Four Added to Milpitas/Ayer HS Hall of Fame

Teachers, students, alumni and more welcomed the four newest additions to the Milpitas/Samuel Ayer High School Hall of Fame on Friday.

The hall of fame recognizes former students, teachers, administrators and employees for their work at school and in the community. It also honors those who have "brought honor to the school through their high level of personal achievement," according to school officials.

This year's inductees are: 

• Keith Buckley, former student and current head football coach at Pacific University. Keith was a three-sport star at MHS, excelling at football and baseball. He was a top student as well, anchoring the MHS Journalism Department. After receiving a degree in English from UC Davis, he went on to coach football at several different schools. He ultimately landed the head coach job at Pacific University in Portland, Oregon.

• Don Hand, former administrator and teacher. Don came to Samuel Ayer High School in 1971, where he taught Science for many years. A talented runner, he coached track and cross-country for many years. Don later moved into administration and was a beloved director of student activities, spearheading the annual Jack Emery Can Drive and overseeing graduation ceremonies for many years. Don retired from MHS in 1999.

• Brenda Wong, former special ed teacher, community service liaison. Graduating from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Communicative Disorders, Brenda later earned her teaching credential and masters degree in Communicative Disorders from Fresno State. She has lived in Milpitas for 33 years with her husband Willy and two children, Megan and Matthew. After teaching in the Special Day Class program at Weller and Spangler, Brenda moved to Milpitas High School in 1983 where she taught Special Education until her retirement in 2006. Brenda had many notable achievements, including the founding of the Community Based Instruction (CBI) in the MUSD. She was the advisor for the MHS Chinese Club for 17 years and remains an active member of St. Elizabeth's Church, where she has often forged a community service connection with Milpitas High School.

• Mr. Jerry Silva, former custodian. Jerry started his custodial work at Lockheed and later moved to Stanford University where he worked for many years. He joined the Milpitas High custodial staff in 1989 and was beloved for his positive and helpful attitude. Jerry would go out of his way to help teachers on weekends and after hours and was always available, even when he was off the clock.

Congratulations to the newest additions to the Milpitas/Samuel Ayer High School Hall of Fame! 

Source: Milpitas High School