Senior Supplement Volume 48

KANELAND

KR ER

OUR FINAL CHAPTER Congratulating the Class of 2022 and preparing for goodbyes

Volume 48 • Senior Supplement • Kaneland High School • May 13, 2022

Which political party do you identify with?

What will you miss most about Kaneland?

36.9%

36.2%

No

Democratic Friends and teachers

34%

Republican

Yes

12.8%

29.8% Other

Are you a morning or a nighttime person?

63.1%

Sports

77.3%

Activities and clubs

Dances

8.5%

Are you satisfied with your last year of high school?

1.4%

21.3% Morning

9.2%

Amazon Prime

78.7%

Nighttime

14.9% Hulu

What is your favorite social media platform?

15.6%

Disney+

60.3%

Have you ever used a dating app?

85.8% 14.2% Yes

Do you believe in horoscopes?

68.1% No

TikTok

19.1%

33.3%

Snapchat

Twitter

Netflix

What is your favorite streaming service?

No

Instagram

45.4%

2.2%

Are you attending your Have you traveled outside the country? top college choice?

Yes 64.5%

14.2% Yes

No 29.1% I’m not attending college

85.8% No

6.4%

31.9% Yes

Page design and graphics by Anna Olp

Have you ever had COVID-19?

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

No

14.9%

Reading minds

Indie

27.7%

3.5%

9.3% Classical Country

0.7%

What is your favorite genre of music?

Laser eyes

Have you ever cheated on someone?

No

5.7%

Yes

Have you ever been broken up with?

51.1%

Yes

48.9%

No

Page design and graphics by Anna Olp

Have you ever been in a relationship?

75.2%

Yes

24.8%

No

Have you ever had sex?

58.9%

No

Pop

Rock

Invisibility

Yes

25.5%

17%

26.2%

42.6%

94.3%

Rap

45.4%

Super speed

57.4%

29.8%

41.1%

Yes

Have you ever been cheated on?

72.3%

No

27.7%

Yes

Have you ever broken up with somebody?

59.6%

Yes

40.4%

No

THE SENIOR CLASS OF 2022

Ethan Abordo

Brian Beattie

Grace Algrim

Mikayla Beavers

Ayshe Ali

Evan Beck

Nathan Allen

Ashlyn Becker

Nolan Allen

Chloe Bentson

Victoriya Alvarado

Patrick Betz

Jordan Anderson

Sharanya Bharidasan

Natalia Anderson

Jake Bianco

Olandria Anderson

Harrison Biddle

Shaynah Anderson

Vaughn Blad

Teagan Andrews

Kirk Blanco

Melina Barnes

Jaden Blomberg

Faith Bartkowiak

Isabella Bobe

Riccardo Bartolone

Kenan Bogaljevic

Lucas Bass

Michael Boyd

Savanna Battista

Faith Brandonisio

Carson Batts

Emily Branning

Amber Bauer

Audra Brown

Nathaniel Baumgartner

Acelin Bruhl

University of Iowa Finance

University of Northern Colorado Sports and Exercise Sciences University of Iowa History and Secondary Education Undecided

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs Marketing Waubonsee CC English

Illinois State University Physics Education University of Arkansas Education Undecided

Hope College Elementary Education Waubonsee CC Biology Undecided

University of Alabama Molecular and Cellular Biology Undecided

Purdue University Northwest Sports Management Waubonsee CC Ultrasound Technology Iowa State University Mechanical Engineering Workforce

Waubonsee CC Music

Purdue University Business Management Aurora University Criminal Justice Waubonsee CC Engineering Illinois State University Nursing Belmont University Music Business Undecided

Undecided

Judson University Undecided Undecided

Iowa State University Chemical Engineering College of DuPage Audio Production Workforce

Waubonsee CC Undecided

Milwaukee School of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Waubonsee CC Kinesiology

Florida Gulf Coast University Business Undecided

University of Tampa Advertising and Public Relations University of Wisconsin - Platteville Construction Management

