In the fall of 2022, Brighton Area Schools launched a new recognition program called the Brighton Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame. Each year, a selection committee will choose two exemplary Brighton Area Schools alumnus (three in the first year) that have truly made their mark on the world since their graduation.
If you would like to nominate someone for this prestigious award, please use the nomination form that can be found HERE.
Dr. Authur Pancioli
Class of 1982
For Distinguished Achievements in Medicine & Education
University of Michigan Alumnus. BA Computer Science (1987), Medical School (1991)
Professor & Chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Chair of the University of Cincinnati Response Team for the COVID-19 Pandemic
Senior Vice President & Chief Clinical Officer for the University of Cincinnati Healthcare System
Dennis Bowdoin
Class of 1965
For Distinguished Achievements in Business, Aviation, & Public Service
Started Movieland Video, growing it from 1 to 360 stores.
Started Helicopter Air Specialty Service FAA Safety Counselor, Michigan Aeronautics Consultant, Launched the WMU Helicopter Program
Built and Managed Maple Grove Heliport, Managed the Romeo State Airport
Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame, Livingston County Planning Commission, Township Constable
Charles J. Brady
Class of 1941 (Valedictorian)
For Distinguished Achievements & Contributions to the Field of Engineering & Automotive Safety
US Army Air Corp Captain (WWII)
Precision Targeting Specialist at the Norden Bombsight Project
1948 Michigan State Mechanical Engineering
Fellow in the Society of Automotive Engineers 1986
42 years of service to General Motors
Director of Proving Ground Operations
Vice President in 1984
2008 Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and commencement speaker
Kari Seitz
Class of 1988
For Distinguished Achievements in Leadership, Sports and Promotion of Gender Equality
5X World Cup Referee (World Record)
3X Olympic Referee
First woman to officiate in all top US Pro soccer leagues (including MLS) w/200+ pro games
FIFA Head of Refereeing (transforming opportunities for women referees worldwide)
2016-24 US Soccer Vice President, Refereeing (First Ever).
Colonel Karin Flood, M.D.
Class of 1988
For Distinguished Military Service
After graduating from BHS in 1988, Colonel Flood attended West Point and then the University of Michigan for Medical School. Through her many years of service, Colonel Flood served in Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait. She also was the Chief of Surgery at the Danall Winn and Martin Army Community Hospitals. She is a decorated veteran having earned two Meritorious Service medals, 4 Army Commendation medals and a long list of other military honors. After retirement from the Army, Dr. Flood continues to serve as a medical doctor in Atlanta, Georgia with Magellan Health.
Bruce Ritter
Class of 1971
For Distinguished Service to Athletics
Bruce Ritter is a 1971 BHS graduate and then attended Eastern Michigan University where he was a varsity letter winner in track and field. Coach Ritter served as a teacher and coach for the Brighton Area Schools from 1976-2019 and, over the course of his career, Coach Ritter coached 130 sports teams including basketball, track, softball and football. Coach Ritter was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Honor in 2021. After retirement, Coach Ritter has been heavily involved in the community and has provided leadership to the Brighton Area School Alumni Association as its president for several years. He has worked tirelessly on alumni projects including the alumni hall, the alumni room, golden diplomas and much more. He has also served as an MHSAA official for 50 years.
Kate Lawrence
Class of 1976
For Distinguished Civic Service
First Female Mayor of the City of Brighton (1999-2005 and 2007-2009)
Brighton City Council (1993-2009) and Livingston County Commissioner (2013-2021)
First Livingston County official to serve as President of The Michigan Municipal League (2002-03)
Extensive involvement with local community service organizations. Local business owner since 1977.
Dave LewAllen
Class of 1975
For Distinguished Achievement in Media
Over 40 years as a local celebrity in TV and radio
News and Sports Anchor for WXYZ-TV for 35 years
4-time Emmy winner and NATAS Silver Circle Member for distinguished service in TV
Extensive charity work and Board Member for the Rainbow Connection
Drew Henson
Class of 1998
For Distinguished Achievement in Athletics
Professional baseball player from 1998 to 2004 (New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds)
Professional football player from 2004 to 2008 (Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions)
Quarterback for the University of Michigan football team (1998-2001)
Mr. Baseball Michigan, National High School Player of the Year (Holds numerous national records)
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