The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Illini West 2024 High School Graduation took place on a very warm afternoon Sunday, May 19th
Congratulations were given with much applause from a packed crowd of supporters for the accomplishments of 83 graduates who had worked through twelve years plus some of schooling and testing, to reach this successful day.
Roger Duffy was the guest speaker during the ceremony and told of the pride he carried for the class members of 2024, saying,
"You ARE the best!"
"You kids have been though a lot," referring to their time in school during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Duffy pointed at them and said, "This class IS the best!" "Because of the way you handle yourself - in the hallway–basketball court–baseball field–softball field–football field, and in the classroom. You are a VERY special group, Each and every one of you. You are VERY Special and don't you ever forget it!"
Then, Duffy put on a black mask worn during Covid, and he asked…
"Ah, Remember these things?
"Pull your mask up!"
"Pull your masks up!"
Then he drew laughs as he pulled it off and tossed it in the air to the floor saying...
"I'm glad that's over!"
"How about this?" and he pulled out a remote thermometer and pointed it at them and then at his forehead.
"Oops! You're a suspect! Go there! ....and stand there awhile. You're a suspect!"
Duffy said, "You've been through a lot!" He went on to not just praise the kids, but praised their teachers.
"These teachers didn't train for this, but I think they did a wonderful job!" (training through Covid and working with students remotely).
"Coby, I can't see you!"
"They've done a great job," Duffy said, "Let's give them a round of applause."
Duffy asked, "How did you parents do this at home..."How did you get your kids up to get in front of your computer and learn?
Duffy went on to remind graduates of the good heart the Class of 2024 has for special kids in their class.
"That is why this is the best class there ever was that has walked the hallways of Illini West. It's because of your hearts. I appreciate that."
Duffy said, "A second thing, and you aren't going to hear any argument from anyone here in this gym, that We live in the greatest country in the world! And never forget, you have all kinds of rights!" and he mentioned the many freedoms we have in Amerca today.
He told the class, "You have freedom of speech, you have the right to vote! You can change this world.
"You become adults. You get together. And you change this world! This world's a crazy place. It gets crazier and crazier everyday, but you guys and you girls can get together and change this. And I hope you do.!"
Duffy ended his talk by passing on a saying he had heard from an old man, and that's "Git-R-Done!"
"And I hope you do!
"May God bless each and every one of you for the rest of your lives. Thank you."
After the Welcome was given by Illini West Principal Amanda Congdon she announced the top grade point averages for their four years at Illini West as follows:
3 Summa Cum Laude senior graduates honored with GPA 3.900 - 4.000 - These students all carried a 4.0 GPA.
Katherine Biery,
Thomas Chandler,
Sarah Stinemates.
11 Seniors recognized for Magna Cum Laude GPAs of 3.750-3.890
Laney Brown,
Josie Bryan,
Grant Combites,
Ashley Eddington,
Kaelyn Ferrill,
Allison Hunter,
Cooper Kaminski,
Lily Lionberger,
Francesco Porcasi,
Reece Shoup,
Jacob Zanolla.
7 Seniors recognized for Cuma Laude GPA 3.600-3.749
Kirra Davis
Adriane Hurlburt
Allison Icenogle
Aliyah Jaber
Jackson Klinger
Cooper Neff
Colby Robertson
Sarah Stinemates and Jacob Zanolla were recepients of the two American Legion Good Citizenship awards presented by Darrell Kraft
Thomas Chandler was the recepient of the DAR Good Citizen Award presented by Ryan Bliss
Lily Lionberger presented the class address as President of the Senior Class.
Allison Icenogle offered the Invocation.
Emma Whitaker offered the Benediction.
Illini West High School Band played the processional and recessional
Jacob ZanolLA led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
National Honor Society members were recognized.