West Aurora High School Class of 2021
Graduates in the Class of 2021: Over 700
Valedictorian: Patrick Holstine
Salutatorian: Gretchen Klock
Graduation Speaker: Isaiah Watson
Class Officers: Danny Perez, Alyssa Dalicandro and Bella Saperston
Academic achievements:
• 47 seniors achieved 4.0 GPAs seven consecutive semesters
• 41 students were honored at the Top 5% Excellence in Education Banquet
• 20 seniors who are planning to pursue an arts-related major in college received more than $650,000 in arts-based scholarship offers
• Seven seniors received full tuition, room and board at Northern Illinois University through the Give Back Scholarship
Extracurricular achievements:
• Grace Lindstad, Emma Conley and Emma Whitlock participated in the International Science Fair
Athletic achievements:
• Boys Soccer finished 18-0, winning the Southwest Prairie Conference regular season and tournament titles.
• Zach Thompson led the Blackhawks with 29 goals and 20 assists, which was a school record. He scored 124 career points, which broke the previous school record by 24 points. He was 2021 All-Midwest, All-State and SPC MVP, following up his junior season as All-Sectional and All-Conference.
• Lorena Torres, Alexis Van Vleet, and Emma Whitlock qualified for the IHSA Badminton State Finals.
Theater productions:
• Fall Play: "Almost, Maine"
• Winter Play: "These Shining Lives"
• WOA Radios Shows
• Musical Band Geeks
What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?
• Fall 2020 - West Fest (Homecoming) which included window painting, food drive, drive-through Light Fest around the campus
• Spring 2021 - Spring Fling Week which included window painting, food truck fest, spirit dress up days, student/parent attendance at football games
• Prom Experience at Fox Valley Mall - 460 seniors were in attendance with guests
• Senior Celebration in Football Stadium
• Farewell Fireworks in Football Stadium celebrating the Class of 2021
• 152nd Commencement Ceremony in NIU Huskie Stadium
Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:
The class of 2021 has been a very special group of students. They have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic fields, in the fine and performing arts, and in community service. This senior class has demonstrated grit, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity during an unprecedented interruption to their education. Through it all, they have remained positive and committed to their community through volunteer efforts and service. Most of all, the class of 2021 has remained faithful to each other. When others are in need, they can be counted on to provide help and support regardless of personal cost or inconvenience. This is a very special group of young people, and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.
- Principal Chuck Hiscock