Warren High School Hall of Fame 2013 - 2017 Warren High School Historical Sketch

Earl Warren Senior High School opened its’ doors in 1955. Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States, at that time, was invited to attend the school’s dedication ceremony. Since, he was one of the most popular governors of it was decided that the school colors would match those of California, blue and gold. The California state animal, the bear, was adopted as the school mascot and the sport teams at Warren have since been affectionately referred to as “the Bears.” It wasn’t until 1963 that the Downey Unified School Board of Education voted to change the name to Warren High School.

Warren High School Hall of Fame was established in 2009 to honor alumni who have distinguished themselves in a specific field of endeavor; athletics, business/service or was a previous faculty member. Warren’s Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have contributed in outstanding ways to merit special recognition. It is our hope that today’s students see in these inductees people worthy of emulation.

The Hall of Fame monument was built in the shape of a compass with four paths that lead to and from the school’s academic seal. The compass represents directionality. The past and present students of Warren have come from many places, some were born in the city of Downey and others a world away. Not only have the students come from various locations, but they leave Warren to make their mark on the world, each in their own unique way. The academic seal, which represents Warren High School, is positioned in the center of the compass because Warren is what unifies all the inductees. In every direction Warren graduates have gone, those who have left a significant positive impact on our world are being brought back to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The pavers represent those that have contributed to the lives of students along the way. Engraved into the stones will be the names of retired faculty that have helped pave the way to success for the graduates of Warren. Each year, one former faculty member will be honored for the significant impact they made to the culture of Warren and the students that walked its hall. The Hall of Fame monument has been strategically placed where thousands of students and teachers will walk by it each day. This monument is an inspiration to all of Warren’s staff and students and may they strive to work hard and dream big so that one day, they too might find their name engraved in the Hall of Fame.

Warren High School Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees

Randy Drake Christopher Pacheco - 1982 Jeff Tedford - 1979

Randy Drake Randy began his coaching career at Warren High School in 1973. His teaching career began the following year primarily in psychology and physical education; he taught for 38 years at Warren High. Within his first coaching year, Randy won his first league championship and took Warren to the playoffs for the first time in several years. Due to the success in his first season, the accolade of All Southeast Conference Coach of the Year was bestowed upon him. Randy won SGVL championships in 1976 and 1978, and reached the CIF playoffs six times, taking the 1978 team to the semifinals. Randy coached football at Mount San Antonio Junior College from 1984-1989 and at Mission Viejo High School in 1991. He returned to coach with former player and alum Jeff Welch in 1992-1993.Randy coached the J.V. baseball team from 1975-2009 (34 years) winning 10 league championships. Throughout his career in football and baseball, Randy had the ability to develop leaders, highly productive teams, and major league players. Randy is now retired, enjoying fishing, golfing, traveling, and watching the extracurricular activities of his six grandchildren.

Jeff Tedford – 1979 After graduating from Warren High School, Jeff attended Fresno State where he played football and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education in 1983. He then went on to play professional football in the for six seasons with Hamilton, Calgary, Saskatchewan, and Winnipeg. Ensuing retirement as a player, Jeff has served as at numerous universities and leagues. He is best known as the coach of the , where he was twice named Pac-10 Coach of the Year and holds Cal records for most wins, games coached, and victories. Jeff is currently the head coach of the . He led Fresno State to a historic turnaround in 2017 as the Bulldogs became the second team in FBS history to produce a double-digit win season following a double-digit loss season. As Jeff’s first season came to a close national recognition soon followed. He was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year. Christopher Pacheco – 1982 Chris dedicated himself as an athlete at Warren High School. While being a Bear he had great success as a 4-sport athlete. He played and excelled in Football, Basketball, Wrestling, and Baseball. Chris was named Captain of the Football team each of his four years. He earned many football accolades, including Most Valuable Player Award and Most Valuable Defensive Lineman during his football career. Upon graduating from Warren High School, Chris attended where he played defensive tackle. He parlayed that success into an opportunity to play collegiately at Fresno State where he earned Two-time 1st Team All-Conference, Defensive Lineman, Most Inspirational Player, and Most Valuable Defensive Lineman in the 1984-85 season, as well as, and Honorable Mention All-American in 1985. Once he graduated as a Bulldog from Fresno State in 1986, Chris played in the NFL for the Rams and in the Canadian Football league for the British Columbia Lions. Chris has been in the Radio Broadcasting industry for over 30 years. He started as a sales executive where he became top biller and remained at that level until moving into management after just 18 months. After 19 years in the corporate world, in 2005, he was fortunate enough to purchase 1430 ESPN Radio in Fresno. Chris married his wife Stacy in 1990 and they have three beautiful children.

