Welcome to Fremd High School’s graduation ceremony! Below, we’ve provided copies of your graduation speeches. If you need to change the language on this page, click the drop down menu in the top right corner of this page to select a language from the list.
*Note, some speeches may not be available.
Congratulations District 211 Graduates
Translation provided by GTranslate
Opening
Good evening esteemed faculty and staff, proud parents, family members, and friends, and most importantly, the Class of 2026!
I am Mark Langer and as the proud principal of William Fremd High School, it is my great honor to welcome you to this evening’s celebration of achievement, perseverance, and excellence.
Tonight, we gather to recognize a graduating class that has carried forward Fremd’s proud tradition of distinction in academics, activities, athletics, and citizenship.
This year has been especially meaningful for our school community as William Fremd High School was recognized as a Governor’s Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, one of the highest honors a school can receive. This distinction reflects not only academic achievement, but also the culture of care, commitment, innovation, and excellence that defines Fremd. And graduates, you are the reason we earned that recognition. You have represented this school with integrity, talent, and pride every single day.
We are joined this evening by our Superintendent, Dr. Judith Campbell, and Board of Education Members Ms. Michelle Barron and Ms. Jane Russell. Thank you for your continued leadership and unwavering support of our students, staff, and community.
Helping with this evening’s ceremony are the dedicated staff members of Fremd and Township High School District 211. Would all of you please rise and be recognized for your service, commitment, and belief in our students?
Thank you.
*NATIONAL ANTHEM*
Good evening, I’m Sharon Park. Fremd High School has offered us so many opportunities to find our way and speak our truth. For some, it was on the field of competition, for others it was at a tournament or on a microphone. And while thousands have walked our halls and have the honor of being part of the “Once a Viking, Always a Viking” community, there is only one Class of 2026. To speak to us, and about us, please join me in welcoming Emerson Carter, as he delivers an address to the Class of 2026.
STUDENT ADDRESS
Emerson Carter
Class of 2026
What firsts are left?
I ask you this, because after today, we all enter a new phase of life.
One with different rules; different structures; different firsts—but in order to recognize a
difference, you must first recognize where you started.
When we all first came to Fremd, I’m sure we experienced a number of different firsts together.
For instance, the first time we realized that fire alarms were going to be a monthly occurrence,
not yearly.
The first time we went to a football game, and discovered how alive this school can feel when its
community comes together.
The first time we went to a club, and learned what the phrase “home away from home” felt like.
And I can guarantee that each and every one of you remembers the first time a teacher went
out of their way to care about you.
I remember when I first came to Fremd.
The summer before my freshman year, I moved from rural Arizona.
I came from a school where the graduating class was twelve, which, you know, is a little bit less
than what we have here.
Man was it daunting.
You barely know anyone, classes suddenly carry this real weight, and none of the door numbers
make any sense—and so you just feel a little lost.
We’ve all felt a little lost before.
But gradually, you start to find your footing.
You make friends, you learn what teachers expect from you, you memorize the hallways instead
of the numbers—and all of a sudden…it begins to click.
You start feeling like you belong.
Like you know this school.
Like this school knows you.
Before my freshman year, I had terrible stage fright.
At one point, it became so bad that even ordering at subway gave me a panic attack.
Normal, everyday actions scared me deeply, because they required me to present myself, and
that was hard.
That might be shocking to you, considering I’m doing this right now, but that is part of my point.
When I entered this phase of life that I’m leaving today, I made a promise to myself that I was
always going to be willing to try something new.
To put myself in new situations, situations where I was uncomfortable, because every first is an
opportunity for growth, and every uncomfortable first is an opportunity for discovery.
But to truly feel the effects of that growth and discovery, you need a safe place to experiment.
To fail.
A place where you can act like a fool and still know you’re welcome.
The first place I felt that security was in the theater.
I had never done a play before I came to Fremd.
When the day came to audition for my first show, I didn’t sign up.
It wasn’t until Ms. Adams and a senior that year, Maya Zimmer, hunted me down and told me to
audition that I put my name on the roster.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared.
I remember blacking out.
My heart was pounding, but at the same time, my heart felt full.
That rush you get, when you do something you know you’re supposed to.
