Stevenson Alumni Newsletter
Stevenson Alumni Association Newsletter

Hats Off to the Class of 2026! 

Nearly 1,200 graduates joined the alumni network last week as we welcomed the Class of 2026 into a community that now includes more than 38,000 Patriots worldwide. At graduation rehearsal Friday morning, Foundation team members continued the tradition of distributing alumni hats to seniors, and encouraged them to stay connected and engaged. 

 

As we congratulate the Class of 2026, we are reminded that being part of the Stevenson community does not end at graduation. In just a few months, alumni will return to campus for milestone reunions, celebrating friendships and connections that, for some, began nearly 60 years ago.


The strength of the Stevenson alumni network comes from the relationships graduates maintain long after high school -- sharing advice, mentorship, encouragement, and support across decades. We look forward to seeing how this class will contribute to that tradition in the years ahead.


Warmly,

Ryan Fowler
-- Ryan Fowler, SHS Alumni Association
Alumni News

Wimer '01 Selected for Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame

Varsity boys water polo head coach and alumnus Sean Wimer ’01 will be inducted into the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame at next month's Annual All-State Banquet. Fresh off his third state championship last week, Sean is the winningest coach in Stevenson boys water polo history. As a student, he is the only four-time Big Gun winner in school history and was named the 2001 Illinois Water Polo Player of the Year.

2026 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Earlier this month, the Stevenson Athletics Department announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class. Jenni Dant ’01, Tiffaney DeBolt-Dierolf ’94, Shenna Hill ’00, Jeff Skibitsky ’97, and members of the 2014 State Championship Football Team will be recognized at a special induction ceremony on October 3 during Stevenson’s Homecoming & Reunion Weekend. Click here to learn more about the Hall of Fame.

Alumna Receives Award for Theatre Administration Work

Wyn Thomas '22 was selected by the College of Fellows of the American Theatre and the American College Theatre Festival to receive the 2026 John Cauble Emerging Producer/Leader Award for her work in theatre administration. Wyn graduated from the University of Georgia this spring with a BA in Theatre and an MA in Nonprofit Management. Share your news here.

Alumnus Part of Restaurant Ambassador Council

Joe Frillman ’01, executive chef and owner of Daisies and The Radicle in Chicago, was selected as one of 20 hospitality leaders from 17 cities nationwide to serve on OpenTable’s inaugural U.S. Ambassador Council. The council brings together restaurant industry leaders to provide insight on hospitality, dining trends, and the evolving restaurant experience.

Reunions & Events

Early Bird Class Reunion Ticket Sales End Today!

Early bird reunion ticket sales end today! The Classes of 2016, 2006, 2001,1996, and 1986 can purchase their discounted reunion tickets and register for the Alumni Tent and school tours now! 

Class of '91 Reunion Planned for September 19

The SHS Class of 1991 has planned a thirty-five-year reunion celebration for September 19 at Fred's Garage in Winnetka. For additional information visit the Class of 1991 Facebook group here.

1965 Club
1965 Club Welcomes Newest Faculty & Staff Retirees
Surrounded by loved ones, colleagues, and school leaders, retiring faculty and staff were recently celebrated at Stevenson's end-of-year recognition ceremony.
 
This year's honorees included Elisa Benjamin, Jacqueline Cullen, Joseph Flanagan, Melinda Fox, Cristina Higgins, Yuliya Kalmens, Robin Katz, Melissa Mack, Petra Sebastian, Mathew Slotten, Richard Tompson, Eric Twadell, Christine Udoni, and Daryl Wallace.
 
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this remarkable group of educators and staff as they join the ranks of Stevenson’s faculty and staff alumni -- and offer a warm welcome to the 1965 Club -- Stevenson's retiree association.
 
Click here to view photos from the reception. 
Stevenson News
Girls Water Polo Caps Off Dominant Season with Fourth Consecutive State Title
Last week, the Stevenson Girls Water Polo capped off another dominant season, finishing 35-1 and capturing the program’s eighth IHSA state championship with a 16-11 victory over York at Barrington High School. Senior standout Olivia Spieth delivered a spectacular performance in the title match, scoring nine goals to lead the Patriots to their fourth consecutive state title and seventh championship in the last nine years.

 

The Patriots were nearly unstoppable throughout the postseason, scoring 101 goals across six state series games while allowing just 33. Olivia Spieth finished the season with 187 goals as Stevenson continued one of the most successful runs in Illinois high school water polo history under head coach Jeff Wimer, who guided the Patriots to the title in his 33rd season leading the program.

 
Boys Water Polo Returns to the Top with State Championship Run

Stevenson returned to the top of Illinois boys water polo this season, finishing 34-2 and claiming the program's third IHSA state championship with a thrilling 10-9 victory over Brother Rice at Barrington High School. The Patriots defeated York in the state semifinals before holding off a late rally in the championship match to secure their first state title since 2021.

 

Stevenson was one of Illinois’ most dominant teams all season, with its only two losses coming early in the year. The Patriots avenged recent postseason disappointments by returning to the top of the state and defeating Brother Rice for the second time this season in the title game.

 

The championship marked a milestone for head coach and Stevenson alumnus Sean Wimer ’01, who guided the Patriots to the state crown in his 20th season leading the program. The title came the same year his father, Jeff Wimer, led the Stevenson girls water polo team to a state championship, marking just the second time the father-son duo has guided the Patriots to boys and girls state titles in the same season.

 
 
Girls Badminton Crowned State Champs
Last week, the Stevenson girls badminton team captured the 2026 IHSA state championship, earning the sixth state title in program history. The Patriots entered the final day of competition tied for first place before pulling away from the field to secure the championship.

Stevenson also claimed the doubles state title as freshman Kaitlyn Kim and sophomore Charlotte Richards finished atop the podium, helping lead the Patriots to another outstanding postseason performance. 
In Memoriam
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The Alumni Association is saddened to share the passing of Paul A. Lichtenberger '88 on April 28, 2026.

 

Services were held on Wednesday, May 13, in Belvidere, IL. For more information and to read the full obituary, click here

Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot.
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The SHS Alumni Association is a program of the Stevenson Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization at SHS. T he Stevenson Foundation equips students with essential resources that foster well-being and long-term success. For more information and to learn about the positive impact of your support, contact Executive Director Linda Knapp at 847.415.4147 or LKnapp@StevensonFoundation.org.
 
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