GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Drumming of hearts for a new start at Lake Central

What’s recently happened?

On June 3, Lake Central High School held its graduation ceremony for the graduating class of 2026. The ceremony marked a transitional period in the lives of all students attending.

“It finally felt real that I was leaving high school. It’s a weird transition since I’m so used to high school, but I also thought about how I’m looking forward to college. I was very nervous as I walked across the stage, but afterwards I felt relieved that I was finally done. I’ll miss some parts of the school and some friends that are not going to the same college as me or are underclassmen, so it’s bittersweet,” Senior Anna Girman said.

The friendships formed during high school contribute to the element of pride many feel during this celebration.

“I was feeling pretty nostalgic during the graduation ceremony, especially when I saw people that I had known since elementary school walk the stage,” Senior Victoria Cometa said.

The ceremony creates a clear distinction between high school and the path that lies beyond.

“It felt different since it was completely definitive. All the other award ceremonies I have been to, I was expected to come back to high school the next day, but not for this one,” Cometa said.

There were many fun aspects of the class of 2026 gathering together. One that stood out above the rest were stunning performances which struck many seniors as the perfect way to end a perfect four years of high school.

“My favorite aspect was the musical groups performing. I am a band kid, so I enjoyed hearing my fellow band mates play music for my graduation. I know some people in choir too, which I also enjoyed,” Girman said.

The Lake Central band’s performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” upon the football field this pride-filled afternoon would kickstart the confidence and pride needed as the Schererville parade approached for the marching band.

“I did enjoy performing at the ceremony, even if it was hot and a long time playing the same piece of music. I enjoyed being close to the graduates and watching all of them get their diplomas one by one; it’s more about the graduation part than the performance, in my opinion. Being in the band allows us to be closer and contribute to something that’s really big, so I enjoyed it for those reasons,” Senior David Ariyo said.

What’s coming up?

The Lake Central marching band is practicing to perform at the Schererville parade down Joliet Street on June 13. This allows the Schererville community to showcase their appreciation and pride for the local high school.

“The travel parade is where we’re playing the school fight song and it usually goes really well. I think it’s good for everyone who’s watching, because I can see a band of students playing my school’s song and it helps the members in the band build confidence. This is their first big performance, where people are watching them – it makes people want to continue in marching band,” Ariyo said.

However, behind the door of the main performance, there is a wide array of fun activities the band enjoys.

“I’m excited because we have periods of time when we finish practice before the parade. There are special events, cool band rituals, and fun games. It’s always super fun and gets people talking. That’s the best time of the parade. We have our own little games,” Ariyo said.

Many of the section leaders have changed for the upcoming year. Section leaders direct the activities of a particular area of the band to increase progress and make a performance, such as at a ceremony or the parade, more cohesive. It is a role that many students are carefully adapting to.

“I’m slowly getting better. I’m really good at leading now, letting everyone learn and grow. You have to have good time management and also realize that people are human. Being able to explain it well and give good feedback creatively is really important. That actually makes someone want to improve,” Ariyo said.

Community member spotlight:

Carrie Wadycki-Cruz is a fine arts teacher at Lake Central, and was the sponsor for the Senior Class Cabinet this year, contributing greatly to the proceedings of the graduation ceremony. She is the teacher of the Comet magazine class, which meets during the third period of the school schedule, and sponsors the Friends of Dorothy Club on top of it all.

“I know I’ve made an impact on some students. I always look for the underdogs at graduation and make sure to hug them and tell them how proud of them I am. It’s so fun to see how much they have grown,” Wadycki-Cruz said.

This year, her contribution to the graduation ceremony was more immense than ever.

“I worked with the admin to help get the students in line and make sure they were looking spiffy before they walked out,” Wadycki-Cruz said.

With a kid of her own who has crossed the stage, the graduation ceremony is so meaningful for Wadycki-Cruz.

“This ceremony was important to me because my daughter graduated. The teachers sat in the back rows, and because her last name is a “W,” I was sitting right behind her. I got to be on the field and give her a big hug when she crossed the stage,” Wadycki-Cruz said.

When all is said and done, the school year repeats.

“As a teacher, the school year ends. Students graduate and move on. But all summer, you plan and look forward to the new students you’ll meet in August. What freshman will I connect with and help grow during the next four years? It’s a cycle and I love it,” Wadycki-Cruz said.