L-W East graduates embark on new phase of life

   The Lincoln-Way East High School Class of 2013 is ready to embark on a new phase of life after participating in a commencement exercise Thursday, May 30 at the school.   

“Tonight, we celebrate the many accomplishments of the class of 2013,” stated Dr. Scott Tingley, principal at Lincoln-Way East. “For many, this is a day of great anticipation, great excitement. For some, this is a sad day as it marks a milestone for many sons and daughters.  

  “Recognize the great accomplishments of this class as a group and as individuals,” he continued. “But most importantly, recognize the personal growth that has taken place over the past four years.”   

Valedictorian Konrad Goc and Salutatorian Stephen Johnson led the Class of 2013 into the field house at 6:30 p.m. as Lincoln-Way East instrumentalists played “Land of Hope and Glory” by Elgar.  

  Seniors Emily Bumba and Leah Andricopulos sang the National Anthem while Goc and Senior Class President Scott Hammond addressed the students.   

  “With a class size of nearly 600, everyone here today has still somehow set their own mark on this school in some way,” said Hammond. “No one will ever be able to label us as the class that slipped by without leaving much of a mark. We have performed exceptionally well in the classroom, dominated in sports, created clubs and activities that have increased school involvement by outstanding numbers (and) helped improve our community through service.”   

“I wouldn’t’ trade the memories I’ve made here for anything,” added Goc. “Starting with every day I spent at track and cross country. Our football team’s historic run to state. The teacher flash mob during the homecoming assembly this year. A Lincoln-Way record of two snow days in four years.”    The valedictorian challenged his classmates to make memories so great and so happy in the future that the foundation of memories that they made at East “crumble under the weight in an instant.”   

“I look forward to seeing you all sometime down the road and having some awesome stories to share,” he concluded.   

School Board President Arvid Johnson congratulated the 576 graduates and encouraged them to pursue their dreams now and to avoid putting them on hold.  

  “When I look out at your faces – at you, the class of 2013 – I see a group of highly-talented and motivated young people who are full of dreams and great potential,” Johnson told the graduates. “Whatever those dreams may be – whether winning a Nobel Prize for your scientific accomplishments, being a famous jazz musicians, playing a sport professionally, opening your own business, or working with those less fortunate than yourself – I want to encourage you to begin pursuing those dreams – and realizing your potential – right now, not later.  

  “While it may take you some time to achieve your dream, you will never get there if you don’t get started – so why wait?” he added.   

Superintendent Lawrence A. Wyllie echoed those sentiments and said that it is with great pleasure and a great deal of pride that he participates in East’s commencement exercises.

    “As you move on, I know you will continue to be as outstanding as you have been here at Lincoln-Way,” he told the graduates. “You can make your future years whatever you want to make them. You are in charge of your own destiny.”   

Just prior to the ceremony, members of the senior class presented the district and Board of Education with a class gift. The gift, which was purchased with proceeds from candy sales and other fundraisers, is a bench in the aquatic center entrance as well as four photo montages of the senior class. Each montage represents one of the four pillars of East: Effort, Attitude, Spirit and Teamwork.  

  The designs were created by East students Jeremy Bieser, Dayna Grybas, Lee Lieser and Mikayla Jaber and presented by senior class officers Scott Hammond (president), Thomas Piet (vice president), Courtney Grever (secretary) and Carissa Ernat (treasurer), as well as senior class advisor Patricia Tutko.  

   “The 2013 class gift shows the great pride we have four our school,” said Tutko. “As future students, community members and visitors enter through the field house doors, they will feel the pride of Lincoln-Way East.”