Huntley High School Class of 2021
Graduates in the Class of 2021: 738
Graduation Speakers: Luke Bucaro, Mateo Hernandez, Veronica Kucharczyk
Class Officers: Emily Schoepke, president; Gianna Tatone, senior class representative.
National Merit Scholar Finalists: Ty Clements, Talia Duffy, Ethan Faubl and Iniya Murugasamy
Extracurricular achievements:
• National Quill and Scroll Sweepstakes Award for best photo portrait - senior Sydney Laput
• Overall Excellence recognition by IJEA for Harmony Yearbook
• 1st and 2nd Place Finishes at Illinois' first Virtual Science Olympiad Tournament
• IHSA State Championship in Journalism
• Multiple Illinois Music Education Association District IX Festival participants
• Multiple United Nations Association of the USA Global Impact Recognitions
Athletic achievements:
• Varsity cheer earned 3rd in state
Theater productions:
• "Song For A New World" theater production
• Orchesis Dance Company presents "Shift"
•"Ghost Stories" Halloween-themed outdoor storytelling performance
What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?
The Senior Soiree event will took the place of a traditional prom. The event featured a formal dinner, hypnotist show, raffles for college supplies, live DJ and more. It was adapted to keep kids safe during pandemic, but also create an environment for them to have experience.
• Graduation will be held at Red Raider Stadium. We will be hosting three ceremonies of 250 graduates and their families for safety. We will livestream via YouTube each graduation ceremony for family members unable to attend in-person.
What were the most significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 and how did they overcome them?
Being a high school student during a pandemic has been challenging to say the least. Our seniors missed the opportunities to create memories as they enter the next stage of their life. Aside from school the other challenges they faced was understanding more about their response to this pandemic. Figuring out how to grieve the loss of opportunity and the social emotional toll this has taken on them has not been an easy thing to grapple with. The drive they have to keep going has been a challenge but they are continuing to push though everyday and taking one day at a time.
Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:
This chapter of their life is completed. While the ending of this chapter did not go as expected, the Class of 2021 learned two valuable skills. They learned the ability to adapt and persevere. This class has pushed through one of the most difficult times of their life, but what I truly hope is that these past experiences here in Huntley have prepared them for what is next in their journey.
The world needs our young people now more than ever to make monumental change. My message to them: You have learned that opportunity can be taken away at the blink of an eye! Do not let opportunity pass you up. You have to be aggressive at life and put yourself in the best position to succeed. Challenge yourself. Be consistent and disciplined on your road to success and achievement. Once you make it, keep going because the world needs you more than you will ever know. This is your time!!!
- Principal Dr. Marcus Belin