Meet the Newest Members of the Long Beach Wall of Fame

The Long Beach School District celebrated the 18th year of its Wall of Fame by honoring four inductees and five historical inductees.

Kerry Kennedy Hoffman, Vincent Leone, Dr. Michael Mittelman and Frank Volpe had their 2014 inductee plaques unveiled, and Edward Croker, Hon. Morris Fleishman, Paul Jackson, Dr. Frances Karp and Dr. George Reiss received acknowledgements as the historical inductees. Stephen Kohut, a Wall of Fame member since its initiation in 1996, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Kohut welcomed the honorees and their guests and expressed gratitude to the Board of Education for its support of this significant asset to the community that is housed in the high school. He introduced Eric Zeppa, a student athlete, who reflected on the wall’s meaning.

“The wall has made me work harder in the classroom,” Zeppa expressed.

Zeppa further described ways in which the wall is an inspiration to current students and encourages them to work hard academically and athletically. High School Principal Bill Stroud then addressed attendees and introduced members of the high school staff.

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Former Board of Education President and longtime supporter of the Wall of Fame Patrick Gallagher spoke as well, thanking all who have been involved in this celebration of alumni and people in the community.

“It’s not just a wall for athletics,” he explained. “It’s a wall for those who have been involved in the larger community and affected the United States and the world.”

Kohut then returned to the podium and announced the 2014 inductees. Dr. Michael Mittelman graduated the high school in 1971 and was the first naval aerospace optometrist and commanded the naval hospital in Okinawa, Japan. He was also a combat command surgeon for the Navy Medical Services Corp and received many distinguished merit awards for accomplishments made over the span of 33 years. Dr. Mittelman thanked those who serve our country and help enable Americans to maintain our many freedoms. He also explained that the types of adults people become are based on the experiences they have as children.

“The reason I’ve been able to do whatever I do is because of the memorable experiences I’ve had in Long Beach,” he said.

Frank Volpe is the first Wall of Fame member to be inducted solely as a teacher, without athletic involvement. He taught math at LBHS from 1971 until 2009, served as student organization advisor, created the Bulldog mascot and initiated a number of events and opportunities that have become part of the school environment. Former President of the Teachers’ Association, Volpe presently serves as President of the Retirees Association.

“I go on this wall representing teachers, and I do so knowing many others belong there,” he stated. “Teacher is what I am, not what I do.”

Kerry Kennedy Hoffman, a 1997 LBHS graduate, is now a teacher and coach. She has an impressive athletic background at the school, including achievements in Varsity Swimming, Varsity Basketball and Varsity Softball. She continued her basketball involvement in college at Adelphi University, where she was Team Captain and four-year starter. Hoffman thanked her family as well as three of her former coaches who made a lasting impact.

“You don’t get too far anywhere in life without a good support system,” she stated.

Vincent Leone graduated LBHS in 1991 and also has an outstanding athletic record, leading the Varsity Baseball, Basketball and Football teams to many successful accomplishments. After graduating, he attended Hofstra University, where he played football. Leone previously earned the Roy Illowit Memorial Award, presented by the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, for his athletic excellence. Now a teacher, he shared that being an educator is all he ever wanted to do, and acknowledged the support system he has in Long Beach.

“I feel fortunate to life a life as an educator and to be surrounded by great people,” he said.

The historical wing was created last year as a way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the district. This was the second and final year that historical inductees were added to the wall. Students in the International Baccalaureate History Course selected the historical inductees after doing extensive research to find individuals who, as Kohut described, “became part of the fabric of the community and held it all together, making it a special place.” Kohut presented the first round of inductees to the new historical wing.

Hon. Morris Fleischman was a dedicated leader and businessman in the community for many years. He served as City Councilman, Park Commissioner, Chamber of Commerce President, Lions Club member and President, Long Beach Hospital Vice President and Hospital Club President. His son Stanley spoke on his behalf and thanked the committee for honoring his father, stating, “He deserves to be on this wall.”

Frances Karp graduated Long Beach High School in the 1920’s when it was still referred to as “Central School.” After completing medical school, she opened a general medical practice in the community, worked at the Long Beach Medical Center and practiced from home. She is said to have paved the way for many women in her professional field. Dr. Karp’s daughter, Susan Rappel, received the award on her behalf.

“We are thrilled to have Long Beach High School recognized my mother’s contributions and be reminded of how many lives she has touched,” she said.

George Reiss was the first surgeon in the 21st Century at Long Beach Hospital and saved a number of lives with surgeries that were conducted under challenging circumstances. He helped create an emergency medical center and worked with emergency volunteers. Long Beach Historical Society Founder and Trustee Roberta Fiore accepted the award on his behalf, explaining, “Dr. Reiss was really responsible for Long Beach Hospital.”

Paul Jackson graduated from the High School in 1944 and was a writer that provided a great deal of community history. He was editor of a local paper and authored two books that portray the city’s past.

“I am honored to receive this recognition since Long Beach is my hometown and Long Beach High School is my alma mater,” he stated.

Edward Croker was elected Generalissimo of the Long Beach Fire Department in 1912 and made a valuable impact on the city. He previously worked with the Fire Department of New York, where he helped to shape fire laws that have kept people safe.

Barbara Flak, President of the Long Beach Historical Society, accepted his award and shared quotes from Mr. Croker as well as highlights from his career.

“He was appointed to the fire department and became lieutenant 47 days later, then chief,” she stated.

The Wall of Fame continues to serve as an inspiration to the youth of Long Beach.

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Submitted by Long Beach School District

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