Here's a salute to Huntley High 2008 grads serving in the armed forces
It's graduation week here in Huntley, and an exciting time for hundreds of bright young people who will be saying goodbye to old friends and teachers, and looking ahead to a future filled with challenge and opportunity.
Soon, many new graduates will be starting summer jobs, getting ready for college, or packing their bags for a summer vacation. Others will be packing, too, but for a different kind of adventure -- trading their caps and gowns for uniforms, and heading off to serve in several branches of the country's armed forces.
In a recent news release, Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and the Illinois Principals' Association asked local schools to honor new graduates who have chosen to serve in our nation's military. With our country at war, it cannot be an easy decision for the students or their families.
"At this time of year," Quinn wrote, "high school gyms and auditoriums are filled with proud (families) celebrating the honors and scholarships these graduating seniors have earned. I think it's important for our school communities to celebrate the selfless commitment of these young men and women who have decided to serve their country."
"When (they) don caps and gowns for their graduation ceremonies … they should receive the honors and applause their bravery deserves."
This week, guidance counselor Karen Miller reports that six Huntley High School seniors have indicated that they plan to enter the military service after graduation.
Huntley village clerk Rita McMahon tells me that Huntley Mayor Chuck Sass has sent proclamations of support to the high school for the each of these new graduates.
They are: Tim Heatley, the son of Tammy Gudmundson, who will be entering the U.S. Navy; Brock Larkin, the son of David and Donna Larkin, entering the U.S. Air Force; Joel Mayhew, the son of John and Merlita Mayhew, entering the U.S. Army; Ashley Spring, the daughter of Tracey and Rich Bacon and of Dan Spring, entering the U.S. Naval Academy; Jake Tlapek, the son of Chris and Cheryl Tlapek, entering the U.S. Air Force; and Heather Zank, the daughter of Bryan Diercks and of Jessica Burdloff, who will be entering the U.S. Navy.
Congratulations and all best wishes go to these bright young people, and all others who have chosen to start this new phase of their lives in service to our country. You are appreciated, and we are proud of you.
Commencement ceremonies for the Huntley High School Class of 2008 will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the high school's East Gym. Around 350 students and their families will take part. Speakers will include this year's valedictorian, Jacob Walker, and salutatorian, Shannon Butler. Senior class President Matthew Soling will present the class gift. For information, call (847) 659-6600.
Fun Run planned: The Huntley Youth Sports Organization's third annual Run Thru The Sun will start at 7:30 a.m. Sunday at the corner of Farm Hill and Regency Drives in Sun City. Over 200 runners are expected to take part, and there will also be a 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run. For details, call Russ Palermo at (847) 961-6263 or visit www.huntleyyouth sports.org.
Meet Manzullo: Rep. Don Manzullo, a Republican from Egan, will be in Huntley from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday in the village board room at the new village hall, on the corner of East Main Street and Ruth Road.
The public is invited to join Manzullo and his staff for an informal conversation and coffee.
Residents will have a chance to share their concerns and get assistance with any problems they may have with federal agencies, including Social Security and Veterans Affairs, or obtaining passports, visas, and other documents.
Staff members will also be able to help you schedule a tour while in Washington, D.C., or apply to receive a flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol.
• Send your Huntley area news and events to Diane Ayers at huntleynews@ ameritech.net or phone (847) 669-0848.