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Schindler and the district's Alumni Council are currently seeking nominations for a new Distinguished Alumni program that will recognize former students of Elk Rapids Public Schools who are notable in their "fields of endeavor" and positive role models for current Elk Rapids students.

Nomination forms are available at the district's central office at Cherryland Middle School or online at www.erschools.com by clicking on the "We Are E.R.! Dinner Auction" link.

Schindler said she proposed the distinguished alumni idea while interviewing for the marketing position in December. Coming from a private high school and small private college, she knew it was a big deal for alumni to be recognized.

"For me as a student, I looked at those people as inspiration," she said.

They were also a "perspective builder," she added. Looking at the successful alumni as a student made her realize what the effort of school was for, she explained. Schindler said she hopes the program helps re-engage some of Elk Rapids' alumni with the district, and the ideal candidate will be someone with whom current students can connect.

"We're looking for people who excelled in their field of passion ... people who are good role models for students in Elk Rapids," she said.

Those eligible for nomination need not be graduates of Elk Rapids schools, they only need to have attended. Schindler said they're working on the philosophy that "Once you're an Elk, you're always an Elk."

Those chosen as the 2007 Distinguished Alumni will be recognized during the district's third annual We Are E.R.! Dinner Auction, which is set for May 19 at The Williamsburg Dinner Theater.

That event is moving more upscale, featuring a threecourse meal and entertainment from the theater's performers, Schindler said. She added that the vision of the dinner/ auction is for it to become like Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools' "Gladhander," a formal event that has raised $6.8 million for the schools since its inception in 1983. The hope is that Elk Rapids' dinner/auction and their Don Glowicki golf outing will become the major fundraising sources for the district, eliminating the need for other, smaller fund-raisers.

To expand the dinner/auction event, the district is seeking corporate sponsorships for an event program, and the auction will feature unique items like a golfing package at Crystal Downs Country Club with football coach Ed Schindler and a private cooking class for four with Home Kitchen's Roy Ellison.

Schindler said this year's fund-raising goal with the dinner/ auction is $50,000 and money raised will go toward "Finish the Dream," which aims to complete the district's athletic complex. Proceeds could be used toward the purchase of lights for the football field and track, new tennis courts or a restroom facility for the football and track complex that will include a team room, school store and concession stand, she said.