Class of 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Honorees

STILLWATER, Minn. -- May 13, 2026 -- Three individuals will be honored for distinction after graduating from Stillwater Area High School as 2026 Distinguished Alumni award winners. They join more than 100 others who have been named Distinguished Alumni since the award was first given in 1987.

2026 Distinguished Alumni:
Cynthia Bronson Sweigert - Class of 1970
Edward (Ted) Hooley  - Class of 2006
Shannon Williams - Class of 1996

Recognizing individuals that have placed a high priority on education and service to others, the Distinguished Alumni Award honors those that become role models for this and future generations. To be eligible, alumni must have graduated 10 years prior or more.

Since the award's inception by former Stillwater Area High School principal Dr. Jon Swenson in 1987, a committee selects honorees through a nomination process. Chosen Distinguished Alumni are honored annually at a reception prior to graduation and at the commencement ceremony. 

Celebration of this year's Distinguished Alumni begins with a banquet on Friday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Elmo Inn Event Center hosted by the Partnership Plan. Get tickets for the banquet, which takes place prior to the celebration of Distinguished Alumni at SAHS's Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 23.

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 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 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.