JANUARY 2014.     WNHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: PATRICIA S. SPRATT (’67). Pat was the Editor of the first hardcover WNHS Yearbook in 1966. She was also an outstanding actress and a regular honor role student. Pat was a founder of the WNHSAA and former Director. Pat and her law firm donated their time and money to incorporate the WNHSAA as an Illinois non-profit. She continues to be counsel for the WNHSAA. Pat is now running for Circuit Court Judge in Cook County. We thank Pat for her generosity and service to the WNHSAA and wish her great success as a judge.

FEBRUARY 2014.     WNHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: BRUCE HARTMAN (’67). Bruce was a founding member of the WNHSAA in 2007. He and Janis Michelic Hahn (’68) initiated and ran the Scholarship Committee that has donated in excess of $10,000 to WNHS Seniors. Bruce is the largest single donor to the WNHSAA and is a past President. While a student at WNHS, Bruce was QB of the undefeated 1966 Conference Champions, played basketball and tennis, was on class council and participated in Choir and the Spring Musical. Bruce recently retired as a Professor of Psychology at Seton Hall University and lives in central Florida. Thank you for all you have done Bruce.

MARCH 2014.  WNHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS: JOHN HARTNESS (’71) was on the yearbook staff, was an Auto Shop teacher’s assistant, worked in the concession stand, helped develop the Urban Poverty curriculum and volunteered at Hull House while a student at WNHS. After graduating, John worked in the newspaper and publishing industries. His works included “The World of Antiques & Collectibles.” He is currently employed at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. John has been a member of the Optimist Club and Elks Club. Mr. Hartness has been an extremely active volunteer for the WNHS Alumni Association and is in charge of publicity for the 2014 Homecoming/50th Anniversary of WNHS weekend. He is also the Alumni Association’s contact with the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce. John has made many creative suggestions that are helping to make the 2014 Homecoming/50th SPECTACULAR. Thank you John.

OCTOBER 2014.  WNHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI:  BILL NATES (’67) & WHEATON VFW POST 2164.  The photographs have been posted and many memories retold and new memories made.  Thank you Bill and the many volunteers of Post 2164 without whom the weekend would not have been nearly as successful.  Bill is a proud veteran having served in Viet Nam from August 1968 to August 1969 in the Army’s 1st 11th Artillery 9th Division as a gunner and in the motor pool.  Bill is the VFW Club Manager and coordinated the efforts of the Women’s and Men’s Auxiliaries to cook and serve us for four days and nights.  Bill even ran interference with a neighbor who complained that the music was too loud . . . and the band played on and the beer stayed cold.  Thank you Bill for running a First Class operation.  All who attended (and many who didn’t) want to say “Mission Accomplished.”

OCTOBER, 2014. Distinguished Honorary Alumnus BOB HAWKINS is the first honorary WNHS graduate to be selected Alumnus of the Month. Although Bob is actually a graduate of Wheaton Community HS (when there was only one high school in Wheaton), ever since he married Anne Wittman (’68) he has been a regular at WNHS reunions and informal get togethers. We honor Bob for his work in transforming Oscar Swann for the Prom. Bob, Anne, Janis Michelic (’68), Ellen Tweedie (’68) and Maureen O’Donnell (’69) did a major renovation of the facilities. They out a lot of dated decorations and replaced them with items from the Hawkins’ house. Bob spent many hours making Oscar Swan the perfect venue. Bob and his infectious smile were present the rest of the weekend at the VFW. Some of you may know Bob from the time he worked at Gaede’s in downtown Wheaton.  Bob taught at Glenbard East and has been a Principal and Associate Superintendent in West Aurora.   Bob received his PH.D. from Northern Illinois.  Now allegedly retired, Bob continues to officiate high school football, basketball and softball at the state final level.  Bob and Anne have twin daughters and four grandchildren.

OCTOBER 2014.  Distinguished Honorary Alumnus MIKE RYAN is a graduate of Glenbard West, he started to become a Falcon when he married WNHS graduate Mary Michelic in 1976. Shortly before the 2014 Homecoming/50th Anniversary, Janis Michelic Hahn (’68) invited (begged) Mike to become the official photographer for the weekend. Mike graciously agreed and was seen every where. He perfectly captured the wonderful experience of all that attended. Mike honed his photographic skills working with the soccer and football teams at St. Charles East HS, South Dakota Wesleyan College, Arkansas State University Rugby and Tri-City Soccer. Mike and Mary live in St. Charles and have three sons and twin grandsons. Thank you Mike — you are an honorary WNHS Alumni.

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