Brighton High has a long-standing tradition of recognizing residents and student-athletes who distinguish themselves and bring honor to the community. This recognition happens periodically in a formal wall of fame induction ceremony after candidates are identified, nominated and finally approved by Brighton’s Wall of Fame committee. 

Brighton Wall of Fame Chair Brett Nilsson (BHS ‘75) notes, “We think it’s important to recognize distinguished alumni, faculty, administrators and others closely associated with Brighton High School for high achievements in career and community pursuits. We hope it inspires our current students and other associates to set high standards and expectations for themselves in both current and future endeavors.”

Marielle MacKay Rawle (BHS class of 1985) is a 2025 inductee onto the Brighton High Wall of Fame. (Brighton High School)

Brighton’s athletic department maintains a separate Athletic Hall of Fame. This hall of fame honors Brighton athletes who have excelled at their chosen sport in high school or at the next levels. It is prominently located in the north lobby of the athletic building on campus and highlights great Bengals such as Long Guttierez (Olympic swimmer), Sean Hagen (baseball MLB draftee), Garner Meads (basketball McDonalds All American), Cam Jones (wrestling 3x state champion and All American), Mike Hague (football 5A MVP), Dani Barton (volleyball and basketball star currently playing professional volleyball) and Annette Ausseresses (softball gold medal winner with Women’s Pan American softball team). 

Lynn Moncur, Brighton’s former athletic director and longtime Brighton teacher/coach who put the athletic hall of fame together in 2022 said, “Brighton has produced a wealth of high-achieving elite athletes across many sports. It was a culmination for me to formally honor so many who have called Brighton their home school.”

The Brighton Wall of Fame display in the main hall of the academic building on Brighton’s campus honors alumni and community members such as David Neeleman (BHS ‘77) who founded JetBlue, Azul and Breeze airlines, Tristan Gale (BHS ‘99) a Brighton track star who went on to win Olympic gold in the skeleton event in 2002, Mark Montague (BHS ‘71) who was an accomplished coach and educator, Brad Steinke (BHS ‘79) who is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and news anchor, and Dr. Paul Kirby who funds an endowment for annual scholarships at Brighton and Hillcrest. 

Doug Peterson (BHS ‘75) and Marielle MacKay Rawle (BHS ‘85) are the newest recipients of the Wall of Fame recognition. Both have distinguished themselves for their lasting contributions to Brighton High School and to the community. 

Petersen, who receives the award posthumously, was a two-sport Brighton athlete (football and wrestling) who made his mark as a successful businessman and community servant. He was an influential member of the Cottonwood Heights City Council at the time of his passing in 2023. 

Cathy Petersen, Doug’s widow, recalls “Doug’s radiant smile was matched by his boundless, loving heart. He was always ready to lend a hand or offer his friendship. His joy in serving others and bringing laughter, even in the toughest moments, was a gift that lifted spirits and forged lasting connections. Doug’s legacy of kindness and humor will forever shine in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.” Petersen’s son Tanner attributes his own success to his father’s example of selfless service. “My father would involve me in helping someone in the community and then end the work with the comment 'doesn't it just make you feel good when you can help someone else?’” he said.

Dallin Petersen summed up his thoughts on his father being recognized as a Wall of Fame honoree: “This induction profoundly moves me. My dad, Doug Petersen, was everyone’s best friend—always warm, with a story or helping hand. For Brighton to honor him is the community’s way of saying, ‘We remember.’ Seeing his name in the school’s history is a deeply proud moment for me. His legacy of kindness and connection lives on, inspiring us. I’m incredibly proud to be his son and see Brighton, a place he loved, celebrate him.”

Rawle's career is deeply interwoven with the history and community of Brighton. As a dedicated educator, her journey began as a teacher at her alma mater, Brighton High, where she first cultivated her commitment to student success and community involvement. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her progression into school administration. She went on to serve as a vice principal at Corner Canyon High School, gaining invaluable leadership experience in a neighboring district school. Now, in a fitting return, Rawle has achieved a significant milestone: she is the first-ever Bengal alumnus to serve as the principal of Brighton, a testament to her deep connection to the school and her distinguished service in education. 

The consummate educator, Rawle responded to the Wall of Fame honor by saying, “To be recognized by my alma mater as a Wall of Fame recipient is something I never would have imagined when I attended Brighton High School as a student. It is truly an honor. I am humbled and hope that as a school, we can help every student who walks through our doors see their potential.” 

Brayden Stevens, a former student in one of Rawle’s class remembers, “Mrs. Rawle was the kind of teacher who has a lasting impact on students’ lives.”

Tom Sherwood, director of High Schools at Canyons School District, remarked, “Marielle Rawle is an exceptional human being. She has a unique ability to provide excellent leadership through a service and kindness lens. She has a special touch in her personal interactions that make people feel her sincere love and hope for them.” A fellow graduate of Brighton’s 1985 class, Krista Cullimore, quipped, “Her commitment to Brighton is as high as her bangs in the ’80s.” 

James Hodges, a career educator at Brighton, noted, "Marielle has been an invaluable asset to Brighton High since the day she joined our faculty. I have consistently witnessed her generosity, strong organizational skills and kindness, paired with a sharp intuition for how to best support both students and teachers. She is, by definition, a teacher’s teacher, and her administrative abilities reflect that same level of dedication and excellence. Marielle is exceptionally generous with students and with her time, and she is an outstanding colleague. I feel truly fortunate to have her as my principal."

The announcement of these Wall of Fame inductees was made at the September homecoming football celebration where alumni from across Brighton’s 55 years gathered. A formal induction ceremony will take place in 2026. Nomination for future Brighton Wall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame candidates can be sent to [email protected].