San Rafael High School Hall of Honor

May 2009 saw the inauguration of the Hall of Honor, which was created to pay tribute those individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to San Rafael High, and have had an enormous life-long impact on our students. These individuals have had a positive impact on the lives of our students at San Rafael High. There have been inspirational teachers, tireless parent volunteers, and even former students who have overcome great obstacles to create very successful lives.

May 2010 Honorees:

Rich & Dolly Nave

Terry Summa - Music Teacher SRHS 1969 to 1973.

May 2009 Honorees:

Angelo (Ang) Columbo was a teacher and coach at San Rafael High from 1947–1972. After returning from World War II, where he was a fighter pilot with 130 combat missions, Ang was hired to teach World History at San Rafael High. Moving to the Physical Education Department in the 1950’s, Ang became Department Chair and Athletic Director and coached the San Rafael High basketball team to win many championships.
Ang helped establish the first co-ed Physical Education program, which received national recognition in a Time Magazine article hailing it as one of the best in the United States. President John F. Kennedy sent a congratulatory letter for excellence in physical education. During this time, Ang was also a member of the committee that established a Little League Baseball program for the City of San Rafael. Angelo Columbo is also an alumnus of San Rafael High School, Class of '39.

Hugo Rinaldi, proclaimed “Maestro of Marin” by the Marin County Board of Supervisors, is also being inducted into the San Rafael High School Hall of Honor. He directed the renowned music education program of San Rafael Schools for 32 years, which included orchestras, choirs, bands, musicals and festivals. He was also the founding conductor of the award-winning Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra, which he conducted for 27 years. His leadership in music appreciation for Marin youth has been appreciated over many generations. “As a teacher, he is unsurpassed, and also as a human being who cared about his students. He is truly a gifted teacher, mentor and artist,” says former student Jon Winter (Class of 1959). “His choice to remain in teaching when he could have easily had an extremely successful professional career in music clearly attests to his dedication and vision.” Mr. Rinaldi is a San Rafael High alumnus, Class of '38.

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Hall of Honor nomination letter

Nomination Form

May 2009
Honorees Angelo Columbo &
Hugo Rinaldi with
Principal Judith Colton