William Bruno III

Logan Cunz

Delilah Foster

Joshua Brunscheen

Angelica Dabek

Ryan Fotre

Devan Bucholz

Megan Danielson

Josephine Fox

Madison Buckley

Juliana DiCanio

Molly Frey

Abigail Burroughs

Logan Dickerson

Nicholas Frieders

Julian Calderon

John Divizio

Alexandra Fry

Liam Cannon

Lilian Drenthe

Samuel Gagne

Nikolas Castello

Jacqueline Dresmal

Julio Gallegos

Ryan Cichon

Avery Erickson

Patrick Gampfer

Eloise Cole

Jake Erickson

Sean Gannon

Kyle Condos

Nicholas Eriksen

Cody Ganzon

Dylan Conklin

Diego Escamilla

Amanda Garcia

Amber Conner

Mackenzie Ewen

Sandra Garcia

Daniel Conti

Olivia Fair

Corinne Gatewood

Abigail Cormier

Ava Falk

Daniel Geiseman

Joanna Cortes

Erin Ferris

Landon George

Macie Cox

Dominic Fiedler

Tanis Georgi

Marcus Cramer

William Figueroa

Adam Gerlach

Nathan Crewse

Ahmiel Ford

Isabelle Gerlach

Benedictine University Criminal Justice

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Computer Science Missouri State University Undecided Ball State University Interior Design Aurora University Nursing Undecided

Waubonsee CC Mechanical Engineering Undecided

Northern Illinois University Nursing University of South Florida Environmental Science Undecided

Aurora University Digital Graphics

University of Wisconsin - Stout Computer Science Waubonsee CC Business

Taylor University Business Entrepreneurship Undecided

Indiana State University Nursing University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Biology Waubonsee CC Fire Science

Undecided

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Undecided St. Ambrose University Forensic Psychology Waubonsee CC Education

Coastal Carolina University Business Workforce Union

Waubonsee CC Undecided

Millikin University Music Education

University of Iowa Nursing

Waubonsee CC Electrical Engineering Waubonsee CC Communication

Waubonsee CC Undecided Undecided Business

Lipscomb University Nursing University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Business Waubonsee CC Social and Behavioral Sciences Waubonsee CC Elementary Education Undecided

University of Missouri Biological Sciences

Undecided

Waubonsee CC Undecided University of Northern Colorado ASL Interpretation and English Translation Waubonsee CC Elementary Education Undecided

Purdue University Computer and Information Technology St. Ambrose University Business Sales Waubonsee CC Business

University of Tampa Sports Management Waubonsee CC Business Undecided

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Human Nutrition and Dietetics Workforce Nail Technician Undecided

Undecided

Northern Illinois University Business and Real Estate Undecided

Iowa State University Architecture Illinois State University Elementary Education

Angelina Gibbons

Charlotte Herst

Madison Kozlowski

Sean Gilkey

Karmyn Hookham

Jenna Kraus

Gavin Gorman

Jessica Hopkins

Madison Kunzer

McKenna Goss

Isabella Humm

Kathryn Kurz

Grant Grabowski

Caitlyn Hunt

Andrew Lasater

Carter Green

Caleb Hwang

Abigail Latka

Jennifer Grossmann

Marisa Janecek

James Leader

Jacob Guernon

Sarah Janito

Claudia Lehman

Avrie Gunderson

Shyanti Jenkins

Megan Lesak

Savannah Guo

Eli Jeppesen

Kimberly Leslie

Ashlyn Hain

Alexis Johnson

Madeleine Little

Taylor Hames

Archita Joshi

Sean Liu

Nicholas Hammer

Sofia Jurasek

Daniel Lodina

Annabelle Happ

Shinah Kamwaka

Dominic Lombardozzi

Jenna Harper

Carter Keith

Ashley Lopez-Ferral

Jacob Harrison

Isaiah Kennedy

Kaitlyn Luetgert

Dylan Hawkins

Moses Kim

Ashley Luettinger

Emma Hayes

Breck Kirkwood

Jaden Madison

Morgan Haywood

Madison Kleivo

Brandon Mandele

Campbell Heiser

Logan Kottmeyer

Steven Markham

Undecided

Waubonsee CC Undecided

Illinois State University Business Administration Savannah College of Art and Design Interior Design Indiana University Finance Waubonsee CC Undecided

Waubonsee CC Psychology Undecided

Regis University Nursing

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Community Health University of Iowa Psychology Mount Mary University Psychology Military Marines

Waubonsee CC Fire Science

Washington College Veterinary Studies North Central College Exercise Science Undecided

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Elementary Education Undecided Veterinary Technology Waubonsee CC Film Production

