School graduate Rodrigo Alba, 18, an information technology course at Elgin Community College begins next week.

Alba's classmate, Jasmine Albrecht is set to study pre-veterinary zoology at Northern Michigan University.

"High school was very good, but long," said Albrecht, 17, one of 490 Elgin graduates. "I am glad it is finally over. I am excited because I am going to study something I actually want to do."

Larkin graduate Emily Stiver, 18, who joined 449 fellow graduates, echoed Albrecht's sentiments. In the fall, Stiver will begin an illustration course at the American Academy in Chicago.

"Having art as a career is exciting, instead of doing it just as a hobby," Stiver said.

Though students closed one chapter of their lives, many said there are aspects of high school they would miss.

"I will miss my friends and the teachers," said Lindsey Eggum, 18, a Larkin Royal. "But I won't miss the drama of high school, cramming for finals, boys and homework."