LOYAL LEGENDS

Adam King and Michael Kuhn invite all locals to celebrate with them at the Hinsdale Central Foundation Hall fo Fame Dinner

Wellness House Ball? Check. The Hinsdale Wine Walk? Check. The Holiday Ball? Check. Even with those tickets secured, there is one more must-attend event for which every social and civic minded person should plan. The Hinsdale Central Foundation (HCF) Hall of Fame Dinner on September 17 at Butterfield Country Club.

This annual event brings together Red Devils of all ages to celebrate the school’s values and honor those who’ve made a lasting impact.

It’s more than just a formal gathering. It’s a celebration of legacy, connection, and pride.

Bringing in students, faculty, families, and alumni together, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who’ve made extraordinary contributions not just within their fields, but the Hinsdale Central community as well.

For the school, it’s a moment to showcase what it means to be a Red Devil. Students see firsthand how the values they’re learning—whether it be leadership, service, or excellence—can translate into lifelong impact. It’s also a chance for current faculty and staff to reconnect with former students and see the ripple effects of their work.”

And it doesn’t stop there. For the broader community, the Hall of Fame is more than just a dinner—it’s a reunion, a reflection, and a powerful reminder that the values forged at Hinsdale Central don’t fade with time.

Rooted in community, the Hall of Fame celebrates the values that make Hinsdale Central truly special.

The most memorable nominations go beyond résumés and accolades. They illustrate how the nominee exemplifies the school’s values of excellence, leadership, and service.

Exceptional nominees demonstrate qualities such as distinction in their field, lasting impact, mentorship, advocacy, resilience, and innovation. What brings a nomination to life are the stories, whether they be personal moments, milestones, and reflections, that show how the nominee’s journey reflects the spirit of the Red Devil community. Biographical details, career highlights, and meaningful contributions also help paint a fuller, more compelling picture.

Speaking with two of the 2026 inductees, these themes of legacy, connection, and pride quickly become obvious.

Michael Kuhn weaves together brilliant multi-generational tales of growing up in Hinsdale with his grandparents and great-grandparents a block away. His grandfather was a milkman in the days when a horse pulled a carriage. When the company switched to trucks, he retired. Asked why, Milkman Kuhn replied, “The horse knows the route. I don’t know the route.”

Michael found his place at Hinsdale Central during preparations for the Variety Show during his junior year. The group of friends he made then returned for their senior year show, traveled together on senior spring break and continue to get together on the first Thursday of every month.

Adam King is on a generational run of supporting organization that makes our community special. “Our alumni are doing such incredible things. It’s a true honor to be recognized. The selection process is rigorous, and I’m thrilled to have made it through,” he says.

Both Kuhn and King speak movingly of teachers who saw potential in them. “I believe that HCF is about potential,” King says.

“While you’re a student here, teachers challenge you to think about what you might do in the future. Tiny sparks of talent are nurtured. Years or even decades later, those talents are fully realized in extraordinary ways,” Kuhn says.

In many ways, Hall of Fame inductees represent potential realized. A number of past and present teachers and administrators attend the dinner, which means they can share in the joy of accomplishments their former students are experiencing.

“Everyone is back home together. It’s a reunion without limits. You never know who you might run into at the Hall of Fame dinner, Kuhn says.

It’s the biggest night of the year for HCF, but beyond recognizing excellence, both past and present, the HCF has also made a visible impact through projects like funding athletic facilities and transforming unused spaces into central hubs for student activities.

This engine is fueled by its enduring, multi-generational connection to the school community. This connection has become a passion for King. “If you’re a graduate of Hinsdale Central, you need to attend the Hall of Fame Dinner. Especially, if you are currently or will eventually send your own children to HC. I encourage you to feel the pride of being part of this alumni community and celebrate with us at the dinner and all of Homecoming weekend,” he says.

That alumni and community support matters. The Foundation relies on this support to sustain excellence. This includes teacher grants and student enrichment programs. It also honors traditions, as alumni and residents help preserve the school’s legacy. Community support fosters connection through financial contributions and volunteerism, creating shared purpose and pride. It also drives innovation by enabling new initiatives.

That shared investment continues to show up in meaningful ways. Parents and community members take a hands-on role—serving on the board, leading initiatives like the Young Scholars program, and supporting efforts that directly shape the student experience. The Hall of Fame, in particular, has become both a pillar of support and a highlight of Homecoming week.

For over three decades, the Hinsdale Central Foundation (HCF) has strengthened the spirit of the Red Devil community. What began in 1991 as a simple fundraising effort for the high school has grown into a deeply rooted, widely connected network uniting generations of students, teachers, alumni, and neighbors. Together, they share one mission: to uplift Hinsdale Central High School by supporting, inspiring, and elevating students through every stage of their educational journey.

When the community rallies around Hinsdale Central, it invests in the future of every student who walks through its doors. The Foundation stands as a living testament to legacy, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Hinsdale Central isn’t just a school. It’s a shared story. Ultimately, it’s a powerful reminder that the Hinsdale Central experience doesn’t just end at graduation, it evolves, grows, and continues to inspire.

“This community supports me and the family business I represent. I want to do everything I can to support the community right back,” says King, adding, “I developed confidence and made the most of every opportunity here, from the pool, the classroom, and even bass fishing. I can trace much of my success back to Hinsdale Central High School. I’m grateful and honored to be a recognized in this way.”

The 2026 Hinsdale Central Foundation Hall of Fame Dinner is Thursday, September 17, at 6:00 p.m. at Butterfield Country Club. To purchase tickets or make a donation, visit hinsdalecentralfoundation.org.