dekalb illinois newspaper

West graduates told Blackhawk spirit will help them prevail

One of the most accomplished graduating classes in the history of West Aurora High School celebrated its achievements during commencement ceremonies at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center on Sunday.

“We have been taught the potent mix of positive ambition, personal responsibility and individual achievement,” class Valedictorian Robert Lauzen said.

After a 15-minute march to “Pomp and Circumstance,” some 4,500 family members and friends in the stands applauded and cheered their graduates for reaching the milestone. The traditional entry was followed by commencement addresses that reflected on accomplishments and looked to the future with optimism.

Lauzen said economic analysts contend the graduates’ generation will be the first to inherit an America not as prosperous as those who walked before them, but as West Aurora grads they reject those theories.

“We reject that view because it’s not consistent with American spirit. We reject the pessimism because it’s not consistent with Blackhawk spirit,” Lauzen said.

“West teaches that, no matter where we come from, we have a legitimate shot at designing our lives and making our dreams come true.”

Lauzen reminded his classmates they were beginning third grade when terrorists attacked the nation on Sept. 11.

“Now, 10 years later, we have witnessed the sacrifices made by millions to our American freedom. They have put themselves in the midst of danger and given back to society,” he said.

“The struggle will continue between peace-loving builders of a better world and those who violently destroy. We will either fear the danger or seize the opportunity. I believe that graduates of West Aurora will choose to embrace the challenge to live lives bringing values to others.

Operation Graduation 2011 Essay: Amanda Riego (DeKalb, Ill.)

My experience here at Ombudsman has been so great. When I first got told that I was going to attend Ombudsman for my senior year I was so happy. Before I came to Ombudsman, I was failing almost every class at the High school and was most likely not going to graduate with my class.

When I got the news that I was being transferred to Ombudsman, I felt a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. The teachers here help me with so much I kind of figured that I was going to graduate on time with my class.

Coming to Ombudsman made my life so much easier. Also, being a single parent, I can focus more on my daughter than having to worry about staying up long hours to do homework assignment after homework assignment. I can focus on finding a job and work for longer hours to raise my daughter and take care of her.

After I graduate I plan on going to Kishwaukee College. I also plan on enrolling into a Certified Nursing Assisting class. I hope to get a diploma for that and after that get a job related to something similar to the CNA. Because doing something I really like might help me do better in the future. All I want to do is succeed in life and make my life and my daughter’s life easier for the both of us.

The teachers here at Ombudsman made coming here easier for me also. They know what they’re doing and they know how to help me and the other students with what we need. They help us when we need it and how we need it. It’s a nice and quiet environment where I know I can come and get my work done. No questions asked.

They don’t give you something that they know you’re not ready to work on. But they do give you stuff to do that you could improve or work better on. If I could, I would recommend every high school student come here if they could.

In conclusion, being here at Ombudsman has improved everything that I ever needed help on. I’m really happy that coming here has given me the chance to graduate with my class and not to fall behind. The teachers, all the work that is given to me, just everything has made my life easier and if I wanted to I would come back to Ombudsman again but graduating is what I’m looking forward to the most.

The vanishing newspaper, saving journalism in the information age

The Newspaper:Everything You Need to Know to Make It in the Newspaper Business

Illinois, the Prairie State

Illinois

Illinois