Something that just feels right in the marrow of your bones.
In your heart.
In your soul.
For me, that fulfillment came from public speaking, but for you, maybe it was football.
Maybe it was soccer, or debate.
Scholastic Bowl, Math Team, OSB, Tennis, Rock Climbing.
My point being that if you went looking for a place to belong at Fremd, you could find it.
No matter who you were.
No matter who you are.
And if you’re sitting here thinking man I did not take advantage of everything this school had to
offer, that’s okay.
Because in a few hours, everyone will be starting from scratch.
Whether it’s college, or you’re entering the workforce directly.
Maybe you’re joining the military, or going to a trade school.
No matter what direction you are headed, you will have opportunities to have more firsts, and I
urge you to take them up.
To try something new.
Something uncomfortable.
Something that you know you will fail at, but continue at anyways.
Because you may find something you love.
Something that makes you feel like yourself.
Something that fills your heart.
So I ask you again.
What firsts are left?
I hope your answer is many.
Thank you, Emerson. I’m Somava Ray, and I have the privilege of introducing some incredibly talented members of our graduating class. These students have entertained us all by performing countless times on the Kolze auditorium stage, during assemblies in the main gym and even in our classrooms to spread holiday cheer. I know that this performance will be just as memorable, so please direct your attention to the back of the arena where Senior members of Fremd Music Department and Choir will be performing, “No Day But Today,” from Rent by Jonathan Larson.
*CHOIR NUMBER*
Hi, I’m Sanvi Garlapati. Each year the graduates select a staff member that has made a lasting impact on our time at Fremd. This teacher has provided us with opportunities to read, watch and write about other people’s stories, but most importantly, he has empowered us to tell our own. He has inspired us when he takes to the Writers Week stage and speaks honestly and vulnerably, his classroom is filled with laughter, and he plays a mean bass as one of our favorite Fanboys. So it is no surprise that, when given the chance to select our faculty speaker, the Class of 2026 chose English teacher, Mr. Grant Dawson.
FACULTY REMARKS
Grant Dawson
Fremd High School Faculty Presenter Selected by the Class of 2026
Good evening, graduates. Congratulations.
Before I talk about your academic achievements, I just wanted to let you know that I am getting old.
I know it, my kids know it, my wife knows it…my hair (or lack thereof) knows it.
I don’t need any reminders that I’m getting old. But the most recent confirmation that I am indeed getting old came at the hands of my freshman English class, who snickered and mocked me when I told them that my favorite game to play on my phone is Royal Kingdom.
They called it (and me) cringey.
I don’t get the hate, honestly. For those of you that don’t know, Royal Kingdom is a game much like Tetris or Candy Crush or Bejeweled, except with every level you clear you earn coins to buy perks, like bombs or rockets or spinning tops or electroballs or drills or hammers or magic hats or bomber planes. And you also get a certain amount of potion. And once you earn enough potion, you can do a “district task,” which is where you can build a fountain or a library or a treasury, and this all contributes to you building your kingdom in a variety of biomes – jungle, desert, etc. It’s all really very cool and I don’t see why it’s getting so much pushback.
In fact, I care so much about this game that I actually asked Mr. Moreau if the desert kingdom, tundra kingdom, etc. would be considered biomes or ecosystems because I wanted to get it right.
But I digress.
I was in the middle of one of my kingdom building sprees (you don’t need to worry what level number) and a new “season” started. Oh! I forgot to tell you about a side mission called “Team Adventure.” You see, with every level we clear, my “team” (the random faceless people I compete with) contributes to a group challenge. And when we reach 150 compasses, we get a nice reward. Then 500, we get a bigger reward, then 1000 and an even bigger reward.
When I opened up my game the other day, I was the first person to contribute to the group challenge. And when I glanced down, there was a line drawn under my name and above my teammates. And written above their names, like a title, it said: “No rewards without contribution!”
And at that moment, being the old boring English teacher I am, I knew what my graduation speech would be.
No rewards without contribution.
Tonight marks the beginning of the next stage of your lives. It’s exciting! Yes, you’re currently sweating under a green blanket and wearing uncomfortable shoes, but it’s exciting.
