Grayslake North High School Class of 2021

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 364

Summa Cum Laude recipients: 18 senior scholars

Magna Cum Laude recipients: 35 senior scholars

Cum Laude recipients: 27 senior scholars

Graduation Speaker: Emily Dominguez

Class Officers: Student Council President - Charles Lay; Student Council Vice President - Michelle Szul; Student Council Social Media Chair - Conor Race; Student Council Senior Class Representatives - Loveliana Diaz and Lauren Keegan.

Extracurricular achievements:

• Senior Claire Armstrong placed 4th in Editorial Writing for Sectional 5 in the IHSA Sectional Journalism Competition

• Senior Morgan Buckley placed 6th in News Writing for Sectional 5 in the IHSA Sectional Journalism Competition

• Senior Dane Massey placed 5th in Broadcast News for Sectional 5 in the IHSA Sectional Journalism Competition

• Senior Kevin Zowaski placed 5th in Photo Story Telling for Sectional 5 in the IHSA Sectional Journalism Competition

Athletic achievements:

• The Grayslake North girls varsity volleyball team won the NLCC Conference Championship for the first time in school history. The team was led by nine amazing seniors.

• Grayslake North girls tennis won the NLCC Conference Championship. The seven senior girls on this team were instrumental in this achievement.

• Maggie Rutkowski (girls golf), Jessica Pozezinski (girls volleyball), Jack Larson (cross country), Ben Bauman (football), Nick Fish (basketball), Cam Ellingsen (bowling), Ariel Costilla (winter cheer) and Monse Reynoso (winter dance) were named NLCC Sportsmanship winners from the Class of 2021.

• All Conference winners: Hannah Pawlowski, Lauren Congalton, Jordan Janda, Rebecca Frederichs, Eliza Marino, Robyn Knight, Elizabeth Soder (girls tennis); Kathryn Morris (girls golf); Oscar Covarrubias (cross country); Tony Hines (boys basketball); Jayden Curtis (girls basketball); Gabi Andreakis, Ariel Costilla, Kristina Merten (cheer); Paolo Tostado, Monse Reynoso (dance).

Theater productions:

This year definitely brought some challenges to putting on our theatrical productions, but with lots of adjustments and hard work, the shows went on. For our musical, "Working," students recorded all of their parts individually at home, and then all of those recordings were edited with the musical accompaniment into a virtual format that was streamed to the community. The fall play started and stopped production many times due to COVID restrictions, but some strategic in-person recording eventually developed it and the Senior Showcase into terrific streaming experiences for our virtual audiences.

What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?

So much with Student Activities has been adapted for the safety of our students. We had new events and re-imagined traditional events. We did not have a homecoming dance, but we did have a food truck fest and we are doing again this Spring. We did a senior parade along with different senior events every 21st of the month. Our competitive clubs competed virtually all year as well. We did drive-in movies, Zoom game nights and virtual club celebrations.

What were the most significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 and how did they overcome them?

The Class of 2021 weathered the storm that was/is COVID-19 like the champions they are. They persevered through being thrust into learning remotely via Zoom for not only the end of their junior year but also their all-important senior year. They pressed on when important milestones were put on hold or canceled - athletics, homecoming, concerts, plays. This class showed grit as they fought hard to make their senior year a positive experience and created beautiful memories not only for themselves but for the entire Grayslake North community.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

What do you do when something NO ONE saw coming changes everything you knew about school? This was probably one of the most difficult, yet opportunistic years our students have had. You, the Class of 2021, had to deal with constant losses and events taking place in unusual virtual formats, but you showed true innovative spirit and took advantage of the opportunity to rethink time and space. Know that regardless of what was canceled, changed or looked different: Your friendships can't be canceled, your teammates can't be canceled, the pride in your school can't be canceled and most important the memories of the past four years can't be canceled. It is my hope that the memories you have created are what you will hold onto and take with you. Class of 2021, Grayslake North High School has given you the opportunity to grow and be part of something larger than yourself. Stay well and never forget: Once a Knight, Always a Knight.

- Principal James Roscoe