For the second year in a row, York celebrated its distinguished alumni in a program on Thursday night, November 6, 2014. This year, seven alumni were recognized for their achievements, ranging from the class of 1939 to the class of 2007.  The alumni were Dr. Robert T. Chen, John Coughlan, Beth Finke, Gary Rydstrom, Kathleen Sherman, Dr. Martin Stoker, and Joseph Vanek. The amount of hard work put into this evening was recognizable from the transformation of the usual York Commons to an elegant stage and table area.

The evening began with a reception for all of the alumni and their guests to greet and get acquainted with one another. The York Symphony Orchestra provided music for the event, playing theme songs from a variety of the projects Gary Rydstrom, a film sound designer, has worked on.

After the reception, the alumni walked down a red carpet to their tables, and the program began with an introduction from our principal, Ms. Diana Smith. The alumni then spoke, either represented by themselves or by a close friend or family member. The program concluded with short speech by senior Spencer Kost highlighting how inspiring it is to have these alumni back visiting York.

“I thought it was going to be special, but it was bigger and better than I thought…It was really professional, and really well-done and well-organized…and [I felt] lots of happiness, lots of good-feelings,” said Beth Finke, one of the distinguished alumni, when asked about the program.

This notable event will continue into the future thanks to the York Distinguished Alumni Program committee who organized both the events from last year and this year and selected the alumni for both years. For any 2015 nominations to be considered, email [email protected] or visit www.elmhurst205.org/ydap to access the online form.