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South Elgin High School Class of 2021

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 620

Valedictorian: Eron Mahmudi

Salutatorian: Natalie Salas

Graduation Speaker: Eron Mahmudi

Class Officers: Kennedi Gavin, co-president; Estrella Hernandez, co-president; Hailey Melo, social media manager; Justina Joung, secretary.

Top 2% graduates: Mihir Amin, Bianca Cura, Alexandra Felix, Eron Mahmudi, Keelyn McDermott, Alyssa Miulli, Joseph Mueller, Ohm Patel, Jacob Pettineo, Natalie, Salas, Samantha Thaller.

Athletic achievements:

• Conference Champions - Girls Cross Country, Girls Golf, Boys Golf, Cheer, Girls Bowling and Football.

• Dance Team - finished 4th in State.

• Cheerleading - Sectional Champions and finished 7th in State.

Theater productions:

• "Shrek The Musical:

Senior Class gift: Botanical and vegetable garden

What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?

• Commencement Ceremony - Hybrid in-person, with maximum of four guests per graduate, and drive-in ceremony in order to comply with current safety guidelines.

• Senior Recognition Ceremony was an outdoor event

• Prom - Seniors only to comply with safety guidelines and the event was held at the high school.

• Senior Celebration - Drive-through celebration at the high school

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

For the past 15 months the Class of 2021 has experienced the ultimate challenge of never knowing what tomorrow will bring. This senior class has worked through a multitude of shifts, pivots, and adaptive pauses. Even in the face of this adversity, they have navigated these unprecedented times with grace, dignity, and compassion.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

The 2020-21 school year brought forth many challenges and unexpected changes. Through it all, the Class of 2021 remained steadfast, focusing on each day with unwavering optimism and eternal hope for a better tomorrow.

- Principal Kurt Johansen

  South Elgin High School held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 29, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
  South Elgin High School seniors visit before the start of their commencement ceremony at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates. Paul Valade/pvalade@dailyherald.com
  South Elgin High School in South Elgin. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
Right: South Elgin senior Jay-Q Jones (10) battles for a rebound against Bartlett's George Betevis in a varsity basketball matchup at Bartlett High School.
Above right: For a special "Best In Class Hour" on her television show, Kelly Clarkson helps South Elgin students give their choir teacher, Amanda Brex-Castillo, the surprise of a lifetime. Courtesy of The Kelly Clarkson Show
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