The Alumni Foundation selected three individuals to be inducted into its 2022 Hall of Fame class including Celia Vigil, ’62, Gary Waye, ’69, and Frank Yaklich, ’54. 

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Celia Vigil graduated from Pueblo County High School in 1962 as the co-salutatorian. Celia married Arturo Vigil, and together, they raised five sons in Denver. She worked as a federal employee with several agencies including the Internal Revenue Service.  In 1983, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She was the Director of Chicano Concerns for the Archdiocese of Denver from 1979-1987. In 1986, Celia became a licensed real estate broker for the State of Colorado and founded Vigil & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Sales in 1994. In 2000, she created People’s Choice Mortgage as founder and owner. Both businesses have thrived under her leadership and vision. She was awarded Businesswoman of the Year by the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2002. Being a Hornet is about persevering, working hard, and inspiring others. That’s what Hornets do, and she is one of the best!

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Gary Waye, PCHS class of 1969. Gary became a prominent member of the Pueblo community through his time as the owner of Fox’s Garden Supply. Gary has been involved with Fox’s for more than 45 years. His “ask an expert” style of advertising through newspaper ads and radio shows helped him become a person known for honest help and great troubleshooting advice for their lawn and garden problems. His expertise, friendly face and jovial personality turned Fox’s into the Pueblo staple it is today. Gary has also actively served his community through the years by time spent with organizations such as A Caring Pregnancy Center, Gideons International, Lions Club, church youth programs and Bonfils Blood Center where he has donated over 22 gallons of blood.

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Frank Yaklich graduated from Pueblo County High School (first graduating class) in 1954. He went on to get a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado in 1960 and a BS in Business Administration from Pueblo State College (now Colorado State University Pueblo) in 1969. After graduation from the University of Colorado he went to work for Inland Steel Company in East Chicago Indiana as a trainee in the maintenance department. In 1962 he went to work for CF&I Steel as an industrial engineer and served in several management positions until being appointed President in 1980 and CEO in 1990, and then retiring in 1993. During his career he served on several community boards as well as two terms on the Federal Reserve Board in Kansas City.  Frank and his wife Connie have two daughters, Erin and Gina.