For several years, district administrators and representatives of the Downingtown Alumni Association have discussed various ways to recognize and honor graduates who have made significant contributions to the district, their community or their profession.   On Saturday, April 26, 2014, five Downingtown graduates will be recognized as the first inductees into the district's and Alumni Association's new Hall of Fame.

Two years ago, a group of interested individuals, led by English teacher Karen Mapes, gathered to form the DAHS Hall of Fame Committee. Comprised of current administrators, teachers and active alumni, the committee developed a set of criteria for Hall of Fame nominations. Nominees needed to have graduated from either DHS East or DHS West prior to 2004 and have accomplished success in the arts, education, politics, the military, science, engineering, athletics, entertainment, business, professional affiliations or charitable involvement. Nomination ballots were placed on the District's and Alumni Association's websites in October and were emailed to the Alumni Association's membership.

The committee received twenty-one submissions and selected five inductees in February. These five individuals will be honored at the Alumni Association's annual banquet on April 26, 2014. Tickets and information for the Banquet are available at www.downingtownalumni.org/banquet.html or by calling Caryn Menna at (610)883-3917.

 This year's Inductees are:
1. Todd Stong, Class of '58 - Achievement in Humanitarian Service, Military

Mr. Stong attended West Point, graduating in the top 10% of his class.   His service in the military included deployment to South Korea in 1963 and Vietnam in 1966. In 1971 he completed course work for his PhD. In 1973 he was assigned to the Defense Nuclear Agency in Washington DC. Promoted to Lt. Colonel Stong served overseas and used his engineering expertise to develop several projects that included both defense and ecological enhancements. Lt. Col. Stong retired in 1990 having received many decorations including Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star with Valor (2), Meritorious Service (3), Defense Joint Service Medal. He now serves as an Engineering Consultant to design and build low-cost, environmentally sound water systems in developing cities and villages.  

2. Curt Schroder, Class of '79 - Achievement in Politics, Government
Curtis "Curt" Schroder is former a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 155th district for nine terms. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned his law degree from Widener University School of Law in 1989. He was the first recipient of the Matthew J. Ryan Legislator of the Year Award, was the Downingtown Chamber of Commerce 1998 Citizen of the Year and was named the 2010 Small Business Advocate of the Year by the Exton Chamber of Commerce.

3. James (Hank) Hamilton, Class of '68 - Achievement in Business, Community Service

"Hank" Hamilton was the 1968 commencement speaker, having graduated third in his class.   He won nine varsity letters in football, wrestling and track.   He graduated from Lehigh University in 1972. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dane Décor in Downingtown. As a business owner in Downingtown, Hank became an active participant and leader in a variety of civic organizations. He is an active member of the Downingtown Main Street Association, the Downingtown- Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Downingtown Municipal Water Authority.   He was named the Downingtown Chamber's Person of the Year in 2000.   

4. Bonnie MacDougal Kistler, Class of '71 - Achievement in Law, Literature

Writing under the name Bonnie MacDougal, this graduate is the author of four novels that draw on her life as a lawyer working in Philadelphia.   Her expertise is in complex litigation. Mrs. Kistler graduated from Bryn Mawr College and received a law degree from University of Pennsylvania.   Her legal thrillers have been translated into eight languages. Critics have hailed MacDougal as the "female John Grisham."      

 

5. Richard Whittaker, Class of '58 - Achievement in Medicine, Humanitarian Service

The Hall of Fame will be created in a place of honor within the district's Central Office building in Downingtown.