Hall of Fame
2012 INDUCTEES:
A.J. Preller – Class of 1995, Senior Director of Player Personnel for the Texas Rangers, a major league baseball team. AJ is in charge of player acquisition, where he oversees the team’s scouting operations around the world and manages approximately fifty amateur, professional, and international baseball scouts. He joined the Rangers front office in November 2004, after gaining valuable baseball experience working for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball. AJ has been described by those who work with him as the best in the business at what he does. His accomplishments are the result of his determination, work ethic, and drive – characteristics developed while a student at Walt Whitman High School.
Laura Schroff - Class of 1970, is a former advertising executive who has worked with several major media companies, including Time Inc. and Conde Nast. Laura was a part of the advertising team that made USA Today a successful national newspaper. Before helping launch three of the most successful startups in Time Inc. history – InStyle, Teen People, and People Style Watch, she was also the New York Ad Manger at Ms. Magazine and Associate Publisher at Brides. Laura is best known for her book: “An Invisible Thread” which is a true account of how a busy sales executive befriends an 11 year old panhandler on the streets of NYC. Laura epitomizes what mentoring can do for a child’s life. In March of 2012 Congressman Steve Israel presented Laura with the Hometown Hero Award, in recognition of her courage and willingness to lend a helping.
Michael McGuinness - Class of 1990, holds a Master of Public Administration from Marist College School of Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Justice from State University of New York at Oswego. Sergeant McGuiness is a 19 year veteran of the New York City Police Department where he has been assigned to the Emergency Service Unit, the department’s special weapons and tactics team, and the Rescue Unit. He has been a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agencies and New York Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue team, where he serves as manager. He most recently responded to the earthquake in Haiti where he and team members pulled an 8 year old boy and 10 year old girl out of the rubble from a three story building. Michael was also involved in rescuing passengers from US Airways Flight 1549, also known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”.
Stuart Udell – Class of 1985, currently serves as President and CEO of Catapult Learning LLC at Literacy First and is Chairman of the Executive Board of The National Dropout Prevention Network/Center. Stuart has been active in the field of education, especially dropout prevention. He served as President, Post-Secondary Education at Princeton Review Inc., President of Kaplan K12 Learning Services LLC, as well as President of the School Renaissance Institute, a subsidiary of Renaissance Learning. Stuart also serves as Vice Chairman and Education Division Director at the Software & Information Industry Association. Stuart earned an MBA from Columbia University and a BS from Bucknell University.
Mark Palzer – Class of 1978, On May 4, 2011, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced that the President nominated Colonel Mark W. Palzer, United States Army Reserve, for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. The Senate confirmed the nomination by voice vote on May 26, 2011. An All American High School Wrestler at Whitman, after graduation he attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, majoring in Computer Science. Prior to his active duty service as a Second Lieutenant, Mark was Assistant Coach to Army’s “Black Knights” wrestling team. While on active duty, Mark received basic and advance training in the Quartermaster Corps., and served as Company Commander, Battalion Operations officer and Quartermaster Battalion Commander. He earned his MBA from Pacific Lutheran University. In civilian life, Mark is National Accounts Manager at Pactiv Corp., the largest manufacturer of packaging containers in the industry.
Andy Farber – Class of 1987, an award winning jazz composer, arranger and saxophonist has spent years performing with the likes of Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis. Since 1994, he has been part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center stable of writers and performers. Through Jazz at Lincoln Center, Farber has toured, written original compositions and arrangements, and been the guest artistic director. Additionally, Andy has written arrangements for people like Shirley Horn, Bobby Short, Stevie Wonder, Wynona Judd, Bob Dylan, Fantasia, Joe Cocker, Ray Charles and George Benson, just to name a few. Farber leads a renowned 8 piece big band, a stellar 17 piece big band, and the legendary Andy Farber & his orchestra. The orchestra enjoyed a 2 year residency at Birdland NYC. When not playing jazz, Farber composes music for TV, film, and is a staff composer at Duotone Audio Group. Andy teaches jazz composition and arrangement at The Julliard School in New York City.
