Meet 5 Pueblo South High School alumni who just got inducted into the Colts Hall of Fame

Five Pueblo South High School alumni were inducted into the school Hall of Fame during a special dinner Sunday.

Members of the Colts Hall of Fame inductee class of 2024 include Ed Carleo, Dr. Penne Wilson, Thomas Mauro. Dr. Jo-Anna Reems, and Dr. Chris Stjernholm.

Ed Carleo

Ed Carleo, who graduated in the South High School class of 1965, served as the executive director and CEO of the Cheyenne YMCA, marking "a period of transformative growth and expansion for the organization," according to the South High School Alumni Foundation.

During his tenure, he "introduced innovative programs that significantly benefited the community, particularly families and veterans," according to the alumni association. "Ed's vision and drive led to the creation of a comprehensive wellness center, the enhancement of childcare services, and the development of specialized programs that underscored his commitment to supporting those in need."

"Beyond his professional achievements, Carleo's volunteer efforts, especially with veterans, have showcased his compassion and unwavering dedication to giving back to the community, the alumni association concluded. "His work has not only improved the lives of countless individuals but also served as a beacon of leadership and philanthropy."

Dr. Penne Wilson

Wilson, an alumna of the class of 1966, had a long academic journey, including earning a bachelor of arts from the University of Southern Colorado (now Colorado State University-Pueblo), a master of arts and a Ph.D. in Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology, both from the University of New Mexico, according to the alumni foundation.

In the field of education, Wilson began teaching in Albuquerque Public Schools in 1982. Since then, she served as an assistant principal in Albuquerque, and served as principal of Ralph J. Bunche Academy Charter School from July 2009 to June 2014, during which time she also served as an adjunct professor at Lewis Academy. She has since retired from full-time work to serve as a substitute teacher in Washington.

"Her groundbreaking initiatives, including collaborative projects with prestigious institutions and government bodies, showcased her pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing educational technology, said the South High Alumni Foundation. "Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Wilson's commitment to equity in education and community service has left an indelible mark, exemplified by her recognition as National Geographic's Teacher of the Year and her transformative leadership at Ralph J. Bunche Academy, where she tirelessly worked to empower students and uplift underserved communities."

Thomas Mauro

Mauro, a member of the class of 1965, made his career in technology and banking after earning a master of computer science from the University of Colorado and a magna cum laude professional engineer degree in mathematics and geophysics from Colorado School of Mines.

Mauro worked at FirstBank Data Corporation and Wells Fargo Services, where he led the development andimplementation of transformative technological solutions and strategic initiatives," according to the alumni association.

Beyond his corporate successes, Mauro played a foundational role in establishing Destination Imagination, aglobal nonprofit that cultivates creativity and problem-solving skills among students worldwide. His pivotal contributions to the South High School Alumni Foundation, as one of its founding members, underscore his deep commitment to enhancing the educational landscape and community welfare of South High School."

Dr. Jo-Anna Reems

Reems, a member of the class of 1969, was inducted for her "excellence and dedication to her pioneering work in the field of medicine and science."

Reems earned a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Colorado Health Sciences center in 1992, according to her Linkedin page.

"Her postgraduate pursuits culminated in a doctorate in biochemistry, laying the groundwork for a career characterized by groundbreaking discoveries in biotherapies and cellular therapies," said the alumni foundation.

"With a focus on hematopoietic stem cell research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Dr. Reems has been instrumental in developing innovative treatments for debilitating diseases, including strategies for platelet production and the advancement of umbilical cord blood banks," they said. Reems worked at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from 1992 to 1996, according to her Linkedin.

Reems has also been published 80 times in peer-reviewed journals, according to the foundation. She also served as an associate professor and then professor at the University of Utah from 2012-2020, where she also held the title of scientific director of cell therapy and regenerative medicine, according to her Linkedin.

Dr. Chris Stjernholm

Stjerholm. a member of the class of 1965, had a distinguished career as a cardiologist, according to the foundation.

After graduating from the Colorado University School of Medicine, Stjernholm worked at the Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. In 1985 he returned to Pueblo, helping to establish the Pueblo Cardiologist Associates organization.

"This move consolidated nearly all practicing cardiologists under one roof, markedly improving cardiac healthcare availability in Pueblo and southern Colorado," said the foundation. "Alongside his wife, Judy, Chris hasalso been a steadfast supporter of local education and health initiatives, contributing significantly to the welfare of the Pueblo community."

About the Alumni Foundation

The Pueblo South High Alumni Foundation was founded in 2006 by a group of alumni and serves to recognize and honor alumni, to support existing programs while developing innovative initiatives, and to uphold the institutional mission of South High School, according to its mission statement.

Over the last 15 years, the foundation has raised about $800,000 to support programs at the school, according to Mike Carlisle, president of the alumni foundation.

That money is spent to support the school and the children at South High School. One of the largest contributions made by the foundation was approximately 10 years ago to redo the courtyard of South High School, said Carlisle. The foundation has also provided funding for sports uniforms, the reconstruction of an outbuilding for sports, technology for education such as iPads, Chromebooks, and graphing calculators, supporting after-prom events, and supporting the Colts Closet program, which provides clothing, food, school supplies, and hygiene products for students in need, according to an event program obtained by the Chieftain.

The money is primarily raised through the yearly Hall of Fame dinner, as well as individual donations and sponsorships, said Carlisle. "We're lucky to have alumni that have done well in business and made major contributions to the Hall of Fame dinner and sponsorships, so we do a dinner every year honoring at least three or four people," he said. So far, 90 people have been inducted into the South High Hall of Fame, including the class of 2024, all of whom are listed on the foundation website.

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This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo South High School Alumni Foundation inducts 5 to Hall of Fame