Photos Courtesy of Wakefield High School

Wakefield High School will honor three new inductees into its Hall of Fame at the Alumni Banquet in May. Jean Rankin Hogan, Class of 1922, is recognized for her exceptional musical talent. A gifted violinist, she studied under renowned musician J. Abbie Hogan and later formed a successful all-female orchestra known as the “Brick Tops” and “Blue Belles.” The group toured nationwide and earned acclaim as “America’s Greatest Girl Orchestra.”

Also being inducted is longtime teacher and coach Ben Witty, who dedicated decades to Wakefield High School. After serving in the U.S. Army and teaching elsewhere, Witty arrived in Wakefield in 1982 and remained until retirement, continuing to mentor students even afterward. He coached football, track, and basketball, including the 1988 State 1A championship track team.

The 1984 and 1985 girls’ state champion cross country teams will also be inducted. They remain the only WHS girls’ teams to win state titles, with multiple runners earning top-10 individual finishes.