Hillcrest High School has long inspired excellence in both professional achievement and community service. Two Huskies, decades apart, exemplify this enduring legacy—Jeff Page (class of 1969) and Natalie Griffiths (class of 2020). 

The two were recently honored as distinguished alumni by the Hillcrest Alumni Association during halftime of the homecoming game.

Page met his wife, Kris Beckstead, another Hillcrest Husky, while participating in a school musical. 

“We can still sing the Hillcrest school song,” he said, recalling fond memories of performing with the Chamber Choir under Leo Dean and with the rock band, The Flight of Icarus, at Hillcrest dances. 

Page graduated from Brigham Young University, then attended podiatric medical school in San Francisco and completed his residency in Seattle. He began private practice in Midvale before moving to California for an academic appointment and eventually settling in Arizona. 

He also served as executive dean at his alma mater in San Francisco, lead the podiatry section at the Phoenix VA Medical Center, and founded the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, where he served as dean for 17 years.

An accomplished researcher, Page has published more than 75 manuscripts, posters and scientific articles. Now a consultant in medical device development, his influence in podiatric medicine continues to shape the next generation of practitioners.

Beyond his professional achievements, Page’s dedication to community service runs deep. From 1982 to 1989, he volunteered as Hillcrest High’s team doctor, caring for student-athletes across multiple sports. 

With his wife, he has participated in more than 25 medical missions to Guatemala and Mexico, founding The FUEGO Foundation to expand access to health care and provide aid to under-resourced communities. He even taught himself Spanish to better serve abroad. 

His volunteer work also includes years on the Board of Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH), supporting 10 community clinics in Phoenix, serving with the American Diabetes Association as well as church service.

Page thanked the alumni association for the award and added, “An expression of appreciation would be incomplete without thanking the teachers who molded me and helped me to see the possibilities beyond high school. They truly demonstrated the highest standards of teaching and showed individual interest in their students.”

More than 50 years later, that same spirit of gratitude and service shines in Griffiths, a 2020 Hillcrest graduate and International Baccalaureate diploma recipient. 

Her passion for medicine took root at Hillcrest, where she served as a HOSA officer, competed at the International Leadership Conference and conducted genetics research at the University of Utah.

At Florida State University, Griffiths continued to lead in research and service. Throughout her undergraduate education, Natalie worked as a medical assistant, participated in health informatics research and continued her leadership within HOSA. 

She also volunteered with Big Bend Hospice as a respite provider, spending time with hospice patients to allow their caregivers to leave the home. She also volunteered at the Maliheh Free Clinic in Millcreek, which provides crucial support to Utahns unable to access health insurance.

Griffiths joined AmeriCorps’ National Health Corps to improve children’s healthcare access in Jacksonville, Florida and also served with THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health to increase healthcare access for uninsured children. 

Now a first-year medical student at the University of Florida, she hopes to continue promoting health equity as a future family physician.

“Hillcrest was and is a truly special place thanks to its excellent faculty, staff and the camaraderie of its diverse student body,” she said. “The lessons I learned from my teachers and peers pushed me to grow in ways I do not think I could have anywhere else.”