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Wall of Fame

Three years ago, Westhampton Beach School District established a Wall of Fame to honor former students, faculty members, and staff for extraordinary achievements in one or more of the following: academics, fine arts, school/community service, business, and public service. The Wall of Fame is located in the rear gym lobby of the High School, and individual plaques commemorating member achievements are permanently affixed to the wall. Take note of the impressive collection of district alumni the next time you visit the High School. For more information, please contact Wall of Fame Committee Chairperson and Athletic Director Kathy Masterson at (631) 288-3800.

The Wall of Fame Committee is currently accepting nominations for the 2006-07 induction ceremony. To nominate an individual for this distinguished honor, please fill out the application form below and return it to:

The Wall of Fame Committee, Attn: Kathy Masterson
Westhampton Beach High School
49 Lilac Road
Westhampton Beach, NY 11978

Wall of Fame Nomination Form (PDF)

Wall of Fame Committee

Arma E. (Ham) Andon Joanna Ferraro-Levy
Paul Bass Jim Gohery
Carrie Bender Bill Hemphling
Edward Casswell Kathy Masterson , Chairperson
Bryan Dean Lynn Schwartz, Superintendent of Schools

 

2007-2008 Honoree

Thomas Ulan, Class of 1967
Mr. Ulan was All-American in Track and Field at Rutgers University. He was an NCAA champion in the 440-yard run and still holds the Rutgers record in that distance.

At the World University Games in 1970 he was a member of the winning 4x400 meter relay and was the individual 400-meter champion.

Mr. Ulan was a member of the only Rutgers University National Championship team in the sprint medley relay. Additionally, he was ranked 9th in the world in the 400-meter event, and in the 1972 was an Olympic trial semi-finalist.
Mr. Ulan was teacher and coached high school cross country and track and field teams in the New Jersey public school system. He also served as an assistant coach of track and field at Rutgers and Georgetown Universities.

2006-2007 Honorees

Doreen Croser, Class of 1962
Doreen Croser is the first woman Executive Director of the American Association on Mental Retardation, which was established in 1876. She has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities, and their families, by championing progressive politics, sound research, effective services, and universal human rights in the United States and throughout the world.

Ms. Crosser has authored numerous articles, and serves on a variety of National and State boards and committees, including the Governor's Disability Council in Maryland. Over the years, Ms. Crosser has held key leadership positions in disability services at state and local levels. She has a B.S. in Exceptional Education, an M.S. in Rehabilitation, and was elected "trailblazer" by her Westhampton Beach graduating class.

Dr. John Zuk, Class of 1956
Dr. John Zuk is a research scientist and engineer at the National Air and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center at Moffett Field in Mountain View, California. His distinguished career in aeronautics and aviation spans the spectrum from being research principal investigator, to a program technical manager in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft.

Dr. Zuk was successful in advocating and planning a new Extreme Short Takeoff and Landing (ESTOL) aircraft research program to relieve airport congestion and increase airport capacity. He is a recognized authority on vertical and flight aircraft and is noted for his technical expertise in support of V22 Civil Tiltrotor technology. Dr. Zuk has authored and co-authored more than 50 technical papers and has been the recipient of many awards. He has a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve, an M.S. from the University of Rochester, and a B.S. from Ohio State University.

2005-2006 Honorees

Dr. Peter Brubaker, Class of 1980
After graduation from Westhampton Beach High School, Dr. Peter Brubaker received his undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University and his Masters degree from Wake Forest University. He received a Ph.D. from Temple University in 1991, specializing in Exercise Physiology/Cardiovascular Pathophysiology. He is currently the Executive Director of the Healthy Exercise and Lifestyle Program at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. He previously served as Director of the Wake Forest Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, and Departments of Medicine and Health/Exercise from 2000-2004. Dr. Brubaker has been published in numerous journals, including the American Journal of Cardiology, Journal of Cardio-PulmonaryRehabilitation, American Journal of Medicine and the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

H. Beecher Halsey, Jr., Class of 1940
Mr. Halsey attended the New York State Maritime Academy and graduated in 1942 as a licensed Deck Officer of vessels of unlimited weight. He served as Chief Mate on various freighters during World War II in all theatres of war. He served on the Westhampton Beach Village Planning Board for eight years during the 1960s, and served as Treasurer and Head Trustee of the Remsenburg-Speonk School District. Additionally, he also served on the Westhampton Beach School District Board of Education for 25 years. Rounding out his long list of achievements, Mr. Halsey was the first East End County Legislator, a position he held for three terms.

