Meet Willowbrook’s class of 2024 graduation speakers

Can’t make it in person to Willowbrook's 65th commencement ceremony on May 19? No problem! The graduation will be streamed live at 1 p.m. (CST) online at www.dupage88.net/wbgrad. 

On May 19, Willowbrook seniors Natalia Garcia-Avila and Sean O'Brochta (pictured above) will address their classmates (more than 325 students) as the student graduation speakers during Willowbrook’s 65th commencement ceremony.

O'Brochta was chosen to speak based on his academic standing (he is ranked in the top 5 percent of the class of 2024). Garcia-Avila will speak as President of the class of 2024.

Get to know Natalia Garcia-Avila

Title of your speech: “Survival Guide: What You Need to Know"

Summary of your speech: My speech tells my story, including advice I've received from my mom, and reflects on the actual meaning of those phrases.

Lessons/advice you hope to share with your peers through your speech: The main theme is to knock on the door of opportunity – in all aspects of life.

What does it mean to you to be a speaker during the commencement ceremony and to represent the class of 2024? I'm not just representing my class, but the Hispanic community and females. It means a lot to speak for a large minority, and I hope it inspires others to see that education can open many doors.

Involvement at Willowbrook:

  • Superintendent Student Advisory Committee
  • Willowbrook's Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement (HOLA) Club (President)
  • Youth Equity Stewardship (YES) program, which prepares students to recognize and learn from the diversity around them
  • Girls Soccer Team
  • Relay For Life of District 88 Youth, which raises money for the American Cancer Society

How Willowbrook has supported you: The staff at Willowbrook believed in me, pushed me to take college-level courses and provided me with the resources to succeed. Without Willowbrook, I wouldn't have thought attending college out of state was an option.

Your future plans: I plan to attend University of Notre Dame to study political science and Latino studies on a pre-law track.

Get to know Sean O'Brochta

Title of your speech: “Just Have Fun”

Summary of your speech: I remind my peers that while our high school graduation is the end of one chapter, it's the beginning of a new chapter as well.

Lessons/advice you hope to share with your peers through your speech: My advice is to "just have fun," meaning it's important to take the time to reflect on everything we have to be grateful for.

What does it mean to you to be a speaker during the commencement ceremony and to represent the class of 2024? It means a lot. This is a very impressive class, school and district, and it's an honor to be asked to represent my peers.

Involvement at Willowbrook:

  • Music
  • Theatre
  • Principal Student Advisory Committee
  • Superintendent Student Advisory Committee
  • Relay For Life of District 88 Youth, which raises money for the American Cancer Society

How Willowbrook has supported you: The counselors at Willowbrook have been a huge help, and I'm the student I am now because of them. The entire staff has supported me and helped me gain confidence. They truly care about the students. My parents also have always been there for me, and I appreciate them attending so many of my events.

Your future plans: I plan to attend Northwestern University to study neuroscience. I look foward to exploring my options and broadening my horizons.