Downey High School

2000 Inductees

Gene is a nationally recognized educator. He has written six books and published over 500 articles on effective schooling, parenting, and discipline. As a keynote presenter, Gene has spoken at thousands of conferences throughout the United States and Canada. He has achieved numerous honors including the Principal’s Medal and Educator of the Year.

Following graduation from UCLA, Jay was designated a naval aviator. He completed two seven-month Vietnam combat missions. Serving as a Rear Admiral and Pilot in the U.S. Navy, he became the executive officer of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun). Admiral Campbell has achieved numerous awards and decorations.

Ron’s participation in water polo was legendary. In addition to playing for Cal State University at Long Beach, he was a member of the U.S. Water Polo Team in three Olympic games and two Pan American Games. Considered the number one water polo player in the nation, he was inducted into both the National and International Water Polo Halls of Fame.

A California State University Long Beach graduate, Dennis sang with the Young Americans. Following graduation, he performed with many well-known musical entertainers. He has taught at several universities in Southern California. He has recently pursued a career in opera and has been heard throughout the world on numerous stages.

Following his graduation from USC, he served extensive duty in the South Pacific. Mr. Showalter made his business mark in Downey as a banker for over 40 years. He received several awards for community service. From 1958-1962, he served on the Downey School Board.

Following graduation from the USC Dental College, Dr. Sims had an extensive military service. He is past president of the Downey Dental Academy, the Downey Chamber of Commerce, and Downey Rotary. Dr. Sims is the composer of the Downey High “Alma Mater”.

As a graduate of U.C. Santa Barbara and U.C. Berkeley, Kathleen practiced law in Washington, D.C. She served as Child Counsel for the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs committee. She returned to the Los Angeles area to begin work with the District Attorney’s office where she heads the Consumer Protection Division of the Bureau of Special Operations. She has written a book and numerous articles for national magazines and newspapers.