Daniel Levin – Class of 1973, has had an amazing legal career. Daniel has served as Chief of Staff to the Director of the FBI, Robert Mueller, Chief of Staff to the Attorney General, William Barr, Acting Assistant Attorney General, and Office of Legal Counsel, where he wrote the replacement opinion concerning the statue prohibiting torture. Daniel was the Senior Associate Counsel to the President and Legal Adviser to the National Security Counsel (2005) prior to joining the law firm of White & Case LLP. He currently represents clients on a wide range of issues involving criminal and civil investigations, internal corporate investigations and complex civil litigation. His investigative work on behalf of clients includes investigations and/or due diligence involving countries around the world including: Argentina, Brazil, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Macedonia, Montenegro, Nigeria, Turkey, and the United States.
Ronaldo George – Class of 1989, Owner of the Law Offices of Ronaldo C. George, LLC, a New Jersey firm that specializes in consumer and commercial bankruptcy as well as residential and commercial real estate, litigation, and collection. Ronaldo attended Fairleigh Dickerson University as a Presidential Scholar and member of the university’s Leadership Counsel. He sought and earned a law degree from Western State University College of Law. Always looking for ways to serve others, while in law school he participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Clinic, which provided free income tax services to low income individuals in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. While clerking at Blume, Golfaden, Berkowitz, Donnelly, Fried and Forte he drafted the Plaintiff’s New Jersey Supreme Court brief which helped change uninsured motorist law in the State of New Jersey. Ronaldo values the importance of education and making a positive contribution to our society. He continues to give his time and talent to help those in need. As a motivational speaker for youth, Ronaldo serves as a valuable resource, speaker, and supporter of South Huntington’s Project Excel Program.
Shirley Chaikin Mayer – Class of 1968, Co- Founder and President of Generation to Generation, an organization staffed by children of Holocaust Survivors committed to studying the effects of the Holocaust on themselves and the world. At New York Hospital – Cornell Medical Center in New York City, Shirley established the first North East Region Burn and Trauma Center. Shirley served an instrumental role in developing the Emergency Management Plan for the Incorporated Village of Lloyd Harbor. She is the creator of the well renowned Holocaust Genocide Project at Cold Spring Harbor Junior Senior High School. Her long term contributions to the community have been recognized by her colleagues, neighbors, local police department, school officials, and friends.
2012 FOUNDER'S AWARD OF RECOGNITION:
Dr. Thomas C. Shea, Superintendent of Schools – under his leadership, the SHUFSD Hall of Fame was created. Dr. Shea was inspired by the passion of alumni, the desire to create a memorial suitable of their achievements, and the importance of positive role models for today’s students.
Steve Tarde - Class of 1968 – Steve persistently called, wrote, and challenged his alma mater to create a Hall of Fame as a way to honor the countless alumni who have made great contributions to their chosen fields. It was his inspiration that lead to the creation of this historic tribute to accomplished alumni and tradition of excellence.
2010 INDUCTEES:
Richard P. Mills: Graduated Walt Whitman High School 1968. Major General Mills currently, serves as the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. He is in command of all United States Marine Corp Forces on the ground in Afghanistan. General Mills has many accomplishments throughout his distinguished military career. To note just a few, while under command of Colonel Mills, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) participated in Operations Joint Guardian in Kosovo, Enduring Freedom, and combat operations ashore during Iraqi Freedom as part of the Task Force Tarawa. He attended the Amphibious Warfare School, Quantico, VA and was a Military Observer with United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine. Upon selection to Brigadier General in May 2004, Brigadier General Mills assumed duties as Deputy Director of the United States European Command.
Julian Moore: Graduated Walt Whitman High School 1994, and then cum laude from Harvard College, where he maintained the Dean’s List each semester of his attendance. Julian Moore, Esq. graduated from Columbia Law School, having served as the Executive Managing Editor of the Columbia Law Review. After serving as law clerk to the Honorable Kim McLane Wardlaw, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Julian accepted a position in the Litigation Department at Davis Polk and Wardell, an international law firm headquartered in Manhattan. In 2006, Julian was appointed as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. Last year, the United States Attorney specially appointed Julian to serve on the Mortgage Fraud Task Force to combat corrupt practices in the mortgage industry. Julian’s work has been published in the prestigious Columbia Law Review and Journal of the Legal Profession.
