Geneva High School Class of 2021

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 447

Geneva High School recognizes the Top 5% of the graduating class: Kelly Anderson, Logan Ieler, Nathan Baker, Liadan King, Lucy Bridges, Zach Lew, Madison Campbell, Kayla Mason, Michael Cassidy, Kieran McCarthy, Sean Chalmers, Kelly McCloughan, Michael Daanen, Alexandria Miller, Michelle Deisz, Megan Morris, Braden Foerch, Zach Padgett, Anaston Gaerlan, Cal Parise, Clark Giansanti, Isabella Reed, Kayla Gronowski, Noah Rieber, Maya Hawkins, Rachael Sharratt, Caroline Hedger, Tyler Silverman, Hannah Hendrian, Asher Sprigler, Evan Horvath, Julia Thompson, Thomas Traudt, Kathryn Wendt, Amanda Wittersheim and Virginia Wright.

Class Officers: Virginia Wright, president; Elizabeth Schmitt, vice president; Tyler Silverman, treasurer; Ryan Bahnline, secretary.

Senior Student Council Executive Board Officers: Raegan Lubben, co-president; Miranda Sida, outreach secretary.

National Merit Finalists: Evan Horvath and Nate Marcelo

National Merit Commended Students: Sean Chalmers, Zach Lew, Noah Rieber, Darian Holda, May Phan, Caleb Humphrey and Isabella Reed.

Extracurricular achievements:

• ILMEA All-State Music Festival: Hannah Bolender - All-State Orchestra - Violin; Matthew Styrna - All-State Orchestra - Tuba

• Virtual Enterprise National QuickBooks Competition - 3rd in the Nation; Christopher Nosewicz and Anthony Chiovari, part of a four-person team.

• Illinois Virtual Enterprise Financial Competition Finalists: Kelly Anderson, Anna Kresler, Christopher Nosewicz and Zach Padgett

• DECA International Competition Qualifiers: Joe Drew, Chris Nosewicz, Ella Schamberger and Krista Siler

• DECA State Finalists: Kelly Anderson, Dan Carberry, Logan Ieler, Anna Kresler, Zach Padgett and Ben Zimmerman

• Scholastics Art Competition Gold Key Awards: Ty Berg - Drawing; Caroline Hedger - Photography; Kassidy Keenehan - Photography, Painting and Mixed Media. Silver Key Awards: Ty Berg - Drawing; Kassidy Keenehan - Art Portfolio, Painting; Lindsey White - Photography.

• Illinois High School Art Exhibition Gold: Kassidy Keenehan - Painting

• SkillsUSA State Qualifiers: Asher Sprigler - Electronic Technology

Athletic achievements:

• Cheer Team - qualified for state

• Dance Team - Conference, Sectional & 2A State Champions

• Girls Volleyball - Conference Champions

• Boys Golf - Conference and Regional Champions, State Qualifiers

• Anna Loberg - Girls Volleyball Conference MVP

• Megan Morris, Makayla Flanigan and Payton Hunter - Badminton state qualifiers

Theater productions:

• Fall Freshmen Play (Directed by Seniors): All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten

• Viking Revue/Student Directed One Act Plays

• IHSA Group Interpretation - Stranger Than Fiction

• Spring Musical - The Addams Family

Senior Class gift: A mosaic mural for an exterior wall of the building

What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?

"Prom on 3rd" is replacing our traditional prom this year. A partnership between parent volunteers, our student council and the City of Geneva is providing our seniors the opportunity to have "Prom on 3rd "street in downtown Geneva. There will be music at various locations, photo opportunities, and restaurants/merchants are providing a scavenger hunt in the downtown area. Our Senior Awards night will be held outdoors in our stadium.

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

I think the Class of 2021 had a lot of empathy for the Class of 2020 when the end of their senior year was cut short, never dreaming that COVID would impact their entire senior year. But this class has persevered, adapted and stayed positive. As a result, they have taken advantage of every opportunity that has come their way and they've achieved great things academically and athletically. They have performed on stage with no one watching, displayed their art virtually, and competed in academic competitions online. The Class of 2021 overcame adversity and left their mark on Geneva High School.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

I believe the Class of 2021 is well-equipped to succeed. The difficulties they may face in the future will probably pale in comparison to the obstacles they overcame this year. I am very proud of this senior class and any college/university, trade school, employer or military branch who receives one of our graduates will be fortunate to have them.

- Principal Thomas Rogers