Reno High School: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Reno High School boasts a distinguished history, marked by the accomplishments of its alumni across diverse fields. From politics and entertainment to military service and business, Reno graduates have made significant contributions to society. This article highlights a selection of these notable individuals, showcasing the breadth of talent and the enduring impact of a Reno High School education.

Gerald Lee Baliles: A Statesman of Virginia

Gerald Lee Baliles stands as a prominent figure in Virginia's political landscape. A lawyer and Democratic politician, his career mirrored the significant social and technological transformations of his home state. He served as the 65th Governor of Virginia from 1986 to 1990. Before his governorship, Baliles served as the Commonwealth's Attorney General from 1982 to 1985. Later in his career, he directed the nonpartisan Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia from 2006 to 2014. Known for his commitment to civility and bipartisanship, Baliles also oversaw the publication of numerous transcript volumes of White House tapes from the John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard M. Nixon presidencies, further contributing to historical scholarship through the center's oral history program.

Reno Collier: From High School Comic to National Stage

Reno Collier, a stand-up comedian, found fame as the opening act for Larry the Cable Guy and through his own Comedy Central Presents special. He also appeared on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Next Generation. Collier's comedic talent was evident even during his high school years, where he was known for providing comic relief. He earned his undergraduate degree from Elon College (now Elon University) in North Carolina. In July 2009, Collier hosted "The Great American Road Trip" on NBC.

Alvin T. Wong: A Trailblazing Judge

Alvin T. Wong achieved a historic milestone in Georgia's legal system. In the summer of 2021, Judge Wong was elected President of the Council of State Court Judges of Georgia, becoming the first Asian-American to hold such a position in any judicial council within the state. Before his judicial appointment, Wong was a partner at Gambrell and Stolz (now Baker Donelson), accumulating 21 years of experience as a corporate and trial attorney. He also demonstrated his commitment to ethical conduct within the legal profession by chairing the State Bar of Georgia’s Investigative Panel, which addresses unethical practices by attorneys in Georgia. Judge Wong has been honored multiple times for his citizenship, leadership, and trailblazing efforts within the community.

Tarek Bathiche: A Distinguished Military Career

Sergeant First Class Tarek Bathiche recently concluded a distinguished 20-year career in the United States Army. He is recognized as an accomplished Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and leader with a long list of exemplary achievements. Following his military service, Bathiche transitioned to the technology sector, starting a new career with a technology company in Florida.

Read also: Rankings and Distinctions at UNR

R. Keith Shackleford, Esq.: Serving the Community Through Law and Public Office

R. Keith Shackleford, Esq., a member of Warren, Shackleford & Thomas PLLC, was sworn in as Town Commissioner for Wake Forest, NC, on December 21. His legal career has encompassed civil litigation, personal injury, and criminal law. Currently, he focuses on estate planning, probate administration, and civil litigation.

Vincent Kennedy McMahon: The Titan of Professional Wrestling

Vincent Kennedy McMahon is a dominant figure in the world of professional wrestling, serving as the chairman and CEO of WWE, the largest professional wrestling promotion globally. McMahon's involvement in wrestling spans decades. Before 1997, he was known as a jovial announcer. Later, he adopted the persona of "Mr. McMahon," a tyrannical character obsessed with control.

Eugene Payne: A Political Cartoonist with a Powerful Voice

Eugene Payne was an influential American political cartoonist and writer who worked for The Charlotte Observer. He received the 1967 Sigma Delta Chi Award for a cartoon that depicted President Lyndon B. Johnson on a bus holding a crying baby labeled "Vietnam War." The bus driver tells him "Dr. King says, would you please move to the back of the bus.” The cartoon highlighted the perception that the Vietnam War was overshadowing civil rights issues in the United States.

John Steven Campbell: The Rhythmic Backbone of Lamb of God

John Steven Campbell is a founding member and the bassist for the heavy metal band Lamb of God. He has been a constant presence in the band since its beginning.

William Richard (Rich) Stevens: A Pioneer in Computer Science Literature

William Richard (Rich) Stevens was a Northern Rhodesia-born American author renowned for his computer science books, particularly those focusing on UNIX and TCP/IP. He earned degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Systems Engineering. He worked as Vice President of Computing Services at Health Systems International before becoming an author and consultant in 1990. Stevens passed away in 1999 at the age of 48.

Read also: Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Kurt Cook: From Military Service to Motorsports

Kurt Cook transitioned from a career in the Army Special Forces to motorsports. After dedicating 10 years to service, training, and study, he earned his tab and green beret. Following his army career, Cook drove race cars for Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, NC.

Glen McClung, M.D.: Supporting Athletes Through Orthopaedic Care

Glen McClung, M.D., is an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor dedicated to supporting high school athletes. He emphasizes preventative methods to avoid injuries and focuses on initiating the recovery process when injuries occur.

Otto Felix: A Versatile Talent in Entertainment

Otto Felix was an actor, acting teacher, and still photographer. Before his acting career, he worked as a disc jockey in Florida. Felix appeared in over 350 TV commercials after moving to Hollywood in the early 1970s. He also authored books of poems, still photographs, and drawings. His photographs were featured in publications such as Time, People, Life, and Variety.

John Noonan: A Conservative Voice on National Security

John Noonan is an American conservative national security commentator and analyst. He served as the national security policy advisor to Jeb Bush during his presidential campaign and as a foreign policy advisor and speechwriter for Mitt Romney in 2012. He was also a principal defense writer for The Weekly Standard and a policy director of the Foreign Policy Initiative.

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