Acclaimed Alumni
If you know of any other MHS alums who have earned major recognition after high school, please email the alumni webmaster. Here's the link to the criteria.
If you know of any other MHS alums who have earned major recognition after high school, please email the alumni webmaster. Here's the link to the criteria.
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Art
Ann Gardner '66
(maiden name Ann Lorence) Major works in Atlanta, Seattle, Tokyo, Bal Harbor, Fl, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Las Vegas and more. 
Exhibits in the Smithsonian, New York City, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, U.S. Embassy in Prague, Los Angeles, Hoddaido, Japan
Visit her great website. 
Chris Keylock Williams '62
"A well known artist from Portland, Oregon. Her watercolor paintings have won numerous awards and have been reproduced in art books, magazines, and as prints and notecards." 
Her watercolors have been on display throughout Oregon and in Arizona, Wisconsin,
Osaka, Japan and Berlin, Germany. Visit her outstanding website. Aviation and Author
Brent Hedgepath '65
From 1985 to 1987 Brent was a production test pilot for the B-1B bomber at Palmdale, California. While there he set eight world aviation records for speed/payload in the B-1B. These records still stand. From 1987-1991 he was the Special Operation Test Force Director and Squadron Commander at Edwards Air Force Base. Read more in our December 2011 Newsletter 
Elgen Long '44 Awarded the Federation Aeronautique Internationale 'Gold Air Medal' as the world's outstanding sports pilot. First person to fly solo around the world going over the north and south poles. Wrote book that was turned into the movie 2009 'Amelia', which starred Richard Gere. Elgen served as a mechanical consultant for the movie. Elgen Long article by Bob Welch of The Register Guard, Jan 19 2010. Elgen Long article by Alexander Rich of The World, Jan 19, 2010 Business
Charles E Carlbom '52 U.S. Air Force retired Lt Col; United Grocer's Inc, Past President, CEO; Loaves & Fishes Centers Past board President, Portland State University Business Advisory Council Entire biography 
Ted Cookson '69
Ted Cookson is the first American to be a licensed travel agent in Egypt and has successfully managed a travel agency in Cairo, Egypt since 1988 Ted's website: http://www.eptours.com/ 
Jay Farr '69
Owner & Finance Executive of Farr's True Value Hardware in Coos Bay Member of Prefontaine Memorial Committee 
Video of Jay cruising in front of the family store on Hwy 101.
Kathy (Grabe) Freeman '78 Vice President - County Manager Fidelity National Title If you move back to Coos Bay, you'll know a VP in the finance industry. Take advantage of it and give Kathy a call. Kathy works in the Coos Bay office and has responsibility for three Fidelity branches in Coos County. 
Katherine Haliski
Vice President Retail Operations at Crate and Barrel. In 2011, Katherine was promoted from Regional Manager/Trainer out of Los Angeles to VP of Retail Operations at corporate headquarters in Chicago. Haliski earned an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University in 2012 
Doug Hensler '65
Business & Education Doug graduated from Princeton in 1969. He began his career as an associate engineer at McDonnell-Douglas Astronautics Corporation. He became an expert in quality control at Bingham Willamette in Portland and Precision Castparts, also in Portland. At Precision Castparts Doug eventually became Production Superintendent and then Process & Control Engineering Manager, at times overseeing 250 people. He then moved to the world of Education with stints at the University of Washington, Univeriste de Versailles, and the Vienna University of Technology among others. In 2013, Doug became the 14th provost of the Naval Postgraduate School. 
Susie (Grabe) McDaniel '77
Human Resource & Education Manager Susie plays a key role for Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. Not only is she the human resource manager, but she plans educational activities on behalf of the hospital. She recently coordinated a half day career exploration seminar target towards medical careers for high school students throughout Coos County. 
Tom Newhouse '72
Chief Financial Officer of PayLess Drug, Inc. Tom is the CFO for PayLess Drug Stores, Inc. PayLess is different than what we think of in the old days. PayLess is a "long term care pharmacy offering customized services to skilled nursing, assisted living and other long term care facilities." 
James Rippey '50
Co-founder of Columbia Management Company. U of O Business School Hall of Fame. "Rippey was working as an executive at Merrill Lynch in 1961 when he and his colleague struck out to form their own investment management firm, Columbia Management Co. The company established the Columbia Growth Fund, Oregon's first mutual fund, in 1967, and the Columbia Daily Co., one of the first money-market mutual funds in the country, in 1974. During Rippey's tenure, the company grew its management portfolio to $22 billion...." more at UO Homepage Archive Education
Stephen Dow Beckham '59
Historian & Expert in Indian Law. Earned his Ph. D from UCLA in History/Anthropology in 1969. He is currently the Pamplin Professor of History at Lewis & Clark College. A prolific author with many books about the culture and history on the Northwest Indians. 
