McHenry Community High School District 156 recently honored two new names to its list of Distinguished Graduates who went on to make a difference in their communities and professions after graduation.
David Lawson, Class of 1974, and Robert J. Heatherly, Class of 1998, were celebrated during the Sept. 29 homecoming football game during a special halftime presentation. The Distinguished Graduate program is an annual effort to acknowledge graduates who go above and beyond in their career fields, community service and more.
Both also received a plaque, and each graduate’s photo and short biography are on display at McHenry High School buildings.
Nominations for the annual award open at the beginning of each year, and Distinguished Graduates are chosen in the spring. See the webpage for more details.
“It is inspiring to read all of the applications and accomplishments each year for our amazing graduates,” said Carl Vallianatos, assistant superintendent for learning and innovation.
Read on to learn more about the newest Distinguished Graduates.
David Lawson
David Lawson graduated from MCHS in 1974 and received his MBA from Webster University. Later he received his school business manager certification from Northern Illinois University. He served as a member of the McHenry Elementary District 15 and McHenry Community High School District 156 school boards as well as the McHenry City Council as an Alderman for Ward 4.
Lawson worked for many years in the private sector before working in school finance for school districts in Glen Ellyn, Skokie, Johnsburg, and finally as chief financial officer for McHenry Community High School District 156. During his tenure as CFO for District 156, Lawson helped balance the budget during a financial crisis and ensured surpluses were available to advance learning and activities for students.
Lawson also saw the passage of the 2018 referendum and assisted with the construction planning of the new Center for Science, Technology, and Industry. Lawson has been active in volunteering, fundraising, and serving community organizations throughout his life.
Robert J. Heatherly
Rob Heatherly graduated from MCHS in 1998 and attended Northern Illinois University where he joined the Army ROTC program. He then received master’s degrees from Hawaii Pacific University and the U.S. Army War College. He has served in the United States Army since 2002, rising to the rank of colonel by the time of his induction as a Distinguished Graduate.
He has served in a variety of assignments, including product manager for Mobile Protected Firepower (the Army’s 2022 Program of the Year), to create an air deliverable, lightweight tank to Airborne and Light Infantry Brigade Combat Teams. He has deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Korea, Japan and other countries. He received specialized training in space operations, counterinsurgency, and other national security strategic topics and mission sets from the National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. Army War College.
Col. Heatherly has worked closely with business leaders from the defense industry, academia, and other foreign governments to better facilitate the Army’s modernization into the future to overmatch our nation’s threats to the U.S. and its interests. He has also been active in volunteering at veteran-related events and charities and mentoring fellow service members and rising future leaders.