District 219 is currently accepting nominations from the community and former students for its annual Distinguished Alumnus Award ceremony this spring. The award will be presented to two past graduates – one from Niles North and one from Niles West – at the school’s respective ceremony.

Selection for the 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award is based on the following criteria:

1. Nominees must be a graduate of one of the District 219 schools.

2. Nominees must have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in their field or via significant contributions to society.

3. Nominees must have had a meaningful experience while in high school.

The 48th annual Awards of Distinction ceremony, where the award will be presented, will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at Niles North, and Wednesday, May 15 at Niles West.

Past North winners of the award include social studies teacher Pankaj Sharma and Dr. David Walton, the deputy chief of missions for Partners in Health, a nonprofit organization that provides needed medical care for the poor and disadvantaged in Haiti and other countries.

Nominations should come from personal opinions and documented evidence. They are to be submitted here by Jan. 31 for North and Feb. 28 for West. For more information, contact student activities directors Kevin Monahan (North) or Jessica Ogulnik (West).