2003-2004 Honorees

Lieutenant General Arthur C. Blades, Class of 1960: Lieutenant General Blades earned degrees from Villanova and Pepperdine University. He was a Platoon and Company Commander while serving in Vietnam and an Instructor Pilot of the Marine Helicopter Squadron, earning his promotion to Colonel in May 1985. Lieutenant General Blades has been awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation, and Gold Star.

John Hart Ely, Class of 1956: Mr. Ely holds several degrees of educational distinction from higher learning institutions such as Princeton University, Yale Law School, London School of Economics, Harvard University, University of San Diego, and Illinois Institute of Technology. Mr. Ely served as Law Clerk to Chief Justice Warren in 1965, was a Professor at Yale and Harvard from 1971-1973, General Counsel in the United States Department of Transportation. He is currently a professor at Miami Law School, a position he has held since 1996. Author of three books, Mr. Ely is the fourth most frequently cited legal scholar in recent history.

Rear Admiral Andrew A. Granuzzo, Class of 1954: Mr. Granuzzo began his career in the United States Navy as an enlisted man in 1958. He was quickly promoted to the Naval Aviation Cadet Program in 1963 and served in an attack helicopter squadron while in Vietnam. Mr. Granuzzo commanded two large ships (the U.S.S. LINCOLN and the U.S.S. SAIPAN) and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1991. As Commander of the Naval Safety Center, he introduced principles of risk management in Naval Operations, which led to fewer fatalities and injuries during his tenure. He has earned the Defense Superior Medal, Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Navy Commendation, and Vietnam Service Awards.

Dr. James Merle: Dr. Merle was a doctor in Westhampton Beach for more than 40 years. He overcame personal physical ailments while helping others throughout his career. His house calls, endearing personal approach to patients, and dedication to his profession are unparalleled in the East End. Dr. Merle's tremendous altruism and compassion led him to become a local legend and treasure.

Harold Williams: Mr. Williams was a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, and Principal in the Westhampton Beach School District for more than 30 years. He has been a member of the Westhampton Beach Fire Department for 22 years, and served as a Westhampton Beach Village Trustee for the last five years. Mr. Williams is also a Korean War Veteran.

 

2002-2003 Honorees

Michael Ambrosino: Mr. Ambrosino is President and Executive Producer of his own production company and is affiliated with Boston's WGBH television. He originated the Nova Series for which he won the Peabody Prize. Mr. Ambrosino also received an Academy Award nomination for the Odyssey Series.

 

Lee Davis, Class of 1947: Mr. Davis spent two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict. After his tour of duty, he went on to Syracuse University where he received a BA in English with a minor in Theatre. He attended NYU and received an MA in English. Mr. Davis is a nationally known author, producer, and teacher and continues to offer his energy to ensure the arts remain a flourishing part of Westhampton Beach.

Sean Farrell, Class of 1976: Mr. Farrell was a four-year starter and All-American football player at Penn State and played 10 years in the National Football League for New England, Seattle, and Tampa Bay. While in high school, he was also an All-American discus thrower and holds a New York State Record in the event as well as placing third in national competition at the Golden West Track Meet.

Michael Forbes, Class of 1971: Currently President and Chief Executive Officer of PR/Strategies International, LLC. Mr. Forbes served as a former 3-term member of the United States House of Representatives. While serving as U.S. Congressman, he was a strong advocate for the people of New York State, particularly the East End. He is a staunch supporter of all community activities in Westhampton Beach.

Carl H. Hansen: Mr. Hansen was a successful Coach, Athletic Director, Principal, and Superintendent during his career at Westhampton Beach School District. During his tenure, he served as President of the New York State Athletic Association. Nicknamed "The Wonder Man" because of yearly successes, Mr. Hansen is one of the founding fathers of Suffolk County Athletics. The Westhampton Beach High School football field and Outstanding High School Player in Suffolk County are awards named in his honor.

Dan Jiggets, Class of 1972: Mr. Jiggets was a two-time First Team All-Ivy selection at tackle. In 1975, he was captain of Harvard's first undisputed Ivy League Championship Football Team. Mr. Jiggets was also named to the Ivy League's Silver Anniversary All-Star Football Team in 1981. In addition, Mr. Jiggets was a standout in the shot, weight and discus for the Harvard Track and Field Team. He played 10 years in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears. Mr. Jiggets is currently a football analyst on CBS television during National Football League games and hosts a successful radio show in the Chicago area.

Joseph Swerdzewski, Class of 1967: Mr. Swerdzewski is President/CEO of FPMI Communications and a well-known expert in the field of labor management relations. He was the first person to be appointed to a second term under President Clinton, serving as General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority from 1993-2001.