Oak Park and River Forest High School - Class of 2020 The One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Commencement - Amazon AWS
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Oak Park and River Forest
High School
Class of 2020
The One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Commencement
Sunday, June 14, 2020Oak Park and River Forest
High School
District 200
Oak Park, Illinois
Class of 2020
The One Hundred and Forty-Forth Commencement
June 14, 2020THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
SARA DIXON SPIVY, J.D.
President
CRAIG ISELI
Vice President
TOM COFSKY
Secretary
MATT BARON
GINA HARRIS
RALPH MARTIRE
JACKIE MOORE, Ph.D.
THE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
JOYLYNN PRUITT-ADAMS, Ed.D.
Superintendent
GREGORY JOHNSON, M.A.
Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
CYNDI SIDOR, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
MICHAEL CARIOSCIO, M.A.
Chief Operations Officer
ROXANA SANDERS, M.S.Ed.
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
GWENDOLYNE WALKER-QUALLS, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Pupil Support Services
LEVAR AMMONS, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Equity & Student Success
KARIN SULLIVAN, B.S.
Executive Director of Communications and Community RelationsTHE PROGRAM
THE PROCESSIONAL The Class of 2020
Pomp and Circumstance I, Elgar
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM Six Chicks
The Star-Spangled Banner, Key
THE WELCOME Mia Reynes
Student Council President
PASSING OF THE AXE Zeevielle Drizin & Ruth Zuraw
THE PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2020 Dr. Joylynn Pruitt-Adams
TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Superintendent
THE RESPONSE FOR THE Sara Dixon Spivy
BOARD OF EDUCATION Ralph Martire
Board Of Education
THE RESPONSE FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 Luke Clancy
SCHOLARSHIP CUP RECIPIENTS Class of 2020
Katherine Grace Andolina Tyler Nicholas Hoyt William Christmas Raidt
Justin Banks Maia Yong-Yi Huang Lauren McHugh Raihle
Isabelle Ana Carrillo Sarah N. Kelly Priya Meera Rawal
Luke Clancy Jenna Louise Kochendorfer Emma Chun-Li Roskopf
Garrett Christopher Credi Marissa Anjali Kuriakos Elise Margaret Scheuring
Hope Rutherford Donoghue Elizabeth Anne Larscheid Owen Antanas Talandis
Zeevielle Drizin Paolo Miller Anne Cragan Wollmuth
Aaron Emet Freeman Dora Mabel Montgomery Kai Anna Oishi Yokoo
Abigail Giardina Joshua Ogunsanya Julia Elizabeth Youman
Samantha Jane Gotti Simone Michele Bartlett Paul Alex Yuan
David Fineas Greenstone Robert Webb Pflederer Ruth Kelila Zuraw
Devin Connor Hayes Sarah Joy Pilditch
THE PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Announced by Ms. Janel Bishop
(COUNSELORS)
Carolyn Ojikutu Esteban Medina Julie Fuentes
Scott Sponsler Jacqueline Hanson Thaddeus Sherman
Joseph Herbst Heidi Lynch Meghan Cahill
Kris Johnson Darryl Hobson Pete Nixen
Brandi Ambrose Dariusz Radziszewski Erica White
STAFF & BOARD OF EDUCATION PARENTS
Mr. Craig Ackerman Ms. Carolyn Cipparrone Ms. Julie Elmiger Mr. Tim Hasso
Mr. Craig Iseli Ms. Kris Johnson Mr. Ralph Martire
Ms. Christine MondragonOAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST HIGH SCHOOL
COMMENCEMENT
2019-2020 GRADUATES
Cecily Xuan Ruth Abbott ∆ Justin Banks ∆ ♦ ○
Spencer Heald Abbott ∆ James Robert Barclay
Ismail Qadaam Abdullah ∆ Sean Patrick Barney ∆ ♦
Jailyn Aceron ∆ Francis Wells Bassett-Dilley ∆ ♦
Alfonso T. Acevedo ∆ ♦ Ezra Marley Batia
Archer Ackerman Maximus Alexander Castillo Beach ∆ ♦
Mira Pearl Adelstein ∆ ♦ ○ Francesca Ellen Beaulieu ∆
Lily Marie Ader ∆ ○ Elliana Sigrid Beck ∆ ♦ ○
Keisi Ago ∆ ♦ ○ Sadie Marie Beck ∆ ♦ ○
Elizabeth Akinwale Elise Ann Beile ∆
Karim Al Zahabi ∆ ♦ ○ Rosalyn Mata Beile ∆
Annabel Joy Allan ∆ Carey D. Belcher, Jr.
Emilee Allen William John Belke ∆
Nicholas Christopher Altier ∆ ♦ ○ Adam Bell ∆
Andrius Ambraziejus ∆ Margaret Anne Bell ∆ ♦ ○
Nicholas Anthony Amunategui Seamus Patrick Bell ∆
Liv Blaine Amundson Sean Thomas Bell ∆
Alia Anderson Brooke Bellmar ∆ ♦ ○ *
Taylor Elizabeth Anderson ∆ Daniel Benedict ∆
Trinity Anderson ∆ Clara Isabel Bernard
Katherine Grace Andolina ∆ ♦ ○ Elizabeth Bernstein ∆ ♦ ○
Andrew M. Anger Gianna Marie Bibbey ∆
Andrei Edwin Armstrong Cullen Patrick Biggus ∆
Mariana Arnold ∆ George Milton Blackwell ∆
Marina Claire Atkin ∆ ♦ Jayden Blair
Kiara Atkins ∆ Mattie Marie Blake ∆
Ebony Ras Austin Jonathan Robert Blatchford ∆
Ibraheem Jamaal Azam Ethan Charles Bodzioney ∆ ♦
Eleanor Jane Babwin ∆ ♦ ○ Aparecido Bohlander
Olivia Badrinath ∆ * Dietrich John Bohlmann ∆
Zain Baig ∆ Nicholas Alec Bolivar ∆
Elliot Thomas Bajo Stephen James Bonaccorsi ∆
Nailah Baker ∆ Danaysha Kyara Bonoan ∆
Paige N. Baker ∆ ♦ ○ Daniel Borlingbr
Emma Joy Balma ∆ Luca Keyes Bosco ∆
∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy SealQuinn Gregory Bowling ∆ Benjamin Childress Carr ∆ Nina Isidora Bozovic ∆ Isabelle Ana Carrillo ∆ ♦ ○ Jamael Brabson-Perteet Abigail Solas Carroll Julian Bradford ∆ Dylan W. Carson ∆ Monica Bradford ∆ ♦ ○ Eric Ortiz Carter II Thomas Brandstrader ∆ Janine Lynn Casey ∆ ♦ ○ Olivia Grace Brill ∆ Daniela Castillo Briones Tebais Muleek Britton Elena Marie Catrambone ∆ ♦ Veronica Theresa Brooks ∆ ♦ ○ * India Rose Cavazos Aaron Scott Brown ♦ ○ * Claudia Marie Celio ∆ ♦ Alan Damon Brown ∆ Meera Chambers ∆ ♦ * Ella Simone Brown ∆ ♦ * Simran Chambers ∆ Evan Shelby Brown ∆ Joseph Allan Chapman ∆ Jacob Christopher Brown Ralph Porter Charnota ∆ Michelle Elizabeth Brown ∆ Magnolia Chesney ∆ ♦ ○ * Tyler N. Brown Dallas Childs Jonathan Sol Brukhartz Natalie Avis Chizzo ∆ Nazareth Bryant ∆ Sebastian Chlebek Leif Bryning ∆ ♦ ○ * Aidan Chranko ∆ ♦ Tala Anis Bsiso ∆ Diego John Christmon Matthew G. Buchta Claire Cipparrone ∆ Javion Michael Buckley Luke Clancy ∆ ♦ ○ Leo Buczkowski ∆ Adelyn Elizabeth Clark Alexis Buerger ∆ Evann Michael Clark ∆ Zachary Buerger ∆ ♦ Tyrone Anthony Clarke Jennie Elizabeth Bull ∆ ♦ Alexander Cleofe ∆ ♦ Alison Patricia Burns ∆ Aaron Close ∆ ♦ Unna Burns ∆ Tatym Kimay Coe ∆ Grace Buterbaugh ∆ Jonah Cohen ∆ Marina Butitova ∆ Elliot Bryce Colegrove John M. Butler ∆ Jaylan Garrett Coleman-Tutt Guillermo Alec Cabacungan IV ∆ Declan Michael Collins ∆ ♦ ○ Clara Jacqueline Cadwell ∆ Evangelina Grace Combs ∆ Sarah Cahill ∆ Christine Vanna Conanan ∆ Maria Flora Calkins Jaden Kenneth Cone Ilan Calzada Jaden Anthony Cooper ∆ Perahje Keuton Isoke Cannon ∆ Andie K. Corsino ∆ ○ Karly Elise Cantrell ∆ Joshua David Cotter ∆ ♦ Brianna Yvette Carey Jake Matthew Cramer ∆ ♦ ○ Armando Carlo IV∆ Garrett Christopher Credi ∆ ♦ ○ ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Cathal James Cribbin ∆ ♦ ○ Hope Rutherford Donoghue ∆ ♦ ○ Justin Anthony Cross ∆ Virginia Frances Donoghue ∆ ♦ ○ Cecilia Rose Crumlish ∆ ○ Christine Sophia Donovan ∆ Ana Paula Cuevas-Nava Lily Margaret Doody ∆ John “Jacko” Robert Cullinane Grant William Dortch Sage Paul D. Culver Evelyn Lucille Drews ∆ ♦ ○ Bridget Curran Zeevielle Drizin ∆ ♦ ○ Jackson Furious Cushing ∆ Cade Wilson Dublin ∆ Allen Matic Dailey Ella Min Dunavan ∆ Rapharoah Dallas Lola L. Dunbar ∆ Erin Elizabeth Daly ∆ ♦ ○ * Emmett Eberle ∆ Darrin DeVonte Dancy Emily May Edmunds ∆ ♦ ○ * Dashaun Daniels Kelly Eisenmann ∆ Jalen Daniels Yussuf Mouhamed El Metennani Micah Ari Daniels ∆ Montgomery Merritt Ellwanger ∆ ♦ ○ Skyler Darice Davenport-Moore ∆ Grace O’Brien Elmiger ∆ Jaylen Davis Fabian Elsken Sicaro * Joseph M. Davis Luke Harrison Elwart Trevon Davis Seth Reuben Engle ∆ Evan De Jong ∆ Claire Justine Enschede ∆ ♦ ○ Jack Matthew Dealba Rebecca Phyllis Erickson Lauren Elizabeth Debeers ∆ ♦ ○ Shaneea Janae Esco ∆ William John Decaro ∆ Rowan Eshenroder ∆ ♦ Margaret Elizabeth Dee ∆ ♦ Giovanni Esparza Jaden Degand Antoine Evans, Jr. Diego Deguzman Jack Ogden Evans ∆ Khalil El Delaney Evan Thomas Failor ∆ Josephine Emma Delano ∆ Neil Lorenz Oyos Fajardo Jenna Dennis Alexander J. Falk ∆ Nicholas James De Pooter William Farren ∆ ♦ Jackson David Derks ∆ Oliver Fedowicz ∆ Josephine Desir ∆ ♦ ○ * Christopher T. Feracota ∆ Henry David Bacom Detmer ∆ Amari Jeriod Ferguson Emma Charlotte Dibbern ∆ Ethan Daniel Figueroa James P. Diskin ∆ ♦ * Seamus Fischer Connor Fox Ditelberg ∆ ♦ Isabella Marie Fisher Austin Divello ∆ Riley Shaw Fisher ∆ Geneva Adele Domantay ∆ ♦ ○ * Liam Joseph Fitzgerald Malik Tyree Donaly ∆ Malik Asa Fleming, III Ada Mae Donnelley Power ∆ ♦ Carson Wrenn Flemming ∆ ♦ ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Samuel Rae Astrachan Fletcher ∆ Samantha Jane Gotti ∆ ♦ ○ * Lauren Simone Flint ∆ Mariana J. Gourlay ∆ Steven Michael Flowers ∆ Braydon Lee Graves ∆ Baxter Flynn ∆ Jamal Darnall Gray ∆ Seth David Flynn ∆ ♦ ○ Oliver Adams Green ∆ ♦ Nicholas Diaz Fogg Triun Lavelle Green Owen Michael Foley ∆ David Fineas Greenstone ∆ ♦ ○ * Trajour Folsom-Beck Ellamae A. Greif Mia Regina Forsythe ∆ Logan Wolfgang Greifelt ∆ Phoebe Lisa Foster Ajani Griffin Madeline Fox David Matthew Griffith ∆ Liah Anne Francart ∆ ♦ ○ Sophia Grace Groenendaal ∆ ♦ Samuel James Francque ∆ Sydney A. Groulx ∆ ♦ Joseph Sheridan Frantzen Christina Guerrero ∆ Eleanor Virginia Freeland ∆ Nicholas Ryan Gupta ∆ ♦ Aaron Emet Freeman ∆ ♦ ○ Isabel Gutierrez ∆ ♦ Mason D. Friedman ∆ Marriana Gutierrez ∆ Hannah Elizabeth Fritsch ∆ Ella Jane Haas ∆ ♦ Isabela Grace Gadsby ∆ Zaahir K. Hall Gilbert Angel Galindo Max Jordan Halle-Podell ∆ ♦ Anna Amira Gamal ∆ Emarjai Jermaine Hampton Alexandra Garcia Jane Eleanor Bowhay Hanneman ∆ ♦ ○ Kyren Lorenzo Gardner ∆ Meenah Genevieve Harbaugh ∆ Michael Gardner Elizabeth Hardwicke ∆ Amaya Patrice Garth Jasmine Halane Harrison Deondre Marques Gaston Trinidy Jasmine Harrison Thomas George ∆ Ethan G. Hasson ∆ ♦ Trevell T. George Oliver Robert Haussmann Eliana Joan Gerace ∆ Sophia Heniff Hayden ∆ JaVary Khilis Germany Alexander Chastain Hayes William Patrick Gery ∆ ♦ Devin Connor Hayes ∆ ♦ ○ Carson Thunder Geye ∆ Samuel Heilenbach ∆ ♦ Parisa Chantal Gharavi ∆ Ian Frederick James Heinig ∆ ♦ ○ Abigail Giardina ∆ ♦ ○ Cleo Elizabeth Hendrickson ∆ ○ Georgia Grace Gibbons ∆ Dylan K. Hendrixson ∆ ♦ ○ Lexie Anna Giles Breanna Henry ∆ ♦ * Duncan James Gillis ∆ Jalyn Anthony Henry Gerardo Fabian Gonzalez Lilian Elizabeth Hermann Joshua R. Gonzalez ∆ Troy Hernandez Maxwell Jefferey Gonzalez ∆ ♦ * Jeremiah Scott Hert ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Aaliyah Hester Ricky A. Jones Ilanie Sydney Hibel ∆ Wolf Hunter Jordan-Baker Riley Ann Higgins ∆ Vaughn Duvall Jordan-Whiting ∆ Miles Andrew Hirshman ∆ Iris Wudong Junker ∆ Anne Lixiang Hitterman ∆ Nicole Jurgus ∆ Joseph Nery Hoff Sebastian John Kalemba Adeline Rose Holding Daniel Karkut ∆ Egan Homeric ∆ Albion Kashtanjeva Kalem Hoppszallern Jude Thomas Kasiak ∆ ♦ ○ * Lindsey Houha ∆ William Joseph Kasiak ∆ ♦ Teanla Lamari House ∆ Takuma N. Kawamura ∆ ♦ Jane Houseal ∆ Benjamin Leopold Kelly ∆ De Jah Lashai Howard Sarah N. Kelly ∆ ♦ ○ Goren Hoyle John A. Kelsey Tyler Nicholas Hoyt ∆ ♦ ○ Anderson Hjalmarson Kennedy ∆ Jai Mason Hsieh-Bailey ∆ Charles Clayton Kennedy Maia Yong-Yi Huang ∆ ♦ ○ Emily Cheng Kerstetter ∆ ♦ Macey Paige Huckstep Nadav Leon Kertcher ∆ Evan Joseph Humbert ∆ ♦ Audrey Maura Kessler ∆ ♦ ○ Sydney Elizabeth Hunnewell ∆ ♦ ○ Charles Kestler ∆ ♦ Erik James Huston James Patrick Kitzinger Nicholas Hymson ∆ ♦ ○ * Jason Klein Etiemana Inemesit Ikpidungise ∆ Olivia Kline ∆ ♦ ○ Kira Grace Imowitz ∆ ♦ ○ Aidan Robert Koch ∆ Charles Inksetter ♦ Jenna Louise Kochendorfer ∆ ♦ ○ Emily K. Iseli ∆ Peter Edward Koenig ∆ ♦ ○ Jakob Sullivan James ∆ Sophia Rose Kolovitz ∆ Khanadu James ∆ William James Kopecky ∆ Mackenzie Janae’ Jamieson Margaret Korinek ∆ Maximillian Cousteau Janssen-Singh John Matthew Kowalczyk ∆ Callum James Jaques ∆ ♦ Ellen Ashley Nelligan Kozie Kyle M. Jarnecke ∆ ♦ Olivia Adele Kratz ∆ ♦ Ashley Jimenez ∆ Delaunay Rose Krauter ∆ Brandy Johnson Charles William Kreidler ∆ Brett David Johnson ∆ Benjamin Kremer Jeremiah D. Johnson II Nicole Elizabeth Kremidas Jerrell Elton Johnson William Maxsym Krystal Jewell Raymond Johnson IV Kirsten Jean Kuehl ∆ Michael Anastasios Johnson ∆ Tobin James Kunkel ∆ ♦ Leah Grace Jones ∆ Marissa Anjali Kuriakos ∆ ♦ ○ ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Matthew Thomas Labuda ∆ ♦ ○ Journey Mae Manuel ∆ Max Alexander Laible ∆ Claire Charlotte Marko ∆ ♦ Chloe Raine Lamberty Olivia Grace Marmer ∆ Rayne Lampley ∆ Jeremy Louis Mart ∆ ♦ Jack Ryan Lane James Martin III Elizabeth Anne Larscheid ∆ ♦ ○ Valerie Rose Martire ∆ Lucas Meyer Larson ∆ Isabel Joy Marx ∆ Kayla Lasalle Emma Mascari Romine ∆ Raven Kapri Latham Ella Carol Massmann ∆ ♦ Bram Myers Lebovitz ∆ ♦ ○ Soraya Shadi Massoumi Grace Ledogar ∆ ♦ ○ Kayla Ariel Matthews Johnathan Randall Leggin Amy Lynne Matticks ∆ Anthony Daniel Lenehan ∆ Leonidas Walker Mavrelis ∆ ♦ Nolan Lenhart Paige McCartney ∆ Matthew Justin Leonard ∆ Nyree Mozell McCollum Talia Anne Levy ∆ Tessa H. McConville ∆ Audrey Bray Lewis ∆ James Christian McCoy Jamya Unique Lewis Joycelynn Jevonne McCoy ∆ ♦ Monet Lewis Rollins Monroe McCoy ∆ Benjamin Robert Libbe ∆ Jacob McEachen ∆ Anne Marie Lieb ∆ Lia Elizabeth McGavin ∆ ♦ ○ * Ratipond Limplatya ∆ John Thomas McIntosh ∆ Daniel William Lingen ∆ ♦ ○ Nora McIntyre ∆ ♦ Hugh Robert Lipic ∆ ○ Harper Lulu McKinney ∆ Lily M. Lisnic ∆ Justin E. McKissic Casey Jonathon Locke ∆ Clare Brigid McLaughlin ∆ Olive Anna Loentz ∆ Maeve McMahon ∆ Naomi Michelle Logan ∆ ♦ ○ Miaia-Makeda Franklin McMorris Olivier James Lombardo Titus Patrick John McPherson Zoe Christine Look Ruby Angeline Mead ∆ Alexia Sofia Lopez-Martin ∆ ○ * Mark Meagher Helena Loranz ∆ ♦ ○ Maurilia Medina Dylan Tarick Loutfi ∆ Rebecca Mae Peralta Meimban ∆ Rebecca Jade Mackey Luke K. Meister ∆ Cheyanne D.S. Macklin ∆ Grace Collin Melickian Nagid D.E. Macklin Desiree Serena Mendoza Pierre Malik Macklin ∆ Hailey Lorraine Meneses Isabella Christine Malagoli∆ ♦ ○ * Isabelle Charlotte Meyer ∆ ♦ ○ Savon David Manning Maximilian Augustus Meyer Micah Joseph Manternach ∆ ○ Ryan William Michaud ∆ ♦ ○ ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Daemyen Malik Love Middlebrooks Tudor Mihail Nitzoy ∆ Mercedes Ba’shay Miles Ethan Nitzsche ∆ ♦ Paolo Miller ∆ ♦ ○ Charles Francis Nolan Taylor Imalda Miller Caleb Lee Noland ∆ Madelyn Grace Mires Jasper Ellis Nord ∆ ♦ Brianna Jacqueline Mitchell Chloe Norman ∆ ♦ Joshua Mitchell Simon Jude Donohue Nosek ∆ ♦ Rachel Claire Molho ∆ Hannah Grace Nowak ∆ ♦ Jack Moller ∆ Seihla Nunez-Deleon ∆ * Paloma Dora Monson Kunyakorn Annie Nuntarach ∆ ♦ * Dora Mabel Montgomery ∆ ♦ ○ Chimdike E.C. Nwafo ∆ Katelyn Frances Montgomery ∆ Charles Walter O’Brien Christopher Alan Moore II ∆ Madelyn O’Carroll ∆ Eliot Russell Moore ∆ ♦ Sean Bernard O’Connell ∆ Jada Nakia Moore ∆ Alexandra Susanne Johanna Nakeisha T. Moore Oberberger ∆ Terrence Moore Elizabeth Cullen Obermaier ∆ Gabriel Antonio Morales Kaya Alexe Kobayashi O’Connor Benjamin Philip More ∆ ♦ ○ Sydney Odesanya ∆ Abraham Jacob Moreno Karstehn Stefan Lach Oettel George Jiro Morisaki Joshua Ogunsanya ∆ ♦ ○ Sage Marie Morrison ∆ Kennedy O’Keefe ∆ Sarah Anne Morrison ∆ ○ Carl Jose Olson ∆ Ian Moss Eva May Oney ∆ Kareem Baqruddin Muhammad ∆ Owen O’Neill Osga ∆ ♦ Kyiare Murray Cade Patrick Osman ∆ Trayveon Requan Murry Jack O’Sullivan ∆ Nathanial Alexander Myles Philip Kiril Ottati Malakai Naber Jonah Addison Oufkir Rosanna Naeslund Caleb Pacheco ∆ * Drew Ryan Neiburger Felicia Symone Page Amelia K. Nelson ∆ Maya Palikuca ∆ Jacob Christopher Nelson Rufus Parenti ∆ Griffin James Nesbit ∆ Dina Linda Parikh ∆ Jackalyna Hernandez Neuman ∆ Dexter Thomas Parrish Olivia Grace Newmark ∆ Yenori J. Patania ∆ Matthew F. Nice ∆ Maia Eve Patterson Caroline Manning Nichols ∆ ♦ ○ Simone Michele Bartlett Paul ∆ ♦ ○ Kentrell Jamari Nichols William Stewart Pawelko ∆ Cyrus Reece Nijensohn ∆ Julian Xavier Payton ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Caroline Peavy ∆ ♦ ○ Katherine Reed ∆ Maximilian Alexander Pecenka ∆ Eric Reeves ∆ Samuel Pecenka ∆ Laila Reeves ∆ Michael Lee Alberts Peel ♦ Allen Thomas Reichardt ∆ Adrian Jon Penning William Colin Reilly ∆ Esia Noelle Peppers-Jackson Olivia Simone Remington ∆ Gianna Marie Perez ∆ Annie Ren ∆ * Nicole Adaline Perla ∆ * Natalia Anna Reniszewski Kyle R. Peterson ∆ Alysa J. Renteria Nina Francesca Petrosino ∆ ♦ ○ John Patrick Rettberg Sophia Naomi Peysakhovich ∆ Meredith Renee Revsine ∆ ♦ ○ Robert Webb Pflederer ∆ ♦ ○ Mia Rafaela Reynes ∆ Sarah Catherine Phelan ∆ Christopher Dorelle Rice Vivian Marie Picciotti ∆ Grace Richards ∆ Benjamin Harrison Maehr Malakai Robert Riley ∆ Pickering ∆ ♦ Natalie Fisher Rindler ∆ ♦ Bridget Ellan Pierce ∆ Ezekiel Rivera Samuel Gerard Pikowski ∆ Ella Roadruck ∆ Sarah Joy Pilditch ∆ ♦ ○ Daniel Roberts ∆ ♦ Maximilian Plancon ∆ * Courtney Olivia Robinson ∆ Yasmin Plazas Keith Carnell Robinson, III Maya Sydney Luck Plotkin ∆ ♦ ○ Nikita Robinson Janine Anne Pohlman ∆ ♦ ○ Prishonia Robinson Ryan Adam Pont ∆ Benjamin Edward Roche ∆ ♦ Jessica Brianna Porter Charles Henry Roche ∆ ♦ Jason Powell Malakye M. Rodriguez Christopher Joel Prado Raquel Rodriguez ∆ * Lukas Preuhs ∆ Olivia Allen Roeger ∆ Anjali Nicole