Surrounded by family and friends, Vestal alumnus Brian Lynn (Class of 1993) was inducted into the Vestal Hall of Fame, along with Dr. Mark Hatala (Class of 1980) inducted in absentia. The induction followed the Hall of Fame dinner on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in the cafeteria of the Vestal High School.
“I believe that you cannot put a price or a value on education,” said Brian Lynn as he gave her acceptance speech. “As a student, when you are ready and willing, there will always be a teacher there to support you. And that certainly was my case here in Vestal.”
He went on to share the tremendous impact that two of his high school teachers had on him. "Coach Barry Ilse was my favorite coach. He inspired me, not only as a player for the love of the game, but also how I coach and how I helped to develop the rec league in Atlanta that I help run."
"I can't express how much I appreciate her and admire her. Not only as my teacher, but my favorite teacher" said Mr. Lynn about the other teacher he credits with his success - art teacher Nikki Corgel. "I spent more time in her classroom and with her than any other teacher. He went on to share, "My Dad always talks about roots and wings. Mrs. Corgel built my roots for my career and gave me wings to soar and to achieve the success that is ultimately standing before you today."
Dr. Mark Hatala accepted the honor from "somewhere on the Danube River" and expressed his gratitude for this extraordinary recognition. "I am deeply honored, humbled, and somewhat challenged in accepting this award, knowing full well that over the years there are many deserving and outstanding graduates who could be members of the Vestal Hall of Fame." He ended with congratulations to fellow inductee Brian Lynn and to the Vestal graduating class of 2024.
Special thanks go to Mrs. Katie Donlin and students who helped set up and also served as waitstaff - Keira DeVantier, Jace Gannon, Mikayla Iuzzini, Maheen Kashif, Joey Lamphere, Qurratul Manha, Kelsey Smith, Syeda Suraiya, Hailey Szwalla, Tomas Testani, Tom Vallely, Dominic Vega, Eva Weseman, and Reagan Young... Ms. Amelia Wilson and her students from the VHS Chamber Orchestra who provided musical entertainment during social time - Sriram Chakravadhanula, Amelia Chiu, Elinor Davidovich, Alaina Domingo, Mariel Flint, Takumi Guay, Andrew Lee, Daniel Li, Kassidy Martin, Orum Pettid, Alexandra Schleider, Luke Sobel, Lilly Tripp, and Samuel Winans... Mr. David Stroka, Broome-Tioga BOCES chef, Mrs. Erin Polovchak, Vestal Food Service Supervisor, Kim Lainhart, Clayton Avenue Cook Manager, and Hillary Yarosh, Glenwood Cook Manager, for the delicious meal they prepared!
The Hall of Fame Committee would also like to thank our very generous sponsors for their support of the Vestal Hall of Fame. Our Silver Sponsors this year were Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, LLC and Hogan, Sarzynski, Lynch, Dewind & Gregory, LLP. Bronze Sponsors included Barney & Dickenson, Inc.; Feduke Ford, Inc.; Lalor Shared Services, LLC; Marchuska Brothers Construction, LLC; Matthews Auto Group; Beverly Ochiai; and Southern Tier Physical Therapy Associates.