LHS Welcomes Fifth Class Of Alumni Hall Of Fame Inductees

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School’s Alumni Hall of Fame welcomed its latest class of inductees when two graduates – Victoria (West) Cobbett ‘69 and James Driscoll ‘74 – were recognized at the school’s annual Jazz Band Dinner Dance at DiNolfo’s Banquets in Homer Glen on March 2.

The school said each of the honorees was introduced by Lemont High School District 210 Superintendent Dr. Mary Ticknor, who presented each person with a commemorative plaque.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates who have made significant contributions to society and serve as role models to Lemont High School students. The school said this recognition is the highest honor that can be given by Lemont High School to one of its alumni.

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, according to the school.

Victoria (West) Cobbett '69

Cobbett has committed her life to her community and her country. Enlisting in the United States Marine Corps after graduation, she was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant, the school said. Cobbett went on to earn a degree in nursing from Lewis University and worked as a registered nurse at both Palos Community Hospital and the Lemont Family Medical Clinic. A member of the Lemont Fire District Board of Trustees since 2001, she has served as Board President since 2014. Recipient of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains and Marine of the Year awards, Cobbett was elected commandant of the DuPage County Marine Corps League, as well as President of the Women Marine Association (IL-2). She has been a member of the VFW 22 Honor Post 5819 Auxiliary since 1976, and recently was elected Pound Keeper of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs Pound #12. She served as both a member of the PTA and Lemont Garden Club, and was a youth coach and girl scout troop leader.

James Driscoll '74

A model of integrity and service, James Driscoll has enjoyed a 50-year relationship with Lemont High School as a student, teacher, coach and administrator. An all-conference football player, he returned to his alma mater in 1979, beginning a 37-year tenure. The school said Driscoll instructed thousands of students in his career, and was crucial in implementing Professional Learning Communities, block scheduling, and a revamped teacher evaluation process. He served as an assistant principal, and for more than 20 years was the school’s Social Studies Department Chair. His innovative work in the classroom challenged students and prepared them for their roles as citizens. After a long tenure as a freshman and sophomore football coach, he led the varsity squad for five years and guided his 2000 team to a playoff appearance. Driscoll was tabbed with Extra Mile and Pride in Excellence awards from Lemont High School, and the 2008 Educationis Lumen Award by Lewis University.