Alumni Newsletter
The Foundation and D95 Honor Alumni

From Your Executive Director
Dear D95 Alumni,
We are excited to introduce ourselves as the D95 Educational Foundation, an organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience in our district. As alumni, you are the heart and soul of District 95, and we want you to know how much we value your connection to our schools. Your achievements and experiences inspire us, and we are committed to empowering the next generation of learners through initiatives and additional resources.
This school year has kicked off on a wonderful note, beginning with the Alumni event on October 4th, at the LZHS Homecoming game. It was a joy to celebrate with District 95 administration and staff, honoring the incredible accomplishments of our former students. We are also thrilled to announce that our grant season has begun, and we have already awarded two substantial grants. We’ve enjoyed visiting each school, connecting with staff, and sharing details about how we can collaborate through our grant process.
As we move forward, we are actively seeking sponsors—both corporate and individual—to support our initiatives and further enrich the educational experience for our students. If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with us, we would love to hear from you. More information is available on our website at www.district95foundation.org.
Thank you for your ongoing support. GO BEARS!!!
Warm regards,
Liz Hartke
Executive Director
District 95 Educational Foundation
Honoring Alumni at LZHS Homecoming Game
Alumni Event
We enjoyed honoring LZHS Alumni at the Homecoming Football Game on October 4th. It was a wonderful evening hosting our honored Distinguished Alumni. The Foundation had the pleasure of providing food and a special gift for the Alumni. Connecting with such an amazing group of former Lake Zurich students was truly special and we're already looking forward to next year.
Beautiful night for a game!
The sunset and game were both memorable
Inside the Tent
We enjoyed meeting all of the alumni
Some of the Foundation Members Enjoying the Evening
Once A Bear Car Coaster Given to Alumni
Special thanks to Everyonesfavor@gmail.com for creating these awesome coasters
D95 Honoring Distinguished Alumni
These Alumni have accomplished so many amazing things
Fun Night of Food, Conversation, and a Great Game
It was quite a night!
2024-25 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
To be nominated, alumni must have graduated from Lake Zurich High School at least 10 years ago and made significant contributions in their chosen field of work or through service to community, country, or world.
Randy Witt Class of 1996, Inducted 2024
Sergeant Randall Witt obtained an Associate’s degree in Arts from Harper College and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College. Additionally, Randall completed the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Northwestern University. Over his 23-year career with the Lake Zurich Police Department, Randall has risen through the ranks of police officer, also being a detective, officer-in-charge, field training officer, and training instructor before becoming a detective sergeant, where he has overseen critical investigations and the school resource officer unit. He was also a member of the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (MEG). Randall has been recognized for his life-saving actions, receiving three awards for administering CPR in critical situations. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Randall has made substantial contributions to humanitarianism through his involvement in youth athletics. For over a decade, he has volunteered as a coach for football, basketball, and baseball, focusing not only on the love of the game but also on instilling values of kindness, respect, and good sportsmanship in young athletes. Randall Witt’s unwavering dedication to public safety and his profound impact on youth in the community exemplify the highest standards of excellence.
Elizabeth Fredeboelling Class of 1983, Inducted 2024
Elizabeth grew up in Lake Zurich and attended May Whitney, Lake Zurich Junior High School and graduated from Lake Zurich High School in 1983. All four years, she was a class officer culminating in being class President Senior year. Elizabeth also was on the Girl’s Tennis team for 4 years and was named Captain as a Senior. Elizabeth graduated from Elmhurst College in 1987 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing in 1987. Working in pediatrics for nearly her entire career, her clinical focus was pediatric critical care, largely at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago (now Lurie Children’s). Married with 3 children under age 4, her husband, Ron,was recruited to a position in New Jersey. The family moved in 1997 where Elizabeth was offered a nursing leadership position in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Several years later, she was charged with the development of a Pediatric Emergency Department and became that unit’s inaugural Director. Elizabeth completed a Master’s Degree in Health Systems Administration in 2001. Life happens and in 2004 a move to Houston Texas followed after Elizabeth was recruited to be the Director of Critical Care at Texas Children’s Hospital. Seven years later, she was recruited to Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center where she became the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for Women and Children. In 2017, Elizabeth was recruited to be the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Dell Children's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, where she currently serves. She has spent her whole career working to make healthcare safer and more efficient for children. Elizabeth has three grown children and two grandsons as well as two terribly spoiled dogs, Wrigley and Zip.
