Craig High School Honors Distinguished Alumni Stephen Nickols and Jihan Bekiri at 2026 Honor Wall Ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Patti Lux Mlsna, 608-743-5091

Craig High School Honors Distinguished Alumni Stephen Nickols and Jihan Bekiri at 2026 Honor Wall Ceremony

JANESVILLE, WI — Craig High School is proud to invite students, families, alumni, and community members to attend the upcoming 2026 Honor Wall Ceremony. The event will celebrate the outstanding contributions and lasting legacies of two exemplary inductees: Stephen Nickols (Janesville Senior High School, Class of 1967) and Jihan Bekiri (Craig High School, Class of 2003).

The Honor Wall, located outside the school auditorium, recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, professional success, and a profound commitment to civic duty, inspiring current students to lead lives of purpose and service.

Meet the 2026 Inductees

Stephen Nickols (Class of 1967)

A standout scholar-athlete, Stephen Nickols played college football on a scholarship at St. Norbert College, graduating in 1971 before returning to his hometown. For 36 years, he owned and operated a successful accounting firm in Janesville. Beyond his professional achievements, Nickols was a tireless community champion. Guided by his personal philosophy to "make life easier for others," he served as a founding member and president of the Morning Rotary Club, the first chairman of the Jaycees Haunted House, a board member for St. John Vianney School, and a dedicated leader and coach for Janesville Youth Baseball for over two decades. His affability, generosity, and community pride leave an enduring mark on generations of local youth.

Jihan Bekiri (Class of 2003)

Jihan Bekiri has emerged as a state-recognized leader in corporate social responsibility, equity, and strategic community impact. After completing her undergraduate degree at Marquette University and earning a master’s degree in International Development from the University of Birmingham (UK), Bekiri built a distinguished career championing inclusive workplace practices. Named one of Madison’s 40 Under 40, her civic leadership includes serving on the Board of Directors for YWCA Madison, shaping policy on Governor Tony Evers’ Council on Equity and Inclusion, and helping transform the local American Heart Association CycleNation campaign into a top-performing fundraising force.

Event Details

• Event: Craig High School 2026 Honor Wall Ceremony

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM

• Location: Craig High School Auditorium / Commons, Janesville, WI

• Admission: Free and open to the public with RSVP prior to the day of the ceremony; contact the Main Office to reserve seating by calling (608) 743-5210

"Both Stephen Nickols and Jihan Bekiri exemplify the very best of our school’s legacy," said Dr. Alison Bjoin, Principal of Craig High School. "Their dedication to civic responsibility, leadership, and lifting up others serves as a powerful inspiration for our current student body and the entire Janesville community."

Members of the public, school district staff, and media are encouraged to join in honoring these outstanding leaders. A light reception will follow the official induction ceremony.

For more information regarding the ceremony or media accommodations, please contact the Craig High School main office at (608) 743-5210 or by emailing the Principal