Lincoln-Way North Seniors Get Special Send-off

A special graduation was held at Lincoln-Way North recently for the three seniors that gave up graduating with their senior class to help their soccer team win a supersectional title and a fourth place trophy during state championship competition.

The senior graduates are Alexis Cesario, Bethany Dombkowski, and Brenna Stremlau.

The IHSA supersectional soccer match was held on the same day and at the same time as Lincoln-Way North’s graduation ceremony on Tuesday, June 3.

Alexis will attend Columbia College and major in biology; Bethany will attend the University of St. Francis and major in elementary education and Brenna will attend Roosevelt University and major in communications and media studies.

“The three seniors we are recognizing for their academic success tonight were part of the most successful girls’ soccer team we have ever had here at Lincoln-Way North,” said Dr. Mark Cohen, principal.

“They have, through their leadership, made a lasting mark upon our school and athletic programs. They have inspired the young women that will fill these halls in the future to settle for nothing less than their best effort. We are grateful for your contributions to our school and community.”

Class of 2014 graduates Brandy Benak, David Blakeman, John Larson, and Ali Stachowicz began the ceremony by singing the National Anthem, as they did for their fellow graduates at the June 3 North ceremony.

Additional participants in the ceremony were Mike Murphy, head girls’ soccer coach, Christine  Glatz, member of the L-W Board of Education, and Dr. R. Scott Tingley, Superintendent.

“I wish, Alexis, Bethany and Brenna the blessing of a long and happy life. You have been well prepared for what awaits you," Cohen said. "If you pursue your dreams and your future with the same passion you have demonstrated here these last four years, there will be no stopping your rise to the top. Congratulations on a job well done.”