Alumni Weekend 2024 Awards
The Honored Athlete award recipient Randy Peters S’74.
Dr. Randy Peters is arguably one of the most awarded cadets in the history of the Academy. Beyond just the athletic awards he has multiple accomplishments and awards. After graduation from SJMA he went on the receive his Bachelor of Science degree form the University of Iowa. He proceeded to University of Texas Medical School in Houston. He completed his residency at Case Western Reserve affiliate in Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced medicine for over 40 years, and now is retired and enjoying the fruits of his labor. Congratulations Randy.
Distinguished Service Medal: Lee Breitkopf SJMA ’73
Lee Breitkopf graduated from the University of Illinois where he earned a degree in Accounting and Finance in 1977. In 1980, he graduated with an MBA in International Business from Roosevelt University while attending night classes. He joined the OBAA Board of Directors that same year and became the President in 1983. Lee also served on the Excalibur Board from its inception in 1984 and was honored as a Knight of the Excalibur. A regular attendee at most events SJNA hosts, Lee joined the Foundation Board in 2004 and currently serves as the Foundation Board Chairman. In 2006, Lee joined the Board of Trustees and served on various committees through 202. He also is one of the four founding members of the Final Salute. Lee’s role and leadership on both boards, and among the alumni community, has helped the Academy navigate through the challenges in recent years. Lee, along with his wife, Susan, are lifetime members of The St. John’s Northwestern Academies Heritage Society.
Honorary Old Boy: Dr. Kehl Arnson and SFC Michael Trione, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Dr. Kehl Arnson grew up 20 minutes from St. John’s Northwestern Academies and began his career there as an English Teacher in 1989. Kehl and his wife, Christine, lived on campus during their ten years at SJNA. Christine also worked for the Academy in the Admissions Office and later as the Assistant Director of IT. Kehl taught English, supported the students through resident activities, coached football, skiing, and drama and started the first College Counseling Office at the Academy. As enrollment rose, new activities were needed so Kehl started the very popular Tae Kwon Do Team leading to countless student belt promotions, several black belt
awardees, and many state champions. The team was proud to have two AAU Junior Olympic National contenders earning Kehl Honorary Gold Medal Coach recognition. While serving the Academy, Kehl also earned his Master of Science degree in Educational Administration at UW Madison, and in 1996, he was honored with the Farrand Excellence in Teaching Award. At the end of that school year, Major General Smoke Spanjer appointed Dr. Arnson as Dean of the Academy. Over the next three years as Dean, Kehl oversaw the academic aspects of the building remodels and the merger with Northwestern Military and Navel Academy. His team of
dedicated teachers, staff and coaches helped grow and develop the academy with innovations in technology and instruction that helped build a foundation for the exciting innovations the Academy experiences today. SFC Michael Trione, U.S. Army (Ret.) has been a SJN instructor with the JROTC program since August 2007. He is a 21 year veteran of active service, including Desert Storm. During his Army career as an Infantry soldier, Mike served as team leader through platoon sergeant. He also completed numerous military schools, including Air Assault, Airborne, Rappel Master, Sniper, Recruiting and Drill Sergeant.
