District 212 inducts two alumni into wall of fame

This long-standing program recognizes Leyden graduates who have achieved outstanding recognition in their respective field and are role models for students. The honorees, both East Leyden graduates, spoke to students at the East and West campuses, sharing their Leyden experiences and memories.

Cheryl Chavarrie Francl is senior counsel for United Airlines where she has been employed as an attorney for 18 years. Her area of expertise is commercial transactions, including United Express relationships, technology and marketing procurements with a focus on data privacy law and policy compliance.

Francl, who was valedictorian of her class, recalled that she began high school as "a shy, bashful perfectionist" who needed to build self-confidence and shed the unrealistic demands she put on herself. With guidance from her teachers and coaches, Francl said she evolved into a confident, well-rounded student involved in academic, athletic and co-curricular activities. She noted she has fond memories of high school, and that Leyden made a difference in her life.

"Get involved in school and participate in co-curricular activities so you learn to be comfortable with people," Francl advised. "Be self-confident, believe in yourself, never give up, take charge of your life and always strive to do your best. Find your passion through self-discovery. What matters most to you? What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Passion fuels purpose. If your passion is your focus, you will realize your dreams."

Cezary Podkul is a finance reporter for ProPublica, an independent, nonprofit online newsroom. Before working for the online publication, he was a data journalist for Reuters, an international news agency headquartered in England. An investigative reporter, he works to expose and "make right" inequalities that have an impact on society, he explained.

He advised students to "expect the unexpected" and seize the opportunities offered at Leyden. "I moved here from Poland at the age of nine," Podkul recalled. "I never really felt like I fit in. I assumed because I came from blue collar roots and didn't attend New Trier or Barrington High School that I didn't have the same opportunities to achieve as much as those students. Absolutely wrong. Leyden students can accomplish as much as students from any other school.

"To do that there are few things you need to know," he added. "Be confident, become an active participant in your life, follow your passion. Take the advice of your teachers and coaches, take advantage of the diverse course offerings at Leyden, participate in school activities and build a sense of community. The best advice I can give you is to find your passion early and follow it. You will be happier doing what you love to do."