Northwest Missouri State University Radiologic Science Loyola University Chicago Public Relations Undecided

Missouri State University Nutrition and Dietetics Undecided

Brigham Young University Cello Performance Aurora University Secondary Education and Mathematics Waubonsee CC Film and Television Undecided

Illinois State University Graphic Design Waubonsee CC Business

University of Illinois - Chicago Pre-Health University of Kentucky Biotechnology University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Biological Sciences Undecided

Undecided

Southern Adventist University Undecided Indiana University Finance

Illinois State University Business and Marketing University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Supply Chain Management

Marquette University Biomedical Sciences University of Iowa Nursing

Marquette University Undecided

Florida State University Data Science University of Wyoming Social Work Wheaton College Environmental Science Waubonsee CC Science

University of Missouri Nursing

Milwaukee School of Engineering Architectural Engineering Waubonsee CC English

Northern Illinois University Psychology Purdue University Computer Science Undecided Computer Science Workforce

Northeastern Illinois University Psychology Pepperdine University Business Management Waubonsee CC Ultrasound Technology Undecided

University of Iowa Mechanical Engineering Waubonsee CC Criminal Justice

Grace Marks

Cameron Neis

Andrew Packard

Jackson Marler

Milan Nielsen

Gabrielle Parker

Madeline Martinez

Gabriel Niemeyer

Nicholas Parrilli

Connor May

Megan Noel

Tanvi Paturi

Max McElderry

Maxwell Nordell

Aidan Pawlak

Caroline Nosek

Joshua Pehl

Aidan Nowacki

Kaitlyn Peters

Ryan Nudo

Rachael Peters

Morgan Miller

Jeremy O’Neill

Elijah Pflipsen

Rebecca Miller

Meghan O’Sullivan

Andy Pham

Sean Miller

Emma Obremski

Cameron Phillips

Nicholas Mitchinson

Olivia Ohmen

Christian Phillips

Nicolas Montalbano

Anna Olp

Corey Phillips

Kyra Motyka

Davina Olson

Alyssa Piemonte

Aden Mumm

Sophia Opp

Jonathan Pilkington

Matilyn Mumm

Garrett Ord

Allison Plank

Jagger Murphy

Jeffrey Ortegel

Cynthia Ponce

Kara Murphy

Ryan Ortegel

Matthew Prainito

Sean Murray

Cade Ory

Daniel Pringle

Arjun Nakum

Erik Ottoson

Micah Pryor

Hair Professionals Cosmetology Michigan Technological University Math and Computer Science Waubonsee CC Art Education

Waubonsee CC Criminal Justice Waubonsee CC Undecided

Alexander McLean Waubonsee CC Biology

Amanda Mederich Augustana College Political Science

Payton Micka

Waubonsee CC Environmental Engineering Illinois State University Social Work Wisconsin Lutheran College Nursing Waubonsee CC Engineering

University of Wisconsin - Madison Engineering University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Entrepreneurship University of South Florida - St. Petersburg Finance Waubonsee CC Business

Grand Valley State University Elementary Education Undecided

Northern Illinois University Statistics and Actuarial Science Workforce

Illinois State University Integrated Marketing Communications

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Music Education Augustana College Elementary Education Undecided

University of Tennessee - Knoxville Psychology Belmont University Audio Engineering

Northern Michigan University Outdoor Recreation Management Undecided

Waubonsee CC Exercise Science Waubonsee CC Undecided

Grand Valley State University Business Grand Valley State University Elementary Education Purdue University Economics

Arizona State University Journalism Waubonsee CC Accounting Waubonsee CC Psychology

Undecided Civil Engineering Undecided

Waubonsee CC Undecided Workforce Electrician

University of Oklahoma Aviation

Workforce

University of South Florida Finance Workforce

University of Illinois - Chicago Pre-Pharmacy University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Civil Engineering Illinois Wesleyan University Accounting Illinois State University Medical Laboratory Science University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Elementary and Special Education Loras College Computer Engineering Illinois Wesleyan University Finance North Central College Sociology Southern University Nursing

