Alumni Achievement Awards

District 128 Foundation for Learning Alumni Achievement Awards, established in 2014, are presented annually to individuals who graduated from a District 128 high school at least five years prior to nomination, and who have made significant contributions, and demonstrated leadership and character in their field and to their community. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis and remain active for three years. The Foundation for Learning Board of Trustees comprise the selection committee.

Online Nomination Form

2026 Honorees

The District 128 Foundation for Learning is proud to announce the recipients of its 13th Annual Alumni Achievement Awards: Molly Ryan (LHS Class of 2010) and Travis Wohlrab (VHHS Class of 2006). Molly and Travis will be honored at the Foundation’s annual fundraiser, THE BIG EVENT, on Friday, November 6th at Austin’s in Libertyville. Visit this link for complete details and to purchase tickets.

Molly Ryan, LHS Class of 2010

Molly Ryan is a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS), therapist, and advocate dedicated to supporting individuals and families through recovery, mental health, and personal growth. A graduate of Libertyville High School, she has built her career around helping others overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Molly currently works in school-based counseling, providing support to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Her professional experience spans education, youth prevention, juvenile justice, recovery support services, and behavioral health.

As a person in recovery, Molly is passionate about reducing stigma and increasing access to recovery and mental health resources. She believes that lived experience, combined with professional training, can be a powerful tool for helping others find healing and purpose. She is honored to receive the 2026 D128 Foundation for Learning Alumni Achievement Award and remains grateful for the educators, mentors, family members, and community members who have supported her journey.

Travis Wohlrab, VHHS Class of 2006

Travis Wohlrab is a Public Affairs Official at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, where he works to connect the public with the agency’s missions, discoveries, and exploration. A 2006 graduate of Vernon Hills High School, Travis finished his academics at Southern Illinois University and began his career in information technology and project management before transitioning to public affairs and science communication.

His commitment to public service began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, where he lived and worked in a remote community from 2013 to 2015. Since joining NASA in 2016, Travis has supported some of the agency’s most visible public engagement efforts, including Artemis II, the James Webb and Roman Space Telescopes, and representing NASA during the 2024 total solar eclipse through national media interviews, public events, and presentations.

During his first decade at NASA, Travis has twice received the prestigious NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, recognizing his contributions to technological innovation and public engagement. Throughout his career, he has combined technical expertise, communication, and a commitment to service to help make science and exploration more accessible and meaningful to the public.

Read About the 2025 Honorees

Nicole Totoni-Melendez (LHS Class of 1995)

Nia Powell (VHHS Class of 2014)

Read About the 2024 Honorees

Peter Lopez

Ike Reilly

Read About the 2023 Honorees

Rachel Jacoby

Patrick Slade

Read About the 2022 Honorees

Bob Chikos

Danny Park