651-439-3331 www. schwantesheating. com
stillwatergazette. com Stillwater Graduation • Friday, May 22, 2026 Page 9
Three alumni to be inducted into SAHS Hall of Fame
Stillwater Area High School will honor three notable alumni who will join the SAHS Hall of Fame during the annual banquet hosted by The Partnership Plan.
For nearly 40 years, the district has honored a select number of outstanding SAHS alums with the Distinguished Alumni Award and inducting into the Hall of Fame with a permanent plaque hung in the high school rotunda.
The award was started in 1987 by then-principal Dr. Jon Swenson to recognize individuals who have placed a high priority on education, community service and serves as a good role model for both current and future generations of Stillwater students. Alumni who have graduated at least 10 years prior are eligible to receive the award.
A committee of administrators including the SAHS principal, a representative from The Partnership Plan, community members and other Stillwater alumni review the nominees before selecting a winner each year.
The honored alumni are recognized both at a reception held before commencement but also at the graduation ceremony.
This year’ s banquet will be held on Friday, May 22 at 5:30 p. m. at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center. Tickets are available for purchase online.
Meet this year’ s nominees:
Reverend Cynthia Bronson Sweigert
Reverend Cynthia Bronson Sweigert( Class of 1970)
A trailblazer in faith leadership and interfaith collaboration, Reverend Cynthia Bronson Sweigert has dedicated her life to advancing inclusion, understanding, and service. Among the early women ordained in the Episcopal Church, she persevered through significant opposition to become a priest in 1980, helping pave the way for future generations of women in ministry. When Cynthia became a Canon( Associate) at St. Paul’ s Episcopal Cathedral in Buffalo, New York, she was the first ordained woman to serve that area in this role.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has led with a deep commitment to interfaith dialogue, serving congregations and communities across the country. From her leadership roles in New York City, Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania to her work in Minnesota, she has built bridges among diverse faith traditions and fostered meaningful community connections. Cynthia’ s enduring dedication to equity, education, and compassion— spanning interfaith initiatives, community service, and advocacy— continues to inspire and strengthen the communities she serves.
Ted Hooley( Class of 2006)
Demonstrating a deep commitment to global service and sustainable impact, Ted Hooley has dedicated his career to strengthening healthcare systems in some of the world’ s most underserved regions. As Founder and Chief Executive Ted Hooley Officer of Senitizo, a nonprofit based in the Central African Republic, Ted works to deliver patient-centered, locally led care with a focus on maternal and child health.
After earning degrees from Saint John’ s University and Georgetown University, Ted began his international work during the Ebola crisis in West Africa. In 2017, he launched Senitizo to address critical gaps in care, establishing clinics that now serve tens of thousands of patients annually and expanding services to include HIV / AIDS and tuberculosis treatment.
Through thoughtful leadership and a commitment to sustainable, community-driven solutions, Ted continues to improve access to life-saving healthcare while building systems designed to endure for generations.
Shannon Williams( Class of 1996)
Shannon Williams has built a career centered on improving healthcare and serving her community. Beginning as a special education paraprofessional at Lake Elmo Elementary, she
Shannon Williams went on to work in Children’ s mental health services for many years before starting a healthcare consulting business. In her role as a healthcare consultant, she partners with health systems nationwide to enhance patient care, protocols, and operations.
In addition to her consulting work, Shannon is a licensed Critical Care Paramedic, adjunct instructor, and dedicated volunteer. She teaches emergency medical technician and paramedic students, leads community CPR training, and supports local emergency services through fundraising and education initiatives.
A committed leader and advocate, Shannon has also supported children’ s special needs organizations and served as President of the Minnesota Sorting Cow Horse Association, helping grow it into a successful organization. Through her professional expertise and volunteerism, Shannon continues to make a meaningful impact on both healthcare systems and the communities she serves.
AIR CONDITIONER OR FURNACE TUNE-UP
ONLY $ 119
FREE
Energy Saving Programmable Thermostat With Purchase Of Furnace Or A / C
SCHWANTES Coupon not valid with
other offers or discounts.
651-439-3331 Expires5 / 31 / 26
SCHWANTES Coupon not valid with
other offers or discounts.
651-439-3331 Expires 5 / 31 / 26
WE OFFER: • The best furnaces & air conditioners available! 10 year parts & labor warranty available Free estimates
* See your participating independent Trane Comfort Specialist ® Dealer or visit Trane. com / residential for complete program eligibility, dates, details, and restrictions. Available through participating independent Trane Comfort Specialist Dealers. Instant rebate up to $ 900. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Valid on Qualifying Equipment only. Offer valid through 03 / 01 / 2026- 05 / 31 / 2026. www. trane. com
651-439-3331 www. schwantesheating. com