Hall of Fame District
ATTENTION WALT WHITMAN ALUMNI
Our South Huntington School District has one of the longest and most storied histories of any community in the region. Throughout almost a century, our school district has graduated some of the most talented men and women in the country, and we are incredibly proud of the intelligent and empathetic individuals who graduate and cross our commencement stage. These individuals represent the best qualities of our alumni, serving as a role models for future generations to emulate and follow.
South Huntington Hall of Fame Nomination Form
2021 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
Jimmy Haslip – Musician/Composer/Producer
Peter Garrido – Detective/First Responder
Davidson Petit-Frère – Fashion Designer/ Influencer
2018 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
John Aquilino – Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral in the United States Navy
Mark Cuthbertson – Council Member, Town of Huntington
Patricia DelCol – Public Servant, Town of Huntington
Mark Natale – Retired NYPD Officer/Walt Whitman High School Security Guard
Ray Spatafora –Walt Whitman High School Security Guard
2016 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
Michael Alcamo, President of MC Alcamo & Co., Inc. is an experienced and successful mergers and acquisitions advisor, private equity investor and workouts specialist. He advises media and communications firms and private equity investors on strategic acquisitions and dispositions, recapitalizations, strategic assessments, market analyses, and investor relations strategies. A graduate of Princeton University and the New York University School of Law, he is active in civic and educational organizations.
In addition to serving as Director of the Princeton Club of New York, Inc. in 1994 we he worked to obtain release from prison of a man who was unjustly convicted of a crime and had already served 37 years of a life sentence. His work on this life changing case was featured on news networks across the country.
Valerie Brunner-Chamberlain Class of 1994
Valerie Brunner-Chamberlain obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Siena College and her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Fordham University. She is considered one of the “rock stars” of the Family Service League. As Assistant Vice President for Housing and Homeless Services, Val has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to ensuring that each person who comes to the Family Service League is met with dignity and respect. She also holds the title of Program Director of Program Home, where she manages 3 Homeless Shelters; one being the largest on Long Island.
An Executive Board Member of LI Coalition for the Homeless; Valerie Chamberlain Brunner is the recipient of Unsung Hero Award in 2012, which recognizes a person who goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others.
Ciro DePalo’s community service has been recognized by residents, and school, and community leaders alike. He serves as a member of the School Board for St. Hugh of Lincoln School, is Past President of the Huntington Station Business Improvement District, and is currently Commissioner of the South Huntington Water District. His commitment to the South Huntington Community includes serving on the Board of Directors of St. Hugh Baseball League for over 10 years.
Mr. DePalo takes pride in being able to make a difference in the South Huntington Community. He is a reliable supporter of various school activities, events and functions, which highlights his work ethic and dedication to the betterment of our community. A local business owner, Ciro has been the owner of Everett Auto Body for over 40 years.
The saxophone has taken Pat DeRosa across the country and brought him face to face with many of the 20th century’s legends of entertainment, including Lana Turner, Marlene Dietrich, Barbara Stanwyck, Tyrone Power, and Errol Flynn. In Hollywood, he met the stars of the era, also finding himself on the set with Abbott and Costello. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, he said, took him to lunch. He performed with the popular bandleaders Boyd Raeburn, Lionel Hampton, Tex Beneke, and Percy Faith.
In Huntington in the 1960s, the owner of a local music store told him that the legendary jazz musician John Coltrane was looking for a duet partner. They played together for a year or two. Mr. DeRosa performed at President Richard Nixon’s inaugural ball, and in the 1970s served as master of ceremonies for many memorable jazz concerts at Gosman’s Dock in Montauk. Pat DeRosa retired from teaching in 1978 but continued to play professionally. Thirty-six years later, he continues to blow that saxophone on stages across Long Island.
Carlo T. Giordano Class of 1977
After high school, Carlo Giordano joined the Navy and was trained in the field of aircraft hydraulics and airframes. Upon completion of his training, Carlo was assigned to Attack Squadron 176 and served on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Independence. During his dedicated service he attained the rank 3rd Class Petty Office, was responsible for nine airmen and the flight readiness of fifteen A-6 aircrafts.
