Circle of Pride Honorees to be inducted in October

On Oct. 27, Oceanside High School will be welcoming the 2011 inductees to the school’s Circle of Honor — its sports Hall of Fame. The new members will be inducted at a dinner ceremony, which is also a fundraiser for the Athletic Pride Club. The club promotes athletes serving the community through donations, sports-themed fundraisers and acts

of service.

The Athletic Pride Club’s donations go directly to the Oceanside District Scholarship Fund, Oceanside Community Service and other local charities. The athlete members also participate in the district’s annual Turkey Shoot, which provides food to needy Oceanside residents at Thanksgiving. They also organize snow shoveling for the elderly.

The Herald is proud to present here the 12 2011 inductees to the Circle of Pride.

The public is welcome, and encouraged, to attend the dinner, which will be held on Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Oceanside Knights of Columbus Hall.

For more information, contact Richie Woods at 678-2359 or email rwoods@oceansideschools.org.

Chrissy Bennett

Chrissy was a versatile athlete starring in volleyball and softball during high school. A four-year starter in volleyball, she was voted All-Conference, All-County and, in her senior year, All-State. Softball was her passion. Her high school career was superior to all who have played the sport in Oceanside. She played four years on the varsity squad and was a dazzling, speedball pitcher. Her talent and effort led her to be her team’s Most Valuable Player three times. She was selected by the Nassau County coaches to be a three-time All-County pitcher and holds the unbelievable distinction of being selected All-State three times. Her excellence as a player and leadership as a team captain helped the Sailors Softball team capture two county championships.

Donald Castronovo

Don’s success in track and field led to his becoming a two-time All-American during high school. This accomplishment is rare in Oceanside’s history. In 1964, Don competed in The Golden West Invitational. This track meet, held in California, brings the greatest high school stars from all over the country. Don sprinted his way to a second place finish in the 180-yard low hurdles and a third place finish in the 100-yard dash. His mentor during his high school career was the formidable coach Roy Chernock. He is someone Don credits for his success. Don is one of the few Oceanside High School athletes to be nationally recognized. His feat of setting the national high school record for the 180-yard low hurdles in 1964 is one of the sole, greatest achievements our athletic program has ever had. His record still stands today.

Elizabeth L. Dunwoody

Elizabeth L. Dunwoody, affectionately known to all as “Betty,” began her distinguished career in the Oceanside School District in 1955 as the secretary to the principal of School 5. During her career of nearly 50 years in Oceanside, she worked in various administrative and secretarial roles for our district at the elementary, junior high and high school levels. In the 70’s, Betty found her niche working in the Student Projects’ Office at the high school. Her devotion, guidance, impact and heart touched more than five generations of OHS students. All who knew her recognized that her work was not a job but a way of life. As recognition of her selfless work and devotion to Oceanside’s youth, Betty was awarded the coveted Golden Heart Award by Oceanside Kiwanis Club, its highest honor.

Peter Gibson

The 1977 Oceanside Football team won the Nassau County title, beating Plainedge for the county championship. Peter played for legendary coach Roy Kessenich and credits him for his election into the Oceanside High School Hall of Fame. In Peter’s words, “I had decided to focus on basketball and baseball and not play football after my sophomore year of high school. Coach Kessenich persuaded me to play football as a junior and try quarterback. He, along with Coach Scerbo and Coach Moltisanti, taught me the position. Our team was blessed with great talent at all positions on both defense and offense. Thirty-three years later, I am constantly reminded of the lessons I learned from Coach Kessenich. His work ethic and toughness set an example for our team to follow. Coach felt there was no sacrifice for hard work and that we should never let our own minds limit our potential.”

Lori Graham

Lori Graham’s accomplishments in the world of athletics are astonishing. More amazing is how quickly they were amassed. Her resume is one of excellence. Her academic prowess and modesty make those achievements even more admirable. In high school, Lori played five different varsity sports. In three of those sports, she was the team’s Most Valuable Player. This puts her among the most elite athletes to ever to attend Oceanside High School. She was captain, All-League and Most Valuable Player in soccer, basketball and lacrosse.

Jack Hay

An admired coach at Oceanside High School, Jack Hay was a model of determination and a stickler for doing things correctly. His devotion toward conditioning of athletes was passionate, exuberant and contagious. This passion was integral in his coaching. During his tenure at OHS, he was the varsity wrestling, softball and cross-country coach. He guided the Sailors to many team and individual championships. Hay was the varsity wrestling coach from 1956 through 1972, winning the league championship in 1962. Hay also enjoyed success in cross-country and softball. As varsity cross-country coach he won consecutive County Championships in 1962 and 1963. In 1976, he established the first varsity softball program. Five years later he saw the fruits of the seeds he sowed as the girls won the County Championship, beating out 56 other schools.

Monica McKeon Homer

Monica McKeon Homer loved her Oceanside