Community Awards

The East Aurora Educational Foundation is proud to honor deserving community members and EAHS graduates with the following:

James Ford Commitment to Education Award

Presented at our annual Celebration Event fundraiser in November, the James Ford Commitment to Education Award is given to a person, organization, or group who exemplifies the qualities of one of EAEF’s founders, Dr. James Ford:

  • Commitment to the betterment of education in East Aurora
  • Persistent dedication to the cause
  • Creative and original thinking
  • Involvement in community life

Our 2026 recipient is EAHS teacher Jeff Shelley, who’ll receive the award at our 14th Annual Celebration Event fundraiser on Thursday, November 5 at the Mansion at Knox Farm.

Past recipients include:

  • Christina Schutrum (2025)
  • Daniel Brunson (2024)
  • Catherine Warda-Bender (2023)
  • Brian Serwicki (2022)
  • Recognition of the East Aurora School/Community Partnership (2021)
  • Rich Clements (2020)
  • Kimberly McAtee (2019)
  • Peg Fletcher (2018)
  • Tom Kegler (2017)
  • Christopher Cummins (2016)
  • Kim Crowley-Browne (2015)
  • Alison Hyde (2014)

  • Dr. James Hoagland, Jr. (2013)

James Ford Commitment to Education Award Nomination Form
Celebration Event Tickets

EAHS Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame

Each year, EAEF and the East Aurora School District recognize up to five nominees to be added to the East Aurora Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Recipients are honored at our annual Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame event in April, and they’re invited to speak to EAHS students at a special assembly.

Selection criteria includes:

  • Graduated from EAHS at least 10 years prior to being nominated
  • Excellence in their chosen field
  • Outstanding service to their community (local, regional, or national level)
  • Contributions to humanity (local, regional, or national level)

Nominations can be submitted for posthumous awards.  Those currently seeking election to a political office may not be considered.

Nominations must be submitted by October 1 to be considered for the following year, with chosen recipients being notified in the fall of their selection.

 

Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form
Past recipients include:

2025

  • Art Aungst ’70

  • Ellen Kitson Bennett ’75

  • Joe Lamond  ’79

  • Sarah Markle ’06

  • Will Mendizabal ’01

2024

  • Sue Brazill ’65

  • Christine Estabrook ’68

  • Kathryn Moffett ’77

  • Bill Nye  ’63

  • Al Sleeper ’55 (Posthumously)

2023

  • Grant Hamilton ’65

  • Jeff Kibler ’90

  • Scott More ’05

  • Jason Ohler  ’71(Posthumously)

  • Harry Tsujimoto ’44 (Posthumously)

2022 (2020 inductees)

  • Janet Coletti ‘81

  • Dawn Flynn ‘85

  • Adam Kampff ‘98

  • JR Seeger ‘ 72

  • Bob Vidler ‘42 (Posthumously)

  • Ed Vidler ‘46 (Posthumously)

2019 

  • Dr. Rhonda Cornum ‘71

  • Dr. Timothy O’Connell’ 86

  • Richard S. Persons, Sr. 1894 (Posthumously)

  • Rob Shanahan ‘78

  • Lee Woodruff ‘78

2018 

  • John Arlotta ‘67

  • Barbara Chur ‘ 62

  • Neil Chur ’62
    (posthumously)

  • Taylor Dewey ‘99

  • Stacia George ‘95

  • Kristen Holtz ‘90

 

2017

  • John Crawford Cline ‘63

  • Nancy Logan Montone ‘81

  • James F. Norton, M.D. ‘36 (Posthumously

  • Gary D. Schutrum ‘78

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East Aurora Educational Foundation
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