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Where are They Now? Ryan Paradise, basketball coach
Basketball isn’t just something Ryan Paradise does; it’s part of who he is. The 2003 Naperville Central High School graduate began playing at the age 5, and has made a career of doing what he loves. In 2010, he became head coach of Marmion Academy’s varsity basketball team, one of the youngest head coaches in the school’s history.
Where Are They Now? North grad focuses on beach bikes
For Dustin Gyger, a present turned into the gift of a lifetime. Self-described as a “recreational” bicycle rider, the 1999 graduate of Naperville North makes a living from the two-wheelers.
Where are they Now? Steve Chirico, Great Western Flooring
Three decades after opening University Tile — and changing its name to Great Western Flooring — Steve Chirico, a 1978 Naperville Central High School graduate, continues to focus on the “ART” of flooring: accountability, reliability and trust. He’s also on the Naperville City Council.
Where are they now? Playwright Derek Ahonen delights NYC theatergoers
Derek Ahonen, a 1999 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School, moved to New York City after high school graduation to study acting at the acclaimed American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 2006, he founded The Amoralists Theatre Company.
Where Are They Now? ’95 grad writes for Family Guy
Dave Ihlenfeld has a fun job. As a writer for the FOX hit show “Family Guy,” the 1995 Naperville North High School graduate makes a living from making people laugh.
Where Are They Now? Peter Hoffman, photographer
While an exchange student in New Zealand, Peter Hoffman discovered his passion for photography. Since then, the 2002 Naperville North High School graduate has turned his passion for pictures into a career as a freelance photographer.
Mother takes daughter with her on acting ride
Catherine Lord is no stranger to the stage. In fact, the 1976 Naperville Central graduate and actress made her debut alongside her mother, Ann Lord, a 1948 Naperville High School graduate, while still a toddler.
Where Are They Now? Dana Ripper, Missouri River Bird Observatory
When Dana Ripper says her job is for the birds, she means it. As co-founder and director of the Missouri River Bird Observatory, the 1994 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School has made a career of avian research, conservation and education.
Naperville grad’s first major film debuts during film fest
Jim Hemphill, a 1989 graduate of Naperville Central High School, will premiere his first major motion picture, “The Trouble with the Truth,” on Tuesday during the Naperville Independent Film Festival. It stars Lea Thompson and John Shea.
North grad leads hair department on ‘So You Think You Can Dance?’
Sallie Nicole Ciganovich, a 1995 Naperville North graduate, keeps everyone looking glamorous as the head of the hair department for the hit television show “So You Think You Can Dance’s.
Naperville North grad joins Cirque du Soleil
Ross Bradley never imagined he’d get paid to hang upside down. But now he does. The 2004 Naperville North High School graduate and gymnast was selected to be part of the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, and is training for an upcoming tour.
Local history buff stays close – at Naper Settlement
When Sarah Buhlig graduated from Naperville Central High School in 1989, she didn’t go far. In fact, she spends her days next to it, on the campus of Naper Settlement. “Sometimes it still strikes me funny to work right next door to where I went …
Naperville Central grad teaches in Ukraine for Peace Corps
Nora Heneghan is proud to be a teacher. But even more so, the 2004 Naperville Central High School graduate is proud to represent the United States as a Peace Corps volunteer in the country of Ukraine.
Army medic says every day different
Sgt. Nathan Strieter is home, and family and friends of the 2007 Neuqua Valley High School graduate couldn’t be happier. The 22-year-old airborne combat medic just returned from a year in Afghanistan, where he is a proud member of the United States Army.
International opera singer thankful for Waubonsie roots
The world is Tamara Wilson’s stage, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. The 1999 graduate of Waubonsie Valley High School, described as “a voice of steely beauty and great power,” is an internationally renowned opera singer. “I get paid to do what I …
Naperville Central students embrace ‘Big’ musical
There is nothing small about the spring musical at Naperville Central High School. In fact, it will be entertainment of epic proportions when members of the theater department present “Big: The Musical” starting today.