Downey High School

2004 Inductees

After graduating from Downey High School, Kirk Cartozian attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. In 1996 he returned to Downey High School as a teacher. He taught at Downey for seven years and during that time, he was elected to the Downey City Council. At that time, he resumed his educational goal by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Southern California. In his role as City Council Member and as Mayor, Kirk serves on a number of city commissions, committees, and boards.

Following high school Michael Chavez was awarded an athletic scholarship to the University of California at Berkeley. He earned a Bachelor degree in Political Science as well as several accolades for basketball in following areas: Varsity Letter, four years 1980-83; Honorable Mention All Pacific 10 Conference, 1983; Honorable Mention All American, Associated Press 1983; and Co-MVP U.C. Berkeley, 1983. He was employed as a commercial real estate broker with Lee and Associates of Ontario and has been one of their top producers.

Phil Jones began his educational career in 1957 as a teacher and coach in the Downey Unified School District. He received his administrative credential and his Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern California. As an administrator, Phil served as principal of five middle schools and as Director of Personnel. Phil’s contribution to Downey High School continues to this day. After he retired as principal of Downey High School, he suggested and helped to institute the Downey High School Hall of Fame.

After graduation from the University of Chicago School of Medicine, James Keasling applied for a medical missionary assignment and was sent to Tabriz, Iran, for five years where he provided surgical services to Tabriz and the surrounding villages. Upon return to the United States, he continued his medical practice while teaching at the University of Illinois School of Medicine. In February, 1989, the Navy recruited James to active duty as general surgical specialist. He served in that capacity for four and one-half years. After retirement, he volunteered his medical services to a charity clinic.

Stephen Pentoney attended the University of California at Riverside receiving his Ph.D. in Chemistry. He then entered Stanford University conducting post-doctoral research in laser chemical analysis. Over the past sixteen years Dr. Pentoney has authored or co-authored 28 scientific publications and holds 15 patents. He is presently the Director of Advanced Chemistry at the Beckman Coulter Advanced Technology Center and directs a staff of scientists charged with developing and evaluating new diagnostic and life science technologies.

John was a member of the Downey High School basketball team that won the C.I.F. championship in 1979. Upon graduation he received a full, four-year scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley. After graduation, John owned a seat on the Chicago Board of Exchange, trading in options. He became a partner in World Link Futures and was District Manager for College Bound, an organization responsible for finding university scholarships for aspiring high school student athletes. In December 2002, John died tragically. In 2003, he was honored by Downey High School when his No. 33 jersey was retired in a ceremony during half time at the Downey-Warren basketball game.

Stephen attended the University of California in Davis, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Entomology. He then attended University of California in Riverside and received a Ph.D. At the present time, Stephen is a Professor of Insect Biology at University of California in Berkeley and is Chair of the U.C. Berkeley Division of Insect Biology. He received the Distinguished Teaching Award from Berkeley in 2002. During his tenure he has authored or co-authored over fifty published articles related to Entomology. Stephen’s research in plant-insect interactions has helped farmers reduce the use of pesticides for their crops.