For four years, you’ve been in a concentrated space. All of your contributions have been here. And your reward has been getting to this stage.
But what makes tonight so especially exciting is that from here, you disperse. You each go into your little pockets of the world. And the world is waiting for your contributions.
It may seem daunting. I understand. At times you may feel like if you don’t fix the world, you’ve failed, and the people around you will be disappointed.
But “contribution” is a tricky word. We old people tend to amplify it when we talk to you. We say things like “What will be your contribution to society?” like it’s an offering you place on some Altar Of Adulthood.
But I want you to hear this: Contributions mean many things.
You treat someone with kindness? You contributed to the world.
You defend someone who needs defending? You contributed to the world.
You do the best you can? You contributed to the world.
You walk out your door, even when the world seems daunting? You contributed to the world.
You offer grace, even when it’s inconvenient? You contributed to the world.
Your rewards may not be much in the moment, but they compound over time. You’ll notice that the world is clearer, more defined, and more hopeful the more you contribute these things to the world.
But here’s the reality: Contributions and rewards can also mean something else.
Apathy is a contribution.
Malice is a contribution.
Hatred is a contribution.
Dishonesty is a contribution.
These contributions unfortunately have rewards, too. The rewards to these contributions are immediate and intoxicating. When you contribute those things, you may feel protected, or confident, or better than others. But this feeling is fleeting and acidic. It eats away at you from the inside.
And by the time you realize this, the world has been negatively impacted by your contributions.
My hope for you is that you realize that the world not only requires your contribution, but it needs your contribution. It’s up to you, starting tonight, to decide what yours will be. The family and friends surrounding you right now cannot decide for you. That’s part of the deal. They brought you to this point with their contributions of time and love. You must choose.
That choice is difficult. Sometimes the inability to decide freezes us. It feels safer to withdraw and not choose than go into the unknown of our contributions. But you don’t have to fix the world. You don’t have to make everything right. You just need to leave the world better than it was when you woke up that morning.
There’s a story of a boy and his horse going through the forest. The boy says, “I can’t see a way through.” The horse replies, “Can you see your next step?” The boy says yes. “Then just take that,” the horse says.
Graduates, I congratulate you. We are immensely proud of you. I hope that, from here on out, when the world seems daunting, just take your next step. Contribute. The rewards will follow.
Good evening, I’m Simran Singh. On any given day, we might find him passing out hot chocolate at the Viking rug, hyping up the students while wearing his yellow and green overalls at a pep assembly or coming to us through the loudspeaker with a resounding “Go Vikes!,” and now Principal Mark Langer will address us as a class for one final time as he presents the Class of 2026 to the Township High School District 211’s School Board.
PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS
Mark Langer
Principal
It is now my pleasure to acknowledge graduates who have received special honors. Students, as I mention your group, please stand to be recognized.
First, will the members of the National Honor Society, who are wearing gold tassels and cords, stand. Please join me in congratulating these students who were selected based on their scholarship, leadership, character, and service.
Next, will the members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, wearing the pink tassels, please stand and be honored for your musical talents.
The blue tassels signify those honored for their excellence in drama and theatre through their membership in the International Thespian Society. Will these students please stand?
Will the members of the Quill and Scroll Society, wearing the yellow and blue cords, please stand and be honored for your excellence in journalism?
We would like to recognize the members of Mu Alpha Theta, our national mathematics honor society. They are wearing light blue honor cords and tassels. Will these students please stand?
Next, will all of the Academic Scholars please stand? Join me in honoring these students who have the highest ranking in the class by grade point averages.
Lastly, the students bearing the red, white, and blue tassels will be taking on the honorable task of serving our country by entering a military school or the armed forces. Will these students please stand to be recognized?
What truly remarkable achievements – congratulations to all.
Class of 2026…Vikings… you did it!
Tonight is both an ending and a beginning. Over the last four years, you have grown through challenges, celebrated successes, and strengthened the tradition of excellence that defines Fremd High School.
This year’s recognition reminds us that excellence is never accidental. It comes from daily effort, high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to becoming better each day. Most importantly, excellence is reflected in people, and it is reflected in you.
We talk often about how being mighty, brave, and bold, define what it means to be a Fremd Viking.
