Edison 2026 Alumni HOF Inductees
Edison High School is pleased to announce their 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame recipients. The 2026 class includes: Jeff Kunze (2000), Rosemary Coffey Kunze (1999), Michael Perry (1980), David Montano (1970), and Kendra Tarrant Rosales (2000)
These former Chargers will be inducted in a ceremony on Wednesday October 7, 2026 in the Edison Cafeteria. Their pictures and bios will be posted here on our web site. To attend the banquet dinner cost is $40 and reservations can be made through Bruce Belcher at bwbelcher@gmail.com.
David R. Montaño (1970) graduated from Edison as class Valedictorian and proceeded to become an academic leader at regional, national and international levels in music education and piano pedagogy. He holds many degrees, which include a Doctor of Musical Arts in music education, with emphasis in piano pedagogy, from the University of Missouri at Kansas City; a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Arizona at Tucson; a Master of Computer Information Systems from the University of Denver; and a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from Indiana University at Bloomington. He also holds Licentiate and Associate Performer’s Diplomas from Trinity College of Music, London, as well as designation as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in piano by the Music Teachers National Association.
As a professor at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music for 34 years, Dr. Montaño founded a comprehensive graduate program in piano pedagogy, created multiple innovative undergraduate and graduate courses, and continually sought ways to make music accessible and meaningful to diverse learners. He also performed in numerous concerts, including as piano soloist with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra.
David’s influence has extended beyond the DU campus. He has presented his work on five continents, published in leading journals, co-authored a textbook, continues to create and publish MIDI files for pianists’ use in practicing piano concertos with a software-instrument orchestra that synchronizes with the performer, and has held key editorial and leadership roles in the International Society for Music Education, the National Association for Music Education, the Music Teachers National Association and The College Music Society. He devised many of his national and international conference presentations and publications to contribute to worldwide efforts in advancing the evolutions of missions and curricula of schools of music for 21st-century human societies.
Jeff Kunze (2000) went on to attend CSU Dominguez Hills on a full soccer scholarship. During his freshman year his team won the national championship. After earning a B.S. in Business he stayed on as a Grad Assistant while completing his MBA.
While in grad school, Jeff went through the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) personal training certification program and began working as a personal trainer. After six years of training clients he knew it was his calling and went back to school and earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from CSU Northridge. Practicing outpatient orthopedics he started his own mobile PT business, primarily treating first responders including fire and police.
Jeff continues to play Soccer and working out daily while also practicing jiu-jitsu and surfing.
After experiencing the tragic loss of their son, Hendrix, Jeff and his wife Rosemary along with close friends Kendra and David Rosales created the BraveOne’s Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resources that allow children in need to focus on the joys of being a child. It was founded in 2018 to honor Hendrix who was born with a very rare genetic disorder called OTUD5 and passed away just after his first birthday. Through the Kunzes’ personal experience, they discovered that patients of the Neuroscience Unit often have conditions that last a lifetime, such as epilepsy, autism & cerebral palsy, & typically experience regular hospital visits and require ongoing medical attention. Thus, CHOC, especially the Neuroscience Unit, will always have a special place in both the Kunzes’ and Rosales’ hearts.
In an effort to raise funds for current campaigns and connect with their tribe, BraveOnes hosts an annual HangOut for Hendrix Anti-Gala in the Fall and Bowl-a-thon in the Spring. Through programs such as Meaningful Meals and Toys for Joy, community partnerships and fundraising efforts they have generated more than $350,000 towards creating childhood joy for children in need in Southern California.
Rosemary Coffey Kunze, (1999) is an educator, nonprofit leader, and community advocate dedicated to helping others reach their full potential. After graduating from Edison High School, she attended California State University, Long Beach and Concordia University Irvine, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Foundational Mathematics Credential, and a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction.
Rose’s commitment to service began early in her career through her work with developmentally disabled adults, where she designed and led social programs, community activities, and travel experiences that fostered independence and connection. This passion for empowering others led her into education, where she has spent more than two decades supporting students and families.
Throughout her career, Rose has served as a teacher, instructional leader, mentor, and program director. She has worked in both Westminster and Fountain Valley school districts and held leadership roles at Pegasus School, Kinetic Academy, and High School Inc. Academies. She currently serves as a Math Intervention Support Teacher at Cabrillo Point Academy, where she helps students build confidence, strengthen academic skills, and achieve success.
