New Trier Township High School Class of 2026 Graduation

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The 126th annual commencement ceremony for New Trier Township High School’s Class of 2026 occurred on Sunday, May 31, at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. The event began at 3 p.m.

The 902 graduates followed the Trevian tradition, dressed in formal white and black attire. Many of the graduates carried long-stemmed red roses, which stood out against the various styles of white or ivory dresses.

The ceremony commenced with Campbell Bach from Wilmette bringing in the American flag. Bach expressed pride, stating, “I get to represent our country.”

Peter Tragos, serving as superintendent of New Trier Township High School District 203 since July 2025, addressed the graduates. He remarked, “This commencement may feel like an end, but it’s just the beginning of many great things to come.”

Blake O’Donnell from Kenilworth served as the commencement speaker. During the speech, O’Donnell highlighted the resilience of the class, saying, “While we are leaving here with diplomas, we are also taking with us the stamina of a class that has already proven that it can go the distance.”

The alumni speaker, Shams Charania from the Class of 2012, shared his experiences as a professional basketball reporter.

Two students, Cooper Cohen and Lily Dale, both hailing from Glencoe, spoke about the class service project with North Chicago Community Partners.

Standing with their long-stemmed red roses were Morgan Zibell of Winnetka, Rachel Elli of Wilmette, Lexi Circ of Kenilworth, and Mia Ascione of Wilmette. They attended the ceremony in white dresses, sharing their thoughts on the learning experience at New Trier Township High School.

Ascione shared mixed emotions about graduating, stating, “I’m sad but I’m also really excited for the next chapter. I feel very prepared for college.” Circ mentioned, “It was very good,” referring to their education.

Zibell reflected on the significance of being a Trevian, saying, “If anyone asked where you went and you said, ‘New Trier,’ it’s like an honor. It means everything.”