Lyons Township High School Celebrates the Class of 2026 at Commencement Ceremony
Lyons Township High School District 204 proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 during its Commencement Ceremony, honoring the accomplishments, resilience, and future aspirations of the graduating class.
The evening brought together graduates, families, faculty, staff, Board of Education members, and community members to recognize the achievements of the 2026 class and reflect on their journey through Lyons Township High School.
Principal Dr. Jennifer Tyrrell welcomed attendees and acknowledged the collective support that helped students reach this milestone. The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute honoring classmates Maximilian Kobalarczyk, Caroline Mhley, and Julian Urbina-Medina, whose memories remain an important part of the LT community. Their names were included in the commencement program, and diplomas were presented to their families in recognition of their lives and accomplishments.
The warm welcome was followed by a moving performance of the anthem by the Senior Madrigals under the direction of choral director John Musick and American Sign Language Students under the direction of teacher Krystle Conrad.
Board of Education President Tim Albores encouraged graduates to remain authentic and lead lives rooted in kindness and service to others. “If I could leave you with only four words, they would be this: Be a good human,” Albores shared, reminding students that everyday acts of compassion and integrity have the power to make a lasting impact.
Class of 2026 President Paxton Cutler reflected on the shared experiences and presented the Class of 2026 gift of a memorial bench that will be placed in the pollinator garden outside North Campus for future students to reflect and create memories of their own.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Waterman praised the graduating class for strengthening the legacy of Lyons Township High School through their perseverance, leadership, and contributions to the school community. “LT’s reputation doesn’t live in a building or a trophy case,” said Waterman. “It lives in its people, in the standard they hold themselves to, and in the way they treat others and rise to meet challenges.”
Student Council President Nadija Neskovic reflected on the growth, resilience, and friendships formed over the past four years while expressing gratitude to families, teachers, and mentors who supported students throughout their journey.
Class Honors Orator Delilah Pawlowski shared a message centered on LT’s motto, Vita Plena - the quest for a fulfilling life. Pawlowski encouraged her classmates to recognize that fulfillment is found not only in accomplishments, but also in community, connection, and shared experiences.
The ceremony also recognized numerous academic honors and scholarships earned by the graduating class. Highlights included:
- 126 students named High Honor Graduates
- 20 National Merit Commended Students
- 15 National Merit Finalists
- 232 Illinois State Scholars
Several scholarships were announced including:
- The Donald D. Reber Scholarship awarded to: Blake McCraken
- The American Legion awarded to: William (Wesley) Musgrove and Chika Nduka
- The Robert C. Burson Scholarship awarded to: Lindsay Forebaugh
Students from the Class of 2026 reported plans to attend 191 colleges and technical schools across 39 states and several countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland. Collectively, the class reported nearly $16 million in utilized scholarship offers toward future educational pursuits.
The ceremony concluded with the official presentation of diplomas, the traditional turning of tassels, fireworks, and a final celebration recognizing the accomplishments of the Lyons Township High School Class of 2026.