After making it through a worldwide pandemic, the 2021 Commencement was extra special. The 2020-2021 school year ended on a high note with 381 students crossing the commencement stage at the Rock Island High School Class of 2021 graduation ceremony at the TaxSlayer Center on Saturday, June 5.
RIHS Principal Jeff Whitaker served as Master of Ceremonies, speakers included Terell Williams (BOE President), Dr. Reginald Lawrence (Superintendent), and students Say Say and Calvin Banks.
RIHS student Itangishatse Bujeni gave a beautiful performance of the National Anthem. Students with high honors were recognized.
The crowd also got to watch two outstanding recordings from RIMSD#41 choir students. The first one "For Now" includes choir students from Edison and Washington Jr. High and Rock Island High School's Concert Choir, Symphonic Choir, and Chamber Singers.
Rock Island-Milan Schools Virtual Choir - "FOR NOW">>
Rock Island-Milan Schools Virtual Choir - "WE CAN DREAM">>
Class of 2021 by the Numbers
Class of 2021...
- Will be attending at least 50 different colleges, entering 2 apprenticeship programs, and enrolling in 4 branches of the Military
- These colleges cover at least 13 states (IL, IA, CA, WI, SC, CO, MN, MI, GA, MO, FL, TN, NC)
- Has earned well over 3 million dollars in scholarships
- 75 are members of the national honor society
- More than 750 hours of community service
- 11 Illinois State Scholars
- Out of 381 graduates, 142 seniors have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- More than 30 Rocky athletes are continuing their sports careers at the college or university level
Congratulations to the Class of 2021!