Mokena Patch Honors High School Graduates: Mokena Class Of 2020

MOKENA, IL — Mokena Patch wants to provide a way to share the achievements of our high school graduates, even if it's in a small way. With in-person instruction canceled for the rest of the 2019-20 school year in Illinois due to the coronavirus, high school seniors are missing out on the last moments of what should be a happy, celebratory time. Many proms and graduations have been postponed, and we know many high school seniors are feeling sadness about missing these milestone high school events.

We hope that this will give the community a way to share their pride in our Class of 2020 high school graduates. You can find the form here if you'd like to add your graduate. Patch will be updating this article until May 31.

Here are the Mokena Class of 2020 high school graduates:


Brooke Aker, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be studying cosmetology.

Message from her family: "We know this is not how you wanted High School to end, but we are very proud of your accomplishments throughout the last 4 years at Central! You have so much to look forward to and we are right behind you cheering you on! Congratulations on finishing High School and we will celebrate as soon as we are able! Love you bunches!"


Rikki Dobson, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending McKendree University studying economics and playing football.

Message from the family: "Congratulations Rikki! Wishing you nothing but the best in your future ahead! Love, Mom"


Paige Fitzpatrick, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Joliet Junior College.

Message from the family: "Congratulations, Paige! We love you!"


Megan Herling, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Illinois State University:

Message from the family: "You find the positive in everything. Congratulations - Ever so Proud of You, Meg. We wish you nothing but the best as we know you will excel at ISU! Make yourself proud, enjoy every minute! Love you, Mom, Dad, Matt & Maura"


Mackenzie Jarchow, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending University of Michigan or University of Wisconsin.

Message from the family: "We are so proud of you. You have worked so hard. No doubt your future is bright."


Natasha Jarchow, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending University of Michigan studying neuroscience.

Message from the family: "We are so excited to follow you on this next adventure. You have worked extremely hard and it has paid off. Your future is bright. Go Blue."


Aidan Keith Johnson, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Illinois State University, studying business.

Message from the family: "Hooray! Love, Mom, Jeff, Adam & Eric"


Johnny Joyce, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending University of Missouri.

Message from his family: "Your family is so proud of you!!!"


Jacob Kruse, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Joliet Junior College.

Message from his family: "No matter what path your future takes you on, we are always here to support you and are very proud of you and your accomplishments. Never doubt yourself and aim high. We love you! Love Mom & Dad (and Tyler)"


Teddy Kucaba, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending University of Missouri studying computer science.

Message from the family: "So proud of you! You will do great things!! Love you!!"


Katelyn Lindstrom, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Joliet Junior College

Message from the family: "Congratulations class of 2020. We are so proud of you! My all your dreams come true. Love, Dad and Mom"


Angelica Merichko, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be studying vocal performance.

Message from the family: "We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments. I wish your senior year didn't have to end like this but you will get through this a stronger person. And you will have a great story to tell your children years down the line. Congratulations on all your hard work. We love you so much. Mom and Dad"


Hannah O'Dell, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Joliet Junior College.

Message from the family: "We are so very proud of you and all you have overcome these past 4 years. Congratulations!"


Ron Orloff, Lincoln-Way East High School

Photo by Mary Orloff
Photo by Mary Orloff

Will be attending St. Xavier University.

Message from his family: "Congratulations to our son, Ron Orloff. We are so proud of the young man you have come. We wish you all of the best in everything you do in the future."


Amanda Pacini, Lincoln-Way East High School

Will be attending Joliet Junior College.

Message from the family: "So proud of you Amanda!!! We love you"


Lauren Peterson, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Drake University, studying law, politics and society.

Message from the family: "Congratulations Lauren! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see your successes at Drake and beyond."


Kevin Williams, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Message from his family: "We are so proud of you, Kevin! You have made all of us so proud! You are going to do great things! We love you!"


Cara Zerante, Lincoln-Way Central High School

Will be attending Illinois State University.

Message from the family: "We are so proud of how you and the way you have handled the strange way your senior year is ending!!!love mom and dad"

This article originally appeared on the Mokena Patch