05/19/2026
The Class of 2026 at Waukegan High School officially crossed the stage as a group of approximately 955 graduates, marking a milestone defined by both scale and achievement. Together, the class earned more than $7 million in four-year scholarship offers and received over 1,722 college acceptance letters from more than 216 colleges and universities across the United States and abroad.
That momentum continued in their postsecondary plans, with roughly 70% of graduates preparing to attend college or university, enter military service, enroll in trade school, or begin apprenticeships this fall. Academically, 318 students completed a combined 811 AP courses, while 98 students earned 621 dual credit hours through Waukegan High School and the College of Lake County.
Recognition across the class reflected a wide range of accomplishments. The graduating class included 48 National Honor Society members, 23 National Technical Honor Society members, and 25 Tri-M Music Honor Society members. In addition, 80 students graduated with Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude honors. Summa Cum Laude graduates included Matthew Canda, Jamil Chuc, Yasir Espinoza, Javier Granda, Jose Mendoza, Bryan Nava, Leonardo Rivera, Katherine Sajuan, Tiffani Skinner, and Celeste Smith. Another 237 students earned P.R.I.D.E honors, recognizing students who demonstrated Prepared, Respectful, Involved, Dependable, and Ethical standards.
The Class of 2026 also included 93 recipients of the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation, 27 Illinois State Scholars, and 20 North Suburban Conference Scholar Athletes. Student leadership and voice were represented by Class President Eliana Ron, Vice-President Alina Sevilla, and senior speakers Celeste Smith and Genesis Rodriguez Ordonez.
