• Distinguished Alumni Selection


    The Newfane Alumni Association is proud to announce an annual award celebrating the achievements of Newfane High School graduates. Newfane may be a small community, but the far-reaching impacts of NHS graduates go well beyond school district boundaries. Distinguished Alumni Awards will honor successful alumni, highlight inspirational role models for current students and foster connections with the Newfane community.

    Nominations
    Any former student, faculty member or friend of Newfane Central School may make a nomination for the Distinguished Alumni Award. Nominations are due by July 1 of each year. The selection committee will choose recipients in August and awards will be presented during Newfane High School’s Homecoming weekend.

    Qualifications
    The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates of Newfane High School for outstanding achievements and contributions to society following graduation.

    Award Criteria

    • Candidates must have graduated from Newfane High School at least fifteen years prior to nomination.
    • Candidates must have made a significant contribution in their profession or community service.
    • Candidates must have contributed to society in an exemplary manner.

    Selection Process 

    • Distinguished Alumni Award recipients shall be selected by a selection committee made up of NAA Board members
    • The Distinguished Alumni Representative will chair the selection board.
    • Nominee packets will be distributed at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
    • Prior to any voting, at least five minutes per nominee shall be allowed for discussion of the nominee.
    • Each Alumni Board member shall rank the nominees in order of preference by secret ballot.
    • During review of the voting results, the selection committee will determine the number of recipients for that current year.
    • The Alumni President will present the selectees to the Newfane Central School Superintendent and High School Principal for final approval.

    To make a nomination, click on the link below. Please note, you will need the contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail address) for any individual you wish nominate. Please contact the Newfane Alumni Association if you have any questions.

    Feel free to send in as many nominations as you like.  We want to recognize as many deserving alumni as possible.  Please complete the Distinguished Alumni Award Nomination Form here. 

    You may also print this nomination form, complete it and mail it to:

    Newfane Alumni Association
    Attn: Distinguished Alumni Committee
    6273 Charlotteville Road
    Newfane, NY 14108

    2023 Distinguished Alumni Class
     
    Ronald Altbach, Class of 1964, Musician/Capital Markets Executive
    Erik Harrington, Class of 1987, Coach/Community Service
    David Nasca, Class of 2008, Artist/Educator
    Jaak Rakfeldt, Class of 1964, Professor/Researcher/Clinician
    Lisa Rudgers, Class of 1981, Strategic Planning/Leadership Development Consultant
    Ronald Winkley, Class of 1976, Law Enforcement/Community Service

    First Distinguished Alumni Class Inducted (2022)

    Thomas Beilein, Class of 1964, Law Enforcement
    Dr. Brian Hamluk, Class of 1994, College Administration
    Paul Hobbs, Class of 1971, Winemaker
    Dr. Rebecca Liddell Huppi, Class of 1984, Cancer Research
    Dr. Jean Greig Roberts, Class of 1971, Musician 
    Susie Zafrano, Class of 1986, Special Education Teacher