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
Kennard McNichols, MD, Class of 1966
Kennard graduated from Westmont College, Santa Barbara, in 1970 and received an MD from UCLA School Medicine in 1974. He served as a medical officer...
Suzanne Marques, Class of 1995
Suzanne was born and raised in Downey, graduating from Downey High in 1995. She was a cheerleader and co-captain of the songleading squad her senior...
Allen Layne, Former Principal
For over 40 years, Allen Layne served public education and the Downey Unified School District in many capacities: teacher, coach, Athletic Director,...
Alan M. Shiller, Ph.D., Class of 1971
Alan Shiller received his B.S. in Chemistry, graduating with Honors from Caltech and earned his Ph.D. in Oceanography from the Scripps Institution....
James Hetfield, Honorary Inductee
To trace the roots of James Hetfield’s dedication to the heavy metal band Metallica, you have to go back to a childhood that was often tough, but...
Bobby Dye, Class of 1956
After graduating from Downey High School in 1956, Bobby Dye played basketball for Fullerton Junior College for two years and transferred to Idaho...
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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