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Earl L. Vandermeulen High School’s Wall of Fame is getting a fresh set of honorees. The induction ceremony to be held Oct. 5 caps off Port Jeff High School’s spirit week.
The 2018 Wall of Fame inductees — Gracey Kopcienski, David Okst, and Heather West-Serigness — will be honored at 11 a.m. at the high school library.
“They will be recognized for their extraordinary achievements in the local community,” said the school’s spokesperson.
the honoree’s bios (courtesy)
- Kopcienski, who died in 2016, will be honored posthumously. She was nominated in the Fine Art, Public Service and School/Community Service categories by Board of Education President Kathleen Brennan and board member Ellen Boehm. In her nomination, she was cited for her legacy of hard work, service to her community, musical achievements, integrity, and compassion that she instilled in the eight children, 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild she shared with her husband.
- Okst, Class of 1985, who enjoyed a successful high school and college career as a scholar-athlete is a coach for the Port Jefferson boys varsity cross-country and winter and spring track teams. He will be recognized for his extensive kindness, compassion, community service, and altruism.
- West-Serignese, Class of 1999, now a resident of Nashville, Tenn., was recognized for public service, school/community service. She was nominated by her business partner Emily Ciancarelli for her local contributions as well as her exceptional life accomplishments.
The honorees and their families will be given a tour of a school before their Wall of Fame plaques are presented.
Afterward, the three will be honored at the homecoming pep rally at 1:30 p.m.
Top: (L-R) Last year’s Port Jefferson School District Hall of Fame recipient Susan Kretschmer-Leining, Class of 1975, and Board of Education member Ellen Boehm celebrate at the 2017 Port Jefferson homecoming game. (Courtesy photo)