Pride ∆ Paul Francis Romano ∆ Abigail Mackenzie Pridmore ∆ Alexander Ronning-Arnesen ∆ China Ann Prince Jonathan Henry Rosen ∆ Paul Erven Raducha ∆ ♦ ○ * Emma Chun-Li Roskopf ∆ ♦ ○ William Christmas Raidt ∆ ♦ ○ Divine Denise Ross Lauren McHugh Raihle ∆ ♦ ○ Romero Cortez Ross Sarah Raja Lucca Isabelle Rossi Daniel E. Ramos Yasmin Arielle Ruff ∆ ♦ ○ * Jonathan Phillip Spencer Ramp Olivia Venice Ruggiero Alfred Lagman Ratuita ∆ Nicholas Antoni Ind’e Ishkeen Priya Meera Rawal ∆ ♦ ○ * Ruiz-Coburn Christopher Anton Ray Jacob Alfred Rundell ∆ ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Kylie Cara Ryniewicz ∆ Kai Owen Short ∆ * Stella Masako Saame ∆ ♦ ○ * Jordan Sibley-Diggs ∆ Jamal Thomas Sachleben ∆ Avery Carl Siegel ∆ Mia Sanchez Ethan Scott Siegel ∆ Gregory Keith Sandahl Justin Marcus Siegel ∆ Amari Sanders Johann-Antony Nathan Dominique Anais Sandoval Silvetti-Schmitt ∆ ♦ ○ Delanoe * Tija Aleksandra Simitz ∆ Michael Henry Sankowski ♦ Aja Nicole Simmons ∆ Emilia Sansolini Kaylin Kamia Simmons ∆ Grace Virginia Santos Asta Simonovic ∆ ♦ ○ Jane Claire Sauer ∆ George Owen Sipiora ∆ Charlotte Rose Savoy ∆ Eric William Skala ∆ Charles A. Savramis ∆ Clayton Thomas Smith ∆ ♦ Kaia Diana Scatton ∆ Jordan Ellen Smith Jenna Schaines ∆ ♦ ○ * Kayla Theresa Smith ∆ ♦ ○ Nelida Heike Schalich- Ryan Kirion Smith Ayllon ∆ Sasha Lore Smith Aleah Rachel Schallack ∆ Timothy Daniel Smith ∆ Lincoln A. Scheer ∆ Zachary Archibald Thornton Smith Elise Margaret Scheuring ∆ ♦ ○ Ahamad Smoot Alexis White Schulman ∆ Karis Yunqi Song ∆ Rebecca Grace Schulz ∆ Anna Gabriella Sordilla ∆ Grace Margaret Schumacher ∆ Isabel Marie Steiner ∆ Miguel Robert Schuster Briyana Stewart Melanie Kelly Seay ∆ ♦ ○ Marcos Agustin Stocco ∆ ♦ ○ Sara Nikita Segal ∆ ♦ ○ * Ryan Strickland Justin Segawa ∆ ♦ ○ Angela Suarez Prieto Esteban M. Segovia Canales ∆ Lucy Joan Suchomel ∆ ♦ ○ Julian Marshall Seinitz Honora Grace Sudnik ∆ Jessica Senger ∆ ♦ ○ Terrence Joseph Sullivan, Jr. ∆ ♦ Fatima Janely Serratos Carly Grace Swanson ∆ ♦ Natalie G. Serratos ∆ ♦ ○ * Monica Nicole Swanson ∆ Laura Elena Sevilla ∆ Anthony Luke Tabatchouk Matthew Levi Shabino ∆ ♦ ○ Mateja Tadic ∆ * Koreon Christoper Shanks Felix Mykolas Talandis ∆ ♦ ○ Madeleine Share ∆ ♦ Owen Antanas Talandis ∆ ♦ ○ Sophie Judith Shaw ∆ ♦ ○ Lannah M. Tamborello ∆ Athena M. Shelley-Diggs ♦ Kai Harrison Tang ∆ ♦ Nia Lynn Shepard Kennedy Renae Tarrance Taylr I. Shipp ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Destiny Taylor ∆ Jordan E. Vernon Palesha Safina Taylor ∆ William Lawrence Vest ♦ Rachel M. Taylor ∆ Alex Villalvazo-Serratos Antoine L. Teague II Axel Isaiah Villanueva Eli Joseph Tennison ∆ ♦ Andrew Michael Vinci Jean-Paul Thigpen Leo Lousi Vitali Shi’ana Auset Thomas ∆ Claire A. Von Ebers ∆ Jakeam William Thompson Collin Wyman Waco ∆ ♦ ○ Nile Kenneth Thompson Jane Catherine Wahlfeldt ∆ ♦ ○ * Anyiah Nicole Thornton ∆ Christopher James Walker Myles Daniel Thornton David Alexander Grayson Walker ∆ Juliet Alexandra Thurman ∆ ○ Daysha Kiran Walker ∆ Charles Marcel Tijerina-Albury ∆ Justice Ashanti Walton Queenie Loreen Ting ∆ * Chaz Enrique Walzer Michael Leo Tomaso Cailin Wang Zachary Scott Traczyk ∆ ♦ * Padraic Wangelin Catherine Ann Traylor Adrian A. Ward Jonathan Trisko ∆ ♦ ○ Deshaun Anthony Ware Lily Grace Trogus ∆ Trinity Washington Charlotte Rose True ∆ ♦ ○ Justyce Watson ∆ Elijah Manoli Tsakalakis ∆ Matthew Declan Watson ∆ Gavin Tunney ∆ Ella Leone Weatherington ∆ ○ Nicolas Leon Ubogy ∆ ♦ Ashley Jane Wefel ∆ ♦ ○ Ethan A. Ulrich ∆ Alexa J. Wegener ∆ Malik Terrell Underwood Nicole M. Wegener ∆ Charles Unruh ∆ John Weible ∆ Olivia Kristine Uz ∆ Alexandra Rose Weisman ∆ ♦ Jane Louise Vachon ∆ ♦ Griffin Henry Weisman ∆ John Francis Valaika ∆ Daniel Avery Weiss ∆ ♦ * Marie Xochil Valentin ∆ Caullin Lee West ∆ Ryan Michael Valentine ∆ Aaliyah Monae White Jasmine Valtierra Mary White ∆ Oliver Nathaniel Van Der Meer ∆ Dylan Zissimopoulos Whitney∆ ♦ ○ * Rees Atkinson Van Natter Brejae Williams Abigail Lily Van Santen ∆ Colette Williams ∆ Hunter Ian Van Zant ∆ Kayla Nyjah Williams Katharine Grace Vanker ∆ ♦ Monteriana Williams Carlos A. Vazquez Kate Taylor Willsey ∆ ♦ ○ William Scott Vejcik ∆ ♦ ○ Edjuan Wilson Lucas G. Vergara ∆ Troy Gabriel Wilson ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
Lauren Winchell Kai Anna Oishi Yokoo ∆ ♦ ○ Aidan Jack Wittenberg ∆ ♦ ○ Julia Elizabeth Youman ∆ ♦ ○ Anne Cragan Wollmuth ∆ ♦ ○ * Owen Halliburton Young Benjamin Wolowitz ∆ Rachel Young ∆ ♦ ○ Larson Wood ∆ Alex Yuan ∆ ♦ ○ Zahria Woodard ∆ Jacob Yussman ∆ Kevin Lamarr Word, Jr. Matias Giovanni Zaro ∆ * Passion S. Worsham ∆ Jessica Ann Zarosl ∆ Dushun Antoine Worthum ∆ Sonia Marek Zartman ∆ ♦ Lucy Isabella Wright ∆ Alexis Reid Zeiser ∆ Michael Harry Wysockey Agnieszka Oliwia Zochowski ∆ * Yunhao Xu ∆ * Zackary David Zubkus ∆ ♦ Anahit Yakubovich Ruth Kelila Zuraw ∆ ♦ ○ Caleb Benjamin Yarrow Nicholas John Zurawski ∆ Yasmeen Kiya Yehudah ∆ ∆ Cumulative Honor Roll ♦ Illinois State Scholar ○ Cum Laude * IL State Biliteracy Seal
CLASS OF 2020 SCHOLARSHIP CUP RECIPIENTS
This prestigious honor was first awarded in 1915 and is given to the top
scholar(s) of each graduating class based on grade point average (GPA) at the
end of the seventh semester. Students also must have been an OPRFHS student
for five of the seven semesters to be eligible for this award. Continuing with
this tradition and in lieu of a valedictorian, 35 students from the Class of 2020
will receive this honor at our commencement ceremony.
Katherine Grace Andolina
It’s an odd thing to have your last day of high school and not
know it until it’s over. I’m sad to have missed being a second
semester senior, but OPRF has still given me so much.
