Holy Cross High School inducted eleven beloved school community members into the newly formed Crusader Hall of Honor on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Alumni, teachers, administrators and friends were recognized for their achievements and contributions to Holy Cross and/or their greater communities.
“I believe divine providence has led us all to this date, place and time to recognize these honorees and show them the gratitude and recognition that they so richly deserve,” said Frank H. Samuelson, Jr. ’73, President. “Without their incredible talents and numerous gifts, what would Holy Cross be today? These men and women through word and deed blazed a trail of greatness that set a standard of excellence that still permeates Holy Cross today.”
“What a great evening for Holy Cross,” said Principal, Margaret Leger. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to sit here and see all of the people in attendance and hear all of their stories. Thank you so much to the honorees and what you have done for Holy Cross.”
Following a beautiful, a capella rendition of the National Anthem by Sabrina Santopietro ’20, Norby Williamson ’81, Master of Ceremonies, welcomed several members of the school community to offer their thoughts on this special evening. Shortly thereafter, honorees in attendance addressed the audience filled with close friends and loyal supporters.
The following are members of the inaugural class of the Crusader Hall of Honor.
- The Crusader Award – this honors an alumnus/a who distinguished himself/herself during his/her time at Holy Cross. Recipients include: Jim Abromaitis ’75, Albertus Magnus College, Athletic Director (Unionville, CT), Mary Piscatelli Brigham ’79, Attorney (Litchfield, CT), Tony Hanson ’73, NBA, Former Player & Program Director, Hartford Knights Youth Organization (Windham, CT), Linda Mascoli ’88, Tidy Tails Mobile Dog Grooming, LLC, Owner (Middlebury, CT), and Paul Matasavage ’76, State of CT District Superior Court, Judge (Oakville, CT)
- The Saint Andre Bessette Award – this honors an alumnus/a who distinguished himself/herself in life after high school. Recipient: Fritz Blasius ’76, Blasius Chevrolet Cadillac, Owner (Waterbury, CT)
- The Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award – this honors a coach, teacher, administrator or staff member for their stand-out, outstanding service to Holy Cross. Recipients include: Jim Cunningham, Holy Cross High School, Retired Athletic Director (Wolcott, CT), Brother Harold Hathaway, C.S.C., St. Edwards University (Austin, TX), Brother Francis Leary, C.S.C., Retired Brother of Holy Cross (Valatia, NY), Timothy McDonald, Holy Cross High School, Former President (Waterbury, CT)
- The Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Award – this honors the contributions of our loyal friends of Holy Cross. Recipient: Jay Alix ’73, AlixPartners, Founder (Birmingham, MI)
“The accomplishments of our inductees are a part of the legacy and tradition of Holy Cross High School,” said Brother William Zaydak, C.S.C., Provincial, Congregation of Holy Cross, Moreau Province. “What they have accomplished in the past is now an integral part of the present….On behalf of the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Brothers of Holy Cross, we thank you, the inductees, for being co-workers and co-ministers with all of us. For this, we are extremely grateful for your time, dedication and heartfelt passion for Holy Cross.”
Honored guest, the Honorable Neil M. O’Leary, 46th Mayor of the City of Waterbury, shared his thoughts on what Holy Cross meant to the city of Waterbury. “Our son, Patrick, graduated from Holy Cross in 2003,” said Mr. O’Leary. “The thing I love most about it is the fact that each and every faculty member went out of their way to make sure he was on the right track. I think that is the example that most parents expect from Holy Cross because that is the bar that they have set for the last fifty years now. Many of our friends continue to send their children to Holy Cross, and each and every one of them is so honored when their children walk across that stage because they are all going somewhere they dreamt they could get to. That is what Holy Cross means to the students, their families and the city at large.”
Current senior, Emma Gargano ’17 congratulated the inductees on behalf of the Class of 2017. “It is my great hope that we, the students of Holy Cross, can continue to do great things just like you did and still do within our community. Thank you for leading the Crusader path. We will strive to follow in your footsteps.”