ABOVE: Madeline Feeney and Greta Wahlstrom were recognized for the American Legion Citizenship Award of Distinguished Achievement from Assistant Director of Student Services Dr. Heather Schultz and Assistant Principal Christine Lake.

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The 210 members of the Northbrook Junior High Class of 2025 graduated June 2 at the Glenbrook North auditorium. Four students were selected by their teachers for the American Legion Citizenship Awards. Students were nominated based on the character qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. This is one of the highest honors awarded to American youth by the American Legion organization.

Madeline Feeney and Greta Wahlstrom were recognized for Distinguished Achievement. Madeline Junkmann and Reese Mueller received Honorable Mention.

Also at the ceremony, student speeches reflected their experiences in District 28.

Student Greta Wahlstrom said, “As we move forward into high school - into a world that is larger, faster, and sometimes harder— don't just race toward the next achievement. Walk slowly enough to notice. Laugh loudly enough to remember. Love deeply enough to make a mark.”

Students Madeline Feeney and Maeve Zale teamed up for the second speech. “Keep writing your story.

Keep striving for the person you have fought so hard to become.  Keep reaching—past comfort, past fear, past everything you’ve ever known. The future isn’t written yet—and now is the time to begin,” they said.

Northbrook Junior High Principal Dr. Scott Meek shared his encouragement with the class, who will attend Glenbrook North next year.

“You’ve overcome obstacles in your life already. Some minor, and perhaps some much more significant. Yet you’ve always come out on the other side. Stronger. Better. More resilient.” Dr. Meek said.

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Below: Madeline Junkmann and Reese Mueller receive the American Legion Citizenship Award Honorable Mention from Assistant Director of Student Services Dr. Heather Schultz and Assistant Principal Christine Lake.