Gerald Avery Smith. (Class of 81) is a Retired Master Sergeant and Disabled Veteran having served a combined 24 years in the United States Armed Forces between the U.S Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard (15 years of which was Active Duty). He served in the Security Forces Career Field and retired as his Unit First Sergeant. Upon his retirement he was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal.
NOTABLE HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS
Jim Contratto''49 CHS quarterback on the 1949 CIF Football Championship team. Named 1949 CIF football player of the year.
George Selleck ''52: A 5'7" basketball player named 1952 CIF player of the year. Woody Sauldsberry was a team mate of his on the 52 CHS team. George was a 4 year letterman and All American basketball player at Stanford University.
At CHS he was a member of the "Firehouse Five" basketball team who won 32 games and lost none.
Chuck Williams '32: Football coach of the 1949 Compton C.I.F Championship team, which was the first team in the history of Compton High to earn that title, Captain of the 1937 U.S.C football team. In 1937 his picture was published on the front cover of the 1937 Life Magazine.
Billy Coats '58: Was a member of the frist compton high state track championship team.He only lost one race in 3 years.
Note: If you know of any Compton High alum who should be added to this list, send the person's name, graduate year, and what he/she is noteworthy for to the CHSAA webmanager.
