Distinguished Alumni Awards 2002
Fall 2004, Spring 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996

James M. Kuhn received a B.S. with honors in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University. While working for the R.M. Polce Department, he attended ITT/Chicago Kent College of Law and received a Juris Doctorate in 1987. Through the Attorney General’s Honor program, a national competition, he joined the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Chicago. From 1989 to 1991 James worked at the U.S.Attorney’s Office in Peoria, Illinois, where he participated in Opeation Iron Eagle, a multi-agency task force targeting illegal drug trafficking. In 1991 James became Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and has worked in both the criminal and civil divisions. He was recently selected to work in the newly created asset forfeiture unit.

Although James has had an outstanding career, he also has been deeply involved in the community. He volunteered for Shelter, Inc., served as a foster parent in the Camelot Care Center in Palatine, guest lectured in high schools, and coached Elk Grove girls’ softball and basketball. He is a member of the Neuroblastoma Children’s Cancer Society and was the office Chairman and a Keyworker for the Combined Federal Campaign.

His proudest moment includes his marrige and three children, as well as his pride in having the ability and opportunity to serve the people of Rolling Meadows and Illinois. Currently James resides with his wife Laura and daughters, Jillian and Cheryl, in Elk Grove Village.

John C.Sayre
Class of 1979

John Sayre attended Southern Illinois University on an athletic scholarship, receiving his B.S. in Exercise Physiology in 1985. He was a seven-time member of the United States Track and Field Team, US National Champion in the Decathlon, three-time NCAA Division I Track and Field All-American, and inducted into the S.I.U. Athletic Hall of Fame. John represented the USA as a member of the U.S. Track and Field Team and in the inaugural Goodwill Games. After graduation, John was employed at Avco Financial Services, Inc. in the Olympic Job Opportunities Program. In 1994, John Sayre became a Financial Advisor, joining the Sayre Group, Prudential Securities, where he and his partner manage assets over $300 million.

John achieved Eagle Scout in 1976 and continues active membership with the National Eagle Scout Association. In addition, he teaches Investments--Stocks and Bonds in the adult education program in High School District 214. John also has been a volunteer pole vault coach at R.M.H.S. and Lake Park H.S.; students he worked with went on to become International H.S. Invitational Champion and Illinois State Champions.

In addition to his family, John considers his U.S. National Track and Field Championships and having the title "United States’ Greatest Athlete" his proudest moments. John resides in Palatine with his wife Myenna, his sons, Kent and Kristian, and newborn daughter, Heidi.