DGS Distinguished Alumni
Downers Grove South High School has named four graduates as recipients of the “Distinguished Alumni” award (detailed biographies follow):
- Jon Hansen - Class of 2002
- Lee Ann Kim - Class of 1988
- Paul Kludac (posthumous award) - Class of 1997
- Michael Taylor - Class of 1985
Distinguished alumni will visit the school during Homecoming Week, on Friday, September 27, 2024. After visiting classrooms to speak to students, the graduates will participate in the Homecoming assembly, parade and an induction ceremony before the home football game.
“South High is proud to welcome back and recognize these exceptional alumni for all that they’ve accomplished since graduating high school,” said Principal Arwen Lyp. “Our distinguished alumni program, established 10 years ago to coincide with our school’s 50th anniversary, provides our current students with inspiration and motivation as we celebrate the success of our graduates.”
In addition to the Class of 2024, graduates were inducted in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2022. The school has recognized 25 alumni since the inception of the program. For more information about DGS alumni as well as reunion information, visit the alumni website.
2024 South High Distinguished Alumni
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Jon Hansen, Class of 2002
Jon Hansen is an Emmy Award-winning TV, Radio, podcast, and entertainment host. He's hosted multiple programs on WGN Radio, reported for dozens of local and national TV stations, and energized crowds as the arena host for the Chicago Blackhawks. A member of the Illini Media Hall of Fame, Jon has a passion for local storytelling and shining light on everyday people doing extraordinary deeds.
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Lee Ann Kim, Class of 1988
Lee Ann Kim is a mother, an Emmy Award-winning former TV journalist, community advocate, yoga teacher, and founder of the San Diego Asian Film Festival and its presenting nonprofit Pacific Arts Movement. She currently runs her own video production company, serves on the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, and has gained international recognition for her passion project - a flashmob crew of middle-aged women called Ajumma EXP.
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Paul Kludac, Class of 1997
After earning a business degree at the College of DuPage, Paul Kludac was called into active duty in the United States Marine Corps and fought in Iraq. While still in high school, he founded Detail Kings car wash, growing it into multiple locations and employing over 40 people. Paul helped veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with the Wounded Warrior Project. Paul passed away on April 19, 2023.
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Michael Taylor - Class of 1985
Michael J. Taylor, has been teaching, performing, and recording West African percussion since 1994. He authored the book “Remembering Your Ancestral Fire,” published in 2023, he is the Director of the Tam Tam Mandingue, Chicago school of percussion (est. 2006) and founder and driving force behind Holy Goat Percussion (est. 1995). He has performed and/or taught the West African djembe on every continent except Antarctica.
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