You have been mighty through your resilience and determination.
You have been brave in facing challenges and stepping out of your comfort zones.
And you have been bold in pursuing your passions, taking risks, and leaving your mark on this school community.
As you move forward, remember that success is not measured only by accomplishments, but by the impact you have on others. The author Simon Sinek said, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
So no matter where life takes you, be the kind of person who lifts others up.
Class of 2026, you are ready.
You arrived here today as high school students, but you leave as proud alumni of William Fremd High School. Continue striving for excellence. Make your families proud, make your community proud, and most importantly, make yourselves proud.
Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go forth and remember to always be Mighty, Brave, and Bold.
At this time, I certify that the graduates of the Class of 2026 have met the requirements of graduation as directed by the State of Illinois and Township High School District 211. It is with great pleasure that I present them to you, Board of Education members, Ms. Barron and Ms. Russell, as the graduating Class of 2026.
Before I invite District 211 Superintendent Dr. Judith Campbell to address the graduates, seniors…for one last time as students of Fremd…please rise and put your hands up.
SKOL!
Thank you. Have a great evening and GoooooVikes!
SUPERINTENDENT REMARKS
Dr. Judith Campbell
Superintendent
Good evening! To the William Fremd High School Class of 2026, Home of the Vikings, it has truly been my honor to serve as your superintendent during this memorable first year together.
As I visited your school, attended events, walked your hallways, and even ran into many of you around the community, one thing that became very clear to me is that Fremd High School is filled with extraordinary students who proudly carry the baton of greatness. You are collaborators, innovators, technicians, debaters, musicians, creators, athletes, artists, and most importantly, you are LEADERS.
That leadership was recognized across the state this year as Fremd High School was named 1 of 28 schools to receive the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Award. That recognition did not happen by accident. It happened because of your commitment, perseverance, and your willingness to support one another, while striving for excellence.
“United in Purpose, Powered by Passion.” was our district’s theme and graduates, you did not just hear those words, you lived them. I saw it in classrooms.I heard it in our conversations. I witnessed it at school events, and I felt it every time I had the opportunity to connect with you.
Speaking of connection, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the students from Fremd who were a part of my Superintendent’s Advisory Committee. You represented D211 students with authentic and honest conversations, while outlining a vision of going from good to great. What I learned from you, continues to be confirmation of my WHY and my commitment of leading through the lens of students first. Vikings, as you turn the page and leave this chapter, if you remember nothing else, please remember to never underestimate the power of your voice and choice, while holding strong to your beliefs and your right to belong.
It is now my honor to welcome Board Member Ms. Jane Russell to the podium to accept and provide remarks to you. Congratulations, William Fremd Vikings, Class of 2026!
ACCEPTANCE AND REMARKS TO THE CLASS OF 2025
Jane Russell
District 211 Board of Education
Thank you for allowing me to offer a few words tonight and to join you in celebrating this remarkable milestone in your lives.
Tonight, we gather to mark the end of your journey at William Fremd High School. For many of you, these halls have been a second home over the past four years, a place where you learned not only from textbooks and assignments, but from friendships, challenges, successes, and experiences that helped shape the people you are becoming.
While this chapter is coming to a close, there are so many paths ahead of each of you. Some of you will continue your education; others will begin careers, serve in the military, travel, or pursue opportunities still waiting to be discovered. Whatever direction life takes you, remember that growth and learning do not end with graduation. As author C.S. Lewis once said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
For more than 30 years, I had the privilege of serving as an educator, and one of the greatest lessons I learned during that time is that education is never truly finished. Even today, I continue to look for new opportunities to learn, grow, and better understand the world around me. I encourage each of you to do the same. Stay curious. Ask questions. Be open to new ideas and experiences. Never stop learning.
As we celebrate all of you tonight, I also want to take a moment to recognize and thank the families gathered here. Your encouragement, sacrifice, patience, and support helped these students reach this moment, and tonight is a celebration for you as well.
Students, once again, congratulations. Be proud of all you have accomplished and look forward with confidence to all that lies ahead. I am excited to see the journeys you will take and the difference each of you will make in the world.
On behalf of the Board of Education, I hereby accept the William Fremd High School Class of 2026.