Through their actions and advocacy, Glenbrook South's Class of 2022 created a better experience for all students

(Editor's note: Upon request by the Herald, Glenbrook South Interim Principal Dr. Rosanne Williamson provided this summary of her thoughts on Glenbrook South's Class of 2022.

The assistant superintendent for Educational Services for Glenbrook High Schools District 225, in July 2021 she was appointed Glenbrook South's principal for the 2021-22 school year. With the hiring of Dr. Barbara Georges as Glenbrook South's new principal effective July 1, Williamson will return to her position as assistant superintendent.)

When I reflect on the Class of 2022, I am very proud of a number of examples of their leadership that come to mind.

First, our seniors demonstrated leadership by example to our younger students, especially our freshmen and sophomores, many of whom learned remotely over the past two years and did not know the culture of Glenbrook South.

Whether through Student Council, clubs, performances, exhibits, or athletics, the voices of the Class of 2022 advocated for a return to "normalcy" as they stepped up, engaged in, and embraced the total high school experience.

For example, early in the year, while still navigating mask-wearing and physical distancing, they got creative in helping plan our homecoming dance, which was held outdoors in late September. To the seniors' credit, we had nearly 2,500 students in attendance!

In addition, we were fortunate to have a great deal of success in our athletic programs this year. It was our seniors who showed up and encouraged younger students to come out and cheer on their Titan athletes.

It was amazing to see so many students come together to show their support, and I credit our seniors with sparking the level of excitement that we saw at these competitions!

Through their actions and advocacy, the Class of 2022 created a better experience for all students at GBS.

The Class of 2022 learned a lot during their time in high school, beyond academics.

They learned to be flexible.

They learned to be vulnerable and to ask for help.

They learned to support each other.

They learned that education is not well served through isolation, but through personal engagement with their peers and teachers.

They learned that it is because of these personal connections that we truly thrive and grow.

They learned to prioritize what is important, and that their overall well-being should not be compromised.

It is fitting that the theme for the Glenbrook South Variety Show this year was "You Learn," based on the Alanis Morissette song. The Class of 2022 lived and learned much through their years in high school.

It was rewarding to see all of our young people walk across the stage at the Rosemont Theatre on graduation day, ready to fully embrace their futures.