Dr. William Schnell, member of the first Glenbrook graduating class of 1954, was awarded the 2006 Distinguished Alumnus Award for his lifelong contributions to the arts programs of the Glenbrook High Schools and, in particular, to the music program and the traditions of Glenbrook North. Dr. William Schnell's connection to Glenbrook North dates back to a time before the school was even built. His family was one of those who lived on the land that the Glenbrook North campus now occupies. He was a member of the first senior class to occupy the present building before it was finished and a fully functioning high school. Schnell talks enthusiastically of that time and the excitement with which he and his classmates set about starting Glenbrook traditions. The senior class had a significant hand in creating the Glenbrook North alma mater and the school colors, and in choosing the mascot, Schnell relates that he even played a role in planning the school's layout. Dr. Schnell used his time in high school to explore the arts. He performed in musical events at school and in town, playing in the band and participating in the choir. After graduating from high school, Dr. Schnell went to Bowling Green State University but transferred after two years to Northwestern, where he graduated with double degrees in church music and music education. While at Northwestern, he sang with a semi-professional choral group. In 1962, he received a Master of Music degree in applied organ. In 1973, he received his doctorate in choral music from the University of Illinois. Dr. Schnell has been on the staff of the Glenbrook High School since 1959. He retired in 1994 from Glenbrook South but has taken a part-time job at North as an accompanist for the choirs since then. During his tenure at the Glenbrooks, he served as interim instructor at North Park College in Chicago, where he directed the college choir and initiated and supervised the reinstitution of the music education degree program. He has served several area churches as music director - St. John's Lutheran Church in Wilmette, First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, and the Glenview Community Church. In 1989, he was named teacher of the year at Glenbrook South. That same year, he was honored by the Illinois Chapter of the American Choral Directors' Association (ACDA) with the Harold A. Decker Award for outstanding leadership in choral music in Illinois. The Illinois Music Educators' Association awarded him 1995 their Distinguished Service Award. He is the past president of the Illinois Chapter of ACDA and the past president of ACDA's Central Division. Dr. Schnell was an accompanist for several IMEA district and all-state choir festivals, and in 1988, he directed the Illinois All-State Chorus. He has judged music contests in Illinois and Wisconsin and conducted several choral music festivals throughout the state. Dr. Schnell is honored as much for his accomplishments as for his warm personality and his loving impact on his students. For his contributions to Glenbrook North and its music program, for his support of the arts, and the students who participate in them, Dr. William Schnell is awarded the 2006 Distinguished Alumnus Award.