THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008
Leyden Alums Prepare To Join 'Wall'
Leyden High Schools announced this week the names of inductees joining the 2008 Leyden High School Wall of Fame.
The four winners named this year include a mayor, a journalism professor, a business executive and a physician.
All four gave messages of inspiration to LHS students.
They will be honored at an induction ceremony at East Leyden High School (ELHS) on Monday, May 12 at 3 p.m.
"Set a goal and work toward it. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish," said inductee and Northlake Mayor Jeff Sherwin.
Sherwin graduated from West Leyden High School (WLHS) in 1971.
He has served for three terms as mayor of Northlake helping to build a senior center in the village, improve the Center Point Preserve, and improved parks and infrastructure.
Sherwin worked on referenda that benefited school districts including Leyden Dist. 212 and others.
He also served on the Northlake Library Board and Fire Protection Dist.
"Focus on being yourself, not what others tell you to be. If you stay true to yourself, your talents and skills will be recognized," said Karyn Fritz Brown.
Brown graduated from ELHS in 1985 and went on to work as a television news reporter, producer and anchor for the CBS affiliate in Columbus, Miss. before becoming a faculty member and coordinator of broadcasting at Mississippi State University in Sharksville.
Floyd Yager can be found closer to home. He serves as the assistant vice president of product operations for the Allstate Insurance Co. in Northbrook.
"Work hard. The world is open to you, but do not expect things to be given to you. Take advantage of the opportunities you have before you. Have fun and work to make the world a better place," said Yager.
Yager graduated from ELHS in 1985.
"Believe in yourself. Savor your educational opportunities and be willing to try the unusual, but always have a goal in mind," said Dr. Karen Fitzner.
After graduating WLHS in 1966, Fitzner traveled the world, picking up postgraduate degrees along the way.
She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Hong Kong and her Master of Science in Economics in Social Policy and Planning from The London School of Economics. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree closer to home at Illinois State University in downstate Normal.