New Trier Township High School’s Commencement Highlights

The 126th annual commencement for New Trier Township High School’s Class of 2026 occurred on Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. The event took place at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. Continuing a long-standing Trevian tradition, the 902 graduates wore formal attire in black and white or donned white gowns. Many graduates carried handheld long-stemmed red roses, which visually contrasted with their white or ivory dresses of various styles.

The ceremony began with Campbell Bach of Wilmette carrying in the American flag. Bach expressed the significance, saying, “I get to represent our country.” Addressing the crowd from the podium, Peter Tragos, who has served as superintendent of New Trier Township High School District 203 since July 2025, remarked, “This commencement may feel like an end, but I can assure you, it’s just the beginning of many great things to come.”

Blake O’Donnell from Kenilworth delivered the commencement speech. O’Donnell reinforced the class’s collective achievements, stating, “While we are leaving here with diplomas, we are also taking with us the stamina of a class that has already proven it can go the distance.” The alumni speaker, Shams Charania, a 2012 New Trier graduate and professional basketball reporter, also shared insights with the graduates.

Further speeches came from students Cooper Cohen and Lily Dale, both from Glencoe. They spoke about the class service project with North Chicago Community Partners, emphasizing their community involvement and impact.

Four seniors, Morgan Zibell from Winnetka, Rachel Elli from Wilmette, Lexi Circ from Kenilworth, and Mia Ascione from Wilmette, wore white dresses and held red roses. All expressed gratitude for their education. “I’m sad but I’m also excited for the next chapter,” Ascione remarked, feeling prepared for college. Circ commented on the quality of their education, declaring it “very good.”

Zibell shared her pride in being associated with New Trier, “If anyone asked where you went and you said, ‘New Trier,’ it’s like an honor. It means everything.”