Celebrating Excellence: The Santa Barbara High School Wall of Fame

Santa Barbara High School (SBHS) proudly honors the remarkable achievements of its alumni through the Wall of Fame in the main hall, recognizing individuals who have excelled in their fields while embodying the values and spirit of SBHS. This year’s inductees are extraordinary examples of talent, leadership, and community impact.

David Muench’s journey from SBHS photographer for The Forge and Olive & Gold yearbook to internationally acclaimed landscape photographer is nothing short of extraordinary. A Varsity Football player and Key Club Secretary during his high school years, David dreamed of capturing the beauty of the natural world—a dream that began with a photograph published in Arizona Highways while he was still at SBHS. Over the following decades, his work celebrated landscapes of the American West and earned the admiration of peers like Ansel Adams, who recommended that 200 of David’s images be archived in the Center for Creative Photography. With over 60 books to his name, including several featuring Santa Barbara, David’s photography has enriched public understanding of national parks and inspired generations of artists.

Lorraine “Lori” Serena, former Homecoming Queen and SBHS Don, dedicated her life to art and community. After earning her BA and MA in Fine Arts from University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), she returned to SBHS as a beloved art teacher, transforming the school’s creative landscape. Her innovative holiday exhibitions turned the Santa Barbara Museum of Art into immersive worlds of imagination. Lori’s vision extended globally through Women Beyond Borders, a project connecting women artists across 50 countries, touching over 10,000 lives. Her legacy, now preserved at UCSB, continues to inspire artists worldwide.

Freda Murck’s impact on art history and U.S.-Asia cultural studies is profound. SBHS alumna and former Girls Swim Team Captain, she pursued art history at UCSB and Princeton University, later contributing her expertise to institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Forbidden City’s Palace Museum in Beijing. Freda’s scholarship spans Chinese visual culture, Song dynasty poetry in painting, and museum curation, with her discoveries featured in major collections worldwide. Her career reflects both intellectual rigor and a passion for cultural understanding.

Greg Tebbe’s contributions to SBHS exemplify dedication and vision. Senior Class President and Varsity Tennis co-captain during his student years, he carried his leadership into a successful career at Goldman Sachs, followed by a return to Santa Barbara to support his alma mater. Greg spearheaded fundraising campaigns that upgraded Peabody Stadium, J.R. Richards Gymnasium, and athletic facilities. As coach of Girls and Boys Tennis, he guided teams to 16 Channel League Championships, while also mentoring students in finance and entrepreneurship. Greg’s work with the SB Tennis Patrons ensures tennis opportunities for underserved youth, securing the sport’s future in the community.

Lynn Nisbet Fitzgibbons embodies the SBHS spirit of service and innovation. A founding member of the SBHS Girls Water Polo team, Lynn pursued a career in medicine, specializing in infectious diseases. Her work spans global volunteer efforts in Uganda, leadership in HIV and public health programs in Santa Barbara, and critical guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Honored as Woman of the Year for her community impact, she continues to shape the future of medicine as Vice-Chair of the Cottage Health Internal Review Board and Clinical Associate Professor at Keck-USC School of Medicine. An endowed chair in her name ensures her influence on medical education will endure.