Two '67 Badgers on Ballot for Hall of Fame!

The Tucson High Badger Foundation released its ballot for their 2026 Hall of Fame, and TWO of our own graduates are candidates!  

Who are they?  Listed in alphabetical order by last name with accompanying bios:

Theressa A. “Terri” Jackson, Class of 1967

Community Leader

Theressa Ann Jackson is a trailblazer who learned the value of education, civic engagement, and philanthropy from her parents, both life-long educators.

Terri entered first grade at a previously all-white school in Topeka, Kansas, only one year following the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, being a true groundbreaker in public school racial integration.

At Tucson High, she was a well-rounded student (Marching 100 Band, Pirouettes/Terpsi Dance, Girls League service organization, GAA, Student Council, Spanish Club). She attended Arizona Western College before completing her Sociology degree at Arizona State University. At ASU she and eight other young women founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority on campus. She later earned a master’s in Organizational Management and a Storytelling Certification.

Terri stayed in Phoenix after college and balanced a 40-year administrative career at Maricopa County Superior Court with extensive volunteering. For 18 years, she produced/hosted the television show “Get It On,” highlighting stories in the Black community—long before The Oprah Winfrey Show aired. She was selected for Valley Leadership Class 6 and served on the Black Board of Directors Project.

For several years, Terri was chair of the Phoenix NAACP ACT-SO Program, taking students to national competitions focusing on academics and humanities. Governor Napolitano appointed her as a presenting delegate at the 2008 Symposium on Women’s Issues in China.

She served on multiple boards herself, including the Phoenix YWCA, Children’s Activity Museum, Tumbleweed Center, Desert Southwest Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association, National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, and National Association of Pretrial Service Agencies.

After retirement, Terri’s name was etched onto a Maricopa County Pillar of Honor for exceptional service. She is currently fulfilling appointments to the Phoenix Women’s Commission and Human Relations Commission. Additionally, she volunteers for Read Across America and 1st Friday READ-IN for elementary students.

As a NAACP lifetime member, African American Women’s Giving Circle participant, Delta Sigma Theta alumni club member, and philanthropist, her stated life purpose is “To assist in the development of girls and women into global leadership positions.” Theressa Jackson’s accomplishments are an inspiration for all Tucson High Badgers, young and old.

Albert “Al” Pesqueira, Class of 1967

Fire Fighter, Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief, TUSD Substitute Teacher, TUSD School Security, TUSD Exceptional Ed Para-Professional

                    

Albert "Al" Pesqueira is considered a distinguished alumnus of Tucson High School. Chief Pesqueira's life exemplifies the enduring values of service, leadership, and dedication to community that Tucson High instills in its students.

A lifelong Tucsonan and proud Badger, Al Pesqueira followed his siblings into Tucson High, becoming part of a multigenerational family legacy within our school community. That early foundation of service and responsibility shaped a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in public safety and civic leadership. Chief Pesqueira served the Tucson Fire Department for over 27 years, rising through the ranks to Battalion Chief and Assistant Fire Chief, before continuing his service as Assistant Chief with the Northwest Fire District. His work touched nearly every aspect of fire service emergency response, fire prevention, training, administration, and community outreach—always with a focus on protecting and educating the public.

Throughout his career, Chief Pesqueira stood on the front lines during some of Tucson's most defining and tragic moments, including the 1970 Pioneer Hotel Fire and the 2011 mass shooting.

His leadership during and after these events helped shape lasting public safety reforms and reinforced the importance of community-centered service. Beyond emergency response, he has given countless hours as a volunteer and board member for organizations dedicated to public accountability, drug abuse prevention, firefighter health, and regional fire district governance.

Notably, after completing his fire service career, Albert Pesqueira returned home to Tucson High School to serve the next generation of Badgers. As a substitute teacher, campus monitor, and now as a paraprofessional supporting students with emotional disabilities, he continues to give back daily providing stability, mentorship, and compassion to students who need it most.

Chief Pesqueira's lifelong commitment to Tucson and Tucson High represents the very best of the Badger spirit.

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Vote for Terri.  Vote for Al.  Badger Foundation members have until May 31 to cast their ballots. 

Not a member?  Join NOW and vote by Wednesday, May 20.

    https://www.badgerfoundation.org/membership-form

Carry On!  And cross your fingers for our very worthy candidates!

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