York Distinguished Alumni 2025 & 2026
The following York graduates have been newly selected as York Distinguished Alumni and were honored in a ceremony attended by approximately one hundred community members on October 15, 2026 in the Commons at York High School. The following day, these Dukes of Distinction visited York classrooms and interacted with students, had a tour of the school, and were treated to a delicious lunch in the student run restaruarant, La Brigade. Several braved the chilly air that evening to attend the York Football game where they were introduced from center field.
2025
Desiree Baron, PhD, Foreign Service Officer & Violinist, Class of 1982
Robert C. Knuepfer, Jr. ,Attorney & Pastor, Class of 1970
Roberta Larson Duyff, Nutritionist & Author, Class of 1966
Julia Schmitt Healy, Artist & Educator, Class of 1965
2026
Jenny Cloud Riddle, Professional Storyteller, Keynote Speaker & Communication Expert,
Class of 1982
Bonnie Grabenhofer, Women's Rights Advocate & Consultant, Class of 1967
Bruce Karr, Para-Olympian,Class of 1955
Carl Landwehr,PhD. Computer Scientist ,Cyber Security Specialist, Class of 1964
Tefft Smith II, Visualization, VFX and Animation Supervisor, Class of 1994
Dr. Jenna Weglarz-Ward, Educator, Early Childhood Specialist, Class of 1996
Read their impressive bios by clicking below
Class of 2025 & 2026 Dukes of Distinction.
Nominations for 2027 are open. The deadline is May 17, 2027
click here for more information and to nominate an alumnus
YDAP Program Honors York Alumni
In 2013, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 launched the York Distinguished Alumni Program. The Dukes of Distinction award honors exemplary York Community High School graduates who:
Display leadership characteristics through achievement of significant and/or extraordinary accomplishments or service
Have made an outstanding contribution to society
Serve as a positive influence while exemplifying the honored York traditions of teamwork and selflessness
Embody the ideals of YHS and School District 205, therefore bringing pride and prestige to the school, the District and the community
The exemplary alumni who receive the York Distinguished Alumni Award will raise self-expectation among the current students through their realization that these "Dukes of Distinction" once walked the halls of York High School and the streets of this community.
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