Redondo Remembers Ted Stevens

Redondo Union High School is flying its flag at half-mast in honor of one of its most famous alums, the late Sen. Ted Stevens.

Stevens, who died in an Alaska plane crash this week, transferred to the school in 1938, graduating in the class of '42. The Indianapolis native didn't stick around long afterward, but made a lasting impact nonetheless.

"He was one of our distinguished graduates," said Terry Brady Martinez, school archivist and class of '71. "When you go to Redondo, you hear that you could grow up to be a senator. Kids have heard that for decades."

According to Martinez, the Alaska legislator returned frequently for reunions and class activities, working with her on the school's centennial celebration in 2005. Stevens, who lobbied for Alaska's statehood before becoming appointed to senator in 1968, saluted the school in a book put together for that event.

"I transferred to RUHS in the fall of 1938, knowing no one," he wrote. "Yet, the school gave me a feeling of belonging – and I treasure my friendship with many members of the class of 1942 to this day."

Stevens served as Alaska senator for 40 years, losing his seat in 2008 in the wake of corruption charges thrown out last year.

Other notable RUHS alums include Pulitzer Prize winner in photography, Jack Gaunt, Tom and Dick Smothers and Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme.