EVANSTON — From somewhere at the back of the auditorium, a booming voice rang out, “Mr. Lester, I proudly present to you the graduating class of 2018.” 

Thus began the commencement ceremonies at Evanston High School on the morning of Saturday, June 2, when approximately 1300 people packed the EHS auditorium to recognize the achievements of the 175 EHS graduating seniors. The brief ceremony managed to include speeches from three graduates, two musical selections, student awards and presentation of diplomas, as well as plenty of laughter and a few tears. 

Student body president Margaret Russell reflected on her time at EHS and said that what make the experiences of seniors special is the students themselves. “We are the secret sauce,” she said. She encouraged graduates to go forward and embrace their doubts and fears in moving to the future. 

She also offered some words of thanks to all of the families and friends in attendance and added some humor to her speech when she told the graduates, “Everyone is here listening to this pretty mediocre speech because they love you that much.” 

Brady Wagstaff was one of three co-salutatorians in the class of 2018, along with Kathryn Hatch and Megan Hutchinson. Wagstaff also threw some humor into his speech by declaring the stress of college applications was “like a plague.” He focused his remarks on the value of hard work and perseverance, saying, “The only person who can stop you is yourself.” 

Valedictorian Jess Richins gave the final student speech, beginning with listing some of his fellow graduates who had been his classmates since kindergarten at Clark Elementary. He spoke fondly of what he called the “consistent kindness” shown to him and others by his peers, kindness that had helped people get through tough situations. 

“As we transition from peers to each other to people of the world, let that kindness continue,” he said. “Have the same impact on the world that you have had on me.” 

In addition to his valedictory honors, Richins was also awarded the Lois Michelstetter Citizenship Award, along with fellow student Tayler Groll. EHS Vice Principal Scott Kohler presented the citizenship awards, along with other honors bestowed upon graduates.

The Outstanding All-Around Male Award was awarded to Blake Overy, while Margaret Russell was honored with the Outstanding All-Around Female Award. Emmery Wagstaff and Hunter Groll were honored as recipients of the Outstanding All-Around Athlete awards. 

Students receiving medals as members of the academic top 10 percent of the class were Nicole Bott, Allysa Dean, Hadley Gebs, Kathryn Hatch, Megan Hutchinson, Ethan Johnson, Graycee Kennedy, Kendra Muller, Bronwyn Payne, Dylan Phillips, Jess Richins, Brock Rigby, Margaret Russell, Anya Tuft, Brady Wagstaff, Shaylyn Welling, Rebecca White and Aubree Wood. 

Following the presentation of the individual awards, UCSD No. 1 Assistant Superintendent Doug Rigby certified the diplomas and they were presented by Superintendent Ryan Thomas and UCSD No. 1 trustees Cassie Torres, Kerby Barker and Dave Bennett. 

During his remarks, Rigby provided perhaps the best summation of the young people seated on the stage, “If I had one word to describe the class of 2018 it would be perseverance,” and then jokingly added, “or maybe hijinks.”