Sponsored & Legacy Institutions - Stories

By Eleanor Schmerler-Rich '09
Vice President of Growth, Regina Dominican High School

June 18, 2025, Wilmette, Illinois – Regina Dominican High School joyfully celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025. Surrounded by proud parents, families, friends, and fellow Regina Dominican High School students, the graduating class was honored for this milestone moment in their lives and the legacy of excellence that they leave. 

The school community was especially proud to welcome back distinguished alumna Judge Dalila Argaez Wendlandt ’87, Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, as the keynote speaker. Judge Wendlandt shared five powerful life lessons that deeply resonated with the graduates:

1.    Speak your truth. Do not be afraid to show your identity.
2.    Be brave, not perfect.
3.    Assign yourself.
4.    “Effortlessness” is a myth.
5.    Use your voice to change the world.

Judge Wendlandt reminded the audience, “What you say, what you write, what you think – it matters; there are real consequences to inaction and silence in the face of injustice. By asking questions, learning, and using your voice, you can actively shape the direction of history. Justice is not a passive outcome but requires conscious effort.” 

Her words served as both a reflection of the school’s mission and a call to action for the graduates as they step into the world beyond high school.

Student speaker Allison Buck ’25 also took the stage, delivering a heartfelt message about the strength, love, and lifelong sisterhood shared by the Class of 2025. Her words captured the spirit of unity and joy that has defined their time at Regina.

The Class of 2025’s accomplishments are truly extraordinary. This year’s seniors were offered a total of $11,417,797 in scholarships to various colleges and universities across the country, a testament to their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service.

The Class of 2025 also helped make school history in a variety of ways. Graduating seniors had a hand in founding the school's first robotics team, the Regina Riveters. They also helped break numerous school records in athletics, including trips to state competitions in cross country, basketball, and track and field.

In addition to Commencement, Regina Dominican held its annual Convocation ceremony, honoring the wide range of academic and extracurricular achievements of the graduating class. Faculty, staff, families, and peers gathered to celebrate the perseverance, talent, and spirit of the Class of 2025 as they prepare to take their next steps.