I learned the academic lessons I hoped I would as a
freshman. I learned math that sounds like a foreign
language to my parents, and wrote about rhetorical
devices. A lot. But the larger lessons will last much
longer. Ms. Biasiello inspired me to have a political voice,
and a West Wing addiction. Mr. Potts taught me that
humor has a place in the classroom. And Mrs. Geissler
showed me that creating a safe space goes a long way.
Ms. Ojikutu cared about my human, as well as my academic needs. She understands that
this building is about more than book learning. My tennis teammates made competition
fun and supported me when I lost. But more than anything, the greatest gift from OPRF is
incredible friends who have walked alongside me. Their strength, kindness, and humor is the
reason I am here today. Our high school journey may not be ending the way we expected,
but I am grateful to have this community.
Justin Banks
Looking back at high school, I can confidently say that
it has been a four-year-long roller coaster – but also the
best ride I have ever been on. The memories created,
the friendships formed, the wonderful experiences
altogether made for one great high school career that
I would not trade for any other. I am grateful to have
gone to such an amazing school, met even more
amazing people, and learned in such an enriching,
supporting environment. Thank you to all the teachers,
staff, classmates, family, and friends who believed in
me and always pushed me to try my hardest.
To the Class of 2020, congratulations to all of us! We did it! Now as we move on to the
next phase of our lives, I wish us all the best. I know that if we can persevere through
these four years, we will all thrive in the years to come. I hope you cherish the memories
you have made, and that you create new ones as you embark on this next part of your
life. Congrats everyone!Oak Park and River Forest High School
Isabelle Ana Carrillo
When you are a freshman, first entering high school,
everything seems large. The people, the workload, the
building; it can be overwhelming. Four years later, the
people still seem large to me, but the workload has
been manageable and the halls are full of memories.
High school is not for everyone, that is for sure, but
regardless of the amount of friends you had or what
your grades were like, it is a place to grow and learn
more about yourself. When I first walked in the South
Hall doors my first day of freshman year, I was a
completely different person than who I am now. This
school, along with my friends and family, have helped me become confident in who I am
and have guided me on my path in life. Some of my classmates have become more like
family, and I hope these bonds will last. By no means was my experience perfect, and, of
course, there are things I would change, but I am grateful that I have been able to attend
OPRF. While the future remains uncertain, I will always remember the highlights of my
time here and the experiences that helped shape me.
Luke Clancy
In the beginning of this school year, I was asked to give
advice to incoming freshmen. I told them:
• Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.
• Get on your teachers’ good side
• And, work hard.
Looking back on that advice, I see a common theme.
These little nuggets of knowledge helped students 1)
Do well in school and 2) Widen their experiences. After
finishing Senior year, however, I noticed that I was missing
the most important piece of advice: have fun. Sure, getting
outside of your comfort zone and working hard will look
good on your résumé. But, what good is that if you don’t
enjoy it. When I look back at high school, I do not think of
the nights spent studying for exams. I think of laughs, the
friendships, and, of course, ballin’ with my bros. In the end, those are the memories that I want
more of.
So, if I were asked to give advice to incoming freshmen again, I would tell them:
• Cherish your experience
• Smile and laugh everyday.
• And, make new friendships and strengthen old ones
There you have it. My all-powerful advice to make high school a great time.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Garrett Christopher Credi
Stepping into the next chapter of our lives means
leaving this one, and I know I’m going to miss it.
I’ve gotten to acquaint myself with my own little slice
of OPRF over these four years and, while some
bits of the slice weren’t perfect, every ounce of it
helped me, and helped us, grow. In almost every
high school English class I’ve been in, we’ve had
the word ‘microcosm’ as a vocab word. I don’t think
that’s due to some secret tome of vocab words every
English teacher receives in their first year of teaching,
I think it’s because OPRF and our experience in it is
a microcosm of what our lives will be later. We all get
little tastes of the good and bad parts of life, but, what makes OPRF different, is that we
always have somebody or something there for us. I’m going to miss the Cross Country
and Math team that’s always been there for me, the counselor that’s always had my
back, the teacher that’s always helped me grow, and the friends that’ve always been
by my side. I’ll never forget my little slice of OPRF, but I’ll always miss it during the next
chapter of my, and of our, lives.”
Hope Rutherford Donoghue
As I reflect back on my four years at OPRF, the word
that first comes to my mind is unforgettable. Due
to the current circumstances, 2020 clearly will be a
year that no one ever forgets. Canceling the end of
our senior year and possibly graduating via Zoom
certainly meet the definition of this word. However for
me, unforgettable takes on an additional meaning.