After his distinguished military service, Carlo worked for Grumman Aerospace and South Huntington Schools. With over 30 years of service to the district, since 2001 he has been the Chief Custodian at Walt Whitman High School.
Carlo has always felt a deep responsibility for our country. In 1996 he joined the 106th Combat Rescue Wing Air National Guard. While with the Guard he served in Operation Noble Eagle WTC at Ground Zero, Operation Southern Watch in Kuwait, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He retired as Master Sergeant and is currently an active member of the American Legion Post 1244.
William H. Groner (Bill) Class of 1973
Bill Groner attended SUNY Binghamton then Boston University School of Law. He is co-founding and managing partner at Worby Groner Edeleman LLP, with over 30 years of experience in personal injury, products liability, and medical malpractice. He negotiated a landmark settlement representing over 10,000 first responders, construction workers, volunteers, and others who were exposed to Ground Zero toxins and contaminants. He is a frequent statewide lecturer on all aspects of personal injury practice and law. Bill Groner has made numerous radio and television appearances including ABC’s 20-20, CNN Worldwide, Good Day NY, Fox 5, and NBC. As a lecturer in law, he is an adjunct faculty member at Boston University School of Law. Bill Groner is the Founder and President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association/Lower Hudson Chapter.
Kelvin Joseph is the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Marketing Officer at Steiner Sports, where he oversees the daily operations of the company and the strategic direction of all corporate marketing and business development. Steiner Sports specializes in helping companies use the power of sports to grow their business. It has spent over 25 years building relationships with more than 2,000 athletes, national relationships with major sports leagues, and partnerships with the best teams in sports. Kelvin recently received the “Trendsetter Award” from the American Advertising Association.
Kelvin is also the owner of Samantha Shoes, a luxury retailer that creates life changing experience for woman who have trouble finding stylish shoes in their size. Kelvin was awarded INC Magazine’s “Top 30 Entrepreneurs under 30” winning this award the same year as Mark Zuckerberg and was the 1st MassChallenge Winner, which is the world’s largest business startup competition. Kelvin received the Trustees’ Award at Pace University which is presented to the student whose positive contributions to University life and whose academic accomplishments exemplify the highest level of achievement attainable for an undergraduate.
Rhonda Smith Young Class of 1989
Growing up, Rhonda Smith Young made several poor choices and had very little interest in school. Her poor decision making continued throughout her troubled youth and at 16 years old, she became a high school dropout and was pregnant by the age of 17. Her mother was persistent and encouraged her to enroll in Whitman’s Alternative High School. It was there that she began to deal with the social and emotional factors hindering her success. She graduated from Walt Whitman High School in 1989, one year after her graduating class.
From Suffolk Community College to Stonybrook University, she excelled in her educational pursuits. With a Master’s of Science in Education and Certificate of Advance Studies from Long Island University C.W. Post, Rhonda balanced her studies with the responsibilities of being a single parent. Rhonda has worked as an education leader for over 15 years. Throughout her career she has facilitated positive change in many young lives. A veteran educator and school administrator in Brentwood School District, in 2015 the Board of Education recognized Rhonda for her advocacy and leadership.
Tracey Stern is an Emmy nominated television writer and producer. She made her television writing debut with an episode of David Kelly’s Picket Fences. Soon after she joined the writing staff of ER for its first two seasons. She worked with Steven Speilberg’s on High Incident; Aaron Sorkin’s Sports Night; Joss Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire spinoff Angel. Additional credits include Law & Order SVU, The Middleman, Leap Years, Peacemaker, The Book of Daniel, Angela’s Eyes and Desperate Housewives. Long form projects include movies for Showtime, CBS, ABC Family and Lifetime.
SHUFSD 9/11 Honorees
Lt. Brian Ahern - FDNY
Sgt. Michael Curtin - NYPD
Officer Mark Ellis - NYPD
Fire Fighter Peter Nelson - FDNY
James Reilly - District Resident
Frank Sadocha - District Resident
2014 INDUCTEES:
Stephen Axman: Class of 1965 - Stephen is a 1965 graduate of Walt Whitman High School participating and excelling in football and lacrosse. He started his career teaching and coaching on Long Island continuing for several years. He eventually decided to pursue a career as a major college football coach. Stephen Axman has coached at such schools as West Point, UCLA, University at Washington, and Head Football Coach at Northern Arizona University. There he was honored with the American Football Coaches Association District Coach of the Year. He has authored numerous books and instructional videos on various areas of coaching. He has been recognized and associated with many professional athletes during his career.
