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The Taft Alumni Association recognizes Taft graduates who have exemplified the best of Taft High School, people we can be proud of as our colleagues and peers. They bring honor to the name of Taft High School through their accomplishments in their careers, personal achievements, service to others, leadership and courage. They carry the standards of Taft High School onward, upward through their lives.
If you know of a deserving individual, please download and submit a Nomination Form.
G. MICHAEL VERDEN (1976) has a B.S. in Law Enforcement and an M.A. in Criminology. After policing in Skokie, he spent 21 years with the US Secret Service in the Presidential Protective Division, Counter‑Assault Team, coordinated security for the '02 Winter Olympics, became NBA Director of Security, founded The Lake Forest Group, a global security consultancy. He has protected major events such as the Super Bowl, the Masters, the Kentucky Derby, and is a media security expert for national news.
WAYNE A. BARTON (Jun 1955): Professional woodcarver, a leader in chip carving. Training in Switzerland and honed skill have led to the publication of books and a video considered essential resources for the craft extending to the development of specialized carving knives and sharpening stones. Founder of The Alpine School of Woodcarving, he has shared his knowledge through teaching and exhibitions. Barton has earned global recognition, including a prestigious award from Woodcarving Illustrated.
WAYNE L. FAUST (1971): Entertainer, composer, and author who spent decades touring the US and abroad with clever, humorous songs. Originally planning a legal career, but found himself drawn to performing music for audiences. He gained recognition with his song "Bald Guys," and an NBC video broadcast expanded his following. Locally, his memoir titled "Norwood Park" has been shared on YouTube, evoking memories in the neighborhood. Faust has also authored an optimistic post-apocalyptic trilogy.
ROBERT R. HOLMES, PhD (Jun 1946): Chemist recognized for his research in the structure and properties of phosphorus and silicone, and the applications of phosphoryl transfer enzymes used by biochemists in carrying out reactions on new products. He was funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Health. As a tenured Professor of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts, Holmes was honored with the 1997 ICMGC Award for Excellence in Main Group Chemistry Research.
MICHAEL J. HOUSHOLDER (1982) and SALLY (BARTEL) HOUSHOLDER (1983): Graduated with honors from Concordia College and Luther Seminary. He was appointed to the struggling Lutheran Church of Hope of fifteen members in West Des Moines. As a team, the Housholders watched Hope grow into a multisite, multigenerational and outreach-focused church with six campuses and eight local sites throughout the Midwest. He also hosts "Pastor Mike Drop", a religion and spirituality top show on Apple Podcasts.
MARK F. FENSKE (1971): Participated in “Guys and Dolls” and “Mame” at Taft, becoming Drama Club President. He won class presidency as a write-in candidate. From the 70s to the 90s, he appeared on TV shows like “Happy Days,” and “The Buffalo Bill Show,” and joined the last season of “Mork and Mindy” alongside Robin Williams and Jonathan Winters. Fenske performed in U.S. and Canadian clubs and appeared in plays and musicals, and opened for “The Pack is Back,” a tribute to the original Rat Pack.
RICHARD C. LINDBERG, BA (1971): Celebrated author and journalist with many books on Chicago history, true crime, and politics. His work, recognized by institutions like the Chicago Writer's Association and the Illinois State Historical Society, often explores arcane aspects of events. Lindberg's writing also extends to memoir, with "Whiskey Breakfast," a reflection on his upbringing. Retired, Lindberg continues to write, uncovering and illuminating Chicago's complex past. www.richardlindberg.net
CLAYTON E. MOTT, BS, (Jan 1944): Studied Speech Education at NIU and UI where he served as chairman of the Speech Dept. and as Chairman of the Legislative Conference at NIU’s request in 1979. He headed the Clayton E. Mott & Assoc. Ins. Agency and Jet Car Rental Inc. Mott was named a Living Legend in Des Plaines for his community leadership including the Jaycees, the Masons, heading the Maine West Dads' Club, and chairing the Des Plaines Mass Transit District. Mott was a US Navy veteran.
J. LYNN (MORLEY) MARTIN, BA (Jun 1957): Businesswoman and former politician who served as Secretary of Labor from 1991 to 1993, under President George H. W. Bush. She previously represented Illinois's 16th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1991. Before her election to Congress, Martin served in both chambers of Illinois General Assembly, in the State House of Representativesfrom 1977 to 1979, as well as the State Senate from 1979 to 1980.