Schools

GP North Honors Distinguished Alumni

Grosse Pointe North High School honored several alumni a committee deemed distinguished Monday, promoting the alum's professional success to the student body during an assembly.

officials recognized several alumni Monday during an assembly with students early in the day and a nighttime reception.

The alumni were chosen by a self-created committee who set out to show students all that can be achieved beginning within the hallways and classrooms of the high school, according to one of the committee members and current North employee Judi Preston.

After a thorough process, the committee selected the following alumni, featuring them for their success in their respective professions or passions:

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Carly Piper, class of 2001

  • she went on to be on the 4x200 meter freestyle Olympic relay team that won the gold in 2004--a win that also was record-setting
  • she also holds a variety of records at the University of Wisconsin, in the Big Ten and the NCAA

Dr. Hans Stricker, class of 1980

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  • he is the vice chairman and chair of surgery at the Vattikuti Urology Institute at Henry Ford Hospital overseeing one of the largest urology departments in the country
  • he is one of Henry Ford Hospital's first surgeons to start practicing robotic surgery
  • he has done extensive research related to gene therapy and cancer

Major General Robert Brooks Brown, class of 1977

  • he is the commander of the Fort Benning, GA, base, which houses the Manuever Center for Excellence and is responsible for training 145,000 soldiers annually
  • he graduated from West Pointe in 1981 and then obtained two masters degrees, one in National Security and Strategic Studies from the National Defense University and the second in education from the University of Virginia
  • he's led soldiers on several deployments around the world

John J. Ahee, class of 1982

  • he is the vice-president for in Grosse Pointe Woods, a multi-generational family operated jewelry store that has won numerous awards
  • he gives back to the community as a strong supporter of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen helping host an annual benefit at Comerica Park
  • he is also a cancer-survivor who is active in supporting others with cancer

Sandra Joseph, class of 1986

  • she is the longest-running leading actress of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, for which she performed for nearly a decade including the performance that officially made the musical the longest-running Broadway play
  • she also offers a 5-day workshop through the Omega Institute in New York City, which focuses on personal growth and holistic living
  • she's also performed in a variety of television shows and other settings
  • she mentors student actors

William Babcock, class of 1981

  • he played professional baseball after being drafted by the Chicago White Sox following graduation, although an injury ended his career
  • he worked as the Grosse Pointe Woods Parks and Recreation Director for many years and created a variety of programs including the Perch Derby, Winterfest, the recreation commission and several senior events
  • he is also involved in youth sports, helping young athletes learn baseball

All of the alumni were given a glass plaque for the recognition and invited to attend both the assembly and the evening event. They were also offered tours of the school, which has likely changed for many of them since their days of walking the hallways.

The event was supported by the Grosse Pointe North Parent Club and several student organizations that completed projects to help with hosting the gatherings.

With intentions of making the event an annual recognition, the committee is hopeful the inaugural group will provide some inspiration and vision to current students.


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