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.

wall of fame

james hetfield attended downey high school

Fun Fact!

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

Selection Guidelines

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

Mark Mandala

Mark Mandala

Mark Mandala was a proven leader throughout his life. Following his elections as Junior Class President, Senior Class President and Student Body...

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Javier Lizarde (Class of 2006)

Javier Lizarde (Class of 2006)

Before attending Downey High School, Javier attended Carpenter Elementary, Williams Elementary and Sussman Middle School. While attending Downey...

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John A. Garcia, Jr. Ph.D.

John A. Garcia, Jr. Ph.D.

In 2013, Dr. John Garcia returned to his roots in Downey when he was selected to be Downey Unified School District’s Superintendent. He is the...

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2013 Hall of Fame Inductees

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2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

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2010 Hall of Fame Inductees

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2009 Hall of Fame Inductees

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2008 Hall of Fame Inductees

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2007 Hall of Fame Inductees

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