Konstantin Izotov Class of 2003, Inducted 2024
Technical Sergeant Konstantin Izotov is a distinguished healthcare executive with over 18 years of progressive experience in hospital management, exemplifying excellence in complex operations, organizational growth, and the delivery of high-quality patient care. As a U.S. Air Force veteran, he integrates military discipline with an innovative strategic approach, enhancing operational efficiency in healthcare settings. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Science and a Master’s degree in Hospital Administration, Konstantin has held prestigious roles, including Director of Training and Organizational Development and Primary Care Operations Manager. His bilingual proficiency in English and Russian significantly enhances his communication skills, allowing him to effectively engage in diverse environments.
Renowned for his exceptional problem-solving abilities, strategic planning acumen, and financial management expertise, he has received numerous military accolades, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, three Air and Space Force Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
Beyond his professional commitments, Konstantin Izotov is deeply invested in youth development. Since 2017, he has coached high school hockey, instilling the values of teamwork and discipline in aspiring young athletes. His dedication to sports is further exemplified by his representation of the Air Force Hockey team in the Armed Forces International Hockey Tournament.
Adam Petraglia Class of 2008, Inducted 2024
Adam Petraglia is a 2008 graduate of Lake Zurich High School and Founder of Bricks of Hope, a nonprofit delivering new LEGO sets to sick kids during their hospital stays to help create play and build hope during their treatments and recoveries. Adam, a former student of May Whitney Elementary and Lake Zurich Middle School North, was diagnosed with Leukemia on his 11th birthday and endured a long hospitalization as a part of his treatment and recovery. During that time, it was playing with LEGO that helped him get through some of his worst days, give joy to his journey, and helped him feel like a kid again despite the environment he was in.
To pay it forward, Adam founded Bricks of Hope in December of 2021 to deliver those same feelings of joy and hope to more sick kids. Through the support of many in the Lake Zurich community and beyond, Bricks of Hope now delivers thousands of new LEGO sets to sick kids every single year.
Adam is a proud District 95 alumni and honored recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award.
Save The Date For Our Next Event
MORE DETAILS TO COME! STAY TUNED!
GRANT HIGHLIGHTS THIS FALL FROM THE FOUNDATION
INCubator Annual Grant
Have you heard of INCubator, an entrepreneurial program for students offered by D95? This innovative initiative empowers students to explore their entrepreneurial potential, develop business ideas, and gain real-world experience—all while being supported by passionate mentors.The Foundation is committed to supporting this amazing program and contributes $20,000 annually.
Dual Interactive Display Grant
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve passed another grant this season for $11,200!
This grant is set to revolutionize learning in District 95 middle schools by equipping classrooms with dual interactive television monitors. At Middle School North and South, we’re transforming traditional classrooms into hubs of innovation and interactivity.
Birth to Five Community Outreach Grant
Our very first grant of the season was funded for $2,000 to support the Birth to 5 Program!
This grant funds an activity for all families with children ages birth through 5! The events lwill host an interactive reading session + a craft. Each child will take home a special book!
Thank you to our 2023-24 Corporate Sponsors
About the District 95 Educational Foundation
DONT FORGET TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA @D95Foundation FOR EXCITING NEW UPDATES
D95 Foundation Board
Indra Josephs, Chair
Joseph Janicki, Vice Chair of Communications
Andy Spetter, Vice Chair of Grants & Initiatives
Willy Borkowski, Secretary
Brittany Tjardes, Treasurer
Jennifer McGrath, Trustee
Kelly Cranstoun, Trustee
Billy Heisler, Trustee
Vas Russis, Trustee
Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendant & Trustee
Jean Malek, Trustee
John Sfire - Trustee Emeritus
To learn more about becoming a Trustee on the board, please email Liz at foundation@lz95.org
