did you know some of your North Penn classmates are famous?
Brenda Robinson, Class of '74
U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Brenda E. Robinson was the first African American woman to become a U.S. naval aviator. LCDR Robinson's flying experiences were wide-ranging, including 115 aircraft carrier landings, bomb disposal team transport out of Guam, and missions in gulf wars Desert Shield and Storm. Other firsts include certification for the C-1A carrier onboard delivery. Upon retiring from the Navy Brenda became a commercial pilot for American Airlines, founded the Aviation Camp for the Carolinas, and has authored two books.
John Oates, Class of '66
John Oates is an award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter and record producer, best known as half of the duo Hall and Oates. He has written or co-written many songs including "Sara Smile", "She's Gone" and "Maneater", as well as individual songs, having launched his solo career in 1999. John continues to perform both with his musical partner Daryl Hall, with other musicians, and as a solo act. He was inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. His memoir Change of Seasons was published in 2017.
Brandon McManus, Class of '09
Brandon McManus is a kicker for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. He sports a Super Bowl ring as a member of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 championship team. Brandon played a key role in that game by kicking three field goals in three attempts, and an extra point kick propelled the Broncos to a victory. Among other notable successes, in 2020, Brandon kicked a game-winning 53-yard field goal against the Jets, and was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. We'll be looking for another great run with the Jags.
Jay Caufield, Class of '78
Jay Caufield is a former right winger in the National Hockey League, whose career spanned from 1985 to 1994. He signed with the New York Rangers in 1985, playing 13 games in the 1986-1987 season, accumulating 45 penalty minutes. Most notably, Jay played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, establishing himself as an enforcer in in most of five seasons between 1988 and 1993. His time with the Penguins included their Stanley Cup Championship in the 1991-1992 season. Jay currently works as an analyst on AT&T's SportsNet Pittsburgh on the Penguins Pregame & Postgame.