St. Charles East celebrates eight college-bound athletes on Commitment Day

St. Charles East turned its main gym into a celebration of hard work and future opportunity Wednesday afternoon, honoring eight seniors during College Commitment Day on April 15, 2026. The 2:30 p.m. event brought together classmates, coaches, staff and families to recognize a group of Fighting Saints athletes who will continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level.

The signees reflected the range of talent across the school’s programs. Xander Salazar signed to play football at Augustana College, while fellow football standout Sheko Gjokaj committed to Western Illinois University. Ethan Perkins will take his volleyball career to Concordia University Irvine in California, and Jack Boyd signed with Waubonsee Community College for baseball. Each moment at the table marked years of training, competition and support, with proud family members and coaches sharing in the milestone.

St. Charles East also celebrated Aubrie Durrow, who will continue in cheer at Northern Illinois University, and Gavin Belli, who signed to play basketball at Lake Forest College. Their commitments added to the energy of the afternoon and underscored the depth of the Fighting Saints’ athletic program. Signing day offered a public thank-you to the athletes who have represented the school with dedication, and a chance for the community to cheer them on one more time before they begin their college journeys.

Two more seniors rounded out the class of signees. Savannah Sajdak committed to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, to continue her lacrosse career, and Bob Livermore signed with Ripon College in Wisconsin for tennis and cross country. Their decisions highlighted not only athletic achievement, but also the academic opportunities ahead as they prepare for the next chapter.

For St. Charles East, the afternoon was about more than signatures on paper. It was a celebration of persistence, school pride and the people behind each athlete’s path, from coaches and teammates to parents and staff members who helped make the day possible. With eight Fighting Saints now set to compete at colleges across the Midwest and beyond, Wednesday’s ceremony was a fitting spotlight on a senior class that gave its school plenty to celebrate.