I will never forget all the opportunities OPRF has
provided me. At OPRF, I have been able to create
long-lasting friendships and most importantly, I have
been able to explore new interests I never knew I had
(a huge shout out to Best Buddies and 6th period
Adapted PE). If there is anything OPRF and this year have taught us, it’s to be flexible
and optimistic. We got this, Class of 2020! Congratulations.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Zeevielle Drizin
Wow, has high school been a rollercoaster! Little
did I know on my first day how chaotic, exhilarating,
stressful, fun, and life-changing the next four years
would be. Taking inspiring classes, meeting amazing
friends and teachers, and learning life lessons about
myself and our world provided me an experience I will
always treasure.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020 for making it to this
day! We sure have been through a lot together. Entering
OPRF we were forced to confront major racial issues
after the release of the “America to Me” documentary.
We participated in protests to let our administration know how we wanted the school to
change. But these protests didn’t stop there. We joined students in national walk-outs
to spread awareness on the tragedy of gun violence and environmental crisis. Now, we
complete our senior year by staying home to save lives from the COVID-19 pandemic.
These challenges have broadened our perspectives of the world and inspired us to fight
for significant issues. We are truly ready to be the leaders of tomorrow. I personally plan
to support women’s rights and the environment through a business lens. Thank you to
all who have guided me on this path to success!
Aaron Emet Freeman
One thing that strikes me about OPRF is the sheer
size of the student body. Even in our own class, there
are hundreds of you that I have never met, or even
seen in the halls. It still amazes me, and I believe it is
one of our school’s most rewarding aspects.
I came to OPRF with only a few close friends, and I
was extremely disappointed when none of them were
in my Huskie kickoff group. The hundreds of unfamiliar
faces frightened me, but soon my time spent in
classrooms at OPRF completely dismantled my first
year nerves. Every year I walked into new classes to
that same sea of unfamiliar faces, and each year I created new connections after just a
few short weeks in the classroom. While I am excited for the next chapter, I depart with
a tinge of regret that I will miss the opportunity to connect with more of my classmates,
and with a great deal of gratitude for the genuine kindness that I have experienced these
past four years.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Abigail Giardina
Since I found out that I had to write this, I have had a lot
of extra time on my hands to reflect on my high school
experience. I didn’t do it, but I could have if I wanted to.
I spent most of the time on Twitter. The truth is, I kept
putting it off because I didn’t really love high school and
it definitely wasn’t “the best four years of my life.” Or at
least I really hope it wasn’t.
That being said, progress was made. The person I
was four years ago is essentially unrecognizable from
who I am today. I have become a happier and healthier
person with help from some great teachers, amazing
friends, and a supportive family. The journey was not
easy, but I feel extremely lucky about where I ended up.
Congratulations, Class of 2020! Although this was not how we pictured the end of our
time in high school, I cannot wait to see where the next chapter of our lives takes us!
Samantha Jane Gotti
For the past three years of high school, I have been
lucky to have Tabula as my last class of the day. Upon
entering the iconic 305-A, you’ll spot a “Kourtney and
Khloe [Kardashian] Take Miami” poster, a Danny DeVito
shrine, a makeshift bed in the closet, a wall of Yogi tea
bag aspirations, and a dozen mugs littered around with
month-old coffee residue. Yearbook has been the source
of some of my most favorite and cherished high school
memories from impromptu haircut sessions to the time
when an instant mac and cheese mishap almost burned
down the school. In the midst of a deadline crunch, I
found friendships with the most unexpected people.
Having a solid and consistent group of friends has been a key part of my success in high
school. Whether on a sports team, in a musical group, or an activist club, the sense of
community and belonging at OPRF embodies greatness and loyalty. As we move into
adulthood, remember our collective efforts of resilience and strength to stay positive
and make a difference in the world. Also, wear sunscreen, drink water, and wash your
hands. Good luck Class of 2020!Oak Park and River Forest High School
David Fineas Greenstone
Hey, Class of 2020! Pretty weird way to end our senior
year, but here we are.
I’d just like to thank you all for being such a weird,
interesting class for the time I’ve known you. During
these four years, I made you all read my bizarre Grinch
essay, used my position as an editor of the Trapeze
as an excuse to rant against Garfield as a symbol of
capitalistic excess and decay in the media, and some
other stuff that isn’t nearly as important as those two
things. Actually, just forget everything else I may have
done here; it’ll never top those two accomplishments.
But, seriously, thank you. You all are great people, and I hope to stay in touch with you
for years to come. Good luck with your future endeavors, whatever they may be.
Devin Connor Hayes
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection
we can catch greatness.” - Vince Lombardi
OPRFHS always demanded my best and taught me
to aspire to greatness. I would like to thank all my
teachers, coaches, friends, and family who have
provided me with guidance and support over these
past years. You all have contributed to helping me to
become the person I am today.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Tyler Nicholas Hoyt
When I look back at OPRF, memories flood into my
head. Embarrassing memories as a scared freshman.
Embarrassing memories as an over-confident
sophomore. Embarrassing memories as a stressed-
out junior. And half a year of embarrassing memories
as an even more stressed-out senior. Yet regardless
of how rough most of the memories are, and there
are some pretty good ones, they all made me into the
person I am today. And for that, OPRF, I am grateful.
But more than just the school, it was the people who I
have come to know and love over the last 4 years that
helped me develop and grow. To everyone I have interacted with in any way at OPRF:
students, teachers, coaches, counsellors, teammates, friends... Thank you. Thank you
for leading me when I needed help. Thank you for making me smile when I was feeling
down. Thank you for saying hi in the halls. Thank you for showing me the way when I
was lost. Thank you for helping me stay awake after a sleepless night. Thank you for
making me laugh during that boring class. Thank you for those embarrassing memories.
Maia Yong-Yi Huang
There’s no way I could have grown so much over the past
four years without the amazing teachers I have had. They
have taught me invaluable lessons, both in and out of the
classroom. I can’t properly put my gratitude for my teachers
into words, so instead, I’m going to share with you their
own wise words. I asked each of my teachers to sum up,
in one word, what they hope their students take away from
their class or from high school in general. Their names and
responses are below.
As we spend this day celebrating the end of our journey through
OPRF, I urge us all to take some time to thank all the teachers
that guided us along the way. Congratulations Class of 2020!Oak Park and River Forest High School
Sarah N. Kelly
Having to sum up all four years and say my goodbyes
and thank yous to everyone in only 200 words?
Impossible. These past four years I have had some of
the best experiences of my life, though it was tough at
times since One Direction’s hiatus never came to an
end… Anyways, I was truly saddened to hear that I
would not get to spend the last couple months with this
great group of people. The friends I met here are the
best I could ask for. They are the real reason why high
school was so great. OPRF has really made me grow
and be the person I am now. I still have a lot to learn, but
I owe OPRF a ton of credit for shaping me. I’m going to
miss everyone from the class of 2020 and I am so thankful to have been a part of such
a great community. I’m sad this experience had to end, but I’m excited for what’s next.
Jenna Louise Kochendorfer
Coming into high school was an exciting time, I had
my sister one grade above and I had made the swim
team the week before school started. High school was
set up to be great, and honestly, most of the things I
remember and reminisce about are good. Some of the
best times of my life happened during my high school
career like learning to play water polo, taking a bunch
of different art classes, going on a summer trip to Spain
through the school, dressing up for swim meets, being
in Leadership, and many many other things.
Yes, some of my memories are of struggles but everyone has struggled sometime in
the last four years, emotionally, physically, socially, school-related, family-related, or with
themselves, but no matter the struggle, completing high school and getting that diploma
is a reason to celebrate. Every graduate has done something great by persevering to
be here. While we are still facing an uncertain future, we can use our graduation as
motivation to overcome any new challenges that face us. Instead of giving up, we can
change those struggles into accomplishments.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Marissa Anjali Kuriakos
I am grateful for everyone who helped me get through high
school. I am truly lucky to have so many people push me to
be the best that I can be.
