Jordan-Elbridge honors 2016 Graduates of Distinction
Jordan-Elbridge recognized five former students who have achieved success in their professions during the Second Annual “Graduates of Distinction” ceremony on May 26.
The honorees included: Richard Mott, CEO of Kyphon, Inc.; Amy Hourigan Gensler, a doctor who founded a non-profit called “Healing Our Youth: Get Educated!”; Dr. Russell Kitchner, vice president for regulatory and governmental relations in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the American Public University System; Doug Sherman, an ESPN play‐by‐play announcer for college football, basketball & baseball; and Ernest Hasselbrink, a retired pilot who flew more than 4,850 accident‐free hours in 20 different military aircraft.
“Once again, our committee wanted to show the current students that there are so many possibilities out there for them in the future,” said organizer and history teacher Jason Kufs. “And one of the best ways is to show them some of the incredible accomplishments of our graduates.”
Each honoree received a plaque and had their picture put up on the Graduates of Distinction Wall (which features a mural created by staff and students) in the high school cafeteria.
Hasselbrink – who met Charles Lindbergh during his career – could not make the event, but sent an acceptance video wishing everyone the “best of luck and continued success.” Gensler also sent a representative who thanked everyone in the district.
Kitchner then told the crowd how much he wished that his mother and father could share this with him, and that sought out many opportunities in his life.
“…Only you can decide if you are better off crafting a plan,” he said during his speech. “There are trade-offs and sacrifices. My approach is to follow my heart.”
Sherman, whose father was a science teacher at JE and whose brother (Jim) is also a teacher in the district, said the teachers and coaches were strong mentors for him when he played sports at JE. He said after his father passed away, they realize he needed a mentor and a boost of confidence.
“Could I stare into the camera at half court at MSG (Madison Square Garden) without that confidence?” he asked the audience.
“The first time I ever spoke into a microphone was as the PE announcer at JE. That’s another example of someone from JE looking out for me. I walk into every assignment as a proud alumnus of JE.”
