Over the past 12 decades, the Amphitheater Unified School District has produced pro athletes, wealthy businesspeople and prominent politicians and educators.
The Amphi Foundation is celebrating the district’s legacy with a 120th anniversary gala at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday.
The night will include dinner and dancing, with music from harpist Christine Vivona and the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young cover band Five Way Street.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most famous and successful graduates of Amphi schools:
Brian Anderson (CDO, 2000) — A pitcher and outfielder, Anderson played in the majors from 2005 to 2009, most notably with the Chicago White Sox.
Michael Bates (Amphi, 1989) — A football and track athlete, Bates won an Olympic bronze medal in the 200-meter dash and played in the NFL from 1993 to 2003, making the Pro Bowl five times and being named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team after playing at the University of Arizona.
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Mario Bates (Amphi, 1991) — Michael’s brother played in the NFL from 1994 to 2000, entering the league as a second-round draft pick, after starring at Arizona State.
Alex Bowman (Ironwood Ridge, 2011) — A professional car-racing prodigy, Bowman has competed in ARCA and NASCAR’s Nationwide and Sprint Cup series. He was the 2012 ARCA Rookie of the Year.
Ka’Deem Carey (CDO, 2011) — The University of Arizona tailback was a two-time consensus All-American and has entered the NFL draft.
Chris Duncan (CDO, 1999) — A major-league outfielder and first baseman from 2005 to 2009, Duncan won a world title with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006.
Shelley Duncan (CDO, 1998) — The left fielder was a major leaguer for much of 2007 to 2013, winning a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 2009. He’s Chris’ older brother.
Erubiel Durazo (Amphi, 1993) — The first baseman played in the majors from 1999 to 2005, most memorably with the Arizona Diamondbacks, with whom he won a title in 2001.
Savannah Guthrie (Amphi, 1989) — A current NBC “Today” anchor and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade host, Guthrie has hosted “The Daily Rundown” and served as NBC’s White House correspondent.
Scott Hairston (CDO, 1999) — The left fielder has been a steady major-league player since 2004. He’s currently with the Washington Nationals.
Earl Hindman (Amphi, 1960) — Born in Bisbee, the actor appeared in more than 40 TV shows and movies. His most notable role was as the neighbor Wilson in the sitcom “Home Improvement.” He died in 2003.
Ed Hochuli (CDO, 1969) — An attorney, Hochuli has been an NFL referee since 1990. He has worked two Super Bowls.
Ian Kinsler (CDO, 2000) — A three-time American League All-Star second baseman, Kinsler has been the most successful baseball player in the impressive group of CDO grads. Now a member of the Detroit Tigers, he has been in the majors since 2006.
Arte Moreno (Amphi, 1966) — The billboard billionaire became owner of the Anaheim Angels in 2003.
Jonathan Rothschild (CDO, 1973) — An attorney by trade, Rothschild was elected as Tucson’s mayor in 2011.
Mark Udall (CDO, 1968) — A senator from Colorado, Udall also served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1999 to 2009.
Jon Volpe (Amphi, 1986) — A football running back who found success at Stanford University and in the Canadian Football League, Volpe is now chairman and CEO of Nova Home Loans.
