Outstanding Alumni 2025

The Kirkwood School District (KSD) celebrated the outstanding achievements of Kirkwood High School (KHS) graduates during a weekend of special events on February 28 and March 1 to honor the newest class of Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame inductees.

On Friday, February 28, inductees returned to KHS to participate in a Career Day, sharing their professional journeys and inspiring current students. Alumni spoke in classrooms, offering insights into careers spanning art, music, engineering, advocacy, and more. Though their fields varied, their message remained the same: “Follow your heart and follow your dreams!”

The following distinguished alumni attended:
Dr. Don Flesche, Christopher Clouser, Jim Scott, Rodney Sippel, Doug Vaughn, Alvin Reid, Roslyn (Parker) Croft, Katie (Rodriguez) Banister, Mark Borella, Alex Manse, Patrice Jackson, Darrin Dortch, Robyn (Dirnberger) Rosenberger, and Dajae Williams.

On Saturday, March 1, the honorees gathered in the Walker Commons for a pre-event reception before heading into the Keating Theatre for the Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Bill and Margaret Freivogel, both KHS Class of 1967 graduates and 2019 Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, served as emcees. Each inductee was introduced, had the opportunity to give an acceptance speech, and was presented with the prestigious “Crystal K” award.

With over 450 attendees, the event was an inspiring tribute to alumni who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and continue to serve as role models for future KHS students.

The KHS Alumni Hall of Fame honors individuals who have achieved exceptional success and positively impacted their communities.

The full induction ceremony, recorded by KHTV students.

Pictured Front Row (Left to Right):

Dr. Donald Flesche (KHS 1952): A distinguished professor of political science at Kalamazoo College, Don co-taught with journalist David Broder, earned multiple faculty awards, and was the “Voice of the Hornets” for 40 years. His legacy continues through the Donald C. Flesche Lecture Series and his place in the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Steve Wilkins (representing the late Kaye Wilkins, DVM, MD, KHS 1952): Dr. Wilkins was a pioneer in pediatric orthopedics, dedicating his life to humanitarian efforts in Mexico, Vietnam, and Haiti.

Chris Clouser (KHS 1970): A corporate leader and philanthropist, Chris served as Chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and led major companies such as Burger King, the Minnesota Twins, and Sprint.

Jim Scott (KHS 1970): A seven-time Grammy-winning producer, Jim has shaped rock music by working with Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Johnny Cash.

Rodney Sippel (KHS 1974): A Senior U.S. District Judge for Missouri, Judge Sippel has had a profound impact on justice and public service.

Doug Vaughn (KHS 1974): A legend in St. Louis sports broadcasting, Doug spent 34 years at KMOV-TV (CBS), covering iconic events like the Cardinals’ World Series wins and the Blues’ Stanley Cup victory.

Alvin Reid (KHS 1978): An award-winning journalist with over 150 accolades, Alvin has dedicated his career to community advocacy and civic engagement.

Roslyn (Parker) Croft (KHS 1980): A diversity and inclusion leader in the construction industry, Roslyn is an advocate for equity and representation.

Back Row (Left to Right):
Katie (Rodriguez) Banister (KHS 1983): A motivational speaker and disability advocate, Katie has championed accessibility and was named Ms. Wheelchair Missouri (2010).

Mark Borella (KHS 1984): A multimedia artist and founder of Seeds of Happiness, Mark has spread joy and kindness through art worldwide.

Alex Manse (KHS 1985): A global leader in energy innovation, Alex has led $80B+ in international projects, including Saudi Arabia’s Sadara Mega Petrochemical Project.

Patrice Jackson (KHS 2000): A renowned cellist, Patrice is the first African American female Professor of Cello at Berklee College of Music. She has performed with major symphonies and collaborated with Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder.

Darrin Dortch (KHS 2002): A Hollywood writer, producer, and director, Darrin has worked on shows like TNT’s Claws and OWN’s The Kings of Napa.

Robyn (Dirnberger) Rosenberger (KHS 2003): Founder of TinySuperheroes, Robyn has empowered 150,000+ children with disabilities through personalized superhero capes.

Dajae Williams (KHS 2012): A NASA engineer, STEM educator, and hip-hop artist, Dajae merges music and science to inspire the next generation.

Not Pictured:
Nikki Glaser (KHS 2002): An Emmy-nominated comedian, Nikki recently hosted the 82nd Golden Globe Awards and stars in HBO’s Someday You’ll Die. Her parents attended and accepted the award on her behalf.

This marks the third class of inductees into the KHS Outstanding Alumni Hall of Fame, with previous classes selected in 2010 and 2019.