Valley High School inducted six members to the school’s Hall of Honor at a ceremony Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Staplin Performing Arts Center.

Alumnus Elizabeth Bennett ’00, community leader Lonnie Dafney, and current or former staff members Steve Duncan, Vicki Vanderbur Gallagher, Jim Jefson, and Heather Nail made up the Hall of Honor Class of 2026. The inductees gathered with family, friends, school administrators and Board of Education members to celebrate the honor. 

"For generations, Valley High School has been home to remarkable people who embody excellence, leadership and service,” said Dr. Shane Christensen, principal at Valley High School. “The Hall of Honor stands as a tribute to those who have not only achieved personal success, but have also made an impactful contribution to our community and beyond. It is a privilege to celebrate these distinguished honorees, and we are proud to call them Valley Tigers.”

This marks the third year the Hall of Honor ceremony was included in Homecoming Week festivities. In addition to the ceremony, inductees participated in the Homecoming parade and were recognized at the start of the Homecoming football game.

The Valley High School Hall of Honor was created in 2018 to celebrate former students, teachers and community leaders. They are role models for students at West Des Moines Community Schools because of their achievements, leadership and good character. 

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2026 Valley High School Hall of Honor Inductees

Elizabeth Bennett ’00 — Alumni

Described in her nomination as “dedicated, enthusiastic and energetic,” Bennett graduated from Valley High School in 2000. She currently serves as the music and theater department chair at New Trier High School in Illinois, where she leads one of the premier high school arts programs in the nation. Bennett is a two-time GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year nominee, a member of the Recording Academy, a GRAMMY U Mentor, and a recipient of the National Distinguished Secondary Teacher Award from her alma mater, Northwestern University. An accomplished musician during her time at Valley, Bennett participated in orchestra, band, choir and show choir. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. 

Lonnie Dafney — Community Leader

Described in her nomination as a “trailblazer, tireless advocate and servant leader,” Dafney is serving her second stint as a member of the West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education. She made history in 2019 when she became the first African American person elected to the Board. A West Des Moines resident for more than two decades, both of Dafney’s sons graduated from Valley as standout student-athletes. In her professional endeavors, Dafney is a nationally recognized executive leader in human capital and organizational strategy, serving in senior leadership roles for the Federal Reserve Financial Services, EMC Insurance, Wells Fargo, and DuPont Pioneer. In the community, she has served on boards for the West Des Moines Historical Society, the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission, the Mayor’s Advisory Council, and the West Des Moines Police Advisory Council. 

Steve Duncan — Staff

Described in his nomination as a “standard-setter, leader and humble giant,” Steve Duncan served as Valley’s athletic director from 1989 to 2009. During his 20-year tenure, the Tigers won 44 state championships and six Des Moines Register State All-Sports Awards. In addition to competitive excellence, Duncan was instrumental in building an infrastructure that benefits Valley students to this day. In all, Duncan developed more than $15 million in new and renovated athletic facilities, including the iconic 8,300-seat Valley Stadium. Duncan was inducted into the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Vicki Vanderbur Gallagher — Staff

Described in her nomination as “dedicated, reliable and loyal,” Vicki Vanderbur Gallagher joined the Valley staff as a French teacher in 1986. She became a trusted fixture for students and colleagues alike over the next 28 years, retiring after the 2013-14 school year. During that time, she coached cheerleading for seven seasons, took students on summer trips across France and spent decades inspiring young minds in her classroom. Gallagher remains an active part of the Valley community, serving as a substitute teacher and volunteer ticket-taker at numerous athletic events. 

Jem Jefson — Staff

Described in his nomination as “passionate, dedicated and a tireless mentor,” Jim Jefson came to Valley in 1971, spending 29 years as a math teacher. Jefson earned national recognition in 1994 when he became the first — and only — Valley teacher to earn the Edyth May Sliffe Award for Distinguished Mathematics Teaching in Middle School and High School. Jefson is one of just seven Iowa-based teachers to ever earn the award. Beyond the classroom, Jefson fostered academic excellence by leading the math team and hosting extra preparation sessions outside of school hours. He modeled school spirit, encouraged students to get involved in a variety of activities and helped students pursue opportunities after high school. 

Heather Nail — Staff

Described in her nomination as an “extra mother and team leader,” Heather Nail currently serves as Valley’s music department chair and director of choral activities. Widely regarded as one of the premier vocal jazz educators in the country, Nail joined West Des Moines Community Schools in 2010 as the director of choral music at Valley Southwoods. In 15-plus years at Southwoods and Valley, her ensembles consistently rank among the best in the state at the Iowa State Jazz Championships and have earned national honors from DownBeat Magazine. In 2017, Nail earned the inaugural Barbershop Harmony Society/NAfME Music Educator Award for educators who give students the opportunity to learn and participate in the joy and power of music.