4 Students Receive Citizenship Awards At Northbrook Jr High Graduation

NORTHBROOK, IL — As the Northbrook Junior High Class of 2025 graduated Monday, four students were honored for their combined character qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. According to Northbrook District 28, the students were selected as American Legion Citizen Award recipients.

Madeline Feeney and Greta Wahlstrom were recognized for distinguished achievement, while Madeline Junkmann and Reese Mueller received honorable mention. This is one of the highest honors awarded to American youth by the American Legion organization.

In all, 210 students graduated during a special ceremony at Glenbrook North. Student speeches reflected their experiences in District 28.

"As we move forward into high school — into a world that is larger, faster, and sometimes harder — don't just race toward the next achievement," Wahlstrom said. "Walk slowly enough to notice. Laugh loudly enough to remember. Love deeply enough to make a mark."

The district said Feeney and Maeve Zale teamed up for the second speech.

"Keep writing your story. Keep striving for the person you have fought so hard to become. Keep reaching — past comfort, past fear, past everything you’ve ever known. The future isn’t written yet—and now is the time to begin," they said.

Northbrook Junior High Principal Dr. Scott Meek shared his encouragement with the class, who will attend Glenbrook North next year.

"You've overcome obstacles in your life already — some minor and perhaps some much more significant. Yet you’ve always come out on the other side. Stronger. Better. More resilient," Meek said.