Five Notable Monte Vista High School Graduates

Maybe they sat next to you in biology, or you saw them every Friday night at the football game.  Or perhaps they were quiet, reserved, and virtually unknown until graduation led them down the path to distinction.  Do you have an “I knew them way back when” story about these five notable grads?  Share them in the comments section below. 

Mike Whitmarsh, class of 1980

Even though Whitmarsh began his athletic career in basketball (he was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1984), he switched to volleyball and won a silver medal in the men’s inaugural beach volleyball tournament at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Vanessa Gleason, class of 1996

In addition to being named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month in September 1998, Gleason has also popped up on TV, with appearances on "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "The Man Show."

Michael Wiley, class of 1996

Wiley starred for the Ohio State Buckeyes as a running back. After a relatively short two-year stint for the Dallas Cowboys, Wiley now owns and operates a bar in Ohio called the After 5 Lounge.

Nick Cannon, class of 1998

The rapper, actor and television host got a major fame boost when he married singer Mariah Carey in 2008—they’re expecting twins sometime this spring.

Brooks Conrad, class of 1998,

Drafted by the Houston Astros and later playing for the Oakland A’s, Conrad is now plays second and third base for the Atlanta Braves.