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Graduates confident about the future
The Hinsdale South Class of 2012 enters the stadium to begin their graduation Friday evening. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
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Updated: August 6, 2012 2:17AM
It’s normal for graduates to feel some uncertainty as they move that tassel from right to left and step into the next chapter of their lives.
But now is not the time to worry, said Hinsdale South Senior Class President Matteo Hoch. Now, he said, is a time to celebrate.
Hoch said worries about industrialization, pollution and health care are all challenges he and his peers will face, but upon speaking to his fellow graduates at commencement on Friday, Hoch encouraged his classmates to pursue their dreams, no matter what challenges arise.
“There will be challenges ahead,” agreed Mickhale Lamba, Hinsdale South Student Council president and one of 405 members of the Hinsdale South Class of 2012 to graduate on June 1.
Lamba said he is confident his choice of a medical career will assure him a job down the line. But in the meantime, scholarships and student loans are more important than ever.
He and his classmates are off to a good start. Principal Brian Waterman said the Class of 2012 received more than $15 million in scholarships and grants toward college.
A portion of that $15 million went to Natalie Tomerlin, who earned several local scholarships, along with a $20,000 award from Augustana, where she will study communication and psychology in the fall.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter of my life,” Tomerlin said. She said college is a time of self discovery and a time to grow.
While she worries about being away from her family, Tomerlin said she’s confident the change will be good for her.
“That’s just part of the growing experience,” she said.
Waterman said the Class of 2012 included state champion athletes, National Merit Scholars, award-winning artists, talented thespians, and noted singers and musicians.
“This class was highly successful,” he said. “They’re going to go on and do some great things, which is exciting.”
Commencement ceremonies at South’s sister school, Hinsdale Central High School, were moved indoors May 31 because of bad weather, but that didn’t dim the enthusiasm as seniors donned caps and gowns and grabbed their diplomas.
Lyons Township High School saluted 840 graduates in the Class of 2012 at commencement ceremonies Sunday in La Grange.
Among the student speakers was class President Erik Wennerstrum, who talked to his fellow graduates about the challenges ahead.
“With all the problems in the future looming ahead, like the debt and the economy, it’s going to take a generation of leaders like us,” he said. “And that starts with our college education and what we’re investing in our country.”
Wennerstrum said the values espoused at LT should be applied to the future.
“It’s on us to steer the future in the right direction,” he said.
Staff Writer Jane Michaels contributed to this report.
