Hall of Fame Extravaganza
- written by Jared Johnson edited by: Jenna
- Feb 24, 2017
- 3 min read
Edited By Jenna Albaroudi Images courtesy of CHS Yearbook
Founded in 2013, Canyon High School created its very own “Hall of Fame”, which was organized as a way of celebrating the history and tradition of the successful individuals at Canyon. Specifically, the Hall of Fame is used as a method to recognize and honor alumni, athletes, faculty, and individuals that have contributed to CHS.
At this year’s Hall of Fame, Canyon will be recognizing a few influential members of our faculty. The first inductee is Athletic Director and Coach, Steve Anderson.
He has been a member of the Tribe since 1977. Within his time at Canyon, Coach Anderson founded the Canyon High School Women’s Swimming program (1978), and eventually coached over 3,000 girls throughout his 38 years of service.
Over those years, Varsity won 5 League Titles and was Top 3 in the League 29 consecutive times. Anderson also coached multiple seasons of Men’s Water Polo and Swimming programs, as well as football during his 38 years at Canyon. Outside of Canyon, Coach Anderson works with the Parks of Anaheim, Recreation Department, and YMCA to make sure that thousands of children in Anaheim have access to swimming lessons.
Another inductee that will be recognized at the gala is Nancy Clark. Ms. Clark was the Activities Director & Faculty Club Leader from 1973-2004 and was a member of the very first faculty at Canyon High School. Starting off as an American Government/US History Teacher, she was also the Activities Director for 12 years. Eventually she became the lead anchor and producer of the Canyon Morning News, from its origin in the late 1990s until her retirement. She is well respected for her lasting achievements. As a huge supporter of Canyon, she made everything she was apart of outstanding.
Our next inductee is Lou Joseph. He was the founding principal of Canyon from 1973-1975.
It was always his dream to become a principal, not only did he accomplish a personal goal but he laid the foundation for Canyon and helped create many traditions. At the first ever Canyon graduation, Dr. Joseph was promoted to Superintendent of Antelope Valley High School and retired in 1993 as Superintendent of the South Pasadena Unified School District. This remarkable man is responsible for everything GREAT, Canyon is today.
Last, but not least, is our final inductee, Harold Lavalle. Lavalle was Head Varsity Baseball Coach from 1973-1992. He was the first baseball coach at
Canyon High School. He grew up right here Southern California, playing college baseball at the University of Notre Dame. After coaching for 14 years at Dominguez High School in Compton, he became the Head Baseball Coach at Canyon in 1973. Some of the accomplishments his team earned under his coaching were the 1984 CIF Championship and 1991 CIF Finalists. Additionally he was Asst. Coach for the 1996 & 1997 CIF Championship Teams. Lavelle was the 1984 CIF Coach of the Year, and the OC Register Coach of the Year in 1992. It will be an honor to recognize Lavelle for these accomplishments.
The gala will be held to honor these individuals. It will take place Saturday, March 25th, at 6:00pm at the Phoenix Club. One can expect to see numerous members of Canyon High School's past and present at this much anticipated event.
In addition to Canyon’s Hall of Fame, there will also be a “Fund in Need” campaign that will simultaneously be going on during the event. Each year, the Canyon High School Foundation selects a fund in need that will enhance student experience and address the area where the school needs updates. The 2017 Fund in Need is the renovation of the school gymnasium. At the Hall of Fame gala, attendees can help donate money for this worthy cause and make a much-needed difference on the school campus.
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