Lemont High School Alumni Hall of Fame Ushers in First Three Honorees

Caption: Lemont High School Alumni Hall of Fame ushers in first three honorees

Lemont High School’s Alumni Hall of Fame officially has its first inductees after three graduates—Joe Forzley ‘45, Patricia (Dalman) Knight ‘64 and Al Meyer ‘67—were recognized at the school’s annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance at The Willowbrook Ballroom on March 7. The launch of the Alumni Hall of Fame corresponds with Lemont High School’s 125th Anniversary, which is being celebrated in 2015.

Meyer was introduced by longtime friend and Lemont businessman Leo Cattoni ‘69; Knight was introduced by
her nephew, Tony Dalman; and Forzley was introduced by his son Dr. Sam Forzley ‘77. All of the honorees were presented with a commemorative plaque by Lemont High School District 210 Superintendent Dr. Mary Ticknor.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to society and serve as role models to Lemont High School students. This recognition is the highest honor that can be given by Lemont High School to one of its alumni. The Alumni Hall of Fame helps foster school and community pride by recognizing the achievements of those individuals who have made Lemont High School an outstanding academic institution.

All Alumni Hall of Fame honorees must be of good character, reflecting the qualities and ideals set forth by Lemont High School. Nominees are eligible for induction to the Lemont High School Alumni Hall of Fame 10 years after their graduation from the school.

Honorees are graduates who have achieved a high degree of success in their respective professional fields, committed a significant act of bravery or heroism, or dedicated their lives to community service. Honorees serve as role models for current students by demonstrating high ethical and moral standards - both as a student and an alumnus.

The Alumni Hall of Fame was spearheaded by the Lemont High School Alumni Association, which aims to foster a lifelong connection among alumni and to enhance the bond with their alma mater. The Alumni Hall of Fame is independent from the Lemont High School Athletic Hall of Fame, which was established in 2004. If they meet the selection criteria, Athletic Hall of Fame honorees are eligible for inclusion in the Alumni Hall of Fame as well.

JOE FORZLEY ‘45

Joe Forzley graduated from Lemont High School 70 years ago, and has dedicated much of his life to serving the Lemont community. He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of U.S. Army’s 5th Air Force, 35th fighter group based in Japan. He had a successful 30+ year career at Argonne National Laboratory, but it is a devotion to community service that makes Joe a beloved figure in the community. He has been a strong supporter of Lemont High School for decades, and served for 11 years on its Board of Education - including three as its President. Joe has been

a member of many civic organizations and served on the Board of Directors for Franciscan Village. Lemont prospered during his tenure as a Lemont Village Trustee, as well as during his time as the village’s mayor (1989-93). Joe serves as a role model to many, is a tireless supporter of Lemont High School, and his family has been committed to Lemont for generations.

PATRICIA (DALMAN) KNIGHT ‘64

Patricia (Dalman) Knight’s journey since graduating from Lemont High School has seen her become a military officer, pilot, teacher and life-long learner. She served for 21 years in the United States Air Force before retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal by the Department of Defense. Pat owns nine college degrees, including three masters degrees. She was selected to teach computer science at the United States Air Force Academy when it admitted its first class of women. Pat has taught aviation-related courses at the college level, has served as an aviation inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration, and became a pilot and flight instructor at a time when few women were found in aviation. She has earned the aviation industry designation of Master Instructor nine times, and her seven pilot certificates include two at the highest level.

AL MEYER ‘67

Al Meyer became one of the highest achievers in his industry, and he used that success to support his alma mater and commit to philanthropic efforts in his community. Al began his career as an educator, but was drawn to the automotive industry. He ascended from a gas station service representative to eventually own more than a dozen gas stations and auto dealerships, including Willowbrook Ford - his flagship dealership. Al’s contributions to Lemont High School have been vast. His financial support helped secure the first lights within the football stadium; he donated a car annually to the Project Graduation, the school’s all-night post-graduation party; he served as a founding member of the Lemont High School Educational Foundation Board of Directors; and he has been a guest instructor within the school’s Consumer Education classes.