St. Charles North High School

by Todd Hewell, Executive President, North Star Council
Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Maps are the most fundamental objects that have been used by man over time. Our time is no different than that of our ancestors. The difference between the Class of 2003 and those who have come before us is the map that we are using to guide our journey. Unlike other high schools, we had no map to follow. The directions, routes and destinations were not known. The students, staff and parents took the responsibility of creating our own map using the North Star as guidance.

Our map set two paths for the class of 2003. We were destined to attend St. Charles North High School, while our fellow classmates attended St. Charles East High School.  

The west gym of St. Charles High School began our journey for the Class of 2003. Our principal introduced himself to many of us for the very first time. We knew as we looked around the gym at our classmates, that some of us would depart, and others would join us on our journey. 

The Learning Resource Center became our behind the scenes meeting room. Students, staff and parents discussed the future mascot and colors of our new school. Such names as knights, lighting, foxes, north stars, red gators, mustangs and chargers were discussed. We ultimately reached a decision and the North Stars with our royal blue; black and silver were written in the first chapter of our history.  

September 5, 2000 marked the first day at our new high school. The main foyer has provided entrance and exit to our beautiful campus. The front entrance mural is our gateway to the school and a symbol that reminds us of endless possibilities. The classrooms have provided us with our core instruction, where we have listened, shared and discussed our thoughts and ideas.  

The auditorium has provided us an opportunity to express our talents through concerts, musicals and plays. The gym, pool, wrestling room & fields have guided us towards excellence in athletic events. The courtyard has provided a scenic detour on our journey. Allowing us to escape for a few moments from our eventful days. The cafeteria is representative of our social activities. We have eaten lunch together, attended dances and even placed our handprints on the wall.  

The hallways are the paths that connect all of these waypoints on our journey. We are the first set of individuals to walk through these halls and provide direction for the rest of our peers. Among these halls walk actors, artists, athletes, musicians, poets, politicians, scholars, volunteers, and others who give their time to achieve worthy goals. We should hold pride in our accomplishments and the traditions we have begun.  

These halls will lead us to our final destination. The stadium will be the last place where we will unite as a class and celebrate one another.

I thank you for your devotion, responsibility and sense of ownership on our journey to where the North Stars shine. We have started great traditions and set the bar high for future generations. The map that we have designed will be used and followed to forge forward for now and forever more as the future carries us forth in a journey that waits for us upon a new horizon.

For questions, comments or suggestions, please contact Todd Hewell