PHS Launches Hall of Fame to Honor Noteworthy Alumni

The world-famous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland will have a little competition soon. is launching its own scholastic version―and the first four inductees will be honored next week.

“During the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the school last year, Principal Scott Fisher expressed the desire and importance of creating a forum that not only commemorates the rich history of our school, but acknowledges the vast accomplishments of Poway High School alumni,” said Megan Battle, assistant principal. 

She says the PHS Hall of Fame will honor those who have contributed in academics, business, the arts, community service, public service, science or athletics. 

“I have enjoyed being a member of the planning and organizing committees of something that will soon become an annual tradition at Poway High School,” Battle said.

Here’s what she and Fisher offered about the nominees:

Matthew Fei, M.D.: Class of 1995. Former band director Marc Davis describes Fei as “my most outstanding student in 17 years of teaching. A violin prodigy, he was also recognized as salutatorian.” 

Fei went on to get his undergraduate degree from Stanford and his medical training from Harvard Medical School, all the while maintaining his music career with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra on the violin. Matt returned to the Bay Area to finish his residency at the University of California, and today is a staff physician of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine in Seattle. 

Jeffrey Belk: Class of 1980. Belk was a leading executive at Qualcomm from 1994 until his departure in 2008. He helped establish the Qualcomm brand and drove Qualcomm’s global communications strategies from the time the company had $300 million in revenue until it was a globally renowned $8 billion company.

Belk has been recognized internationally as a thought leader in wireless technology, and has appeared on CNN, BBC and has been quoted in The New York Times, Business Week, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times, among other publications.

Don Higginson: Class of 1973. Mayor Higginson has served the community of Poway as an elected official for 25 years. 

While Higginson was a driving force for the location and build out of the and , his true love has been and Poway High. He was instrumental in securing funds for the and a renovated all-weather track. With the help of the City Council, Higginson provided redevelopment money for the artificial turf at the PHS and gyms at and to operate as a joint-use facility with the school district. 

Jud Buechler: Class of 1986. After departing from Poway High with three CIF basketball championships and Player of the Year honors, Buechler attended the University of Arizona, where he played for the legendary Lute Olsen and earned All PAC 10 recognition. 

Advancing into the professional ranks, Buechler played 11 years in the NBA, six with the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan, winning three championship rings. Buechler was a hard worker with a great attitude who was always a team leader. He was also extremely popular among his classmates at PHS because of the respect he demonstrated toward others.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 25, at the . Tickets are $20 and include a drink ticket. There will be a silent and live auction, as well as a performance by the PHS Jazz Band.

To be considered for Hall of Fame recognition, nominees must have attended PHS for at least two years and graduated at least 10 years ago. Nomination forms (attached) can be returned to the PHS Hall of Fame Committee at 15500 Espola Road, Poway, CA 92064.