The Nogales High School Hall of Fame ranks rose to 174 with those who were inducted on Sunday, Oct. 25.

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Mariachi Apache provided the music and Nogales High School Culinary Arts Program students prepared and served the prime-beef dinner.

It was a full house at the Pete Drakulich Gymnasium at the Pierson Vocational High School (also known as the Old Nogales High School) campus stirring up memories among the graduates, some of whom dated back about 50 years.

Guests comprised the newest and many of the former inductees and their families.

The 2009 inductees included, Jose E. Baldenegro, Class of 1954; William “Sonny” Clarke Jr., 1948; Antonio Estrada, 1962; Carlos Grijalva, 1969; Abe R. Hughes, 1955, Dr. John Cordell Medlen, 1968; Irene V. Molera, 1955; Arnold Acuna Ramirez, 1963; Analizabeth Doan Woolfolk, 1968; and Dr. Ray M. Haynes, 1962.

The latter was unable to attend but was invited to accept his certificate at next year’s ceremony, said Marcelino Varona Jr., who chaired the event and was inducted in 1997.

The Nogales High School Hall of Fame was created in 1990 to recognize alumni, staff and community members affiliated with the Nogales Public Schools system who have distinguished themselves professionally and have made notable contributions to the educational system and the community.

Sunday’s event was dedicated to the memory of Carmen H. Downs, who died in March at the age of 99. She was named to the Hall of Fame in 2003.

Youth who benefited in the way of scholarships this year from the event proceeds were Nogales High School students Omar Gastelum who is attending the University of Arizona; Cynthia Rojo, UA; Alejandra Nieves; Northern Arizona University; Melissa Delgado, UA; Stephanie Doyle, Pima Community College; Victor Mendoza, Mesa Community College; and Pierson Vocational High School grads, Nicole Yanes and Rene Morales.