The Hall of Fame

About

On August 16, 1901, Los Nietos Valley Union High School opened as the eleventh high school in the Los Angeles County School system. In 1904, its first graduating class numbered four students. This early institution eventually became Downey High School.

Over the next 100 years, our graduates—who literally number in the thousands—have made their way into society and have made an impact on America and the world with their individual accomplishments. The Hall of Fame committee, under the direction of Principal Tom Houts, hopes during the next few years to recognize as many of our distinguished graduates as possible.

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is designed to provide a motivational activity that will engender school and community pride. Further, it will emphasize our school’s continuum of high achievers by honoring outstanding and noteworthy alumni of Downey High School.

Fun Fact!

Did you know that Metallica’s James Hetfield attended Downey High School as a sophomore?

Selection Guidelines

Downey Vikings Hall of Fame wall artwork

Apply for the 2027 Hall of Fame!

To provide continuity to the process, the following selection guidelines have been established:

Honorees may be recognized for outstanding or noteworthy contributions or achievements in one or more of the six specified (or related) categories:

Arts
Athletics
Business
Education
Civic/Community/Government
Professional

The nominee will be a graduate of Downey High School (except under special circumstances to be determined by the selection committee)

Since leaving Downey High, the nominee will have maintained himself/herself in a manner that reflects positively on Downey High and on the Hall of Fame

Except under special circumstances as determined by the selection committee, a candidate shall wait a minimum of ten (10) years after leaving Downey High School before s/he becomes eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees

Mar 31, 2026

Meet the 2025 Downey High Hall of Fame inductees: five distinguished alumni honored for excellence in aerospace, medicine, fire safety, AI, and the NFL.

Hall of Fame 2023 Inductees

Mar 31, 2024

Lupita Infante Lupita Infante graduated from Downey High School Class of 2005. After years of honing her craft and simultaneously working her way...

Hall of Fame 2021 Inductees

Mar 31, 2024

These individuals were nominated to the Hall of Fame for their exceptional merits in 2021.

2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

Mar 29, 2024

Discover the 2023 Downey High Hall of Fame inductees: trailblazing leaders in law, fashion, public safety, and criminology making a global impact.

2017 Hall of Fame Inductees

Mar 27, 2024

Explore the inspiring stories of the Terasakis, Martinis, and Jim Stecklein: Downey Hall of Famers excelling in medicine, cyber, arts, and service.

2015 Hall of Fame Inductees

Mar 20, 2024

Meet Downey Hall of Famers Bob Winningham, Grant Neilan, Larry Myers, Michael Kearns, Yanna Bouris, and Alida Bouris. A legacy of leadership and service.