It was a special evening as the Bethpage Educational Foundation held its annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Oct. 21 in the Bethpage High School gymnasium. The Bethpage Hall of Fame recognizes the great achievements of Bethpage alumni and staff, and this year, seven individuals and one team had the honor of being inducted.
Bethpage central and building administrators, board members, faculty, community members, alumni and loved ones were present for the momentous occasion which not only honored the Hall of Fame recipients, but also helped raise money for the Bethpage Educational Foundation in its mission of supporting the Bethpage Schools.
Junior Ava Mirabelli from Bethpage High School performed the National Anthem at the start of the ceremony and Superintendent of Schools David Schneider welcomed the distinguished guests.
“The inductees here tonight have made numerous contributions to their communities here in Bethpage and well beyond,” said Mr. Schneider. “Each has made a lasting impact through their service, their dedication and willingness to help others. So tonight, we honor these very special Golden Eagles.”
Retired Bethpage Superintendent Terrence Clark followed Mr. Schneider’s remarks and spoke about the positive impact that the Bethpage Educational Foundation makes on the schools. He then introduced Erin Hayes, John F. Kennedy Middle School’s newest principal, who highlighted the various ways that the foundation has supported students.
During the induction portion of the ceremony, Mr. Clark invited each Hall of Fame inductee to the podium to receive their Eagle trophy. Each spoke about their memorable experiences in Bethpage and how it shaped them. The following seven individuals were honored:
· Dr. BettyAnn Chodkowski – 1982 Bethpage High School Graduate
· John Coumatos – 1975 Bethpage High School Graduate
· Kathy Eastwood – 1989 Bethpage High School Graduate
· Michael Guerrieri – 1987 Bethpage High School Graduate
· Joe Killeen – Former Bethpage High School Athletic Trainer
· Dr. Ian Peikon – 2005 Bethpage High School Graduate
· John Rager – Bethpage High School Retired Educator
In addition, the 1985 Bethpage High School girls club lacrosse team was inducted. These women were the first to establish a girls lacrosse team at Bethpage High School. As driven teenagers, they advocated for equality under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Patty O’Connor and Michelle Stuzin Katz led the charge to make the lacrosse team a reality and the two spoke during the induction about that memorable time in their lives as their teammates proudly stood by them on stage.
All attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner which was served by Bethpage High School’s national honor society members. To close out the evening, a raffle was held where attendees received great prizes.