People who helped me through high school and why:
• Meghna Kuriakos: stopped me from taking BC
Calc junior year
• Mr. Lessing: letting me be a part of a transformative
theatre experience and making his classroom an
open, welcoming environment
• Maia Huang: helping me pass math, listening to
my rants
• Mr. Bell: helping me grow as a student, actor, and
person
• Mr. Pearson: explaining how OPRF is dysfunctional, being an amazing and
understanding teacher
• Ms. Sadowski: not making me feel bad for asking her to explain things
• Kai Yokoo: making me hang out and have fun
• Isabelle Meyer: driving me to/from rehearsal, helping me pass biology, letting me cry
in her arms, etc.
There are so many more people who should be on this list. It’s currently 11:43 p.m. the day this
is due and I’m on facetime with Kai to help write this. If that’s not a fitting way to end my time at
OPRF I don’t know what is. Congrats, Class of 2020!
Elizabeth Anne Larscheid
I am a firm believer in the saying “it takes a village”. I
am who I am today, in no small part, because of the
teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends I have had
the privilege to connect with over the last four years.
I feel very grateful to have grown up in the OPRF
community and to have spent my formative years at
Oak Park River Forest High school. We have seen
some dark and challenging times, but I’ve really felt
that the community has grown closer together, as a
result. I have a tremendous amount of respect and
appreciation for my peers who have come forward and
have shared their truths, and I am proud of the greater
community’s willingness and eagerness to listen to the experiences of others. I hope that
wherever my path takes me will be even half as warm and accepting as the village that I
am lucky to call home. Congratulations, Class of 2020! I wish you all the best!Oak Park and River Forest High School
Paolo Miller
I was hesitant in writing this because I don’t feel that
I have some great wisdom to impart. I still feel like a
kid in some ways –I’m just slightly taller than I was
four years ago. Looking at the upperclassmen in the
halls as a freshman was intimidating because they all
seemed infinitely older and more experienced than me.
But now that I am a senior, I recognize that we’re just
as lost as we were as freshmen. Instead of offering
wisdom then, I would like to express my thanks to my
teachers who helped me develop academic curiosity,
my coaches who taught me the value of self-discipline
and being a part of a team, and my friends who have
given my so many great memories. I’m both excited and scared to see where life takes
all of us, but I’m fully confident that OPRF has prepared us for our future endeavors.
Wherever we go, we will always have a home here. Once a Huskie, always a Huskie!
Dora Mabel Montgomery
All of television has told me that I, an unsociable nerd,
would hate high school. Somehow, I’ve found that I
don’t hate OPRF. My feelings are mixed, but I’ll focus
on the positive and list my five favorite things about
OPRF.
1. The Latin Room. I’m sorry, you mean my home?
Let the Hemingway Room burn, it doesn’t hold a
candle to the Latin Room.
2. The cafeteria muffins. The muffins ranked:
blueberry (a classic), lemon poppy seed (didn’t
really taste like lemon), apple cinnamon (a rare
treat), banana nut (meh), and chocolate (drivel).
3. The mural in Mr. Williams’ room. I have stared at that mural for cumulative days
and I swear to you that I still notice things about it I’ve never seen before.
4. The puzzle table at the library. The library itself is ugly, but the puzzle is a
beacon of light and hope. My apologies to all the people who tried to do the
puzzle and I glared at you until you went away.
5. Ms. Naomi’s room during my freshman year. It may be a shadow of its former
self now but that room was the coolest place I’ve ever been. Televisions as
bookshelves is the metaphor.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Joshua Ogunsanya
The multitude of emotions I experience in this transition
past high school is hard to describe in words. It is
bewildering to look back and realize all that has
occurred during these four years, and the possibilities
which lie on the horizon. But while I can’t describe
all my feelings, I can single out one that stands out
above all others: gratitude. I know I wouldn’t be where
I am now were it not for the help of my family, friends,
coaches, and school staff. Their selfless dedication
toward my success is nothing short of commendable,
and has profoundly influenced who I aspire to be as I
ascend into adulthood.
My current experience reminds me that great change can bring forth both great
anticipation and fear. These last months have shown more than ever how the uncertainty
of the future can appear so daunting. I can only ask of my fellow peers that we focus
on what is under our control, seek to push ourselves in pursuit of self-improvement,
and never be afraid to acknowledge our shortcomings and reach out for support. These
crucial lessons are some of many that I have learned while being at OPRF.
Simone Michele Bartlett Paul
“I’m not sure how I feel about this Scholarship Cup
thing. I’m not sure if the hundreds of hours I spent to
get As was worth it. And I’m not sure if those who got
As, like we did, should be put on so high a pedestal.
I realize that I regret a lot of the classes I took at OPRF.
Most of the time I took the highest level or ones that
would look good on a college application. In fact, the
best class I ever took was not AP or honors. It was a
law class taught by the amazing Mr. Mertz. Mertz was
the first teacher I had who didn’t care about the grade.
It’s strange, but I am most proud of my choice to take
that class above everything else. I learned more in that class than I ever have in any AP
(and all without a focus on the grade, imagine that).
I really think everyone who challenged themselves, who stepped out of their comfort
zone, who took a class on a whim, should be the ones who should be honored. And
really, I think we’ve all done that, so well done Class of 2020!”Oak Park and River Forest High School
Robert Webb Pflederer
When I walked into OPRF’s hallways for the first time,
the idea of finishing high school seemed like it was an
eternity away. I came from Saint Giles Catholic School,
which is tiny relative to OPRF, so I was just wondering
how I was possibly going to fit in and make friends at
this huge new school with so many new people. Four
years later, as we speed towards graduating, I look back
and realize how much I have grown as a person since I
started out here.
Coming in, I was one of those freshmen that people
see and think, “Man, these freshmen are really getting
smaller every year.” I was a pretty shy and quiet kid, standing at five feet tall, and I didn’t
know most of the people at OP. Since then, I have become acquainted with most of my
fellow classmates, made friends with many of them, and grown ten inches. Most of this
can be largely attributed to my family, friends, and teachers who all helped support me
throughout this journey. Congrats to the Class of 2020! It’s been a ride guys, can’t wait for
the next chapters of our lives!
Sarah Joy Pilditch
When I think about OPRF, I think about so many things.
Whether it was walking into the band room every single
morning so I could sit and listen to the jazz band, or
waking up at 5am every day to play a sport I loved, I
enjoyed so many moments here. Sure, there were some
difficult days, and some even harder than that, but I can
safely say that OPRF is truly where I’ve made some of
my best memories, and some of my best friends.
Being out of school has made me realize how much I
truly enjoyed OPRF when I was there. I miss seeing
my friends for hours a day and laughing in some of my
favorite classes. So many of my teachers really knew how to make school fun, and I want
to thank them for that. Thank you OPRF for teaching me that school doesn’t have to be
hard all the time, and that you don’t have to be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Thank you OPRF for being a constant in my life for all of these years. I can’t wait for
what is to come.Oak Park and River Forest High School
William Christmas Raidt
What makes OPRF special is the people. Losing
the end of our senior year made this more clear
than ever. After graduation, students won’t miss the
assignments or the work; they’ll miss their classmates,
their teachers, and their coaches. The homework, the
tests, the projects, and the exams will continue for
many of us as we leave OPRF. We aren’t graduating
from schoolwork. However, we are graduating from
the people at OPRF. There are many people that
we saw every school day this year who we will likely
never see again. It’s sad, but it’s okay because the
memories that we have all formed together will stick
with us for the rest of our lives. I’m so thankful for all of the amazing friends, inspiring
teachers, and motivating coaches that OPRF has given me the opportunity to meet. I will
cherish the memories of the last four years for the rest of my life. Go Huskies!
Lauren McHugh Raihle
Congrats to everyone graduating today! We have
been told for years that the last months of senior year
will be our most memorable. I can say with confidence
that this is definitely true for us all. While we have
had weeks apart, we have grown more together.