Warren High School Hall of Fame 2016 Inductees

Roger Emerson - 1968 Hanford Rants Herb Welch - 1979 Roger Emerson – 1968 A professional composer and arranger with over 900 choral titles in print and over 30 million copies in circulation. He is the most widely performed composer/arranger of popular choral music in the world today. His works include the choral arrangements of Josh Groban's “You Raise Me Up,” “Seasons of Love” from Rent, “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, “Joyful, Joyful” from Sister Act, “Don't Stop Believin'” from Glee, and most recently, “My Shot” from Hamilton. Mr. Emerson has been the recipient of ASCAP's Standard Award for 20 years running and his works have been performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He is in constant demand as a lecturer on pop music and the changing voice and has appeared at numerous MENC and ACDA conferences.

Hanford Rants Upon graduating from high school, his goal in life was to become a foreman at the local warehouse. God had bigger plans! When he was 20 he joined the army. He did basic training in Hawaii and in Australia, then spent two and a half years overseas in the infantry in New Guinea and the Philippines. He has written a book about his amazing adventures. After graduating from Washington State College, he became a teacher. In the summer of 1945 he moved to Norwalk. He was vice principal and principal at South Junior High until opening West Junior High in 1956. In 1961, he became principal at Warren High School. In the fall of 1968 he became principal at . He retired in 1981 and later became principal at Brethren High School. He eventually had to retire because of health reasons. He led a blessed life! Herb Welch - 1979 Herb, a former (NFL) player, played five years for the , one for the Washington Redskins and three years for the . He then went on to play and coach for the Sacramento Surge in the NFL’s World Football League. After graduating from Warren High School in 1979, Herb attended Cerritos Junior College for two years, playing football and running track while receiving his AA degree. He then accepted a football scholarship to UCLA where he played and won two Rose Bowls and a Fiesta Bowl championship and graduated with a degree in History. Herb was then drafted by the New York Giants in 1985. In his first season, Herb was named the starting nickel back. That same year he also played strong safety, free safety, corner back and special teams. In his second-year he became the starting free safety for the Giants and started in XXI (21). After his football career ended, Herb eventually relocated to Southern California, ultimately settling in Santa Barbara and is currently the CEO of Santa Barbara Orthopedic Associates, a position he has held for the past 12 years. In addition to managing medical practices for the last 20 years, he has also overseen the design, development and opening of over a dozen medical facilities with a combined work force of over 150 employees.

Warren High School Hall of Fame 2015 Inductees

Jacqueline Lee Wells Emerson – 1964 Eric Hipple – 1975 Robert Raszkowski – 1959 Jacquie Wells Emerson - 1964 Jacquie, a very shy young woman, began her high school education at Warren and realized she had accidentally been scheduled for drama instead of biology. She tried to sit in the back of the room, in hopes no one would notice her, but her drama teacher saw something in her that he slowly cultivated, and brought her out of her shell. With the confidence, her drama teacher instilled in her, she attended college and received her credential in theatre. In 1969, she was hired to teach drama at Warren, and shared her passion for theatre for 33 years.

Eric Hipple - 1975 Former NFL whose ten-year career was spent with the Detroit Lions. Eric’s accomplishments include two playoff bids, a divisional championship, and the Detroit Lion’s Most Valuable Player award for the ’81 season. Currently, he is ranked 5th in career passing yards for Detroit. From 1995-2000, Eric was color analyst for the FOX NFL pre-game show in Detroit. Since his 15-year-old son, Jeff’s, suicide, Eric has devoted his life to building awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding depressive illnesses. He has co-authored a study examining depression among retired football players. The study appeared in the April 2007 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Robert R. Raszkowski, M.D. Ph.D. – 1959 Robert was a member of the first graduation class of Warren High School in 1959. He attended Pomona College and transferred to the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in1964. Robert completed his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of South Dakota in 1970. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1972 from Temple University of Philadelphia and completed his residency and fellowship in Gastroenterology at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas in 1977. In 1977, he joined the faculty of the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. During his tenure, he served as a Professor, Dean of Continuing Medical Education, Dean of Academic Affairs, and served as Program Director for the Transitional Year Residency. He was a gastroenterologist in private practice until he passed away. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education in January 2006. As a strong supporter of Sioux Falls community activities, he served on many boards of directors in the area.

