South High Seeks Nominations for “Alumni Award of Excellence”

Downers Grove South High School is seeking nominations for its Class of 2026 Distinguished Alumni. The program recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments, affiliations and careers have honored the legacy of excellence at the school. 

Nominations will be accepted online through March 27, 2026. Alumni who are selected will be recognized at the all-school homecoming assembly, parade and reception on Friday, October 16, 2026. The graduates will also visit classrooms to share their stories with students. 

“Since we launched the Distinguished Alumni Program in 2014 to commemorate our school’s 50th anniversary, South High has recognized nearly 25 exceptional graduates,” said South High Principal Arwen Lyp. “Our current students benefit from learning their stories of success and perseverance, which gives them inspiration as they discover their potential to also impact the world in positive ways.”

Details about the program and a complete list of past recipients may be found on the alumni page of the District 99 website. Previous recipients include:

The Class of 2024 Distinguished Alumni 

• Jon Hansen - Class of 2002
• Lee Ann Kim - Class of 1988
• Paul Kludac (posthumous award) - Class of 1997 
• Michael Taylor - Class of 1985 

Class of 2022 Distinguished Alumni

• Tushar (Tony) Ambegaoker, Class of 1987
• Dr. Alexander J. Gallan, Class of 2005
• Heather Hathaway Miranda, Class of 1990
• Major Matthew A. Krempel, Class of 2004
• Mary Lou O’Grady, R.N., Class of 1972
• John C. Robak, Class of 1985

Class of 2018 Distinguished Alumni

• Maudlyne Ihejirika (Class of 1981)
• Amy Liss (Class of 2001)
• Dr. Robert Roose (Class of 1997)
• Dr. Samir Soneji (Class of 1994)
• Captain Nicholas Tilbrook (Class of 1988)

Class of 2016 Distinguished Alumni

• Jill (Kroese) Aspegren (Class of 1983)
• Dr. Mark Hersam (Class of 1993)
• Emil Martinec (Class of 1976)
• Greg Smith (Class of 1982)

Class of 2014 Distinguished Alumni

• Captain Daniel L. Cheever (Class of 1982)
• Derek Lloyd Choi-Lundberg, Ph.D. (Class of 1997)
• Elaine Fuchs, Ph.D. (Class of 1968)
• Michael Mendoza, M.D. (Class of 1992)
• Captain Kent A. Paro (Class of 1982)
• Katarina J. Ruscic, M.D., Ph.D. (Class of 2002)