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Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Grayslake North High School’s Class of 2025 is preparing for their Graduation Ceremony on May 29, the stage will belong not just to those who cross it with caps in the air, but to three powerful voices chosen by their peers to speak on their behalf. This year’s student speakers, Alyssa Fisher and Serlyn Escobedo, and staff speaker Tom New, are preparing to offer heartfelt, creative, and meaningful reflections.
“Would Little Me Be Proud?” — Alyssa Fisher’s Poetic Reflection
Instead of a traditional speech, senior Alyssa Fisher chose poetry, a medium that felt natural to her and gave her message room to breathe.
“I tried to write a formal speech,” she said, “but it didn’t go well. Poetry gives me the freedom to speak with rhythm and intonation—that’s just how I talk.”
Her poem was inspired by a social media trend: “I’m not doing it for me, I’m doing it for little me.” Alyssa asked herself, "Would the younger me be proud of who I’ve become?" The answer became a call for every graduate to pause and take pride in how far they had come.
In a year defined by deadlines and transitions, Alyssa hopes her words remind classmates that self-pride is not only allowed, it’s essential. “We don’t often give ourselves permission to be proud of ourselves,” she reflected. “But we should.”
“Never Fear Growth” — Serlyn Escobedo’s Call to Courage
For senior speaker Serlyn Escobedo, the motivation to audition came from a deeply personal place. “Neither of my parents graduated from high school,” she shared. “This is a small way to thank them for all they’ve done for me.”
Her message centers on growth, not just the academic kind, but emotional, mental, and spiritual. “People often fear becoming a different version of themselves. But growth should be embraced, not feared,” she said.
Reflecting on tough moments, like a disappointing SAT score, Serlyn will urge her classmates to release the pressure of perfection. “A test score doesn’t define your worth,” she said. “The legacy I hope we all leave is one of being comfortable with who we are and excited about who we’re becoming.”
“Stay Curious” — Tom New’s Message from the Library
After 14 years at D127, Tom New will step up to the graduation stage as the staff speaker this time, not as an English teacher, but in his new role as Library Media Specialist. He learned the Class of 2025 chose him as their staff speaker in a moment he didn’t expect.
“I thought Ms. Tompoles was checking in on a project,” he recalled. “She caught me off guard with the news. I was extremely honored.”
Known for his dry humor, Tom confessed to feeling “humbled, honored, and nervous,” adding, “I hope they’re not expecting too many bad dad jokes this time” (though he can’t promise to leave them all out).
His message to the Class of 2025? Hold onto your curiosity. “Curiosity opens doors to opportunities, connections, and adventures. It’s the spark that can lead to incredible things.”
He reflected on watching this senior class grow, from wide-eyed freshmen to confident leaders. “Being chosen by them means everything. I always appreciated the adults who invested in me as a student, and I’ve tried to be that for them.”
Proudly Moving Forward
Grayslake North’s graduation will be a celebration of voices: those that dare to be vulnerable, reflective, poetic, and true. As the Class of 2025 moves into the next chapter, they will do so with the reminder to be proud of themselves, to welcome change, and to stay endlessly curious.
The future is bright, and their voices will light the way.