Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Eddie Crawford

Eddie Crawford was a Social Worker, Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal, and Co-Principal at East. Eddie retired as Assistant Superintendent of the Duluth Public Schools. While working in the District, Crawford was instrumental in establishing the STAR Program for credit recovery, Saturday School, the Mandarin Language Program, On Line Learning, Elementary Language Immersion, and the East Foundation. Eddie is an active volunteer in many community programs, including the Northland Foundation, Duluth Sister Cities, Men As Peace Makers, and the YMCA Heritage Foundation. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at UMD supervising student teachers.

Anne (McDonnell) Hed

Anne Hed is a member of the Class of 1980. Anne became a triathlete and won several triathlons which qualified her to compete in many Triathlon World Championships. With her winnings from the Vermont Triathlon, she and husband Steve Hed co-founded Hed Cycling in 1984. It has become a world-renowned business known for its trailblazing innovations and hand-made products. Following the death of her husband, Anne continues to steer the company with new products and patents. Anne and her company are committed to supporting many worthy causes including the Lemond Ride for Special Olympics and Free Bikes for Kids.

Dennis (Denny) Hughes

Denny Hughes is a member of the Class of 1968 where he was elected Class President. Upon graduation, Hughes joined the Army and served as a medic in Viet Nam with the 101st Airborne. In 1973, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve serving in the 477th Medical Company for 23 years. He retired as a Captain and Company Commander. His military awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He began his civilian career as a letter carrier and ended his career as Duluth Postmaster. His volunteer work includes working with Disabled American Veterans, the Red Cross, Kiwanis, United Way, and St. Louis County Vets.

Peggy Kirsch

Peggy Kirsch was a member of the Class of 1977. She is recognized as the greatest golfer in the history of Duluth East. Peggy attended the University of Alabama where she graduated as an All-American in 1981. As a college freshman, she received national recognition, placing second in the 1978 Minnesota Women’s Golf Association stroke-play tournament. In 1979, Peggy advanced to the semi-finals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur match-play event which earned her a spot in the 1980 U.S. Open. She went on to play in nine U.S. Open tournaments and was a professional golf instructor for many years. Kirsch passed away in 2018.

James L. McGregor

James McGregor is a member of the Class of 1971. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Viet Nam where he earned a Bronze Star and The Purple Heart. Returning from Viet Nam with an interest in Asia, he graduated from the U of M with a degree in journalism. McGregor served as The Wall Street Journal's bureau chief in Taiwan and later as the paper's bureau chief in mainland China. In 1994, he became the CEO of Dow Jones & Company in China. Later, McGregor became managing partner in GIV Venture Partners. He has authored highly regarded books on China and is in high demand as an expert on China.

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