Ten Ballard High School alumni were honored at the Wall of Recognition ceremony this morning. Each of the alumni received an engraved marble paperweight and their portrait was added to the Wall of Recognition in the lobby of Ballard High School's main entrance.

Created by the Ballard High School Foundation in 1997, the Wall of Recognition honors BHS alumni who have been recognized by their peers for their achieved preeminence in their respective field.

Today's honorees included ice skating champion Deanne Beideck Olsen, real estate giant and philanthropist John Goodman, Mr. Ballard Jim Vatn, life-saving hero Tom McAdams, and six more well-established and celebrated BHS alumni.

"This is a great opportunity to welcome them back and thank them for the great things they've done to represent Ballard High School," said BHS Principal Keven Wynkoop in addressing the auditorium filled with students, staff, and guests.

"Students, for you to be here and hear these amazing achievements of our honorees should give you a challenge and inspire you to think of ways you can help people. It's up to you to fill that role for the next generation," Wynkoop said.

At the ceremony, the honorees' bios were read before each honoree came forward to receive applause and their engraved marble paperweight.

Jim Vatn's and Neil Twelker's wives received the souvenir for their late husbands. Douglas Scheumann represented his absent brother Richard Scheumann, and Gary Seefried represented his friend, Dennis Burns.

Charles Mullavey spoke on behalf of the ten honorees and reflected on Ballard's points of pride- the locks, the Eagles building, the Nordic heritage, and of course, the high school.

"There are so many things Ballard has done to make me fortunate to be a resident of Ballard," he said.

He also thanked the teachers, friends, and family who helped them reach their potential as well as the Ballard High School Foundation for the being "the finest high school foundation in Washington."

Please visit our previous coverage to read the biographies and achievements of the ten alumni.