Celebrating Milestones: Honoring Our 2026 Graduates
Celebrating Milestones: Honoring Our 2026 Graduates
Every graduation represents perseverance, growth, and hope for the future. This year, One Family Illinois was proud to celebrate an incredible group of foster youth who reached important educational milestones, graduating from elementary school, middle school, and high school.
Our Graduation Celebration brought together youth, caregivers, staff, supporters, and loved ones to recognize the hard work and determination that led each graduate to this moment. The room was filled with applause and encouragement as each student was honored for their achievements and reminded that an entire community is cheering them on.
For youth in foster care, educational milestones often come alongside unique challenges. Changing schools, adjusting to new environments, and navigating uncertainty can make the journey to graduation even more meaningful. Every diploma, certificate, and promotion reflects resilience, commitment, and the support of caring adults who believed in their potential.
The celebration was made possible through the generous support of 100+ Women Who Care, whose sponsorship helped create a memorable day dedicated to honoring our graduates. Their investment in our youth demonstrates the power of community and the lasting impact of supporting young people as they pursue their dreams.
As our elementary and middle school graduates prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey and our high school graduates take exciting steps toward college, careers, or other opportunities, we are filled with pride and optimism for what lies ahead.
“This moment reflects not only their hard work and perseverance, but also the dedication, guidance, and support that surrounded them every step of the way.”
-Delphine Ranking, CEO of One Family Illinois
Words from Citibank’s Frank Consalo
Guest speaker Frank Conzalo, Managing Director and Head of U.S. Wealth Advisory at Citi Wealth Management, shared an inspiring message of resilience, kindness, and the importance of having a strong support system. Drawing from his own personal journey as an adoptee, Frank spoke about the impact of family and the people who help guide us through life’s challenges.
Through heartfelt stories and personal reflections, he encouraged graduates to embrace their futures, make thoughtful choices, seek support when they need it, and remember the importance of how they make others feel. Frank reminded students that success is not measured only by achievements or financial accomplishments, but by the positive impact they have on the people and communities around them.
His message was a powerful reminder to One Family Illinois’ graduates that their stories, experiences, and futures matter, and that with the support of a caring community, they have the ability to create meaningful change in the world.
“Choose something you love. Choose something you’re passionate about. Because then you’ll never work a day in your life.”
-Frank Consalo, Managing Director and Head of U.S. Wealth Advisory at Citi Wealth Management
Final Words
To each of our graduates: CONGRATULATIONS! Your hard work, determination, and resilience have brought you to this incredible milestone. We can't wait to see all that you accomplish next.
Thank you to our staff, caregivers, volunteers, donors, and community partners from Borg Warner, Citibank, and our staff/volunteers from One Family Illinois who continue to encourage and uplift our youth every step of the way. Together, we are helping build brighter futures, one milestone at a time!