Christopher Cerrone: Class of 2002 - Christopher Cerrone is a Brooklyn-based composer of works ranging from chamber music, orchestral works, and fully staged operas to multimedia projects, ambient electronic works and collaborations with artists. Chris has received awards and grants from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, Chamber Music America, the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, OPERA America, the Jerome Foundation, ASCAP, and New Music USA. He holds degrees from the Yale School of Music (M.M. and M.M.A.) and the Manhattan School of Music (B.M.). His works are published by Schott NY and Project Schott New York.
Chad Lupinacci: Class of 1997 - Chad Lupinacci was elected to represent the constituents of the Tenth Assembly district on November 6, 2012. Prior to being elected to the New York State Assembly, Chad served three terms as a Trustee for the South Huntington Union Free School District. Chad teaches classes in Business Law at Farmingdale State College. He is also an adjunct professor of Political Science at both Saint Joseph’s College and Hofstra University. He was educated at Hofstra University in Hempstead, earning his B.A. in Political Science. He later went on to earn his Juris Doctor at Hofstra University School of Law and his Master’s in Business Administration at the Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University.
Michael Macari, MD: Class of 1983 - Posthumously - Professor of Radiology and Surgery, Section Chief, Abdominal Imaging, Vice Chair of Operations, Department of Radiology, NYU Langone School of Medicine. Dr. Michael Macari made significant contributions to the field of radiology, particularly in the areas of abdominal imaging and CT colonography. He was an industrious, creative, and vital member of the Departments of radiology and Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. A well-known national and international lecturer, Dr. Macari devoted a significant amount of time to teaching and mentoring medical students and residents.
Brenda L. Moore: Class of 1968 - Brenda is an Associate professor of Sociology at the University at Buffalo (SUNY). Brenda received her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1987. She is internationally known for her scholarship on patterns of mobility and organizational change as it pertains to women in the military. Her books (To Serve My Country, To Serve My Race: The Story of the Only African American WACs Stationed Overseas During World War II, New York University Press, 1996, and Serving Our Country: Japanese American Women in the Military during World War II, Rutgers University Press, 2003), have given voice to populations largely ignored by American scholars.
Jane M. (O’Donnell) Reich: Class of 1978 - Jane (O’Donnell) Reich’s success in the Human Services field stand as a shining example of the mission of the South Huntington Union Free School District: to develop the positive social and moral skills necessary to become contributing members of society. For over thirty years Jane has built upon the foundation garnered through her education in the South Huntington School district, in order to make a difference for hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. Her compassion, education and leadership ability have enabled her to have a positive impact on the many lives she has touched, including the individuals to whom she provides day services, and the people lucky enough to work beside her on a day-to-day basis.
Genevievette Walker-Lightfoot: Class of 1990 - Genevievette Walker-Lightfoot is a former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) attorney. She worked on the Bernard Madoff investigation in 2004, as the Lead Investigator for the SEC on the case. Genevievette graduated from Walt Whitman High School, received her B.A. from Georgetown University, and attended the Catholic University of America (J.D., 1999). Genevievette worked at the American Stock Exchange from 1999 – 2001 as a staff lawyer. There, she developed expertise in specialized securities trading strategies.
2012 INDUCTEES:
A.J. Preller: Class of 1995, AJ is currently the General Manager of the San Diego Padres, a major league baseball team. AJ is in charge of player acquisition, where he oversees the team’s operations around the world. Prior to joining the Padres he was a member of the Texas Rangers front office from 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 (2003-2012)– 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 served as the Commanding General, 1st Marine Division. 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. 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. 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 Diplomat 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. 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. She 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. in 1974. 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. in 1967. 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. Graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1980. Attended Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and graduated in 1984. 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 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.