Jason M. Mailhot: Graduated Walt Whitman High School 1974 and is a retired full professor and former Chair of the Department of Surgical Sciences at Marquette University, School of Dentistry. Dr. Mailhot earned his undergraduate degrees from SUNY Farmingdale and Oneonta then completed a Post-Doctoral Clinical Research Fellowship while actively engaged in periodontal research and serving as a mentor and student advisor. Jason Mailhot, DMD, MS, FACD has been involved in educating and training both undergraduate, pre-doctoral students and post graduate residents. He has authored or co-authored over 40 research and scientific publications. Dr. Mailhot is also a colonel in the United States Army Reserve, a decorated combat Veteran who has served active duty in Iraq. A Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology he continues his mentoring and teaching efforts with undergraduate students.
Patrick McMullan: Graduated from Walt Whitman High School 1973, then went on to major in business at New York University. A premiere photographer with a studio and agency in New York City his work appears regularly in his weekly New York Magazine column. He is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and his work has been featured in publications worldwide such as the New York Times Magazine and Vogue, and in international editions of Harper’s Bazaar, Details, Tatler and Out to name a few. His newest book,
Glamour Girls, features over 1400 images and spans Patrick’s career.
Maureen McCormick-Grudens: Graduated from Walt Whitman High School 1979. A Nassau District Attorney dedicated for the past 12 years to Vehicular Crimes prosecution. For several years she has visited Walt Whitman and other high schools across Long Island, as presenter for a program called “Choices and Consequences.” This program discusses the danger of drunk driving. Among the numerous public service awards she has received the National Traffic Safety Award for Prosecutors, the Stop-DWI/Senator William T. Smith and the New York State Prosecutor of the Year.
Linda S. Freeman (nee Fusina): Graduated Walt Whitman High School 1971. Retired after 30 years in law enforcement as a Special Agent of the FBI, she distinguished herself as a Hostage Negotiator, Supervisor, Employee Assistance counselor, Fitness Instructor, Linguist, National Academy member and Instructor at Quantico, Virginia; besides working Terrorism and Foreign Counterintelligence for most of her career. She has actively volunteered her time to worthy causes in the South Huntington Schools community.
Gene Gross: Graduated from Walt Whitman High School 1965, and immediately served as a student aide at Central Elementary School. He joined the Suffolk County Police Department working both patrol and plain clothes operations as an officer for ten years, then as a detective for twenty-four years. He served active duty on the detective, arson and district attorney squads. From January 1970 to the present he has served as Supervisor of Security for Walt Whitman High School. Mr. Gross has serviced the South Huntington Community for over 40 years and has become a cornerstone of efforts to make the Community a safe and pleasant place to live, work and go to school.
2008 INDUCTEES:
Philip Volpe: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1973 where he lettered in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. Graduated from Notre Dame in 1977. Entered the Army through the Health Professions Scholarship Program. Has a doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. Served as Operational Medicine Consultant to the Surgeon General from 1998 to 2003. Rose to rank of Brigadier General in 2005. He has received the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal among many other awards. Recently honored as Man of the Year by Notre Dame Alumni Association.
Tom Gugliotta: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1988. He attended North Carolina State University. Gugliotta was drafted in 1992 out of North Carolina State with the 6th overall pick by the National Basketball Association's Washington Bullets. Named to the 1992-93 NBA All-Rookie First Team. In his final of 13 seasons, he played for the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 5.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 1.4 apg. His best years were with the Minnesota Timberwolves scoring 20.6 and 20.1 ppg in two years. Gugliotta played briefly for the Boston Celtics. Led the Timberwolves in 1996-97 in scoring, free-throw percentage, rebounding, and steals and recorded a club record 32 double-doubles. Selected for the 1999 USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team.
