John Glenn’s Graduates Carry Home With Them at 64th Commencement

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its 64th commencement ceremony on June 26. Surrounded by family, friends and faculty, the graduates processed onto the football field to mark the culmination of their high school journey and the beginning of exciting new opportunities.

Senior Class President Louise Hartough led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the high school’s band, directed by Dr. Paul Lasurdo, performed a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Additional musical performances during the evening came from the band, playing Billy Joel selections, and the high school’s choir, directed by Hanna Cozzolino, performing Abba’s “Slipping Through My Fingers.”

In her welcoming remarks, outgoing Principal Irene McLaughlin delved into themes of human connection, the balance between achievement and humanity, and pride in one’s community.

“You are a product of a community that values character just as much as credentials,” McLaughlin said. “No matter how far you travel from this great community, never forget the foundation that you built here. Carry the values of John Glenn into the world like a badge of honor. If you live your life with the same integrity, kindness and strength that this community has invested in you, then you will not only achieve greatness, you will also make Elwood deeply proud.”

Superintendent Dr. Gayle Steele praised the Class of 2026’s appreciation for tradition. 

“You are a part of a lineage of excellence and you have upheld the traditions of this district with a grace that is rare for your age,” Dr. Steele said. “You understand that you are part of something larger than yourselves, and in doing so, you became the guardians of the Elwood spirit. Your ideas are the ones that will solve the problems my generation has yet to answer. Your empathy is the tool that will heal our communities, and your voice can redefine society. Class of 2026, you leave behind a legacy of respect and a deep appreciation for the history of this institution. You have shown us that you are ready. You will always be role models here, but now you will be role models for the world.”

Board of Education member Tom Scarola’s speech touched on the value of integrity and the power of hard work.

“Graduates, today is much more than the end of your high school journey; it is the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with possibilities, challenges and opportunities that only you can define,” Scarola said. “As you leave here tonight, know that you’ll always be part of the Elwood family. We will celebrate your success, cheer your accomplishments and welcome you back whenever you return. Dream boldly, lead with integrity, serve others generously and never stop believing in what you are capable of becoming.”

“An expression I have often heard is, you can’t go home again, but I disagree with this expression,” salutatorian Ava Haddad said. “I truly believe it is not about going back home. It is about never leaving. Home never leaves you, you take it with you wherever you go. The John Glenn High School Class of 2026 will go on to do incredible things. You will persevere through difficult times. You will be successful in the challenges that you face. You will be the visionaries and leaders in your field, and I am honored and humbled to have spent this time of my life with you all. You can’t go home again, they say. Well, they are wrong. Home is not outside, it is inside. And inside, where it matters most, we are all Elwood. You can go home again, not by returning to a building, but by remembering who helped build you.”

Valedictorian Camila Avila lauded the accomplishments and impact of her classmates.

“Within each and every one of my fellow graduates, I have witnessed incredible strength, resilience and a capacity to change the world,” Avila said. “As you go out there into the world, I dare each and every one of you to face the uncertainty head on. I hope you remember how capable you are. The journey won’t always be easy, but you have everything you need to thrive. And I hope you take the time to feel small. It is often easy to feel like your problems are too much to handle or too big, or even on the contrary, that everything is going well and nothing could possibly go wrong. But the reality is that all things in life – good and bad – pass. Take the time to ground yourself and appreciate the world around you. Wherever life takes you next, may your smiles never falter, and may you always stay true to yourselves.”

Representing the senior class, graduation speakers Jeffrey Peng and Reema Singh brought levity to the ceremony as they reflected on the close bond shared by the Class of 2026.

“Usually, there’s one student speaker, but this year our class decided that one wasn’t enough,” Singh said. “Honestly, that suits our class, because if there’s one thing that defines us over the last four years, it’s that we do everything together.”   

“We will miss each other so much, and miss all those memories we have created, but we will forever be grateful to those who have supported our path,” Peng said. “Deep in our hearts, we will forever be Knights.”

The evening concluded with the presentation of diplomas to the newest John Glenn alumni. Following the traditional turning of the tassels, led by Hartough and All School President Peter Bell, blue and white caps soared into the evening sky as the Class of 2026 celebrated the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next.