Distinguished Alumni To be Honored By Downers Grove South

DOWNERS GROVE, IL —Three alumni from Downers Grove South will honor three newly named Distinguished Alumni with a special ceremony Friday at 5 p.m.

This year's Distinguished Alumni are Christopher Doscotch, Class of 1987, Dana Maksimovich-Tomko, class of 1989, and Gary Swick, class of 1972.

Each alumnus was selected on the merits of their personal achievements and contributions to their communities.

“Our Distinguished Alumni remind us that the impact of a South High education extends far beyond graduation,” Downers Grove South High Principal Arwen Lyp remarked.

Lyp added, “We are proud to celebrate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities and serve as an inspiration to our students.”

Below, you'll find some information on each honoree.

Christopher Doscotch

Since graduating from Downers South in 1987, Christopher Doscotch has served in the Illinois National Guard and started his own law firm. Doscotch has been a circuit judge for the Illinois 10th Judicial Court since 2020 and has volunteered his time on charity boards that include America's Gold Star Families.

Dana Maksimovich-Tomko

Dana Maksimovich-Tomko is a film producer whose work has included "Crash," which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2006. Maksimovich-Tomko is the founder of Legacy in Focus, an organization dedicated to preserving stories via documentary film. She serves on the Soldier Field Foundation Board and the Board of Artists for Peace and Justice.

Gary Swick

Gary Swick, who graduated in 1972 from Downers South, has dedicated his career to environmental education and preservation. According to District 99, Swick has been recognized locally and nationally and has helped give access to local rivers to more than 50,000 people.

The alumni will spend Friday visiting classrooms, meeting with students, sharing and answering questions before the induction ceremony at 5 p.m. at Downers Grove South.