Six inducted into revived Kennedy Hall of Fame

The Kennedy High School gymnasium was filled with excitement and transformed into the Kennedy High School ballroom last Saturday evening when six alumni were inducted into the John F. Kennedy High School Hall of Fame. The induction was the first in 17 years.

The six honorees were selected based on their success in their chosen professions and the service they have rendered either in Bellmore-Merrick or beyond. All six embody the visionary spirit of President John F. Kennedy.

Kennedy High School takes in students from Bellmore and Merrick.

Kenny Dichter, class of 1986: A 1990 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Dichter has been an entrepreneur in sports marketing, retail and manufacturing. He is the founder of three companies: Alphabet City (a recording company), Tour GCX Inc. (golf access) and Marquis Jet

(travel access). Dichter’s entrepreneurial success allowed him to create MarquisCare, which supports more than 50 charities. A participant in JFK’s Senior Experience Program, Dichter is a favored guest speaker in Kennedy’s classrooms.

Doug Ellin, class of 1986: A 1990 graduate of Tulane University, Ellin has become an acclaimed comic, actor, writer, producer and director. He is creator, head writer and producer of the hit television show “Entourage.” He has also been an actor and director of “Life with Bonnie,” “Kissing a Fool,” “Phat Beach,” “The Pitch” and “The Waiter.” Ellin is also a creative artist, philanthropist and recognized leader in the television industry.

Jonathan Fish, class of 1980: After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in 1984, Fish then studied at Oxford University, earning a diploma in 1988. He is executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Advertising Council. He was also a five-time national rowing champion, a gold medalist in rowing at the 1986 Goodwill Games in Russia and an Olympic participant in Seoul, South Korea, in 1988. He was also a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.