Gary Clark '66
Recipient of National Outstanding Service Award from the Association for Career and Technical Education. Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Utah DECA Associaion and the Marketing Education Association. More info 
Russell J Lundholm '77
University of Michigan Chair of Accounting, Arthur E. Andersen Professor of Accounting 
Jennifer Thompson '75
Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching in 2006 Jennifer won a $10,000 award and a trip to Washington D.C. including a visit with the President at the White House. She earned the award for her work at Gastineau Elementary School in Juneau, Alaska. (Article posted in JueneauEmpire.com on May 22, 2007) |
Entertainment
Justin Buckles '97
Production Manager 'American Idol', 2002-2005. 
Co-- Author American Idol Exposed
Shawn Kennelly '88
Pirate Shawn has picked up 2 Emmy's for being part of the Outstanding Sound Editing on the TV show '24'. 
He earned them in 2005 and 2007. He was also nominated for Emmy's four other times. In 2004, 2006 and for two in 2009. Awards & Nominations
Matt Partney '96
Pirate Matt Partney has been on the writing staff of several popular RV shows. He started his Hollywood work by writing for 'Gideon's Crossing', then moved on to the Warner Brothers series 'Angel' and 'Buffy'. 
He finally landed with CBS's CSI:Miami. An episode he co-wrote was seen by over 20 million viewers in 2007.
KCBY article, May 16, 2007 
George Whitty '80 Grammy/Emmy winner:
See 'Musicians' 
Graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, then the NY City jazz scene, George produced 3 Grammy award jazz CD's.
This Pirate does it all, hip-hop, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and experimental shorts. 
Jeff Whitty '89
Tony winner. Avenue Q: See 'Playwright 
Leadership
Michele Burnette (64)
Coos Bay City Councilor. Elected 2006. Prior to becoming councilor, Michele served on the City's Budget Committee since January 2003. 
Michele is a member of the Board of Directors for ShoreBank Enterprise Pacific (non-profit), a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum, the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Coquille Economic Development Corp. (CEDCO), and the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Coquille Tribe Community Fund.
John Briggs '63
Mayor of North Bend. A Marshfield alum, John became mayor of North Bend. He supported a consolidation vote in 2002 in hopes of gaining some political clout for the local area at the state level and to lower costs by merging the two cities, which were both facing dire financial situations. North Bend voters voted no on consolidation and no to John's reelection. We still love you , John. 
Brian Clem '90
Oregon State Representative. 
Brian was elected State Representative in 2006. As of 2008, he was Co-Owner of a Fruit Farm and Owner of OnSite PC Help. He is past president of the Salem City Club.
Colonel Dean R. Clemons '79
Commander of the 96th Air Base Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. 
Everett 'Herring' Harrington '28
Served from 1941 to 1945 as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Following the war he joined the BPA and became Assistant Chief Engineer, the highest position in the BPA not held by political appointment. In 1975 the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers recognized his “contributions in the application of high-voltage circuit breakers, high voltage series and shunt capacitors, and high-voltage direct-current transmission technology.” He subsequently received a Distinguished Service Award and a Gratitude Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Full biography 
Mark Helfrich '92
Mark was promoted to head coach of football at the University of Oregon in 2013. Helfrich became offensive coordinator of the Ducks in 2009. More 
Sgt Major John Richards '84
Sergeant Major (highest enlisted rank) for the Aviation Combat Element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit [as of October 2011] 
Richard’s personal decorations include the Joint Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars.
Kathy Fitzpatrick Rosencrantz '61
President Coos Bay-North Bend Rotary 2005-6. Kathy put her strong leadership skills to work for Rotary International and led the expansion of local membership in her year at the helm. 
Carolyn Fleming Thompson '82
CPA North Bend School Board Chairwoman Carolyn served the North Bend School District for over 6 years on both the budget committee and board, culminating in a year as chair. She also Chaired the local chapter of Oregon Society of Certified Public accountants for 2 years 1997-1999. She is currently working with Herning & Briggs, LLC, am involved with South Coast running club and the Ford Leadership Institute. 
Roger Gould '65
Mayor of Coos Bay Served as Mayor for two terms from 1988 through 1992. 
Gould served on the City’s Budget Committee since January 1997 through 2002.
Active participant and board member of the Boys and Girls Club for many years. Roger also volunteers his services to South Coast Hospice and the Coos Art Museum. As of 2007, Gould is a city councilor and currently serves as the Council’s representative on the Boys and Girls Club Board, County Urban Renewal Board, Enterprise Zone Committee, and Library Board. He also served for many years as the President of the Coos Bay Sister City Association. 
