RPS 205 proudly announces the upcoming celebration of four distinguished alumni at the 2024 Fine Arts Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This event promises to be an evening filled with nostalgia and recognition. It serves as a testament to the incredible talent and dedication fostered within the halls of Rockford schools. The ceremony honors former students and/or faculty who have soared to remarkable heights in their artistic endeavors and educators whose tireless efforts have shaped the artistic landscape of our district.
This year, we are thrilled to honor four outstanding individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world of arts:
Winnie Au is a Guilford High School, class of 1999 alumna who has flourished in the world of photography since her days of working on the Guilford yearbook team. Currently residing in New York, Au has had showcases around the world and won many awards for her unique collection of work. Working with publishers and clients such as Amazon, Airbnb, Billboard, Teen Vogue, United Airlines, and Bank of America, Au has a dedicated love for her craft that has rewarded her repeatedly.
Lon Hoegberg is a Guilford High School, class of 1981 alumnus, lighting designer, set designer, and sound designer who now resides in the Belvidere area. Even though retired now, Lon still finds ways to express his love of theater through design.Hoegberg has repeatedly given his time and skills to the Rockford theater scene for over 30 years, including but not limited to schools within the Rockford Public School District.
CoCo Ree Lemery is an Auburn High School, class of 2007 CAPA program alumna and is a dynamic creative force with a plethora of accomplishments under her belt. An award-winning Industrial Designer, CoCo is known for her work in Furniture Design. With hundreds of products sold globally today, her background as a Charge Scenic Artist and scenographer continues to inspire her. Currently, she is the Creative Director for Studio Kloak, Design Patent Examiner for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the Visiting Professor of Industrial & Furniture Design at Purdue University.
Peter “Pete” Bond is a West High School, class of 1974 alumnus who went on to achieve greatness in his musical career after graduation. Furthering his education, with degrees in Performance, Bond played for the Metropolitan Opera in New York for 28 years. He also performed with Rockford's very own Phantom Regiment, a competitive drum and bugle corp that has been wowing audiences since 1956! Aside from his impressive credentials as 2nd and 3rd trumpet player for the Metropolitan Opera, Bond is also an author. Writing about his revolutionary trumpet technique in “The Singing Trumpet”, Bond has had a successful career to reflect on and celebrate.
The Fine Arts Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at The Illinois Bank & Trust Pavilion at Aldeen Golf Club, 1868 Reid Farm Road in Rockford.
The event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rps-205-fine-arts-hall-of-fame-2024-tickets-836568066607?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join us as we celebrate the remarkable artistic achievements and contributions of these extraordinary individuals.