The Dixon High School Hall of Fame Association held its annual Inductee Dinner on Nov. 8 at Madden Hall in the Dixon May Fair grounds, 655 South First Street. The evening’s theme, “By Honoring the Past, We Promote the Future,” guided the gathering.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon High School Hall of Fame Association held its annual Inductee Dinner on Nov. 8 at Madden Hall in the Dixon May Fair grounds, 655 South First Street. The evening’s theme, “By Honoring the Past, We Promote the Future,” guided the gathering.

The program began with socializing and a no-host cocktail hour from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45, with a salad course preceding a steak or vegetarian entrée. Live music set the tone as 30 tables filled with friends, family members, former classmates and current well-wishers. During the event, Dixon High School Athletics Association (DHSAA) sold drink tickets. The table was staffed by volunteers Raquel McMullen, Yvonne Lenhares and Katie Tully. According to Lenhares, a portion of ticket sales will support Dixon High School sports programs.

Dinner was catered by Bud’s Pub & Grill and a no-host bar, covered by the Lions Club, included alcohol supplied by the DHSAA. Sponsors for the event included MVP Sports Group, the Lozano Family and Nickum Holdings Inc. Each table was supplied with Taffy by Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm.

Live music set the tone as 30 tables filled with friends, family members, former classmates and current well-wishers. During the event, Dixon High School Athletics Association (DHSAA) sold drink tickets. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dixon High School sports programs. Photo by Nicolas Brown

At 8 p.m., master of ceremonies Sheila Barrett‑McCabe opened the induction ceremony with the national anthem and remarks acknowledging past inductees present. 

McCabe said, “When I think about my high-school experience, athletics and agriculture played important roles in my development… Tonight, we have the privilege to honor those with high character and athletic prowess. While we come together to honor Dixon High School’s athletic past, we also wish to honor our athletic future.”

Inducted into the Class of 2025 were: Dan Caldwell (Class of 1958), Cindy Duncan (Class of 1969), John Alarcon (Class of 1975), Keith Jones (Class of 1988), Patrick Denofrio (Class of 1991), Michelle Bello (Class of 2009), Madison Dwelley (Class of 2013), Coach Gabe Villasenor and Special Contributor Willis Simpson. Also recognized was the 1953-54 Boys’ Basketball Team (Coach Archie Yelle; Jerry A’Day, Bob Barker, Steve Bartok, Lonnie Cagle, Farrell Funston, Dave Mills, Dave Muller, Tino Munoz, Ronnie Parkhurst, John Simpson, Bob Younger).

Caldwell moved to Dixon in 1943 and achieved three varsity letters. He also helped lead the school to the 1956 YCAL Championship and the 1957 SCAL co-championship.

“Oh it’s fun to be recognized,” said Caldwell. “This is all brand new to me. I thought I was going in with the team, but they’re putting me in by myself. I was surprised and grateful.”

Duncan, a self-described “1950s tomboy,” was also honored, being one of the first female athletes to earn accolades at the school. Denofrio, unable to attend, was represented by his JV football coach, accepting on his behalf. Simpson’s son, John Simpson, accepted the award for his father. The team members present from the 1953-54 Boys’ Basketball Team were invited to the stage for recognition. Each inductee received a trophy and a plaque. The evening concluded with each inductee donning a green jacket, symbolizing their Hall-of-Fame status.

According to Michelle Bello, the class of 2009 Inductee, the event allows her to continue her family's legacy of athletic excellence.

Bello said, “Oh gosh, I mean, I’m definitely grateful, my cousin, my grandfather and dad have all been inducted, so it’s nice to continue the family legacy. I’m very thankful, even surprised. When you play sports, you don’t really think about accolades or recognition, so it’s nice to be appreciated.”

Also noted were the 2025 Dixon High School Male Student Athlete of the Year, Nathan Bloom, and the Female Student Athlete of the Year, Tatianna Treisman.

At the end of the ceremony, Inductees were gifted green jackets, confirming their hall-of-fame status. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Organizers reminded attendees that nominations for the Class of 2026 are open online and next year’s dinner is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2026.

The dignitaries and honorees celebrated alongside sponsors and volunteers who helped ensure the evening’s success, reinforcing the event’s goal of honoring past achievement while inspiring future generations of Dixon Rams.

Sponsors for the event included MVP Sports Group, the Lozano Family and Nickum Holdings Inc. Each table was also supplied with taffy by Silveyville Christmas Tree Farm. Photo by Nicolas Brown

For more information, visit dixonhighhalloffame.com or email [email protected].