On October 13, Patrick Henry will induct the following alumni into the Hall of Fame at the all-school luncheon. This year’s luncheon will be held at Edinburgh Golf Course starting at 11 a.m. For info contact Cathy Peterson 763-425-3362 or tcpeterson1@comcast.net.
This year’s inductees include William Allard from the class ’55. Allard’s activities included basketball, choir, band and Hi-Y. After graduation, Allard went to work for Northwestern Bell, but left that job to attend the U of M where he discovered photojournalism. His photographic internship earned him a staff position at National Geographic Magazine. Allard has been recognized for outstanding achievement in humanistic photojournalism and authoring numerous award winning books. He has conducted international workshops and seminars. He currently lives in Earlyville, Virginia.
The next inductee is also an author. Barbara Welke Lambesis graduated with the class of ’63. While at PHHS, Lambesis participated in band, choir, yearbook, German club, GAA, FHA, Senior Play and Y-Teens. After graduating from the U of M, Lambesis taught English and then developed a successful career in public relations and marketing. Yet, she still found time to volunteer and serve on numerous boards, and represent the U.S. at international conference for women entrepreneurs. All revenue from her book A Band Brothers is directed to the Wounded Warrior program and music education for students in low-income school districts. Her novel will be for sale at the October luncheon with proceeds being donated to the PHHS Foundation. Lambesis splits her time between Phoenix and Paris.
Richard Toftness, class of ’68, was the yearbook photographer. Toftness also participated in band, Hi-Y, science club and cross country. Also a U of M graduate who worked his way through college by working for the U.S. Forest Service and the YMCA Camp Ihduhapi. His university engineering degree took him to a variety of international positions using his skills with cameras. Toftness won the 2012 Academy Award for his work on a revolutionary high speed camera. Recently, another camera that was Toftness’ responsibility made it to the International Space Station. Retirement found Toftness raising funds to restore the hillside chapel at his beloved Camp Ihduhapi. Toftness calls Loveland, Colorado his home.
James Hays graduated with the class of ’75. Hays found his extracurricular spot on the PHHS golf team. He earned his undergraduate and MBA from the U of M Carlson School. He is the CEO of the Hays Companies, a large international insurance brokerage company. Hays serves on several community organizations including the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Minneapolis. Hays donates scholarship funds to Patrick Henry graduates going onto college. Hays travels extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally, but calls Minneapolis his home.