Jan Lee '60
State Legislator & Hydropower Leader Long time executive Director of the Northwest Hydroelectric Association (1983 through at least 2010). 
Elected a state representative in Oregon in 2001. As representative, Jan was a member of the Land and Water Use Committee and Vice Chair of the House Species Recovery and Streamflow Restoration Committee. She was able to help develop major legislation for fish screens and fish passage. More info
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Leadership (continued)
Caddy McKeown '70
(Maiden name Hanen) Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Commission Vice President. 
Southern Regional Director of ASPIRE. Has served on the Coos Bay School District Board of Directors; Bob Belloni Ranch, Inc., Board of Directors; and the Mingus Park Pool Management Board of Directors. She also volunteers for the Oregon Community Foundation as a Grant Evaluator
Dave Kronsteiner '67
Port of Coos Bay President 
Owner & President of West Coast Contractors, Inc. During 2006-7 he serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon, Columbia Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. Dave has served in the past on the Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon; Board of Directors for the Oregon State University Alumni Association; Board of Directors for the Triangle Lake Center (children’s camp); and President of the Coos Country Club.
Ken McCarty '68
City Councilor, Hillsboro, Planning Commission City of Hillsboro, Assistant Dean BYU, Bishop, LDS Church in Hillsboro, Stake Presidency, LDS Church in Orem Utah. In 1999 Ken was assigned as the "Project Leader" for the $50 Million Capital Campaign to build the new Athletic Complex at BYU. 
Jeff McKeown '68
Mayor of Coos Bay. City Councilor from 1996 through 2006, when he was elected Mayor. 
Ken Messerle '58
State Government. Served in the Oregon Senate. 
Well known in Coos County for his involvement in Dairy, Livestock and Cattleman's Associations.
Some of his government roles: Co-Chairman Joint Salmon and Stream Restoration; Ways and Means, General Government and Natural Resources subcommittees; Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force; Human Services - Joint Interim Task Force on Children and Families; Chairman, Water Policy; Agriculture and Natural Resources; Governor's Salmon Strategy team; Port of Bandon; Coos Planning Commission; Oregon Soil and Water Conservation Commission; Oregon Beef Council. 
John Muenchrath, M.D. '83
Coos Bay City Councilor 2004-current. 
Attended Creighton University, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the University of Oklahoma. Councilor Muenchrath is employed as Urologist at Bay Area Hospital and North Bend Medical Center.
He serves as chief of surgery at the hospital and volunteers at the Waterfall Clinic. As of 2007, Councilor Muenchrath serves as council representative on the Enterprise Zone Committee, OCZMA, and Tree Board 
Bill Whiteman '56
Mayor Cottage Grove Served four years on the Cottage Grove City Council before becoming mayor from 1978 through 1984. Served on the City Council of Sherwood in 1999-2000. Business owner for 21 years. Medicine
Dennis Chenoweth '62
Medical Director (2002 -2010) and Corporate Vice President (2002-2007) for Dako 
Dako is a biotechnical instrumentation company that develops and manufactures cell sorters and analyzers.
Korey Jorgensen, MD '63
2004 California Family Physician of the Year. 
Member of the Board of HIV Specialists. Person of the Year, Laguna Beach, California 2007
Ernie Manders '63
Founder of Promethean LifeSciences, Inc. 
Promethean creates medical devices tailored to the wound care and reconstructive surgery markets. Promethean created GammaGraft™.
Musicians
George Whitty '80
Multiple Grammy Winner and an Emmy to boot. 
Graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, then the NY City jazz scene, George produced 3 Grammy award jazz CD's.
This Pirate does it all, hip-hop, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and experimental shorts. 
Olympians
John "Jack" Merchant
Track 1920 & 1924 Mel Counts '60 Basketball 1964 Olympian & NBA championship ring Steve Prefontaine '69 Track 1972 - 4th Place Held every American record from 2 miles to 10k at the time of his death (See Hall of Fame) Philanthropy
Vera( Blusson) Richter '23
Vera passed away in June, 2008 at the age of 102. She was a leader in our community her entire adult life and silently contributed to many local organizations. (The following are excerpts from The World, 6-4-08)"In 2004, Vera was awarded Woman of the Year by Women Making a Difference Day. In 2007, she was awarded the title of most valiant woman by Church Women United. She served as president of the Women's Civic Club and board member for community concerts. Her philanthropy to the community extends in a wide circle. Many recipients of her generosity included The Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon, Coos Art Museum, the skateboard park, and the pool house at Mingus Park. She totally financed the replacement of the community swimming pool and many young people in the area are grateful to her for scholarship funds to complete college and obtain graduate degrees." Playwright
Jeff Whitty '89 Tony Winner 2004
for 'Avenue Q' Jeff Whitty Feature 
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