Lyons Township HS Grads Head To 191 Colleges, Tech Schools

The annual ceremony honored graduates, remembered three late classmates and recognized scholarships and academic awards.

By David Giuliani, Patch Staff

May 29, 2026 11:55 am CDT | Updated May 29, 2026 12:19 pm CDT

Lyons Township High School graduates threw up their caps at the end of Wednesday's commencement ceremony. (Jen Pasko/Lyons Township High School)

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Lyons Township High School's 2026 graduates are headed to 191 colleges and technical schools across 39 states and several countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Lithuania, the United Kingdom and Ireland, the school said.

Collectively, the class reported nearly $16 million in utilized scholarship offers.

The school held its graduation for 951 students on Wednesday at South Campus.

The ceremony included a tribute to the graduates' late classmates Maximilian Kobalarczyk, Caroline Mhley and Julian Urbina-Medina. The school said their names were included in the commencement program, and diplomas were presented to their families in recognition of their lives and accomplishments.

Class of 2026 President Paxton Cutler presented the class gift, a memorial bench that will be placed in the pollinator garden outside North Campus, according to the school.

Superintendent Dr. Brian Waterman praised the graduates' perseverance, leadership and contributions to the school community.

"LT's reputation doesn't live in a building or a trophy case," Waterman said, according to a school news release. "It lives in its people, in the standard they hold themselves to, and in the way they treat others and rise to meet challenges."

Student Council President Nadija Neskovic reflected on students' growth, resilience and friendships over the past four years and expressed gratitude to families, teachers and mentors, the news release said. Class Honors Orator Delilah Pawlowski centered her message on the school's motto, Vita Plena, which the district described as the quest for a fulfilling life.

The school reported 126 students were named High Honor Graduates, 20 were National Merit Commended Students, 15 were National Merit Finalists and 232 were Illinois State Scholars.

Scholarships announced included the Donald D. Reber Scholarship for Blake McCraken, the American Legion awards for William (Wesley) Musgrove and Chika Nduka, and the Robert C. Burson Scholarship for Lindsay Forebaugh.