served as administrator, fine arts department chair, and choral director at Downers Grove High Schools during her 37-year career. She chaired the District 99 music department, honored as the Outstanding Total Music Department in Illinois by the IL Music Educators Association. In addition to conducting choirs and ensembles, Diane served as music director for many high school and community theatre musicals. She received the Harold Decker Award for outstanding contributions to choral music from the IL-American Choral Directors Association and was awarded the Mary E. Hoffman Award for outstanding teaching from IMEA. The State Board of Education and Downers Grove District 99 honored Diane with the "Those Who Excel" Award. Currently, Ms. Hires directs the 65-voice Chancel Choir at the First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove and serves as a guest director, clinician, and accompanist.