One’s high school years can be the most emotionally volatile in life, a time marked by extremes.  A triumphant moment like scoring an A on your final geometry exam and life couldn’t possibly get better, while failing to qualify for the badminton playoffs suddenly shrouds your world in utter darkness. While working through the emotions of the various cards dealt to us in high school is a typical part of the experience, it is also essential preparation for the rest of one’s life. High school may seem the be-all-end-all at the time, but there awaits an entire post-high school life to live. 

There are some Addison Trail alumni whose post-high school lives have been extraordinary. They have made distinctive marks in roles such as author, physician, musician, scientist, lawyer, artist and professor. Addison Trail’s “Tradition of Excellence” program honors these individuals and inspires current students in the process.

Alice Smith, a teacher in Addison Trail’s family and consumer sciences department for 14 years, serves as the chairwoman of the program’s nominating committee. 

“The essence of the program is to recognize outstanding alumni who have distinguished careers in areas such as public service, arts, the government sector, literacy or the business and professional world,” she said. “They would be outstanding role models for students and there would also be evidence that they have given back to the community in some way.”

This is the program’s ninth year. It was started by an Addison Trail faculty member who was tasked with developing a program for recognizing people as part of her coursework for an advanced degree. Candidates are nominated for consideration and must have graduated from Addison Trail at least 10 years prior. 

The 2007 Tradition of Excellence award recipient was Gary Ofenloch, alumnus of the class of 1969.  Ofenloch was raised in the Addison school system and was introduced to music as a lad in School District 4, continuing his interest through high school.  He played the tuba — sounds simple enough, one of the typical extracurricular options available to students. However, he took this common beginning and went on to become the principal symphonic tubist for the Utah Symphony and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. 

Ofenloch’s musical career has been quite accomplished. He was a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning New England Conservatory Ragtime Ensemble which was honored with an invitation to perform at the White House for then-president Gerald Ford.  He has toured with the likes of the legendary John Williams. His tuba can be heard on several symphonic recordings including the motion picture soundtrack of “Saving Private Ryan.”  Another of his recordings, “Gabrieli: Music for Brass," with the Empire Brass Quintet, earned international acclaim.  He has also taught music at several universities. 

“He will tell you over and over that he was an average everyday student,” Smith said. “He was just a regular kid who took advantage of the opportunity he was given with a scholarship. That started him networking and eventually an opportunity for greatness.”

Ofenloch, who was nominated for the award by a good friend of his who is currently on the Addison Trail faculty, received it last month during a presentation at the high school. His visit to his alma mater included an all-school assembly for the benefit of current Addison Trail students.

“Gary conveyed to the students that you don’t have to be winners all the time,” Smith said. “Success involves being patient, making the most of your education, and a leap of faith when a great opportunity comes your way.”

Smith described her role as the Tradition of Excellence nominating committee chairwoman as “absolutely wonderful.” The committee will reconvene in May 2008 to consider the next wave of nominees from Addison Trail’s long history. 

“To be able to recognize people in our immediate midst is always special, but this program is an extra effort to find those alumni who may have been forgotten,” Smith said. “Once students leave Addison Trail, it’s a big world out there and they could be living anywhere. It’s fun to contact the winners and give them the good news and get their reaction.”

 Visit Addison Trail’s Web site,  www.dupage88.net/aths, to see the fascinating roster of past award recipients or to download a nomination form. 
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