2009 Distinguished Alumni

2009 Distinguished Alumni Class

The most prestigious award given by the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence, the Distinguished Alumni Award is given to a graduate of District 300 regardless of the High School he or she graduated from, who has achieved outstanding success or recognition. The selection committee particularly looks for individuals who have achieved national, regional, or statewide prominence either in their professional fields or through their involvement in civic, cultural, or charitable activities.

Irving Crown High School 1970

The Foundation is pleased to announce David M. Stone as this years Distinguished Alumni. As a young man and Irving Crown he was Class President and earned the "Outstanding Citizen Award" from the village of Algonquin. He was appointed to the United States Naval Academy where he was the starting point guard from 1972 to 1974.

As a career naval officer, Rear Admiral Stone has had a remarkable career in the United States Navy. Here's a list of the many positions of leadership he has held:

Director, Environmental Protection, Safety & Occupational Health for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
Deputy Director of Surface Warfare for the Office of Naval Operations
Commander of the Nimitz Battle Group
Commander of NATO’s Standing Naval Force during the Kosovo Conflict
U.S. Sixth Fleet Chief of Staff, Gaeta, Italy
Chief of Staff for European Theater Joint Task Force operating in support of Albanian operations
Commander US Middle East Force and Destroyer Squadron Fifty
Naval Warfare Policy Branch Head, Office of Naval Operations
Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. John Hancock (DD-981)
Special Assistant to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Allied Forces

Beyond retirement Admiral Stone was named Assistant Director of Homeland Security for the Transportation Security Administration, nominated by President George W. Bush with a unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Today, Admiral Stone serves as the President and CEO of Alacrity Homeland Group in Washington, D.C.

Highlighted in his supporting letters former principal of Dundee Crown, Jim Wilbrandt, credits Stone’s father with instilling in him the leadership qualities he has today. “You are what you do every day”, Wilbrandt wrote of Stone’s father.

“I believe his success and dedication to his community and country come as no surprised… Dave Stone was a born leader”, Robert Sayre former coach, educator and administrator had to say about the Admiral.

Peggy Schwartz, Admiral Stone’s sister, wrote, “Admiral David M. Stone is one man who truly characterizes integrity through his beliefs, words and actions”.

We happen to agree and proudly award Rear Admiral David M. Stone the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Harry D. Jacobs High School 2002

The Foundation is pleased to announce Grant Smith as this years Distinguished Young Alumni. As a United States Air Force 1^st Lieutenant he represents the characteristics of an Air Force officer aviator while finding opportunities to serve others beyond protecting his country.

Grant Smith entered into the Air Force ROTC during his college years at Lewis University. Upon graduation he became a commissioned officer, 2^nd Lieutenant in the Air Force as a navigator.

Captain William F. Pope, USAF wrote a letter in support of Smith. “Grant embodies the Air Force Core Values and takes pride in what he does on and off duty. I know that our Air Force is better because of Grant”, Captain Pope wrote. “His “service before self” attitude is contagious amongst the Operations Group and on several occasions, he’s organized volunteer opportunities for us in Stan/Eval shop”, Pope continued.

From Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Captain John Burrell, USAF Aircraft Commandeer 23d EBS, writes, “From the beginning [Smith] was identified as one of the best new navigators in the squadron…He’s been a superb navigator and Air Force Officer.”

Smith has been credited in assisting saving a $61M aircraft and crew as he navigated the severely degraded plane to safety. His superior officers indicate he has a brilliant future with the Air Force and shows intense dedication to his profession and crew.

Where ever 1^st Lieutenant Smith landed he gave back to the community he served in. Whether it was coordinating assistance with Habitat for Humanity in Guam, or volunteering at Fisher House – a residential community built to house severely ill or injured soldiers returning from war in San Antonio Texas, or coaching the children’s Judo classes in Shreveport LA, or volunteering through Airmen Against Drunk Driving, Officer Smith gives back.

Officer Smith’s duty in Guam was to support the Pacific Theater’s mission of maintaining a continuous bomber presence. Smith is also pursing a Master’s Degree in Military Intelligence Studies while deployed.

Because of his endless motivation to serve his country and to make a mark on those less fortunate at every base he has been deployed to, we believe 1^st Lieutenant Grant Smith embodies the spirit in which this honor was established.

The mission of the District 300 Foundation for Educational Excellence is to seek and make available resources that enhance and extend learning opportunities for all of its students.