Congrats, Grayslake North Grads!

When the Grayslake North High School Class of 2013 started the procession into the school's field house Sunday afternoon for the commencement ceremony, Derek Pierce and Kaitlyn Norum were among the first through the doors.

As the school's valedictorian and salutatorian, Pierce and Norum would have special duties at the end of the ceremony: to instruct their fellow graduates to move their tassels from right to left.

"I'm excited to do this with him," Norum said of Pierce. "I've been in class with him since kindergarten."

When Patch spoke with Pierce and Norum days before graduation, the two were admittedly nervous about the big day. But they were also excited about being named valedictorian and salutatorian—and about the future in general.

"Throughout high school, I've just been an academics person," said Pierce. "I guess to be honored for that is nice. I've worked really hard and have taken a lot of AP classes."

Norum said in addition to taking many honors and AP classes the last four years, she has also been really involved, largely palms.

"It's really amazing to still be at the top (of the class)," said Norum.

She plans to study non-profit management and Spanish this fall at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Pierce will attend Berkeley, where he hopes to study math.

Both students said they'll miss Grayslake North.

"I love the people here. That's what I'll miss the most," said Norum.

"Since three different middle schools feed into here, I met people I wouldn't have otherwise," said Pierce. His advice to incoming freshmen this fall? "Try to put yourself out there. Meet as many people as you can."

Norum recommends that incoming freshmen "get involved in something. Follow your passions."

Share your messages for Grayslake North grads in the comments below! And feel free to add your own photos to our photo gallery!