The Distinguished Alumni Awards
This award recognizes graduates whose achievements, strength of character, and citizenship serve as
role models to inspire and challenge today’s youth.
Jonathan Butler-DuPlessis
Central High School
Class of 2004
Jonathan Butler-DuPlessis
Jonathan Butler- DuPlessis – Class of 2004
Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, a 2004 graduate of Champaign Central High School, has built an extraordinary career as an acclaimed actor, singer, and performing artist. After attending Parkland College and earning his BFA in Acting from the University of Illinois, Jonathan quickly became a standout talent in Chicago’s musical theatre community, earning the esteemed Joseph Jeff Award in 2017 for his versatility as a “triple threat.”
Known for his professionalism, generosity, and deep empathy, Jonathan has performed with leading regional theaters across the country, including Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and more. His television credits include appearances on Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Empire. He also lends his voice to the animated series Jade Armor and the Webby-nominated children’s podcast The Plate Show to name a few.
Jonathan’s career reached new heights when he joined the Broadway cast of Hamilton, performing in the ensemble and understudying the roles of Aaron Burr and George Washington. Despite national success, he remains deeply connected to his Champaign roots, returning to speak with students, support the arts community, and celebrate the educators who shaped his journey.
Jonathan Butler-Duplessis
Andrew Whitford
Centennial High School
Class of 1996
Andrew Whitford
Andrew Whitford – Class of 1996
Andrew “Andy” Whitford, Centennial High School Class of 1996, has built an extraordinary career marked by service, scholarship, and global leadership. A West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer for more than two decades, Andy completed two tours in Iraq and has since served in key diplomatic and educational roles with the United Nations, NATO partners, and the British Army.
A respected military historian, Andy earned both a Master’s degree and Ph.D. from Columbia University and has been published widely on military and political history. His excellence in research and writing earned him the General Omar Bradley Fellowship in Military History.
Among his numerous leadership positions, Andy has taught courses in international, military, Middle East and religious history at West Point and is currently an Assistant Professor for the Department of Distance Education at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. At home, he is a dedicated husband, father, Eagle Scout, and community volunteer.
Andrew Whitford
Ayala Donchin
Urbana High School
Class of 1987
Ayala Donchin
Ayala Donchin – Class of 1987
Ayala Donchin, Urbana High School Class of 1987, has turned a childhood love of baking into a celebrated culinary career that blends creativity, community, and heart. As the founder and executive chef of Evelyn’s Kitchen in East Harlem, Ayala has built a beloved café and catering company known for its inventive, elevated comfort food and its mission-driven approach. Named in honor of her godmother and mentor, Evelyn, the business reflects Ayala’s deep values: family, integrity, resilience, and service.
Since launching Evelyn’s Kitchen in 2009, Ayala has earned national recognition for her craft and leadership. She has appeared as a judge on Beat Bobby Flay, been featured in New York Magazine, and gained a devoted following for her signature “Pudgies,” showcased on QVC. Her work has been highlighted by numerous outlets celebrating both her culinary excellence and her commitment to community empowerment.
Beyond her success as an entrepreneur, Ayala serves as a role model for young people—demonstrating that meaningful work is built through perseverance, purpose, and staying true to one’s roots. She shows aspiring entrepreneurs that creativity can fuel both livelihood and positive impact, and that honoring one’s community is as important as professional achievement.
Ayala Donchin
Local Business Community Impact
GRIT Automation
Marco Nieto & Joel Danowitz
GRIT Automation
Local Business Community Impact Honoree: GRIT Automation – Marco Nieto & Joel Danowitz
GRIT Automation and its co-founder, Marco Nieto, a 1989 graduate of Champaign Central High School, have made an extraordinary contribution to student safety and hands-on learning at their alma mater. Marco, co-founder Joel Danowitz and their team donated and installed a state-of-the-art, $41,000 workshop safety and automation system for Central’s wood and automotive shops, an investment that included more than 100 hours of personal labor from the company’s founders.
The system features RFID-controlled equipment access, real-time air quality monitoring, and fully automated dust collection, ensuring students can safely use tools only after proper training. This upgrade dramatically improves health, safety, and instruction, allowing teachers to focus on teaching rather than managing equipment risks.
Marco’s commitment is deeply personal. A former Central shop student himself, he credits those early experiences with shaping his lifelong passion for woodworking and craftsmanship, skills he later used in building multiple local restaurants before launching GRIT Automation. His return to Central to evaluate the shop, redesign systems, and support the program reflects a profound dedication to giving back and ensuring today’s students have a safe, modern learning environment.
GRIT AUTOMATION
The Local Business Community Impact Award
These recipients have demonstrated an impact on the community through their commitment to philanthropy, service, and volunteerism, or employing local high school graduates.
The Local Hero Award
This award recognizes graduates who have demonstrated their commitment to benefiting the Champaign-Urbana community through their volunteer time and efforts.
Local Hero
Tracy Parsons
Community Coalition
Tracy Parsons
Local Hero Award Honoree: Tracy Parson – Community Coalition
Tracy Parsons has dedicated more than three decades to uplifting youth, supporting families, and strengthening the Champaign-Urbana community. As the City of Champaign’s Equity and Engagement Manager and the longtime leader of the Champaign County Community Coalition, Tracy brings people together to address violence, poverty, education, and equity with compassion, urgency, and collaboration.
Through his leadership, programs such as YES, DREAAM, Goal Getters, Self-Made Kingz, I Read I Count, The LIFT Program, Rising Stars, and CU Fresh Start have expanded opportunities for young people across both Unit 4 and Urbana 116 school districts. Tracy has also played a key role in building partnerships between local schools and the University of Illinois, ensuring students have access to mentorship, enrichment, and college- and career-readiness resources.
The Community Coalition, founded after the tragic death of Kiwane Carrington, has grown under Tracy’s guidance from a small gathering into a countywide network of more than 100 stakeholders working collectively for safer, healthier neighborhoods. Tracy’s belief that “everyone has a place in this work” guides his efforts to ensure that community members, educators, service providers, and local leaders all have a seat at the table.
Tracy Parsons
2025 Distinguished Alumni Reception Photo Gallery
