Meet Addison Trail’s class of 2023 graduation speakers

Can’t make it in person to Addison Trail’s 57th commencement ceremony on May 21? No problem! The graduation will be streamed live at 3 p.m. (CST) online at www.dupage88.net/atgrad.

On May 21, Addison Trail seniors Lea Staller (pictured at left) and Daisy Puebla (pictured at right) will address nearly 500 of their classmates as the student graduation speakers during Addison Trail’s 57th commencement ceremony.

Staller and Puebla entered the school’s annual graduation-speech competition and were selected as this year’s winners by a panel of judges.

Get to know Lea Staller

Title of your speech: “Embrace Change, and Be Kind”

Summary of your speech: The theme of my speech is to be open to change, take advantage of everything available to you, be kind and make a positive difference.

Lessons/advice you hope to share with your peers through your speech: Your friends and views will change throughout your life, and that’s OK. But no matter what changes, what should remain consistent is your focus on enjoying life and being kind.

What does it mean to you to be a speaker during the commencement ceremony and to represent the class of 2023? I was excited and surprised to learn I would be one of the speakers. It means a lot and is a nice finale to four years of hard work and being at the top of my class.

Involvement at Addison Trail:

  • President of Choir Board
  • Member of Shades of Blue (vocal jazz ensemble)
  • Sergeant of Arms for Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society
  • Thespian
  • Member of National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Member of the Principal and Superintendent leadership teams

How Addison Trail has supported you: Addison Trail offers a tremendous variety of clubs and academic courses that have helped me advance – especially in math. The school also has a welcoming, community feel.

Your future plans: I plan to attend Cornell University, where I will pursue a major in mechanical and aerospace engineering and a minor in performing arts.

Get to know Daisy Puebla

Title of your speech: “Everything You Need Is Inside of You Already”

Summary of your speech: My speech has a funny, lighthearted tone. I talk about how it’s OK to be scared about the future, but what you should focus on is finding your identity and being secure that you have everything you need to succeed.

What does it mean to you to be a speaker during the commencement ceremony and to represent the class of 2023? I teared up – I was so excited and happy. My parents emigrated from Mexico to the U.S., and I’m the first in my family to go to college. They don’t know I was selected as one of the student speakers for graduation, so my speech is going to be a surprise for them.

Involvement at Addison Trail: I’m involved in 12 extracurricular activities, including:

  • Member of National Honor Society (NHS)
  • Member of Student Council
  • President of Lettermen Club
  • President of Art Club
  • Student leader with Pay It Forward (an event to welcome incoming freshmen to Addison Trail)
  • Member of Key Club
  • Member of Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society
  • Member of LADIES (which provides support and ongoing motivational clinics to see that members gain confidence in themselves and realize their true potential)

How Addison Trail has supported you: I’ve met so many teachers and students who have been incredibly welcoming and have helped me feel more comfortable and confident in myself.

Your future plans: I plan to attend Elmhurst University, where I will pursue a major in political science or economics.