North Central College Marketing Waubonsee CC Undecided

Waubonsee CC Mechanical Engineering

Grand Valley State University Elementary Education Waubonsee CC Botany

University of Tennessee Undecided Military Army

Waubonsee CC Business

Cole Pugh

Seth Ruckh

Diego Serriteno

John Radillo

Caden Rummel

Mariana Shapiama

Muhib Rahman

Brandon Rus

Olivia Sheehan

Carol Ramos

Carter Rus

Olivia Sheldon

Hagan Rank

Andrew Ryan

Adam Shell

Nathan Rebacz

Audrey Salamon

Audrey Siblik

Samuel Regelbrugge

Jayda Salazar

Emily Sigrist

Branden Regnier

Mariacarmen Sale

Riley Skeen

Carson Rehkopf

Dania Sanchez

Matthew Slou

James Remes

Seven Sandberg

Megan Smith

Scott Remrey

Adetokunbo Sanni-Mutushi

Marco Sosa

Tyler Rhodes

Katherine Scavo

Sebastian Stark

James Rice

Caitlyn Schedin

Joel Stenger

Bella Rio

Evan Scherden

Meleah Stloukal

Jack Rissman

Sarah Schimmel

Alyssa Stoker

Alessandra Riva

McKenzie Schueler

Ethan Stoker

Madelyn Rizzuto

Maizie Scott

Olivia Stoker

Mason Rogers

Taylor Seaton

Rosemarie Striedl

Olivia Rohlman

Evan Sekhon

Rylan Suits

Jazper Rovinsky

Jai Sekhon

Joseph Swift

Viterbo University Accounting Undecided

Northern Illinois University Computer Science St. Francis University Physician Assistant Undecided

Waubonsee CC Business

Indiana Institute of Technology Cybersecurity Undecided

Undecided

Undecided

Montana State University Anthropology Workforce Video Editing Undecided

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Undecided Northern Illinois University Mechatronics Engineering G.B. Grassi Saronno Undecided Waubonsee CC Art Undecided

Sam Houston State University Criminal Justice DePaul University Business

Waubonsee CC Welding Undecided

Waubonsee CC Biology and Biochemistry Carthage College Political Science and Economics Belmont University Performing Arts Illinois State University Criminal Justice

Loyola University Chicago Biology Undecided

Undecided

Workforce

Northern Illinois University Marketing Workforce Photography

Illinois State University Elementary Education Waubonsee CC Undecided

Illinois State University Undecided University of Dubuque Marketing Waubonsee CC Undecided

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Biochemistry Waubonsee CC Construction Management Waubonsee CC Construction Management

Illinois State University Horticulture and Landscape Management Waubonsee CC Pre-Dental

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Accounting St. Petersburg CC Entrepreneurship IUPUI Health Sciences

Augustana College Psychology Waubonsee CC Biology

Waubonsee CC Psychology

Illinois State University Construction Management University of Kentucky Psychology DePaul University Computer Science Waubonsee CC Automotive Undecided

Waubonsee CC Education

Grand Valley State University Finance University of Dubuque Aviation Grand Valley State University Allied Health Sciences Montclair State University Film Production Workforce

Waubonsee CC Business

Kaitlyn Swims

Thomas Walters

Kendall Zukauski

James Tait

Sydney Warford

Christian Zuniga

Evelyn Taylor

Sofia Watson

Northern Illinois University Accounting

Early Graduates

Kelsey Taylor

Jacob Weber

Rylie Brand

Marcus Tecson

Madeline Webster

Matthew Clevenger

Logan Therriault

Michael Weintraub

Abigail Durbala

Jenna Toms

Hannah Weiss

Nicole Torrente

Brandon Weissmann

Frank Phillips College Agricultural Business Waubonsee CC Information Technology Edgewood College Environmental Science Aurora University Pre-Dental

Waubonsee CC Computer Science Undecided

Waubonsee CC Fire Science Undecided

Illinois State University Graphic Communications Northern Illinois University Business

Undecided

University of Tampa Allied Health

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Mathematics

Workforce Dental Assistant Undecided

Cynthia Gonzalez

Undecided

Waubonsee CC Automotive

Gina Kocmoud Isabelle Martinez

Alex Tovar

Hannah Welch

Sedona Turk

Whitney Wells

Abdul Uddin

Hannah Whitney

Alex Vaca

Olivia Williams

Angel Valenciano

Rileigh Williams

Daphne Rodriguez

Zachary VanCura

Bryce Wojtyszyn

Nicholas West

Noah VanDerVoorn

Adam Wold

Ty Vaughan

Jack Wolff

Cullan Venceil

Gavin Woods

Corbin Vines

Hannah Wootton

Matthew Vogt

Olivia Yarbrough

Maddyx Wald

Megan Zollers

St. Thomas University - Miami Trade and Logistics Management Waubonsee CC General Science Army National Guard

