Kennedy Hall of Fame ceremony Friday

Cedar Rapids Kennedy will induct its 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame class on Friday.

Here is a bio on each of the inductees, sent by AD Aaron Stecker:

• Jim Long, Class of 1968 – Jim was an outstanding gymnast for the Cougars in the school's first year of existence. Jim was a three event champion and all-around champion in the 1968 state meet, earning the first state championship hardware at Kennedy High School.

• Michel (Nixon) Gage, Class of 1990 – Michel was a three-sport athlete for Kennedy whose primary focus was distance running as a member of our cross country and track and field teams. She earned 8 varsity letters in these two sports on her way to setting school records in both the 1500 meter and 3000 meter runs. She was Kennedy's female Athlete of the Year in 1990.

• Stephenie (Wilson) Tupa, Class of 1992 – Stephenie was a true multi-sport athlete for the Cougars in the late 80's and early 90's competing in four sports for all four years of high school. She earned 11 varsity letters, including 4 as a defender and goal keeper for the Cougar soccer team. She also earned multiple letters in volleyball (3), basketball (2), and softball (2). Stephenie was Kennedy's 1992 female Athlete of the Year.

• Bill and Cathy Thompson – Bill and Cathy are both Kennedy alum; Bill graduating in 1978 and Cathy in 1980. They have had 3 children graduate from Kennedy – Tyler (2005), Miles (2008), and Mackenzie (2011). All three children where very involved in Kennedy activities – both athletic and fine arts. Bill spent many years on the grounds committee involved with maintaining and improving the practice and game fields at Kennedy. He also worked as a technical stage manager for many theater productions and show choir events over the past decade. Cathy is best known for two things at Kennedy – Cougar Clips and KennedyActivities.com. Most will recognize her as the person behind the camera lens as she has taken tens-of-thousands of photos of Kennedy students in action – on the field or on the stage and everything in-between. These photos have been posted on Cougar Clips for parents and donated to the school for use in displays and in brochures. She developed the Kennedy Activities informational website (kennedyactivities.com) which showcases all of Kennedy's activities – athletic, fine arts, and other clubs and organizations.

Kennedy will have a reception honoring the inductees in the high school cafeteria followed by the induction ceremony at 5:15 pm. The group will then proceed to the gymnasium for the varsity doubleheader against Cedar Rapids Jefferson. They will be introduced to the crowd between the girls and boys games at approximately 7:30 pm.