The Patchogue-Medford Hall of Fame Booster club has announced its third class of inductees.
The 2018 class includes eight individuals and one team (more information below).
The Hall of Fame, formed as a nonprofit group in 2015, honors distinguished graduates and others who have contributed to the schools and the wider community.
The inductees are chosen from three categories: sports, music, and fine arts and entertainment. There’s also a general category.
The induction ceremony and dinner is Friday, April 13, at the high school. Tickets can be purchased for $40 each by contacting the Hall of Fame at 631-275-7924 or tsteacher@aol.com.
Dinner begins at 5 p.m. and is followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m.
THE CLASS OF 2018
Sam Stahlman: Sam is a WW II Veteran of the D-Day Invasion, where he received a Purple Heart. A longtime resident of the Village of Patchogue, Sam is a well-known businessman, was involved in many community organizations including the Lions, was a substitute teacher in the Patchogue-Medford School District as well as a volunteer coach for the high school Varsity Football Team. Past recipient of the Temple Emanuel of Patchogue.
Baron Degner: Baron was a beloved administrator and mentor to many students at Patchogue-Medford High School. The Patchogue Rotarians honored his memory by dedicating a memorial garden, in Baron’s name, at Patchogue-Medford High School.
Robert Rightmire: Bob was a well-respected member of the teaching faculty at Patchogue-Medford High School. He produced numerous plays and musicals at the high school, along with his dear friend and now fellow Hall of Fame Inductee, Bert Pollock. Author of numerous books and articles, Bob was well loved and respected by his students and colleagues.
Danielle Kaiser: A stand-out Varsity Basketball player at both Patchogue-Medford High School and St. Josephs College in Patchogue, Danielle is a 1998 graduate of PMHS. She achieved all county status as a high school player and was selected to the St. Josephs College Hall of Fame.
Nicholas Garone: PMHS Class of 1986, Nick was a NYS wrestling champion and continued his wrestling success in college. He became a member of the USA Olympic Wrestling Team, but due to injury, was unable to compete in the games. Nick now coaches wrestling at a local high school.
Christopher Cara: Chris is the only high school All-American Lacrosse player to come out of PMHS. At 2001 high school graduate, Chris went on to Bucknell where he led the nation in scoring his junior and senior years. He was selected for induction into that school’s Hall of Fame. Chris later played several seasons with the Long Island Lizards Professional Lacrosse Team.
Michael Jude Ward-Bergeman: This Class of 1998, Patchogue-Medford graduate has gone on to become a world-renowned musician and entertainer. Michael took the musical talents he honed as a music student in Pat-Med and went on to a stellar career at Berkley College of Music. As Michael began touring the world, bringing his unique talents to share with people all over the world, he came into contact will world renowned musicians such as Yo Yo Ma, performing in such places as the jungles of South America, concerts throughout Europe and Carnegie Hall. A Grammy award winner, Michael performed his GIG365 and with his group, Groan Box.
Douglas Brode: Patchogue High School Graduate, Class of 1961, Douglas became a high school teacher and moved on to teaching English at the college level. He became the creator and Coordinator of Cinema Studies at Onondaga Community College in upstate New York. Later, Doug wrote over 40 books related to film as well as working on such motion pictures as “Midnight Blue” and “Aviatrix”.
1980 Girls Varsity Bowling Team: This outstanding group of student athletes became New York State Bowling Champions, while capturing League and County titles on their rise to the top. The Lady Raiders were honored by the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club for their numerous accomplishments and titles.
[Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported the Kiwanis Club of Patchogue built a memorial garden in Baron Degner’s honor. It was the Patchogue Rotarians. The above information is now accurate.]
File photo: Manny Felouzis of the Booster Club talks to the high school band members alongside band teacher Rudy Johnson during at this year’s dinner in May. (Credit: Michael White)
2017 Coverage:
Remembering ‘the good’ at Patchogue-Medford’s 2017 Hall of Fame inductions
