An old saying proclaims that during fourth grade, students shift from “‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’.” Fourth grade is a pivotal year known to set the groundwork for many successful students who will be graduating from high school this next week.
As hundreds of local graduates step up to accept their diplomas, it’s likely they have vivid memories of their fourth grade teachers and many lessons learned that year that still seems so recent.
Personally, I always will remember Mrs. Heichelbech, my fourth-grade teacher at Emerson Elementary School in Muncie, Ind. Her encouragement and inspiration led to a love for reading and writing as well as understanding the true value of friendships in the classroom and beyond. (Plus, she always hugged me for the many poems I penned about her!)
High school graduates from School District 203 were recognized during outdoor ceremonies planned locally on May 20. School District 204 graduations will be at Northern Illinois University on May 24. Benet Academy will host its commencement on May 31.
Here’s hoping all graduates take time to reflect on the values of lifelong learning and all the good teachers who have touched them as they approach and celebrate this important milestone.
—PN
PN File Photo / Fredenhagen Park
School District 203 / May 20
Updated: May 23, 2015 /Commencement Ceremonies for Naperville Central High School and Naperville North High School graduates were held at 7PM Wed., May 20, in their respective stadiums (outside).
Naperville Central High School is located at 440 Aurora Ave. at West St.
Naperville North High School is located at 899 North Mill Street, along Ogden Avenue.
Spectacular fireworks brightened the skies to celebrate the 2015 graduates at the conclusion of the ceremonies.
School District 204 / May 24
On Saturday, families were scouting out natural settings for graduation photos along the Riverwalk.
Commencement ceremonies for Neuqua Valley (10AM), Metea Valley (2PM), and Waubonsie Valley (6PM) high schools in Indian Prairie Unit School District 204 will be held indoors on Sunday, May 24, at the Northern Illinois Convocation Center.
The Northern Illinois Convocation Center is located at 1525 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, IL 60115.
Watch live broadcast streaming online
For District 204 families and individuals unable to attend the graduation exercises at NIU on May 24, the Media Departments from Waubonsie, Metea and Neuqua will be broadcasting the graduation ceremonies live on the web. All three graduation ceremonies will be produced in their entirety. Find live streaming at http://www.visionfriendly.com/sd204/
Update 8:15 May 24, 2015 / The live broadcast streaming provided a great way to watch and/or listen to the ceremony, music and speeches. Thanks, School District 204. In keeping with the theme at WVHS, now all local high school students “almost” have completed graduation.
Benet Academy / May 31
Benet Academy in Lisle will host Commencement Exercises for Class of 2015 at 2PM Sunday, May 31, in St. Ronald Gymnasium.
St. Ronald Gymnasium is located on the campus of Benet Academy, 2200 Maple Ave., in Lisle.
Note! North Central College Commencement / June 13
North Central College will host its Commencement ceremony for the Class of 2015 beginning at 10AM Sat., June 13, in the Residence Hall/Recreation Center. Graduates will begin the processional from Merner Field House into the Residence Hall/Recreation Center arena at 9:40AM.
Dr. Harold “Hal” R. Wilde, President Emeritus and Life Trustee of North Central College, will deliver the address at the College’s 150th Commencement on June 13.
Wilde, of Chicago, served as North Central’s ninth president, from 1991 to 2012. The 2015 class of graduating seniors spent their first full year as students during Wilde’s final year as president.
The Residence Hall/Recreation Center is located at 440 S. Brainard Street, near the parking deck and Merner Fieldhouse.
Congrats to all 2015 grads and their families!
If you’d like to write a “shout out” to a special teacher who made a difference during your school career, please do in the comment section below with your first and last name. Thanks.