Austin Peay State University Accounting Waubonsee CC Undecided Undecided

Waubonsee CC Construction Undecided

Waubonsee CC Criminal Justice

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Business University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Actuarial Science Waubonsee CC Undecided

Nashville State CC Nursing

Michigan State University Film Studies Undecided

Waubonsee CC Nursing

University of Missouri Psychology Undecided

Jenna Mauthe Izabel Michelkamp Alani Pannell Ethan Pesavento

Nicholas Withum

Undecided

Waubonsee CC Computer Assistant Design Waubonsee CC Undecided

University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Undecided Undecided

Waubonsee CC Elementary Education

Information compiled by Sarah Janito

DORM CHECK-INS WITH OUR KHS GRADUATES

BY MADELEINE LITTLE AND GABRIELLE PARKER Editor-in-Chief of Web & Ad and Business Executive

M

oving into a college dorm is one of the most important and exciting milestones a young adult may experience. Not only are you starting a completely new chapter in your life, but you also have freedom of expression and the ability to set up your own space, possibly for the first time ever. Making this transition is full of so many different emotions, and having a dorm you truly enjoy and feel comfortable in helps so much with adjusting to this new environment you will soon call home.

When moving away, whether it’s by 20 minutes or 20 hours, it’s important to create a dorm space where you feel comfortable. Many college students enjoy bringing items from home to help prevent feeling homesick. Some of these things may include small gifts you’ve received over the years, a favorite blanket, or even clothes from family members to remind you of being close to them. As much as we may not want to admit it now, every once in a while you might want a hug from Mom or to go grab dinner with Dad. These times can be hard, especially because it will be your first year away, but having keepsakes on campus can help when times get tough.

2021 Kaneland graduate Rose Roach is a freshman at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Not only is Roach far away from home at one of the biggest universities in the South, but she is also playing for their Division 1 softball team. When she isn’t at practice, class or her workouts, Roach enjoys spending the majority of her time in her dorm room. One of Roach’s main goals with her dorm was to make it comfortable and similar to home.

“I would say that I spend a lot of time in my dorm. Whether that may be chill-

ing in [my own] room or someone else’s.

I think it is very important to enjoy your dorm space because this is the time of my life where I am living on my own and taking care of myself, so I make sure that I am keeping my dorm space clean,” Roach said. To make her move from Elburn to Alabama a bit easier, Roach made sure to bring some simple items with her that would help her remember home.

“I am glad I brought tons of things from my room back home, such as picture frames and stuffed animals, because I was very homesick at first when I got here, and I wanted my room to be somewhat like how my room was back home. It was familiar to me,” Roach said.

As easy as it can be to get wrapped up in your new dorm room, remember to be realistic and think long-term when planning this blank space. Dorm buildings can be outdated, and most freshmen don’t have the absolute best living conditions in the world. 2021 Kaneland graduate Justin Jamrowski is a freshman at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and he quickly learned that his dorm building lacks air conditioning. During the summer and spring months in Boulder, Jamrowski needed to find a solution to offset the heat he would endure in his new room.

“I’m glad I brought my three fans since there is no air conditioning in my dorm. It has saved the room from being too hot several times,” Jamrowski said.

Along with our valuables, material items aren’t the only things you should consider when imagining your future dorm. Finding a compatible roommate is also a top priority. Ellie Kurz is a freshman at Arizona State University, and she says her roommates have been a huge part of

Photo courtesy of Rose Roach

Unlike most college students, 2021 Kaneland graduate Rose Roach is able to fit a queen-sized bed in her dorm, making the room more comfortable. Roach, a softball player, lives in Auburn University’s South Donahue Residence Hall, which primarily houses student-athletes.

Photo courtesy of Ellie Kurz

2021 Kaneland graduate Ellie Kurz makes sure to keep her closet organized. Having easy access to clothes is convenient and makes the adjustment to living in a dorm room that much better. her college experience.

“I love my roommates so much. I do everything with them. Picking out a roommate can be stressful, but if I can recommend anything, I would FaceTime them beforehand. If you can possibly meet up, do that. You can see what they’re actually like,” Kurz said.

