The Washington High School Historical Committee, in 2011, created a Hall of Distinction consisting of former students of WHS who attended the school for at least one year in grades 9-12. After high school, those chosen to be included in this prestigious group have shown exceptional distinguished achievement in a notable field of endeavor at the state, regional, national or international level.
WHS Hall of Distinction
Alumni selected for the HOD receive an official certificate and a pin. Their names are added to the display in Alumni Hall, west wall.
Actual size of pin
The Washington Crest of Distinction is derived from the crest of the WHS Historical Committee, which is based on the presidental crest of George Washington, with school colors substituted for Washington's white and red, and the lamp of knowledge in place of the knight's helm—the green stands for growth. The stars stand for the three senior high classes, and the bars for the path to knowledge and the path to success, with the Latin words for alumni of distinction. The headband with feathers stands for the Warrior school nickname. Note that one of the books is the Warrior.
Members of the WHS Hall of Distinction as selected by the WHSHC
Highlighted names can be clicked for information on selectee
2011
John King Fairbank-International Relations/China expert
Joseph Jacob Foss- Medal of Honor/Governor
George Keith Funston-President, New York Stock Exchange
Lewis Arthur Larson-U.S. Under Secretary of Labor
2012
Daniel Leonard Dworsky-Architect
Paul E. Gardner- General, USAF
Ronald R. Nelson- International
2014
Selections made this year gave focus to individuals who have had careers in entertainment and the fine arts.
David Dedrick- Class of 1945- Television
Herbert Howe- Class of 1911- Entertainment Newswriter
Edyth Howie- Class of 1918- Mystery Writer
Gail Matthius- Class of 1971-Television
Pat O'Brien- Class of 1966-Television
Katheryn Sheeley-Class of 1971-Television
David Solberg (Soul)-Class of 1961- Television, Music
2017
Myron G.Domsitz- WHS 1929-Scientist/Inventor
Patricia Huether Hermanson- WHS 1968- Author/Journalist
Matthew C. Moen -WHS 1976- Educator/Author
2018
David A. Fryxell-WHS 1974-Editor/Author Darold (Dick) Fredricks- WHS 1951-Author/Historian Phil Hamman-WHS 1976-Author/Researcher