Two Alpena High School graduates will be added to the Wildcat Wall of Fame during the school’s 2026 Homecoming festivities, recognizing careers in electrical work, higher education and aerospace engineering.
The Alpena Wildcat Alumni Hall of Fame Committee selected Chris Kauffman, Class of 2003, and Corey Brooker, Class of 1990, for induction. The ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 25, 2026, as part of Homecoming.
Chris Kauffman
Kauffman is already a Wildcat Athletic Hall of Famer for his Alpena High School football career. His professional work in the Alpena area has included serving as a master electrician with Thunder Bay Electric, a journeyman substation technician for Alpena Power and, most recently, a utility technology instructor at Alpena Community College.
Corey Brooker
Brooker’s interest in space exploration began when he was a fourth-grade student at Ella White Elementary School and watched the launch of Space Shuttle STS-2.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering in 1994 and a Master of Science degree in the same field in 1995, both from the University of Michigan. Brooker is now senior manager of mechanical engineering at Lockheed Martin Space, where he leads engineering teams working on national space initiatives.
According to the announcement, Brooker has contributed to the Atlas V, Delta IV, Orion and Next Generation Interceptor programs. He also has supported 25 successful space missions, including NASA’s Artemis II mission, which carried astronauts around the Moon in April 2026.
Hall of Fame nominations
Kauffman and Brooker will join other distinguished Alpena High School graduates on the Wildcat Wall of Fame in the school’s main-office lobby.
Nominees must demonstrate the pride and spirit of Alpena High School, distinguish themselves in their careers, communities and society, and have been out of high school for at least 10 years. Nominations are accepted annually through April 15. Information about submitting a candidate is available through the alumni news and resources section of the Alpena Public Schools website.