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  2. Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

 

Since 1994, the Colonie Central High School Academic Hall of Fame has honored nearly 75 distinguished graduates who have made a lasting impact in their fields and communities. Inductees represent a diverse range of graduating classes and achievements, serving as role models for current students. In 2010, a Military Wing was established within the Hall of Fame to honor CCHS graduates who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on active duty.

 

Purpose & Nomination Process

The Hall of Fame highlights the exceptional accomplishments of CCHS alumni and demonstrates how a South Colonie education provides the foundation for success. All nominees are carefully considered, and those not selected in their first year remain in the active nomination pool for five years.

 

Nominate Someone

 

hand shake at hof induction ceremony

The application process for the Class of 2025 is now closed. Applications are typically due in the first week of March each year, with the selection committee reviewing submissions in April for June graduation. If your application is not selected in the year it is submitted, it will remain under consideration for future years—there is no need to reapply annually. While this year’s process is closed, you are welcome to submit an application for the next cycle.

Hall

Inductees are honored

Hall of Fame recipients at Colonie Central High School receive special recognition at the annual commencement ceremony, where they are honored guests at an exclusive reception for inductees and their families. During their induction year, they participate in the graduation processional and receive on-stage recognition before graduates, families, and invited guests. Their legacy is permanently celebrated with a portrait and biography displayed on a commemorative plaque in the Hall of Fame hallway at CCHS. The Hall of Fame stands as a testament to the excellence, dedication, and contributions of CCHS alumni, inspiring future generations to pursue their own paths to success.

Nomination Criteria

Candidates for nomination must exemplify the characteristics of honesty, integrity and strength of character that reflects positively on both the individual and the South Colonie Central School District.

  • Students are eligible for nomination to the Hall of Fame ten (10) years after graduation.
  • Faculty/Staff are eligible for nomination to the Hall of Fame five (5) years after leaving the employ of the South Colonie Central School District and must have a minimum of five (5) years of service to the District. The member must also have had a direct and significant impact on the students and the community.
  • The submission of a name for consideration will be made in one of six categories. Nominees in these categories must have demonstrated high levels of achievement, award recognition and significant contributions in their fields.

Medicine and Science

  • Graduates who are surgeons, specialists, and/or general practitioners of high regard or distinction
  • Scientists whose findings have benefited humanity in an important area of existence or who have added substantially to the body of human knowledge
  • Recipients of distinguished awards in any field of scientific endeavor; etc. 

Business and Professional
Graduates who are respected economists, influential stock market analysts, CEOs of noted corporations or businesses, particularly successful business persons, legal professionals, etc.

Arts and Entertainment

  • Graduates who are well-known or frequently published writers, winners of prestigious literary, acting or artistic awards
  • Influential critics
  • Recognized musicians or composers
  • Media celebrities; etc.

Humanitarian and Service
Graduates who have rendered consistent and significant service to the local, state, national or world communities.

Lifetime Recognition
This category is reserved for an individual who may not have attained award status in his or her chosen field but whose life demonstrates high moral character and dignity, or who has demonstrated courage in overcoming extraordinary obstacles in life.

Once a candidate is nominated in a category, he or she will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  • Exemplary achievements and recognition in their chosen field
  • Outstanding citizenship
  • Exhibits qualities of leadership
  • Has made a meritorious contribution to society
  • The candidate must demonstrate the qualities listed above in a manner that will inspire the students of the South Colonie Central School District in the pursuit of excellence

Exceptions to the criteria may be possible with the full agreement of the Committee when circumstances or events warrant such action.

 

Hall of Fame Inductees by Induction Year

Read more about all of our Hall of Fame inductees. Members are listed in the order of the year they were inducted. The full list of members to date are listed below along with their year of graduation from CCHS.

 
 

  • Coming soon 

    • Gary C. Davis  – (1967)
    • DeLynn Scaringe Wickham – (1986)
    • Raj Patel – (1989)

    • The late Daniel J. Burnetter (Class of 1978)
    • The late Daniel Katharine “Kate” Halligan, MD, PhD (Class of 1998)
    • SMSgt Richard Lamotte (Class of 1991)

    • The late Trooper Michael J. Anson (Class of 1980)
    • Neil Johanning (Honorary Inductee)
    • Dawn Whiting (Class of 1999)

    • Stephanie Cogan (Honorary Inductee)

    • The Honorable Christina L. Ryba (1994)
    • Mayor Frank Leak (Honorary Inductee)

    • Commander Brian A. Fazzone (1978)

    • Michael J. Aidala (1955)
    • Nikki (Allen) Caruso (1983)

    • Claudia Marks (Adams Kanne) (1966)
    • James (Tim) Ryan (1966)
    • Meaghan Nichols Sammons (1993)

    • Jeffrey M. Zelka (1984)

    • Paul Gansle (1960)
    • Lt. Col. Robert Kirkland (1984)

    • Joyce Gay (1962)
    • Kenneth Olsen (1999)
    • James Plourde (1995)

    • Robert A. Domenici (2004)
    • Julie Pamkowski (2004)

    • Paul Gordon (Honorary Inductee)
    • Brian Palazzolo (1992)
    • Raymond Roland (1956)

    • Amy Seyboth Tirador (1998) New Military Wing

    • Dr. Neil J. Belgiano (1967)
    • Mary Ann Chesky (1984)

    • John A. Monteiro (1975)
    • David M. Chico (1983)
    • Lorenzo Hodges (1978)

    • Brigadier General F. David Sheppard (1970)
    • Gregory Jensen (1973)

    • J. Dennis Cafaro (1966)
    • Charlene Dukes (1985)

    • No inductees

    • Patrice J. Ricciardi (1971)
    • Dr. Michael DiPietro (1966)

    • Dr. Anthony C. Campagna (1977)
    • David A. Gamble (1989)
    • Dr. Cashell E. Jaquish (1983)

    • Kym Frank Gaylo (1977)
    • James J. Morrell (1962)
    • Don Myers (1967)
    • Joseph “Chuck” Zarriello (1957)

    • No inductees

    • Phillip Kolker (1959)

    • Steven Jensen (1965)
    • Dean Ruckert (1965)
    • Edward Sim, Jr. (1975)

    • Carol Endres Lewin (1966)
    • James Ryan (1966)
    • Jane Wilson Charles (1980)

    • Eric Emerick (1982)
    • Sharon Falkenheimer (1970)
    • Kim Halburian (1976)
    • Ruth-Ercile Hodges (1990)
    • Martha Maurer (1970)

    • Henry Dennis, Jr. (1961)
    • Richard Kruse (1959)
    • Janet Worth Moen (1961)
    • Harold “Pep” Sand (1947)

    • Mary Brizzell (1961)
    • Leo Carignan (1961)
    • Alden T. “Joe” Doolittle (1963)
    • Frank Myers (1963)
    • Edward E. Winders (1960)

    • Ralph Boyd, Jr. (1975)
    • Charles Campagna (1973)
    • Brian Casey (1967)
    • John Gregg (1957)
    • Bruce Leland (1964)
    • Diana Marchitto (1962)
    • Don Mion (1970)