Batavia High School

Graduates in Class of 2020: 479

Graduation speakers: Morgan LaSalle, Jeremiah Young, Juliana Gabriel and Maisie Sweeney

Student council officers: Olivia Murchie, president; Katherine Polick, vice president; Kyle Kahley, secretary; and Aidan Walker, treasurer.

Academic achievements: Three National Merit Semifinalists (Kyle Wolfard, Alissa Chu, Devin O'Toole); more than 300 seniors earned early college credit through partnership with Waubonsee Community College, earning well over 2,700 total credit hours; and millions of dollars of scholarship money earned.

Athletic achievements: Girls cross country team placed fourth, Mia Gianfrancesco graduates as the most decorated female runner in school history, and three all-state medals; boys track, top ranked 4x800 relay team at the time of season cancellation (Adam Kennedy, Joe Knanishu Damian Rodriguez, Eamon Sams); and football made it to the Elite Eight (state quarterfinals).

Extracurricular achievements: Anthony Guido, Outstanding Art Student of the Year; and Anthony Guido and Maiya Crews, National Scholastic Art Award winners, which puts them in the top 5% of the nation.

Musical achievements: National Association of Music Merchants Best Community for Music Education 2020, sixth award in the last seven years; Wind Symphony selected for Superstate (state concert band championships) for fourth year in a row, the second longest streak in class; Winterguard, undefeated before the season was canceled; and Show Choir families made the most donations and largest total donation in the division at the Wheaton South Virtual Choral Classic.

Theater productions: "Mamma Mia," "I Remember Mama," and "Much Ado About Nothing"

Homecoming court: Jeremiah Young, Joe Knanishu and Kathryn Nyland

Homecoming theme: "Jams of the Century"

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2020: When reflecting on the Class of 2020, it is hard not to focus on the last few weeks. The impression they are leaving us with is one of perseverance. They have managed to complete their school work and deal with so much disappointment with grace and understanding. These skills will serve them well as they enter the world as Batavia alumni. We are so proud of the young adults they have become and look forward to hearing about their next adventures!

- Principal JoAnne Smith