Lincoln-Way West High School students graduate

NEW LENOX — Lincoln-Way West High School seniors graduated Tuesday and gave a large limestone panel to the board as a class gift.

The limestone panel that exemplifies hard work will welcome guests at the main entrance of the high school, according to a Lincoln-Way District 210 news release. The gift was presented by Class of 2017 officers Jessica Bettridge, Nicholas Barker, Allison Tanis, Jake Malone, Michael Gentry, Christian Panici, Zachary Paymaster and Evan Mitchell.

West Principal Monica Schmitt welcomed the families and friends of the graduates and gave her address. She said the graduation is a “time of great pride for your parents and grandparents who have been rooting for your success since the moment you were born.”

“We have enjoyed hearing about your plans for life after high school and we are extremely proud that this class, right here in front of us, has accepted—not just been offered—but accepted over $8.6 million in scholarships,” Schmitt said.

Zachary Paymaster, president of the Class of 2017, addressed his fellow graduates by discussing how quickly time has moved throughout high school, and how he looks forward to the future.

“The days don’t have to be long, and the years don’t have to be short. How to accomplish that is different for everyone and as soon as I step off this stage, I plan on finding out exactly what it takes for myself,” Paymaster said.

Board President Joseph Kirkeeng offered graduates four main thoughts to keep in mind for the future. He told them to first learn what they didn’t yet know and enhance their knowledge, to appreciate the value of friends, to view feedback from others as a gift and to celebrate the positive things in life.

“I am proud of you. We are proud of you. We are here to support you, and together, we are ready to celebrate your success,” Kirkeeng said.