Of course, your roommate does not necessarily have to be your lifelong best friend or once-in-a-lifetime perfect match. They just have to be someone you can have a good time with and understand to a certain level.

“I also know people who are not super close with their roommate, and they still love school. But I would say being good friends with your roommate is super convenient because they’re like a built-in best friend,” Kurz said.

When taking the big step of attending a college or university, there are so many miniscule tasks and seemingly minor responsibilities that may slip our minds. So much goes on that it can become easy to get wrapped up in all the change happening every day. As you’re moving into your dorm, remember to think realistically and long-term. Pack a few keepsakes, and bring realistic items you may not have initially considered when planning out your color scheme and decorations. Find not only items, but also people, who make you feel at home.

Creating the perfect dorm space can be stressful, but if done right, it will make an incredible impact on your overall college experience.

Page design by Sophie Opp

HOW WILL YOUR TEACHERS REMEMBER YOU?

Answer the following questions and follow the arrows to see the mark you’ve made on your high school teachers.

START

BY ANNA OLP

I’m going to spend my last day of school...

Design Executive and Photography Executive

Enjoying my last moments in high school

When school gets out I’m going to...

Keep my notes Burn my for next year! notes

What notes?

I couldn’t have survived this year without...

Dunkin’

I’ll come back to Kaneland...

Perfectionist

Your teacher’s inbox won’t miss the many emails you sent them with questions about the homework. Their hard work keeping the gradebook up to date with the assignments you always turned in will come to mind when they inevitably hear from you again.

Page design by Anna Olp

On the first day of summer I’m going to...

Most of my paycheck went to...

Reassessments Photomath and SparkNotes

All the time!

Thinking about how fast I’m going to drive out of the parking lot

Never. I’ll get flashbacks...

Go outside and touch grass

I’m going to miss...

Speeding tickets

My least favorite part of high school was...

Socratic Seminars

Teacher’s Favorite We get it. You loved your teacher, and they loved you.

While your friends might have gotten tired of you talking about the same teacher all the time, clearly you did something right, because your teacher will remember you long after you’re gone.

Add more hours to my most played game

Absolutely The C hallway bathrooms nothing

The hallway couples

Who?

You are the lawful neutral.

You got the job done without dilly-dallying. You might not have raised your hand, but you probably knew the answer. Even though you’re not popular with the teachers, you’re graduating with a clear track record.

Problem Child

You were the entertainment of the classroom by asking some... interesting questions. Although you only came to class three times a week, there will definitely be a place in your teacher’s heart from your shenanigans over the years.

To the Class of 2022...

T

he end of high school is finally here, and it seemed like up until now, it would never come.

Some of this journey was difficult.

There were mornings where most of us would rather give up a limb than make an appearance in first period.

The only thing that could save us was our usual coffee order from Dunkin’ and knowing we could probably get away with sleeping through class.

Homework and tests seemed like never-ending chores, and balancing all that with work and a social life felt impossible. Thank goodness it’s finally over.

But now that the time is really here, none of those things seem to matter much anymore. Showing up to first period was really just getting to drive to school with our friends and make each other laugh earlier in the morning than we otherwise would have gotten to; getting coffee every day was really something to look forward to, and it even felt like a reward for all of our hard work; all of those homework assignments and tests really did make us smarter (our teachers weren’t lying), and were they really even that difficult?

It’s such a cliche to hear that these four years of high school go by fast, but maybe it’s a cliche because it really is true. It almost feels like just yesterday we had our first day of kin-

dergarten, our first day being middle schoolers, and finally, our last first day ever as seniors in high school. Whether it’s going to college, entering the workforce or even taking a year off from school, we’re all going to new places. For the last 13 years of our lives, the only place we’ve been going is school, and now school as we have known it is changing. That’s an unfamiliar feeling that can feel very intimidating for many of us.

When all of us came together for the first time in sixth grade, we had no idea what a strong bond we would create, even with the people that we somehow never got the chance to talk to. Whether it’s obvious or not, we’re all connected because of this experience. Even if it is just school, something almost everyone goes through, growing up is challenging, and each of us were here for each other through that process.

So, for the final time, appreciate one another as our time here at Kaneland comes to an end. Thank you to all the teachers and staff, parents, community members and students who have guided us along the way and led us to where we are now. It’s finally time to start a new chapter of our lives.