As American School of The Hague (ASH) celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026, the school also welcomed nearly 70 alumni back to campus for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and community. The reunion provided an opportunity for former classmates to reconnect, forge new relationships, and engage once again with the people and programs that make ASH such a vibrant learning environment.

 

The gathering also marked a significant milestone in the school's history: the presentation of ASH’s inaugural Alumni Awards. Nominated by peers across the alumni community and selected through a review process led by the Alumni Advisory Council, six outstanding members of the ASH community were recognized for their achievements, service, and enduring connection to the school.

 

Adding a uniquely ASH touch to the celebration, the awards were designed and created by students in the school's Product Design course. The project challenged students to apply design thinking, creativity, and technical skills to a real-world brief while contributing to a meaningful new tradition for the ASH community.

 

ASH is proud to announce the recipients of its inaugural Distinguished Alumni Awards and Distinguished Service Awards, honoring individuals whose accomplishments and contributions reflect ASH’s mission to build a better world as we become better human beings.

 

The awards recognize former students and ASH community members whose lives exemplify excellence, service, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the values of ASH. Please take a moment to read the outstanding contributions of these individuals and celebrate them with us.

 

 

 

 

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors former students who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their professional field and/or made a meaningful impact in their community, exemplifying the school’s mission to build a better world.

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David Hugelmeyer '74

After earning his medical degree and completing residency training in family practice and emergency medicine, he held academic and clinical leadership positions at institutions including the University of Wisconsin, the Medical College of Wisconsin, and the University of New South Wales.

 

He later returned to the Netherlands to serve as the first Director of Emergency Medicine and Residency Training at Albert Schweitzer Ziekenhuis, where he helped establish one of the country's first emergency medicine training programs and played a pivotal role in advancing the specialty nationwide. Through his leadership, teaching, and mentorship, he helped prepare a generation of physicians whose influence continues to shape Dutch emergency medicine today.

 

Throughout a career spanning multiple continents, David has remained committed to advancing healthcare, medical education, and international collaboration. His life and work reflect the values of global citizenship, service, and lifelong learning first nurtured during his years at ASH.

 

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Larry Babbin '75

Larry Babbin is a dedicated ASH graduate whose longstanding commitment has helped strengthen and sustain the school's global alumni community.

 

For more than five decades, he has connected generations of graduates through alumni networks, preserving and sharing archival materials, photographs, and stories that celebrate ASH's history and the accomplishments of its alumni.

 

His efforts have fostered a strong sense of continuity and belonging across the worldwide ASH community, helping former classmates reconnect while introducing newer generations of graduates to the school's rich traditions.

 

Larry has remained committed to bringing people together and preserving the spirit of ASH. Through his generosity, resilience, and enthusiasm, he has become a valued ambassador for the school and a vital connector within its global alumni network.

 

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Erik Johan Danelius '87

Erik Johan Danelius is a Justice of the Supreme Court of Sweden whose distinguished legal career spans public service, government, private practice, and legal scholarship.

 

Before his appointment to Sweden's highest court, he served in senior positions within the Swedish Ministry of Justice and at leading law firms, developing deep expertise in legislative development, judicial affairs, and public law.

 

In addition to his judicial and governmental service, Johan has contributed extensively to legal scholarship and advisory bodies, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to strengthening Sweden's legal system and advancing jurisprudence at the highest levels.

 

His appointment to the Supreme Court represents the culmination of a career dedicated to the rule of law, public service, and legal excellence. From his early international education at ASH to his service within Sweden's highest judicial institution, he exemplifies the power of global perspectives combined with a commitment to serving the public good.

 

 

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Erin Adamson Jones '89

Erin Adamson Jones is an educator, advocate, and speaker dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and systemic change in education.

 

Having attended ASH from kindergarten through graduation, Erin credits her formative years within the school's international community with shaping her commitment to education, justice, and global citizenship. Her connection to ASH is especially meaningful, as both of her parents served on the school's faculty.

 

Throughout her career, Erin has held classroom, district, and state leadership positions in the United States and has received national recognition for her impact, including being named a White House "Champion of Change" and Washington State PTA "Outstanding Educator."

 

Through her leadership, consulting, and public speaking, she has helped schools and organizations create more inclusive environments where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Her work focuses on helping young people—particularly those from historically marginalized communities—find their voice, access opportunities, and thrive.

 

Today, Erin continues to engage audiences around the world in conversations about equity, belonging, and student empowerment. Her career reflects ASH's mission to develop globally minded individuals committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

 

 

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The Distinguished Service Award recognizes ASH community members whose outstanding dedication profoundly enriches the school’s well-being.

 

 

 

Roberta Enschedé is a former ASH teacher of more than 25 years and a deeply respected member of the Dutch-American community.

 

Throughout her life, she has been dedicated to building bridges between Dutch and American communities and fostering cultural understanding. She has played a central role in organizing initiatives through Overseas Americans Remember, as well as numerous civic and cultural events, including 9/11 commemorations, Thanksgiving services, Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, Dutch-American Friendship Day, and Fourth of July events.

 

Through these efforts, Roberta has created meaningful opportunities for connection across generations and cultures while consistently involving ASH students in civic engagement and experiential learning. Her work has transformed civic remembrance and cultural celebration into enduring educational experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.

 

Widely recognized for her extraordinary energy, persistence, and commitment, Roberta has been instrumental in sustaining long-standing community traditions and strengthening Dutch-American relations. She was awarded a knighthood by Queen Beatrix and received the Legpenning of the Municipality of Wassenaar in recognition of her contributions to community life and cultural exchange.

 

Her work has also been featured in national media for its impact on civic engagement and cultural understanding. Her legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to connection, service, and unity across communities.

 

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Jim Yarnell's 39-year career at ASH reflects extraordinary dedication as an educator, musician, and community builder.

 

A highly respected music educator and performer, Jim played a central role in shaping the school's performing arts program and strengthening its connection to the wider community. Under his leadership, student ensembles performed at major civic and international events, including presidential inaugurations, Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorations, Thanksgiving services, Dutch-American Friendship celebrations, and the Marshall Plan anniversary at the Erasmus Bridge.

 

Over time, music became a defining element of the ASH experience, shaping generations of students not only as musicians but also as confident, collaborative, and creative individuals with a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

 

Jim helped students understand that performance was not simply about technical skill, but about presence, responsibility, and contributing to something larger than themselves. He consistently championed the idea that some of the most meaningful learning happens beyond the classroom—in communities, on international stages, and through real-world cultural experiences that leave a lasting impact.

 

He also helped establish experiential learning opportunities such as the ASH Disney Paris music program, expanding opportunities for students to learn through performance, travel, and cultural exchange.

 

Across nearly four decades, Jim's leadership left an enduring legacy of artistic excellence, experiential learning, and community engagement. His influence continues to be reflected in the confidence, creativity, and lifelong love of music he inspired in generations of ASH students.