St. Charles North High School Class of 2021
Graduates in the Class of 2021: 530
Senior Class President: Reed Hickerson
Academic Speaker: Frankie Iovinelli
Reflection Speaker: Grace Wallace
Class Officers: Jessica Winkates, student body president; Reed Hickerson, senior class president; Dylan Duffy, Eliana Eng, Mackenzie Fick, Ryan Fick, Christina Fiedler, Alex Lilly, Natalie Luci, Daniela Mejia, Adriana Petrucci, Bella Rybialek, Paranshu Shah, Grace Wallace, senior class representatives.
Academic achievements: Six National Merit Finalists; 13 National Merit Commended; 78 Seal or Commendation of Biliteracy; 103 Illinois State Scholars; two Dual Credit students graduating with a high school diploma and associate degree through Elgin Community College.
Extracurricular achievements:
• Art: Emma Fang, Silver Medal, Senior Scholarship Exhibit - Illinois High School Art; Kennedy Dirl, Best in Show, Senior Scholarship Exhibit - Illinois High School Art
• DECA: Gustave Lackner - 5th place in state and international qualifier - Business Finance Services; Ammar Ladhani - 7th place in state - Entrepreneurship; Mason Kascher - 7th place in state - Retail Merchandise.
• Student Council Gold Council of Excellence Award
• Jessica Winkates, Pillar Award
• Caroline Look qualified for Journalism State in the Yearbook Caption Writing category, and was named to the 2021 Illinois JEA All-State Journalism Team.
• Madeline Tiedt qualified for Journalism State in the Yearbook Copy Writing category
• Gus Lacker placed in the top 20 at DECA Nationals and was an Exam Medalist
Athletic achievements:
• Girls Golf Conference Champs
• Girls Swim & Dive - Conference Champs and Sectional Champs
• Girls Basketball - Conference Champs
• Boys Swim and Dive - Conference Champs
• Boys Soccer Conference Champs
• Football Conference Champs
• Bass Fishing Conference Champs
Theater productions:
• Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry
• "Clue" based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn
• "Theory of Relativity," music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and book by Brian Hill
What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?
Prom was planned by the junior class based on feedback they received from seniors regarding what was most important to include in the event. The event was held on campus. Senior attendees wore formal attire, there were five elaborate decorated areas through which students moved with music and unique themes. A DJ played music throughout all areas, students took advantage of an abundance of photo opportunities, and each received Prom favors as they left the event. The PTO, Student Council and Tech Crew created all of the themed areas.
• The Class of 2021 Celebration Committee created 5 new events for this year's seniors: Senior Scavenger Hunt in Downtown St. Charles; Senior Movie Night and Fireworks; Senior Tailgate/Field Day; Senior Legacy Walk; Senior Victory Lap Parade.
• In lieu of the Senior BBQ and Breakfast, the North Star Student Council is hosting the Senior Kickback event in the stadium. Seniors will enjoy music, play trivia and other games, and be entered to win an abundance of raffle prizes from the PTO/Post Prom Committee.
What were the most significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 and how did they overcome them?
The Class of 2021 demonstrated unprecedented resilience and perseverance. They identified new ways to serve as role models and leaders for their teams and underclassmen. Their academic adaptability was outstanding as they navigated numerous school schedules, modes of instruction, and technology.
Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:
I, along with our school community, am incredibly proud of the Class of 2021. Faced with extraordinary circumstances, they identified their passions and what was most valuable in their lives. Their selfless commitment to our school and community is remarkable and will never be forgotten. While the events of the year were extremely different from what they anticipated and looked forward to, they found ways to connect and appreciate the little things that may have been previously taken for granted. I am confident that these young men and women will translate their experiences from this year into skills and actions that will make a difference in our world.
- Principal Audra Christenson