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Last spring, the first Distinguished Alumni Awards went to Ken Olson (Class of 1963), Ron (Rondo) Olsen (Class of 1966), and Bruce Stang (Class of 1977). Olson won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his sacrificial battlefield death in Vietnam in May 1968; Olsen has worked as an award-winning television news reporter for 35 years; and Stang built his company, Stang Precision in Paynesville, into a successful plastics manufacturer.

"We are seeking nominations from community members, high school graduates, teachers, administrators, parents, grandparents, spouses, siblings, and any others who know of Paynesville High School graduates who have distinguished themselves in their careers, by public service, or through other significant contributions to our society," said "Keep the Quality" president Paul Bugbee.

"Too often, we overlook the achievements and accomplishments of those 'ordinary people' who grew up in our community and graduated from our school. In reality, there are many PHS alumni who have made a positive impact on our world through their contributions, their success, and their commitment to others. These are people of whom we can be proud, knowing that their origin and education started right here in our hometown," he added.

Nominations of alumni should include a synopsis of their life after graduation, a description of their accomplishments, and a description of why they are deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Award. Nominations should also include the individual's name, graduation year, current address, and current phone number.

Nominations must be received by Tuesday, Nov. 30. They can be mailed to the "Keep the Quality" Education Foundation, Distinguished Alumni Selection Committee, P.O. Box 187, Paynesville, MN 56362.

The Distinguished Alumni Award for 2005 will be selected by the "Keep the Quality" board of directors in December and will be awared to three PHS graduates next spring.