The Hillcrest High School Alumni Association recently honored its newest class of distinguished alumni, which includes a tenured professor, accomplished attorneys, a published author, and community leaders.
The alumni association recognized these distinguished Hillcrest grads at the third annual Platinum Panther Celebration on Oct. 19.
Distinguished Service Award Recipient
Betsy Brown Nelson (Class of 1968)
With extensive volunteer leadership credentials and a background in classroom teaching, Betsy has demonstrated a passion for supporting her alma mater, serving as Alumni Association President since 2014, working on the 75th Anniversary Host and Steering Committees, and serving on the founding Board of the HHS Community Foundation.
Distinguished Alumni, Class of 2016 recipients
John Arnold (Class of 1992)
After success as founder of Centaurus Energy and Centaurus Capital LP, John and his wife, Laura, committed half their wealth to philanthropy. Their foundation focuses on pressing challenges in criminal justice, education, pension reform and health care. John demonstrates his commitment to education through his work with Texans for Education Reform.
Stephen Coke (Class of 1963)
An attorney with Wesner, Coke & Clymer PC, Steve has been recognized widely for his professional expertise and servant leadership in a variety of community organizations, notably the Dallas Arboretum and the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and a number of governing and advisory boards.
Dr. Thomas Koenig (Class of 1955)
A football star at Hillcrest and SMU, Tom earned a doctorate in organic chemistry at the University of Illinois, and now, as a professor at the University of Oregon, he has enriched hundreds of student lives with his teaching abilities, his deep and broad knowledge, and his passion for the sciences and academic excellence.
Kelly Franklin McCann, Sr. (Class of 1945)
After graduating from Baylor University, which he attended on a full football scholarship, Kelly enjoyed a successful business career at Continental Battery. Committing his life to servant leadership and faith, he teaches as a life deacon at Park Cities Baptist Church, is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, and served for 22 years on the Baylor Medical Center Board.
George Tobolowsky (Class of 1967)
As an SMU undergraduate, majoring in accounting and heading for law school and a successful career in tax law and business, George still nurtured his art, studying sculpture under James Surls. Today his abstract metal sculptures have been featured in solo and group shows, and he has won numerous awards. In 2105 he donated ”Surfing the Warehouse” to Hillcrest High School.
Peter Vogel (Class of 1965)
Known worldwide for his expertise in computer law and intellectual property, Peter has an international clientele in eCommerce and technology law at Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. He has served frequently as Special Master in IT cases and has extensive experience as an arbiter. As President of the Dallas Bar Association he advocated for legal services to the disadvantaged and helped automate the Texas court system.
Dr. Dudley Weeks (Class of 1957)
As a peacekeeper, Dudley focuses on conflict resolution, training in his Conflict Partnership Process, consulting, public speaking and work in many areas of world conflict. He is a novelist and poet, and a singer and songwriter, whose extensive experience promotes building effective relationships as a basis for resolving both individual and global differences.