In 2018, following the loss of her son, Hendrix, who was born with the rare genetic disorder OTUD5, Rose co-founded the Brave Ones Foundation. Through fundraising events, community partnerships, and programs such as Meaningful Meals and Toys for Joy, the organization has raised more than $400,000 to bring comfort, support, and childhood joy to children and families throughout Southern California. In recognition of its impact, Brave Ones Foundation was honored as the 2023 Outstanding Foundation of the Year at Children’s Hospital of Orange County’s annual Charley Awards.
Whether in the classroom or the community, Rose’s work is guided by compassion, service, and a belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Her dedication to education, leadership, and philanthropy continues to create a lasting impact on the lives of students and families.
After leaving Edison Michael Perry (1980) attended the University of Southern California where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Critical Studies of Cinema. At USC, he directed television commercials and music videos, then migrated to sound engineering and record producing. After completing his film education Michael went to work for the Anaheim Fire Department as an Engineer and Paramedic where he created PSAs for the City of Anaheim. After 32 years with the fire department, he now fully devotes his time as a filmmaker, music producer and artist.
In 2022, his film “Saturday Night” premiered at the internationally recognized HollyShorts film festival in Hollywood, Ca. the production was noted as one of the best dance/drama films of the year.
His 2023 Michael’s film “Walls” first received recognition from the LA Shorts International Film Festival as one of the top then film entries. It was then awarded Top Animation at the prestigious Chelsea Film Festival in NYC.
He and his wife Amy, have been actively involved in supporting emerging independent film makers through coaching and consulting. They have created the Young Innovator Award, which provides scholarships to Orange County high school students who demonstrate innovation, creativity and dedication in fields such as technology, healthcare and AI. They are involved in the Make a Difference Opportunity (MADO) at UC Irvine in a program called UC Cosmos (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science as well as the T22 Foundation founded by Kansas City Chiefs (now a LA Ram) player Trent McDuffie focusing on youth development and community support.
After Edison, Kendra Tarrant Rosales (2000) pursued her passion for education at California State University, Long Beach, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education with a minor in Psychology in 2005. She continued her academic journey at California State University, Fullerton, where she earned a Master of Science in Educational Leadership in 2010.
In fall 2005, she returned to her high school alma mater to begin her career in the classroom. Over the next 15 years, she taught mathematics at every level—from foundational Algebra to first-semester Calculus. Known for her ability to connect with students and make complex concepts accessible, she became a respected educator and mentor on campus.
Her impact extended far beyond the classroom. From 2006 to 2011, she served as Edison High School’s Head Varsity Softball Coach, leading the 2009 team to a historic Sunset League Championship—the school’s first since the 1980s. That same year, she was honored as the Los Angeles Times Coach of the Year, a testament to her leadership, dedication, and ability to inspire excellence.
Throughout her time at Edison, she took on numerous leadership roles, including Math Department Chair and WASC Coordinator, helping guide school-wide improvement and accreditation efforts. Her influence expanded to the district level, where she served as a District Math Facilitator and New Teacher Induction Coordinator. In 2021, she led a team of educators and administrators in designing and launching the district’s first New Teacher Induction Program.
In fall 2024, she stepped into her current role as Assistant Principal at Ocean View High School, marking a new chapter in her leadership journey. In this role, she oversees Activities, Curriculum and Instruction, and supports both the Math and Special Education departments—continuing her commitment to student success and the growth of educators
After the tragic loss of the Kunzes’ son, Hendrix, Kendra and her husband David joined them in creating the BraveOne’s Foundation. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resources that allow children in need to focus on the joys of being a child. It was founded in 2018 to honor Hendrix who was born with a very rare genetic disorder called OTUD5 and passed away just after his first birthday. Through the Kunzes’ personal experience, they discovered that patients of the Neuroscience Unit often have conditions that last a lifetime, such as epilepsy, autism & cerebral palsy, & typically experience regular hospital visits and require ongoing medical attention. Thus, CHOC, especially the Neuroscience Unit, will always have a special place in both the Kunzes’ and Rosales’ hearts.
In an effort to raise funds for current campaigns and connect with their tribe, BraveOnes hosts an annual HangOut for Hendrix Anti-Gala in the Fall and Bowl-a-thon in the Spring. Through programs such as Meaningful Meals and Toys for Joy, community partnerships and fundraising efforts they have generated more than $350,000 towards creating childhood joy for children in need in Southern California.