Members of the 1975 Class B Baseball State Champions recently inducted into the Superior Hall of Fame.
The Superior Hall of Fame recently hosted its signature event the Hall of Fame Induction. The Hall of Fame has been recognizing outstanding alumni of Superior High School for 16 years. The organization was formed to honor and recognize esteemed alumni and educators from the Superior High School. To date there has been 13 inductions where they have recognized 81 individual alumni and educators and eight athletic teams.
This year the SHS Hall of Fame inducted three alumni, William Bribiescas, Emily Costello and Gema Duarte Luna, and the 1975 Class B Baseball State Champions. The ceremony had well over 120 guests in attendance at the event, and the meal was catered by the Superior High School Culinary department.
Gema Duarte Luna receives her award.
Gema Duarte Luna, a graduate of the Superior High School class of 1981, was inducted into the Superior High School Hall of Fame. She began her career as the Research Director for KPNX Channel 12, where she conducted demographic ratings analysis and managed a consumer database that introduced her to psychographics; the study of understanding consumers based on their needs, values and life experiences. This opportunity and experience led her to a career in marketing and passion for understanding diverse market segments. She served as a Vice President for Bank of America Affinity Markets Relationship Manager. Following her career with Bank of America, she continued her career as a Market Segment Manager for The Arizona Republic. Her marketing and research background put her on the front lines of understanding the importance of data driven decision making and the value of diversity.
Gema always maintained an interest and advocacy for public education. She transitioned from a career in corporate marketing to open her own business, Duarte-Luna Consulting LLC, where she has worked exclusively with the Arizona State University Office of University Affairs in advancing their community engagement efforts, fund development strategies and student outreach programs. She has also been the recipient of multiple recognitions and awards including the ASU Young Alumni Award, Woman of the Year at the Latina Excellence Awards and the Latino Legacy Award at the Arizona Hispanic Chamber 50th Anniversary Black and White.
She and her husband Paul Luna were honored by Valle del Sol Profiles of Success Raul Yzaguirre Community Leadership Award.
Emily Costello receives her award.
Emily Costello graduated from Superior High School in 1981. Following a corporate human resources director career for a Fortune 500 company, Emily became a full time professional artist 15 years ago. Emily has had her work exhibited in galleries across the Southwest. She has been a commissioned artist for BIC Lighters, the Arizona Lottery and her artwork is owned by various corporate collections including Helios Education Foundation, W.P. Carey School of Business A.S.U., Wells Fargo, St. Vincent de Paul, the Arizona Lottery, and the City of Scottsdale. Her artwork has been commissioned by the Arizona Commission of the Arts, Saint Mary’s Basilica, Chicanos Por La Causa, Phoenix New Times, and the Heard Museum. Her artwork was also featured in the hit ABC television show Nashville. Most recently Emily was selected to create a public art piece for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum for their Centennial Celebration, which will a find a permanent home in downtown Superior.
She has taught art classes for at risk children, and has served on many art focussed boards and commissions in the Phoenix Metro Area. She was on a public art team with Martin Moreno to design and construct the Valley-Metro South Phoenix Light Rail art project.
She is also the recipient of several prestigious awards including the Arizona State University Latino Faculty and Staff Association’s Alberto Alvaro Rios Sange de Arte Award for affecting the community though the arts and was named one of the 2019 Latino entrepreneurs of the year by Cox Communications, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Presna Arizona. She was also the recipient of Valle Del Sol’s Profiles of Success Spirit and Culture Awards in 2021.
William Bribiescas’ sons receive his award.
William Bribiescas Superior High School Class of 1980, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his individual athletic abilities and championships, in addition to his military career and lifelong dedication as an immigration officer, eventually serving as an immigration court attorney. William was one of the first runners to join the Cross Country team at SHS. He eventually became the number one runner for the team and was Superior’s first Cross Country State Champion. He also won state titles in the one-mile and two-mile runs in the State Championship for Class B, which is now considered 2A by the Arizona Interscholastic Association. William’s records are still standing in the AIA state record book. It was noted in Williams bio that he had a great memory and remembering sports statistics for many Panther athletes.
William and his significant other, Ruby Cervantes, enjoy living in Superior and going to karaoke nights. William passed unexpectedly in 2023 and his award was posthumously accepted by his sister, Sonia, and his son, William Bribiescas Jr.
The members of the 1975 Boys Baseball Team were also inducted to the Hall of Fame. The team had the stats of 17 wins and four losses for the 1975 season. They beat Mojave in a 5-4 win for the State Championship. Members of the team inducted were: John Diaz-Gonzales, Daniel Padilla, Eddie Gomez, Frank Campos, Louie Rabago, Ben Alonzo, Doug Cox, Larry Morales, Art “Tudy” Ybarra, John Saenz, Michael Hing, Jim Padilla, Gene Florez, Victor Navarro, Gilbert Gonzales, and coach Frank Campos.
The Superior Hall of Fame organization inducts a new class of alumni and educators every other year and celebrates a reunion of Hall of Fame inductees on the opposite years. The organization does accept memberships and donations to help support the work of the Hall of Fame. For more information on the organization, please contact Arlynn Godinez at 520-827-0433.