Warren High School Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees

Les Fendia – 1963 Joseph Francis Paul Wilson – 1965 Les Fendia – 1963 Les Fendia was born Laszlo Harcsa on September 20, 1944 in Hungary. Hungary, like the rest of Europe, was embroiled at the time in World War II. Les’ family was crushed by the destruction and resulting poverty that came with wartime Nazi occupation, followed by post war occupation by Stalin’s Soviet Union. In 1956 the Hungarians revolted and, at the age of 12, Les escaped by himself from Hungary and came to United States. Once in the United States Les was provided a home by Pete and Bea Fendia who moved him to Downey in 1958. Being something of a rebel and troublemaker, Les initially had trouble assimilating to life in America. However, once he entered Warren High School and started running track that became the focus of his life. Because of track he made many friends, assimilated into American high school life, and was offered many opportunities. Les' track record in the 880 still stands but he is anxious to see it broken soon by one of the talented young runners at Warren today. After graduating from Warren, Les attended and ran track at Cerritos and then at UCLA where he achieved All American status in 1967. After graduating from UCLA, he married, & started a business career & family. Les is retired today and lives with his wife in Houston, Texas.

Joseph Francis Papa Joe Francis moved to California in 1951, where he started his career with Downey Unified School District. He worked at North Junior High from 1951 to 1956 and then in 1957 he transferred to Warren High School as the Activities Director until he retired in 1988. He loved working with kids especially with Student Council. Some of his favorite activities were the Prom, Homecoming and of course the all-night party for seniors at Disneyland! Sometimes he had more fun them the students themselves! During his time at Warren, the students nicknamed him Papa Joe, which stuck throughout his career. He loved teaching because he loved working with kids and had a special knack for helping kids especially when they were in trouble. He had a comforting and consoling way about him that kids were drawn too.

Paul Wilson- 1965 Born on July 30, 1947, Paul moved from Arcadia, CA, to Downey in 1951. In his junior year of high school, he was recognized by Sports Illustrated for setting the interscholastic age record for pole vaulting. He became the first 16-year-old to clear 16 feet. He graduated from Warren High in 1965, then attended USC. In 1967, he was the United States pole vaulting champion, and his winning vault broke the world record at the time. After graduating from USC in 1970, he continued his education at Loyola L.A. Law school. Upon graduating from law school in 1974, he began his career practicing law with Spray-Gould & Bowers in Downtown Los Angeles. In 1983, he began to develop real estate as well. He currently lives in Long Beach where he enjoys racing sports cars in his free time.

Warren High School Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees

Rick Burleson – 1969 Jesse Hunt – 1961 Donald La Plante – 1972 Barbara Samperi – 1968 Nancy Swenson – 1970 George Zambrano – 1959 Richard Paul 'Rick' Burleson- 1969 Rick graduated from Warren High School in 1969 where he was selected 1st team All CIF and drafted by the upon graduation. He elected to attend Cerritos College and was drafted in the 1st round of the winter draft by the . Rick signed a professional contract in the spring of 1970. He made his major league debut May1974. Rick participated in the against the and went on to be a four-time All Star with Boston and the California Angels. During his 13-year career, he won a gold glove and silver bat. He still owns the record for most double plays by a short stop in a season with 147. This has stood for more than 30 years. After his career was cut short by a shoulder injury, he coached 5 years in the major leagues and then managed 10 years in the minors before becoming a hitting coach in 2008, spending 2009-2012 at Reno, the Triple A affiliate of Arizona. In 2002, Rick was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

