Two alumni inducted into East Hall of Fame

Alumni Susan Smith, Jeff Young honored

West Chester East High School recently inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame.

WEST CHESTER >> East High School recently inducted two new members into its Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees, Naval Commander Susan Smith and President/Executive Producer of ShadowBox Pictures Jeff Young, were honored at an induction ceremony in April.

After serving as Valedictorian for East High School’s 1995 graduating class, Smith enrolled in the United States Naval Academy.

“Females were not really accepted at the Naval Academy,” Smith told the crowd of students, staff and administrators. “I knew it was what I wanted to do and I had to fight for it. You have to fight for what you want.”

Commander Smith said her naval career gave her the chance to see the world and make a new family while doing it.

“People and relationships make the difference,” said Smith. “Care about people and be a mentor. Go and do something. Chase your dreams and work your butts off!”

Commander Smith has served her country for the last 17 years, including five deployments in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Commander Smith’s military decorations include the Air Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, Iraq and Afghanistan Campaign Medals, and Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service Medals. She is presently assigned to the Pentagon as part of an advisory group on the Navy Asia Pacific for the Chief of Naval Operations, the Secretary of the Navy, Secretary of Defense and the President.

Jeff Young is a 1980 graduate of East High School. While at East, Young earned varsity letters in football and lacrosse and took an interest in the visual arts, specifically film and television. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in business from West Virginia University.

After college graduation, Young wanted to work in the entertainment production industry but had a difficult time obtaining employment due to a lack of experience. Young offered to work for free for 30 days at Unique Product Placement in Burbank, California to prove that he was the man for the job. He made an impression, was hired, and promoted 60 days later to Director of Marketing. He was responsible for placing products on television shows such as Cheers, Family Ties, and Growing Pains.

“When you have a passion for something, you make it happen,” said Young. ‘’There may be challenges to get there, but it’s a fan-

tastic and exciting journey.”

ShadowBox Pictures, based in Yardley, Pennsylvania, has produced four feature films, and hundreds of infomercials and commercials including Johnson & Johnson, Church and Dwight, Dish Network, L.A. Weightloss, Turtle Wax, GSW, Merck and Tylenol.

Smith and Young’s portraits will be proudly displayed with the rest of East High School’s Hall of Fame members. The photos and plaques line the guidance hallway of the school.

“I would like to congratulate the two inductees to the East Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Kevin Fagan, Principal of East. “Your selection is a testament to your success not only in high school but in your chosen career as well.”

To be nominated to the East High School Hall of Fame, a candidate must have graduated at least 15 years ago.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Jeff Young (Class of 1980) and Naval Commander Susan Smith (Class of 1995) were inducted into the West Chester East Hall of Fame.