Hall of Fame 2007
I. The Distinguished Knight in Shining Armor Alumni Award:
Diana Becton Smith ‘69
- “The Honorable Diana Becton Smith is a Superior Court Judge in Contra Costa County. She was appointed in 1995. Judge Smith is an inspiration for Castlemont students. After graduating from Castlemont, she went to San Francisco State University. She attended law school at night, while raising two young sons and working for the City of Richmond, supervising Housing Finance and Development. She graduated from Golden Gate University Law School in 1985 and started her own law practice in 1993. Judge Smith volunteers almost every year at Castlemont’s Career Day, putting on workshops about the legal profession. She also is a co-founder and Board member of the Castlemont HS Alumni Association, contributing significantly to its success.”
Myrna Baston
- “A counselor at Castlemont High School for nearly 15 years, Ms. Baston is the ‘Scholarship guru’. She has helped many students receive scholarships. She always goes the extra mile for students and demonstrates a genuine love and care for students. She was the first person to coordinate Career Day, inviting alumni and other professionals to inform students about different career possibilities and encourage them to believe in themselves. Even after her retirement, Ms. Baston volunteers as a scholarship consultant at Castlemont. She was awarded ‘Outstanding Volunteer’ by the Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute and ‘Outstanding Educator” by Brookins A.M.E. Church. She is pictured among ‘Outstanding Black Women’ at the Brookfiled Library in 1985.”
Mel J. Caughell, June ‘41
- “The rightful owner of the title, ‘Mr. Castlemont’.” Many years of strong service to Castlemont, particularly in the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Served 16 years on the Oakland School Board in ‘50s and ‘60s and perhaps ‘70s. Oakland Rotary since 30 years. A leader in campaigns of ‘40s & ‘50s Son Tong Athletic field and swimming pool at Castlemont as well as feed in Alumnus Operettes, etc. Rotary service includes annual speech contest for high school students, rosenert commander.” “He was instrumental in getting the first swimming pool built and first grass field in the OAL for Castlemont. He helped get scholarships for many kids. He helped some of them get summer jobs. If there is a function that involved Castlemont, Mel would be there.”
Lloyd Duck, June ‘48
- “Lloyd was an outstanding athlete at Castlemont in both football and baseball, but his leadership in leading the annual Knights athletic reunion which attracted upwards of 100 former sports guests at Francesco’s for many years was truly unique. The award will be precious, much deserved.”
