BUTLER TWP — The Butler High School Class of 2011 on Friday announced that Chester Aaron is its Distinguished Graduate. He is a member of the Class of 1941.

It was the 32nd year for the Distinguished Graduate award. Recipients are chosen by students, class sponsors and class advisers.

Aaron, 88, who is retired on his farm in Sonoma Valley, Calif., is best known as the author of more than 19 books, mainly for young adults, and as an English and creative writing professor at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif.

His best-known works are “Willa’s Poppy,” “Lackawanna” and “About Us,” a story about a Jewish family living in a coal town near Pittsburgh during the 1930s.

His accolades include literary awards, a book for the ABC Weekend Special movie, and translations of his tales into Dutch, German and French.