Jonah Zanolla, National Merit Honor recipient, a first at Illini West, has been in scholastic bowl since grade school. He encourages classmates to learn as much as possible about a variety of things, not just subjects you are asked to or are interested in.

Jonah was asked how he knew so much about random things, and he said, "the truth is they are not random at all. I am very intentional about learning as much as I can about as much as I can."

Jonah said the habit of being curious is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop because it allows us to better connect with other people.

"If I have only one piece of advice to pass on to you as you graduate it would be to never stop learning a little about a lot!"

Jonah has done this in the past 18 years trying to learn as much as he can. He has learned all he can about the development of rockets, about Alexander Hamilton, the production of electric vehicles, and radar technology and says he feels confident he can hold his own in a conversation about Broadway musicals or the Impressionist Art Movement, the Intelligence Operations during WW II,   or how national economic policies affect people in rural areas.

"The world is changing fast, Jonah said. " A lot of what requires a person to be accomplished can now be automated. But here's what I've learned. The things that cannot be replaced are the things that actually require you to understand people." When you talk to someone about what they love, they stop being a stranger. It's not a skill easy to replicate.  Whatever you do next, he said, "Read about things that don't matter about your career, your grades, or resume. By understanding more of the world, you can make more of the world feel like yours." 

Corin Robinson, was chosen by her class to give the Senior Address. She thanked all who helped her reach this milestone as a Illini West High School graduate.  One of the things that had the greatest impact on her life at Illini West was being part of a team. Whether cheering in the cheer-section, playing volleyball or meeting friends at Mahoney's instead of doing math lessons, she was always surrounded by a team of students who made every day fun. 

She's witnessed her peers connect after a hard ballgame, a class competition, or after making an impact in the community through volunteer work  bring feelings that will remain strong long after we turn the tassel, she said. 

Corin suggests that similar to a team, for friendships to project positivity in your life there needs to be trust, commitment, and communication. 

She told fellow graduates to take time to reflect on friendships they have formed and what they have brought to their lives, then imagine the person you want to become. A few things come to mind. You are an average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. 

After you walk across the stage it is up to you to decide who you want to be.  Do not let others pull you away from your goals. Although there is no "I" in team, it is okay to step back and decide what path will bring you happiness.

Find your team, whether it is going on to college, joining the work force, or going into the military. For even when life is difficult and your dreams seem impossible, there will be people there for you. Embrace failure and learn from your mistakes and join a team of people who will give you strength. 

"To the Class of 2026...I have the honor of calling you all my team. I have no doubt that you all will go on to lead fantastic lives."