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In a group that includes a Grammy-nominated band director to the district's first Black teacher, eight people with deep Batavia roots are joining the Batavia Public Schools Hall of Honor this fall.
The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence and District 101 will induct the Class of 2026 at a September 17 ceremony at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.
Here's what to know:
The Class of 2026: Victor Anderson (class of 1993), Mike Burke (1985), Kristin Hoffman (2008), Mary Jensen (1996), John D. Kennedy Jr. (1987), Ron Link (1978), John Walker (BPS101 employee), and George H. Scheetz (friend of BPS101) make up this year's class.
Ceremony details: Inductees and families will gather at 5:45PM on Sep. 17, with an unveiling ceremony at 6PM follow by an awards ceremony and a meet-and-greet with inductees.
Who qualifies for the honor: Graduates need to be at least 15 years removed from Batavia High School and possess a track record of excellence in fields like academics, business, medicine, the arts, athletics, or public service. District employees and "friends of the district" are recognized for outstanding service to BPS101.
How nominees get picked: Anyone can submit a nomination, including a summary of why the nominee deserves recognition and supporting evidence. The Hall of Honor Committee reviews and votes on nominees each year, and anyone not selected stays on the ballot for future consideration.
Donations to the BPS101 Hall of Honor are welcome and go toward supporting the program.
Meet the Class of 2026
Victor Anderson, class of 1993: Anderson directs bands at West Aurora High School after teaching in five Illinois districts and reaching thousands of students over his career. He's been named one of School Band & Orchestra's "50 Directors Who Make a Difference" and was a 2018 Grammy Music Educator Award quarterfinalist.
Mike Burke, class of 1985: A fixture in Batavia civic life since her Bulldog days, Burke volunteers with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce, the Fireworks Committee, and the Batavia Women's Club. She and her husband, Chris, raised two sons in Batavia, both fellow BHS graduates.
Kristin Hoffman, class of 2008: Hoffman starred at setter for Northern Illinois University, earning MAC Setter of the Year and All-American honors before studying sports law at Marquette. She's now a partner at Hinshaw & Culbertson, where she practices aviation defense litigation.
Mary Jensen, class of 1996: Jensen has taught elementary music at Alice Gustafson School since 2001, building a 25-plus-year career on creativity and connection with students. Her own performing days included choirs, vocal jazz, and appearances at the National Cathedral and on Good Morning America.
John D. Kennedy Jr., class of 1987: Kennedy spent 26 years with the City of Batavia's Public Works department, often quietly helping struggling neighbors using his own time and money. After his sudden death in 2022, the city dedicated the south end of Raddant Road as "John Kennedy Memorial Way."
Ron Link, class of 1978: Link served on and later presided over the Batavia Board of Education, guiding the district through key periods of growth. He's since served on the boards of the Batavia Historical Society and the Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence, and continues volunteering with Batavia RSVP.
John Walker, BPS101 employee: A former Atlanta Falcons draft pick and Army veteran who served in Vietnam, Walker became Batavia High School's first African American teacher in 1971. He went on to coach varsity football, basketball, softball, and bowling for the Bulldogs.
George H. Scheetz, friend of BPS101: Scheetz spent 46 years in library science, including more than 18 as the Batavia Public Library's first executive director emeritus. He also founded the Batavia Arts Council and has led both the Rotary Club of Batavia and the Batavia Historical Society.
Get tickets here for the 2026 Hall of Honor induction ceremony.
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