Lapeer Community Schools and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association are proud to announce inductees for the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor:

Jay Wildfong (LHS, 1944), Barb Sweeney (LHS, 1952), Deb Barber (LWHS, 1980) and Katie Kirkpatrick Godwin (LEHS, 2001).

All of these inductees have distinguished themselves as tremendous stewards of the education and training they received from Lapeer Community Schools; they are role models for all students.

Wildfong, who lives in Wisconsin, was an accomplished student-athlete at Lapeer High School. After high school, he was a U.S. Navy gunner, businessman, coach and volunteer. He is also President of the Wisconsin/Illinois U.S. Navy Armed Guard World War II Veterans.

Sweeney, a Metamora resident, is a longtime member and supporter of the Lapeer High School Alumni Association and has been instrumental in the planning of class reunions. Sweeney spent 25 years in law enforcement, is an active member of St. Louise Chapel in Metamora, has been a volunteer for 4-H and was on the board of directors at Lapeer Community Credit Union.

Barber, a tremendous supporter and volunteer in several LCS music programs, is an award-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter. She spent 16 years in Las Vegas, where she wrote and recorded two albums, one of which earned her several Grammy nominations including Best New Album. Barber now lives in Lapeer.

Finally, Katie Kirkpatrick-Godwin will be inducted posthumously. Godwin, a co-valedictorian, homecoming queen and stellar student-athlete at East, died after a heroic three-year battle with cancer. The 21-year-old inspired people across the country as she raised nearly $30,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help people with cancer even as she was fighting her own battle with it.

The Distinguished Alumni Hall of Honor program is cooperatively sponsored by Lapeer Community Schools and the Lapeer High School Alumni Association.  The award was created to recognize and honor the accomplishments of the outstanding men and women who graduated from our schools.  By celebrating these role models, we inspire today’s students to move forward in their own pursuit of excellence.

A ceremony will be held in their honor at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in the Irwin Board Room at the Administration and Services Center, 250 Second St., in Lapeer.  The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.