Seniors Hafsa Wahid and Smita Jain were chosen as two students who will be giving speeches at graduation.

Math teacher Bob Nortillo, guidance counselor Hope Kracht, theater director Andy Sinclair, activities director Jessica Pritzker, and principal Jason Ness judged senior commencement finalists Asma Hussain, Hafsa Wahid, Sharon Mathew, and Smita Jain after school Monday, May 19.

“It’s an honor to be able to speak to the class of 2014. I think everyone in the tryouts and all of the finalists had really nice speeces. I’m glad we got the opportunity to be able to try out. I’m glad that Smita will also be speaking. I hope the class will enjoy both speeches,” Wahid said.

Jain said she had similar feelings.

“I’m very happy that I was chosen to speak at graduation. It truly is an honor to be given time in front of my classmates and everyone else at graduation,” Jain said. “I hope that my speech will be meaningful and worthwhile to those listening. I’d like to thank the judges who took the time to ear our speeches and helped make the final decision.”

“The combination of Smita and Hafsa as voices for the Class of 2014 offers two balanced, unique student perspectives that perfectly embody the heart, mind, and spirit of Niles West High School. As building principal, I’m very proud of all our students’ accomplishments and look forward to commencement next week,” Ness said.

“It’s cool that there are two speakers. [It allows] more perspectives. Both the people chosen are wonderfully talented,” Mathew said.