We have figured out who and what is important. We
have a new appreciation of the little things that have
made OPRF special to us. We also realize that we
are better together. I think that this was one of the
most important lessons I learned over my four years
at OPRF. That when we come together in classrooms,
on sports fields, and all types of stages incredible
things are possible. I am so thankful for my family, teachers, and coaches that have
inspired and supported me along the way. For all the friends I have made to last a
lifetime from our countless hours spent studying and working on projects together, late
nights at practices and games, and weekends full of laughs and adventures. Thank
you OPRF for all you have given me. The Cass of 2020 will definitely be remembered
because together we can take on anything that comes our way!Oak Park and River Forest High School
Priya Meera Rawal
My family has been receiving calls from OPRF almost
every week since 2009, when I was seven years old
and “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas was
the top song on the Billboard Hot 100. At the time,
I thought of OPRF as a daunting, enormous maze.
Now that I’ve finished my four years here, I know I
am truly lucky to have gone to such a large school
because within those walls, I have interacted with a
more diverse group of people with more unique ideas
and perspectives than what many people encounter
in their lifetimes.
While it was disappointing to have our senior year be abruptly cut off, one bright side
is that I’ve had time to reflect on my experience here. It hasn’t been perfect, but I am
so grateful for the friendships I’ve made at the school, whether in the classroom or
extending far beyond, the many inspiring teachers I’ve been fortunate to learn from, and
the incredible resources I’ve been able to access. I miss seeing everyone, and I’ll miss
receiving those calls from Karin Sullivan. I wish the very best to everyone; I know you
will go on to do amazing things. Congrats to the Class of 2020!
Emma Chun-Li Roskopf
"You know how you let yourself think that everything
will be all right if you can only get to a certain place or
do a certain thing. But when you get there
you find it’s not that simple.”
-Richard Adams, Watership Down
I had one overarching goal for highschool: to get the
scholarship cup. While I had a close call when I got a
B in Driver’s Ed. lab (luckily it didn’t count towards my
GPA), completing large goals like that always prompts
introspection for me. Looking back on the past four
years, I’m surprised at how far I’ve come as a person. I
am much more assertive, athletic, happier, but sadly not any taller than when I entered
highschool. I’ve joined many activities that I never thought I would enjoy but ended
up loving. One of the most important lessons I have learned in high school, as a fairly
introverted person, is to try new things and meet new people (another memorable
lesson I’ve learned from OPRF is that cockroaches are terrifying and can climb on
ceilings). It’s been a great four years, congrats to the Class of 2020 and best of luck!Oak Park and River Forest High School
Elise Margaret Scheuring
I truly do not know what to say. Four years ago I never
would have imagined myself accomplishing what I
have. I was a girl with bangs and anxiety who was
afraid to speak up in any capacity. Now, I no longer
have bangs.
In all seriousness, I can’t possibly sum up all of the
wonderful experiences I’ve had. The friends that I
have made and the love that I have received has
made me who I am today and who I will continue to
be.
If there is one thing I have learned over the past four years it is to never underestimate
your worth. You are strong, you are powerful and no one is going to believe in you
unless you believe in yourself first. This is the attitude that I plan to tackle the rest of my
life with. Congratulations Class of 2020!
“I became insane with long intervals of horrible sanity.” - Edgar Allen Poe
Owen Antanas Talandis
If I am known as anything at this school it would
be as the national day guy, so if this graduation is
still happening on August 2nd then today should be
National Friendship Day!! How appropriate! But if
anything, today will be known as our graduation day,
and if John Hughes movies have anything to say
about it the rest of our lives should be downhill from
here. Yet, high school is not like a John Hughes movie
because there is so much to experience after it’s all
over, and I am 100 percent positive that wherever an
OPRF alumni goes they will have a good time. Thanks
once again Huskies!
“Just what is it that you want to do? Well, we wanna be free, we wanna be free to do
what we wanna do. And we wanna get loaded and we wanna have a good time. And
that’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna have a good time, we’re gonna have a party.”
-Peter Fonda
P.S. Happy national ice cream sandwich day as well, and shout out to J Jamal Yuss,
Matt, FMT, JerBear, Big Breeze, Bajo, Cec, Lolo, Ellamao, and Sophs.Oak Park and River Forest High School
Anne Cragan Wollmuth
Well OPRF, it’s been quite the ride. If you’re not
having a good day, a pandemic can be a perfect way
to sum up high school. In the last couple of years, all
of us have struggled with our own battles, publicly or
privately.
But on the good days, the pandemic stopped an
important goodbye to an enormous community
that we all were a part of. We are saying goodbye
to the friendships that began in kindergarten, and
the incidental friends whom we miss the most right
now, but don’t know them well enough to call up. Teachers who assigned the most
homework are now sending us videos telling us to not stress out. Parents and adults in
our community who care more about prom getting cancelled than we do.
Too many people have had such a big impact on me I can’t even begin to summarize
them all. But if there is one thing I have learned, having people support and pull for you
can get you through anything. Congrats everyone! We fought hard.
Kai Anna Oishi Yokoo
I almost can’t believe that four years ago, I walked into
high school as an entirely different person. But I also
can’t believe that freshman year me didn’t even listen
to music.
I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had these past four
years. Being the designated passenger seat rider until
senior year when I finally decided to get my license.
Studying chemistry for 6 hours and watching seniors
turn in flawless tests 20 minutes before me. Writing
my college essay about how my freshman English
teacher named his kid after me. Tying each of my best
memories to songs and creating playlists that represent
my time here.
As I write this, FaceTiming one of my best friends and laughing about all the amazing
experiences we’ve had together, I’m grateful that I’ve met such amazing people during
my time here. I’ve created connections with teachers that will last beyond high school.
And as I close out this chapter, titling my last playlist “high school” I’ve realized that
while I’ve made many great memories, I have never been more excited to make more.
Congrats Class of 2020!Oak Park and River Forest High School
Julia Elizabeth Youman
I walked into OPRF extremely lost, anxious, and acne-prone.
I wanted to be a fashion designer, then a Kardashian, then
a CIA agent. I incessantly compared myself to everyone
around me: my siblings, my classmates, my celebrity
obsessions. I have a theory for why that was. I believe from
a young age girls are taught that they must do it all. It’s why
the majority of recipients are women. It’s why I got perfect
grades. It’s also why I became so burnt out over the years.
My junior year, I failed my first big test. Fast forward to my
senior year and I was failing several tests. I drank too much
coffee and stumbled through college applications. But for
the first time in my life, one of my teachers asked if I was
okay after I failed a math test. In addition, my computer
science teacher was such an understanding person. My Women in History class and the teacher
made me excited to go to school again. My friends were also amazing people.
The people have always been the best part of OPRF. I’ve met my best friends, played with the
most supportive teammates, and learned from the most inspiring teachers. I never did become
any of those people I compared myself to, but I love where I’ve ended up. I guess there’s still time
to become a famous writer or feminist, but after four years, it’s safe to say I no longer feel so lost.
Alex Yuan
Truth be told, I’ve never had much love for high school.
Waking up at six, procrastinating long-term projects
until the last day, and staying awake until the birds sing
are all things I’m glad to (momentarily at least) part
with. Yet, although I think I could fill an entire memoir
with grievances, somehow I can’t help but look back
with nostalgia.
There was just something about those normal days
with those normal, weird, funny, remarkable people
that made me fulfilled. High school was also winning
trashketball, waxing over teenage love, arguing with
your club about the physics test, and making random unforgetting memories: it was
all of it. To this day, I remember ditching an assembly (sorry!) with some friends and
chilling in an empty classroom. While I can’t say that every day was magical, I think the
people were.
It’s been a pleasure to go to the same school as so many orators, poets, mathematicians,
engineers, etc.; as someone who’s only good at school, I’ve been humbled. Also, much
appreciation to the teachers who made class worth attending. While I’m a bit sad that
high school’s over, I’m happy that everyone will make the world a more enjoyable place.
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