Hall of Honor

Angelo (Ang) Columbo - "Teacher and Coach, 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. ( 2009 honoree)

Hugo Rinaldi - "Director of Music, San Rafael City Schools, 1949-1986"

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. (2009 honoree)

Rich and Dolly Nave: "Pool * Track * "Saved night football", 1944-1998"

Rich and Dolly Nave, husband and wife, and graduates of San Rafael High School, Class of 1948 and Class of 1950, were inducted into the 2010 Hall of Honor for their incredible lifelong dedication and commitment to San Rafael High School. Most notably, they were instrumental in keeping the lights on the football field and the installation of the county’s first all-weather track at San Rafael High.  They were both active and involved students at San Rafael High, Rich was on the football, basketball and track teams and was Student Body President and Dolly was Student Body Secretary. 

Dolly has volunteered for countless community projects and organizations including the Catholic Junior Social Services, CYO Basketball, Brownies, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Little League, SRHS Boosters Club, the Marin Bocce Federation, and was a coach for the San Rafael Cheerleaders.  Dolly won San Rafael Citizen of the Year in 1988 and was inducted into the Marin County High School Hall of Fame in 1993. Rich served as a San Rafael City Councilmember for 1983-1987, he was a partner in Nave Bowling Lanes, Nave Shopping Center and Nave Bros., was a San Rafael Booster member for 20 years, served on the San Rafael PTA and the San Rafael-Terra Linda Joint School Committee.  Rich was also the  Assistant Football Coach of San Rafael High in 1955, 1956 and 1957.

All eight of Rich and Dolly’s children graduated from San Rafael High School and both Rich and Dolly have been volunteering for the San Rafael High School Alumni Association since its formation in the mid-1980s. (text from the proclamation by San Rafael Mayor Albert Boro) (2010 Honorees)

Terry M. Summa - "Leader of the Bands" (2010 Honoree)

Mario M. Ghilotti ---"Outstanding Contributor, 1941-2010" (2011 Honoree).

Byron Jones --- "Teacher * Director of Vocal Music, 1953-1990"

From Parker Lee’s introduction of Byron Jones:  I can still see in my mind’s eye, the wonderful shows we performed under the watchful eye of Hugo and Byron.  Oklahoma, Brigadoon, West Side Story, and my personal favorite, The Music Man.  The story of a man who made an incredible impression on a small town community through the power of music, passion and inspiration.  I was trying to figure out how many lives Byron’s work affected.  By the numbers 32 years at SRHS; 30 years First Presbyterian.

Impact: Estimated 120 students per year; estimated 4 x S.O. relationships = 480 per year; therefore, 3,840 students and a total of 15,360 lives affected by this man.

Reading through dozens of comments that were compiled about Byron from former students, the passion behind statements was astounding.   A few key themes emerged (included are comments from former students):

1)  He inspired those he touched: He can’t walk down 4th Street without someone recognizing him and thanking him for what he did for them in high school. Mr. Byron Jones as warm, kind, talented, inspiring, having a beautiful voice, inclusive, non-judgmental, and commanding respect; Byron Jones is considereda great teacher, a friend and mentor.

2)  Always had a kind word and encouraging: Mr. Jones seemed to take us off into a flight of music, and the words of the songs almost didn't matter. He helped us improve through encouragements and training, but never with ridicule or embarrassment; Mr. Jones is inclusive; this is a rare and valuable skill in an educator. I was friendly but a bit shy and he drew me out. His classroom was a place that felt constant, and safe to be yourself; this is where I wanted to be, especially when things didn’t always feel like that elsewhere.

3)  He was fair-minded and promoted self-respect: He was a master at getting the most out of his students. He would have some troubled boys in General Chorus who thought they couldn't sing or they wouldn't sing. And he would not only get them to sing, they would end up loving to sing!

• He took his job very seriously, but he made it fun, too. But you had to be on time to class or you weren't allowed into class. I remember reading numerous notes/ letters from parents thanking him for how he helped their child blossom.

• He expected students to follow his rules, show up on time, and pay attention; but then he made magic – kids wanted to be in class, participate, and be part of this.

4)  Created a shared passion for music performance and the power of community. He made music fun and dramatic, and pulled a rag-tag group together into an actual chorus.  [Not just once, but every day for 32 years.]

• What a fantastic, energetic, dedicated teacher who really believed in the talent of his student; I believe, that what I came away with...from being in his class....was more than just music......it was that sense of, doing what it is you love and always having passion in your work......it keeps you young and vibrant....and that was Mr. Jones.  We were all lucky to have him as a teacher.

And so, with love, and thanks, let us all rise and bang the top of our personal pianos for the man that taught us to embrace life, work hard, to give respect to all, and above all – sing. (2011 Honoree).