Lake County Gazette

The Pekin Community High School District No. 303 Board of Education has named six individuals as the 2025 recipients of its Distinguished Alumni Award. The award honors former students who have made significant contributions to their school, community, or society and serve as role models for current and future students.

This year’s honorees will be recognized during the high school’s Homecoming festivities on October 10, 2025.

Dr. Martin J. Neumann, a 1995 graduate, pursued nuclear engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and conducted research in plasma physics and material interactions. He later worked on advanced defense and technology projects before moving into industry roles, including leading research at Lam Research.

Angela Pham, from the class of 2005, studied Journalism and English at Eastern Illinois University before working for PwC in New York City. She later held leadership roles in content strategy at Meta (formerly Facebook) and DoorDash, focusing on product design and diversity initiatives.

R. David Tebben graduated in 1964 and built a career in insurance services while also serving multiple terms as Pekin’s mayor. Tebben was involved with local organizations such as the United Way of Pekin, the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Kiwanis Club of Pekin, and others.

Jim Robison (class of 1980) is known nationally and internationally for his wildfowl sculptures. His career began while he was still a student at PCHS after being featured by People Magazine. Robison also breeds birds for falconry enthusiasts worldwide.

Dr. Christine Urish graduated in 1983 before pursuing degrees in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University and earning a doctorate from the University of Iowa. She currently practices occupational therapy at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics while teaching at Drake University.

Frederick “Bud” VonBoeckman (PCHS class of 1933) was recognized both as an athlete—being inducted into multiple sports halls of fame—and as a businessman who supported various community projects in Pekin until his death.

According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, Pekin Consolidated School District 303 represents Tazewell County; Pekin Community High School is part of this district. The district serves a student population that is predominantly White (90.2 percent), with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic (3.3 percent), Asian (0.9 percent), or Black (0.7 percent). The district employs 112 teachers with an average salary just over $51,000; women make up about 58 percent of staff while men account for nearly 42 percent—no teacher reported more than ten absences during the last recorded year (source). In fiscal year 2020, per-student spending reached $19,506 for a total expenditure exceeding $34 million (source).

“These recipients will be honored in conjunction with Pekin Community High School’s Homecoming festivities on Friday, October 10, 2025,” stated representatives from the Board.