MONTICELLO, NY — Four exceptional Monticello High School alumni were inducted into the district’s Hall of Distinction in November.
It was the 10th annual Hall of Distinction induction ceremony, held at Monticello High School (MHS) in the Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium. The event was attended by the inductees, their families, the school board, the Hall of Distinction committee and fellow members of the school community.
Honored at the ceremony were Ralph Breakey, M.D., MHS class of 1911; Julian Dawson, MHS class of 1999; Shirley Hornbeck, MHS class of 1953; and Antoinette Williams, MHS class of 1986.
Julian Dawson and Antoinette Williams attended the event in person, while Shirley Hornbeck was present via Zoom. Randy Katz, D.M.D. and Valerie Katz-Broza, M.D.—both MHS alumni—attended the ceremony on behalf of Dr. Breakey.
The ceremony began with performances by student musicians. Dr. Matthew Evans, Monticello superintendent, provided opening remarks and Lori Orestano-James, Hall of Distinction master of ceremonies, gave a brief overview of the inductees. As they received their awards, they were introduced by someone close to them who attested to their success and character.
Inductees in turn talked about their work and gave advice on personal and professional success.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the plaques on the wall outside of the MHS auditorium.
“This year’s inductees span centuries of excellence in the Monticello Central School District,” said Evans. “Unlike some of the induction classes of years past, every inductee… is an alumni, went away for a college education, and came back to serve this community with distinction. That is not a required recipe to be inducted, but rather an indicator of the quality of this year’s class… We are proud that they are graduates; proud for the work they’ve done for this community; and proud for their recognition.”