District 58 Celebrates the Select 58 Class of 2026

  • Posted May 20, 2026
White frosted cupcakes with student photo picks in shape of "58" on a green tablecloth

On May 13, District 58 proudly honored the Select 58 Class of 2026 during a special recognition ceremony held at Herrick Middle School.  Select 58 is a long-standing recognition program hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 that honors eighth grade students from across the District who have demonstrated outstanding qualities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as a commitment to positively impacting their school and community. Students complete an online application and obtain a letter of recommendation from a non-family member to support their application.

The celebratory evening brought together students, families, staff, and community members to honor the students. During the ceremony, welcoming remarks were given by Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell and Select 58 Co-Chairs from the Education Foundation of District 58, Mike Toth and Bryan Gay. A former Select 58 recipient and Herrick student, Liam Neustadt, shared his insights with the audience, emphasizing the importance of staying engaged throughout high school and beyond.

All students were recognized individually by middle school administrators Lauryn Humphris and Dr. Steve Perkins and highlighted in a special student spotlight video.

District 58 is proud of the Select 58 recipients and grateful to the educators and families who support and encourage these exceptional students each day. Congratulations to the Select 58 Class of 2026!

VIEW 2026 SELECT 58 PHOTO GALLERY

VIEW 2026 SELECT 58 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT VIDEO

 

2026 Select 58 Recipients

  • Molly Aitken
  • Paola Arellano
  • Estelle BiancoSmith
  • Evan Boone
  • Rachel Bywater
  • Violet Caldwell
  • Sienna Chansey
  • Owen Coit
  • Zoe Decker
  • Reese DeVries
  • Temperance Diep
  • Olivia Dubnicek
  • Gracie Dzurisin
  • Eloise Francis
  • Caitlyn Gapastione
  • Dylan Grempka
  • Naomi Gronko
  • Fiona Gruenwald
  • Ellen Hofstra-Condon
  • Katherine Jackson
  • Nora James
  • John Karam
  • Elliana Kropifko
  • Oscar Larsen
  • Delaney Lawrence
  • Autumn LeGrand
  • Anna Leopoldo
  • Sophia Lofgren
  • Skyler Merrill
  • Shannon Mitchell
  • Harper Myers
  • Jules Nastal
  • Belle Neidhart
  • Reese Newell
  • Evelyn Novak
  • Keira O’Donoghue
  • George Onken
  • Ava Pantaleo
  • Lucian Piegari
  • Mia Poland
  • Cole Posmer
  • John Powers
  • Julianna Ramey
  • Rachel Reynolds
  • Reed Rojas
  • Rylan Rojas
  • Luca Ruiz
  • Sathvik Varma Sagi
  • Caitlyn Schafbuch
  • Paige Schmitt
  • Maeve Skarr
  • Ethan Smith
  • Aanya Sullivan
  • Katherine Susmarski
  • Mia Swiercz
  • Audrina Tung
  • Gracyas Widlock
  • John Wojciechowski