By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

Pontiac Township High School is holding its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award the day before school starts.

Five people were whittled down from 15 nominations and award committee chairman Joseph Durbin said nominees ranged through many decades.

“Being successful in and of itself isn’t necessarily a qualification, but really giving back and being a positive instrument of good in your community is important,” said Durbin.

The winners this year are Roger Amm, Rob Kinas, Maneesh Shrivastav, Kathy Shanebrook and Larry Lyons. They will have a special ceremony from 2-5 Sunday, August 16, at the Pontiac Elks Lodge.