Announcing Our 2026 Commencement Speaker
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Each year, Evanston Township High School District 202 proudly welcomes an alumnus to address our graduating class at Commencement. ETHS is pleased to announce Emmy-nominated actress, writer, and comedian Lauren Lapkus ’04 as the 2026 Commencement Speaker.
Lapkus’s journey has taken her from ETHS to a career spanning television, film, and podcasting. She stars in the upcoming HBO Max series Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, reprising her role as Denise from The Big Bang Theory. She first gained widespread recognition for her breakout role as Susan Fischer on Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black, for which she was part of a SAG Award-winning ensemble cast. In film, Lapkus had a memorable scene-stealing role in the blockbuster Jurassic World and is widely known for her starring role in The Wrong Missy, which debuted at #1 globally on Netflix.
Rooted in Chicago’s improv comedy scene, Lapkus has built a distinctive career defined by versatility, originality, and a strong foundation in performance and improvisation. From standout supporting roles to innovative comedy formats, her work continues to showcase her wide-ranging talent. While at ETHS, she was an actor, writer, and director for YAMO, as well as a writer and editor for The Evanstonian.
ETHS is honored to welcome Lauren Lapkus back to Evanston, where so much of her journey began, to help celebrate this milestone moment for our graduates.
The Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. For information about tickets, regalia, and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit eths202.org/graduation.