Jesse Hunt- 1961 After graduation from Warren High School, but before embarking on a long career in education, Jesse served our country in the Army. He graduated with an engineering degree at Long Beach State and worked at Rockwell on the Apollo space program. After 3 years working at Rockwell, Jesse decided to go into teaching. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree from USC in math. Jesse’s 32-year career in education was primarily spent teaching at Warren, his alma mater. While at Warren, he was honored for his perseverance and success teaching advanced placement mathematics. Retiring in 2005, Jesse now lives in Orange County, CA. He spends his free time with his wife JoAnn playing tennis, dancing, traveling, enjoying the theatre and activities at the local Elks Club. Donald E. La Plante- 1972 Donald E. La Plante has served as a member of the Board of Education of the Downey Unified School District since 1979. He has been elected by the community to nine terms. In 1996, he served as President of the Los Angeles County School Trustees Association. He is retired as a middle school English and History teacher in the Duarte Unified School District. A member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, he has received the group's highest honor, membership in the Order of the White Carnation. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and his master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University.

Barbara (Bobbie) Stacy Samperi- 1968 Upon graduation from Warren High School, Barbara attended Cerritos College. She then went on to join American Airlines where she was a flight attendant. Barbara eventually returned home to Downey where she was employed as a bookkeeper. In 1972, Barbara married her high school sweetheart and decided to buy a home in Downey. She served on EW Ward PTA, Alameda PTA, South (Sussman) Middle School PTA, Downey High School PTSA as well as Downey Council PTA. Barbara has been awarded twice with Honorary Service Award; honored by Downey Coordinating Council as PTA Volunteer of the Year and Downey Distinguished Citizen Award from the L.A. Area Council Boy Scouts of America. Before being elected to the Board of Education, Barbara served on many District Ad Hoc Committees, including elementary and middle school report card revisions and boundary changes. Barbara was a member of the City/Cal-Trans I-105 freeway committee for many years and served on the City of Downey Parks & Recreation Commission for 10 years where she was intimately involved in establishing the Skate Park, the gymnasium and the remodel of Rio Hondo Club House and Golf Course. Barbara has served on the Downey Unified School District Governing board since 1993. Nancy (Wright) Swenson- 1970 After graduating from Warren High School, Nancy earned an A.A. degree from Cerritos Community College in 1986. She later transferred to Cal State Dominguez Hills where took night classes while working full-time and earned a B.S. in Business Admin/CIS with Honors in 1995. In 1985, Nancy began working as a computer operator support- ing the engineering staff at Hughes Aircraft, now Raytheon Systems. She moved up in the company eventually supervising the team responsible for the budgets and acquisitions in support of the West Coast operations of the company. In 2005, Nancy was elected to the Downey School Board and served as President in 2012. She has been a member of the Character Counts Coalition, Technology Planning Team, and the Common Core Coalition Transition Team. She coordinates visits between Raytheon and DUSD engineering students, attends many after school functions, and regularly visits the school sites. She is a member of Gangs Out of Downey (G.0.0.D.), Downey Symphony Guild, Sister Cities Association, and was one of the founding members of the City of Downey's Green Task Force.

George A. Zambrano- 1959 Born April 21, 1941 in Guadalajara, Mexico, moved to Los Angeles in 1943 then to Downey in 1951. In 1956, George was elected the first Student Body President of Warren High School. He held a number of student body offices and played football and track. George was part of the first graduating class of 1959. George served in the Army in Germany and discharged in 1963. He found employment with The Los Angeles Times as a janitor in the Production Composing Room. In time, he became a journey•man printer. He held various positions of supervision while attending Mt. SAC College earning his AA, then a BA at Cal Poly Pomona. Upon graduation, he became an Employee Representative in Human Resources. He was promoted to Director of L.A. Times Production Operations in 1987, responsible for 3,500 employees. By 1990 the Company was headed in a different direction; their massive downsizings led to me becoming Night Director of Operations, eventually returning to the Composing Room. George retired in 1996, at age 55. Once a Bear, DOWNEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education

Tod M. Corrin William A. Gutierrez Donald E. LaPlante D. Mark Morris Barbara R. Samperi Martha E. Sodetani Nancy A. Swenson

Superintendent

John A. Garcia, Jr. Ph.D.