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
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
Francios Dion (Bud) Uzes, Class of 1951
Francois (Bud) Uzes entered Caltech as a freshman in 1951 after graduation from Downey High School. He had to leave when his dad died during his...
Richard Trank, Class of 1972
Richard Trank is an Academy Award winner whose Feature Documentary, The Long Way Home, narrated by Morgan Freeman, won Academy Awards in 1997. This...
Harry Gifford, Class of 1945
In recognition of his many hours of work and commitment to kids and the community, Harry Gifford has been honored with the following: The Kiwanis...
Ginger Allen, Class of 1989
Ginger Allen is a morning anchor and special projects reporter for CBS Dallas/Fort Worth. She has covered news in North Texas as a general...
David van Stralen, MD, FAAP, Class of 1971
Daved van Stralen made over 7,000 rescues in the 1970s while working for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He earned his BA in Social Ecology...
Lash Stevenson, Class of 1957
Lash Stevenson grew up in Downey and graduated Downey High School in 1957. Along the way, he developed a love for cutting hair and football. The...
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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