The inductions were part of the school’s homecoming celebrations on Friday.

The two new Hall of Famers were honored with a luncheon, spoke to current Alpena High students at a homecoming assembly, participated in the homecoming parade, and then were honored before the homecoming football game against Traverse City Central.

FRANCIS

Francis graduated from Alpena High in 1992. After graduating, he pursued a mechanical engineering degree with an automotive speciality at GMI Engineering and Management Institute.

News Photo by Jonny Zawacki Garrett Francis, left, and Paul Dickinson are officially inducted into the Alpena High School Hall of Fame during halftime of the AHS football game on Friday.

“It was very exciting to get the call” announcing his induction, Francis said Friday. “Not being a particularly good athlete, when I heard about it, I was very surprised and honored that they were looking for this type of candidate for this honor.”

Francis has two graduate degrees: a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Manufacturing Engineering, both from the University of Michigan.

After working for Vallorec Star in various roles for 10 years, Francis was promoted in January to president of VAN USA in Houston.

Francis said Alpena High is a community that creates an expectation for students. Knowing that, he didn’t want to let anybody down while attending the school, and it was important for him to try his best to represent the school well.

Francis said he would tell current Alpena High students to take everything in, because it’s a great moment in their lives. And he would tell them to pursue their passions when they graduate.

Courtesy Photo Alpena High School homecoming queen Shelby Birch and king Alec Zielaskowski pose for a photo on Friday.

Francis’ sister, Heidi Wiley, was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year. Francis said it’s special that the two of them were inducted in back-to-back years.

“You get to follow your big sister, that’s always good,” Francis said. “I guess it’s fitting to have the opportunity to follow her in something like this.”

DICKINSON

Dickinson graduated in 1973. He attended Alpena Community College and then the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1982 and a master’s degree in architecture in 1984.

“When I got the call, it was a big surprise,” Dickinson said of learning of his induction. “I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Alpena’s in my blood. I love this place. As a student here, I couldn’t wait to leave and see what else is out there, and, as an adult, I just couldn’t wait to get back.”

He founded Integrated Architecture in Grand Rapids in 1988. The firm offers expertise in all aspects of sustainable architecture, planning, engineering, and interior and landscape design.

Dickinson has received professional awards during his career, including the International Good Green Design, International Design Award, AIA Committee on the Environment Green Building Award, and others.

Dickinson would tell current Alpena High students that Alpena is the perfect place to grow up, and he wouldn’t trade his time at the school with anything else.

“It gave me a foundation that prepared me and allowed me to do all kinds of things,” Dickinson said. “I would say, ‘Embrace it and have fun.’ It’s not just about school. This is a special night. It’s about friends that are lifelong, especially in Alpena. You carry these friendships forever.”

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989-358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.