McHenry Community High School District 156 Alumni Association is accepting nominations until March 1, 2026 for the Distinguished Graduate program to recognize McHenry High School alumni who have excelled after high school in career achievements, humanitarian work, and/or community service.
To be considered for the award, nominees must be graduates of McHenry High School District 156 for at least 15 years. Criteria used to determine Distinguished Graduates includes having a wide sphere of influence, making a positive impact on the community, overcoming difficulties to reach goals, serving humanity, and inspiring others.
The graduates selected will be announced in April and then honored during homecoming festivities, including the Oct. 4 parade and Oct. 9 homecoming football game.
Also, a photo of the Distinguished Graduate and a list of accomplishments will be prominently displayed in each school building along with other Distinguished Graduates from prior years. Each Distinguished Graduate will also receive a plaque to keep.
Nomination forms are available online on the Distinguished Graduate page (https://www.dist156.org/page/distinguished-graduate-program) on the McHenry Community High School District 156 website (www.dist156.org).
Judging will be conducted by members of the community, District 156 staff and others.
For more details, please contact Carl Vallianatos, District 156 assistant superintendent for learning and innovation, at (815) 385-7900.