Downey — Friday, May 19, several hundred students were treated to a special awards ceremony honoring former Downey High School graduates who have distinguished themselves professionally since their graduation from Downey High School.

The inductees for the 2000 Hall of Fame were Gene Bedley (1956) for Education; Rear Admiral Jay A. Campbell (1963) for Military/Professional, Ronald E. Crawford (1957) for Athletics, Dennis Heath (1964) for Performing Arts, Leroy Harrison Showalter (1936) for Business, John C. Sims, D.D.S. (1932) for Civic/Community and Kathleen Tuttle, J.D. (1971) for Community/Government.

Each inductee received a plaque and their picture was placed in the Downey High School Hall of Fame. A permanent tribute to their accomplishments is under construction. Each honoree will have their name engraved in granite and mounted on the “Hall of Fame” wall in the middle of the campus to engender school and community pride. Further, it will emphasize our school’s continuum of high achievers by honoring outstanding noteworthy alumni of Downey High School.

Last year’s distinguished inductees were Karen and Richard Carpenter, Wally Kincaid, Richard Battaglia, Donna Boose, Don Fisher, and Robert D. Ballard. If you know of a Downey High graduate you would like to nominate for next year, contact Allen Layne or Dr. Lynn Marshall at 869-7301 for information

Bedley – Gene Bedley