Jana L. Fox: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1992 as valedictorian. Attended University of Pennsylvania and graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Biological Basis of Behavior. She wanted to enter the field of medicine and spent the next 4 years at The Stony Brook School of Medicine where she received her degree. Interned for 1-1/2 years in the field of psychiatry and medicine at Emery University. Obtained a Clinical Research Fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC. Her goal was to become involved in the treatment of cancer and deveoted the next four years at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Has authored article on lung cancer along with manuscripts in the field of radiation oncology.
Jerome Cipriano: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1971. He is a journalist who currently is the head writer for the CBS News with Katie Couric. Prior to this he was head writer for the CBS News with Dan Rather. He has traveled to Iraq, and to all of the states holding primaries this year. He often credits his South Huntington teachers with much of his success.
Beverly Ann Wideman: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1966. While in Whitman she performed in Macbeth as Lady Macbeth and also performed in The Crucible. She is a world renowned professor of theater, an actress and an operatic singer. Received award as an outstanding professor at NYU Tisch School of the Arts which she also attended and where she has worked for more than 30 years.
Gerry Cooney: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. He made an impact on the sports world with his boxing achievements and then went on to make social contributions with his efforts to ensure former boxers would have a viable future. Overall, Cooney compiled a professional record of 28 wins and 3 losses, with 25 knockouts.
Maureen Jenness: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. She built the current Walt Whitman orchestra program and connected with students in a very special way. Helped many students attain All-State/All-County status over the years and has left the legacy of a Gold Award program as assessed by NYSSMA. She devoted her career to serving Whitman students for over 30 years.
David Brieff: Graduated from Walt Whiman H.S. in 1976. Attended Stony Brook University as a Chemistry major. Was selected to participate in a National Science Foundation Summer Research Program and won the Chemistry Award for his class. Graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1980. Attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and graduated in 1984. Completed a 3-year internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital. Completed a 2-year fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Connecticut and become board certified in Infectious Diseases in 1990. Presently a consultant at North Shore University Hospital, L.I. Jewish Medical Center, Glen Cove Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. He is also a certified specialist in HIV medicine and has a special interest in Travel Medicine.
Jordan Leeds: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1979. Performed as the lead in South Pacific and The Pajama Game while in Whitman. Performed on Broadway in Les Miserables. He has stayed in New York on and off Broadway for the past 20 years. He can be seen as Judge Gordon on NBC’s Law & Order. He was in the original company of I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change, performing in his role over 2,800 times. He sang as a soloist with the Israeli Philharmonic in Tel Aviv as well as at Carnegie Hall for the Usdan Center for Creative and Performing Arts. He is currently the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Roslyn Theater Company, a children’s theater school and production company.
Kieth Cockrell: Graduated from Walt Whitman H.S. in 1979. He studied Industrial Engineering at Columbia University. He joined Bank of America in 1993 as Vice President, Consumer Lending Division and Project Management. He currently is the Regional Executive & Michigan Market President within the Global Consumer and Small Business Bank. Previously, he was the National Sales & Marketing Executive responsible for generating profitable growth across all Consumer & Small Business Products and Distribution Channels. In 2003 he was Consumer Executive for the Mid-Atlantic Consumer Division.
The purpose of the Hall of fame is to inspire current students by highlighting the successes of our alumni. Please mark your calendars and prepare to join us in the Fall 2014.
Ever wondered where your high school classmates ended up? Could the
first-chair trombone player from Whitman band now be part of a famous
brass ensemble? Could your friend in DECA now be a CEO of a major
company? Or maybe an actor on Broadway? Or a film director? Or could the
kid who sat next to you in homeroom now be a local resident who
dedicates his time to helping housebound seniors? Talent comes in all
shapes and sizes. Now there’s a new way to honor those South Huntington
alumni who have made a significant impact on others: The South
Huntington Hall of Fame.
The general criteria for selection state that nominees must: have
graduated at least 10 years ago, have graduated from South Huntington or
Walt Whitman High School, have attended high school in South Huntington
for a minimum of 2 years, and be worthy of permanent recognition in any
field or endeavor.
The 4th Bi-Annual Induction Ceremony is being planned for homecoming Weekend in the Fall of 2014. So if you know of any alumni who you feel worthy of being nominated,
send in a completed nomination form and join us next fall for an honored
tradition here in South Huntington.