Wall sponsors

Thank you to our founding sponsors

The Veterans Wall of Honor was built with the generosity of these sponsors, and the work of the volunteers, staff and friends listed below.

Founding sponsors

With gratitude for making the Wall of Honor possible

Five-star sponsors

  • Bay Shore American Legion Post 365
  • B.S.H.S. Alumni Association
  • Philip M. Carpenter, Jr.

Four-star sponsors

  • James & Tara McCahill

Three-star sponsors

  • John T. Digilio, Jr.
  • Suffolk Transportation Service

Two-star sponsors

  • Bill & Maryann ChristieIn honor of Capt. Gary Smith USMC
  • Richard DonaldsonIn memory of deceased wife Eileen and children Eileen & Richard
  • Dorothy Simpson Dorion
  • George Carisle Gatje
  • John P. Hansen
  • Rev. & Mrs. John E. Morrison, III
  • Gary V. Smith
  • The Striplin BrothersDon, Pat, Chet

One-star sponsors

  • Kenneth Beskin
  • John C. Cochrane Sr.
  • Dennis J. DeVivo
  • J. Stewart McLaughlin
  • Class of 1997BSHS 20 Year Reunion

Become a sponsor

Sponsorship is still open, and every gift helps complete and maintain this tribute.

Donate

The inspiration

The inspiration and vision for this Veterans Wall of Honor originated with Therese Garcia, our beloved secretary in Bay Shore High School's Health Physical Education and Athletics Office. Prior to her untimely passing, Terri had a wish to honor our BSHS Veterans with a showcase exhibiting their portraits. It was the efforts of dedicated staff who were intent on fulfilling Terri's dream that energized this project.

Board of directors

  • Viki Zimolka
  • Harry E. Brown
  • Michael Dolan
  • Maureen Tortorici
  • Kathleen Allen Hanley

Committee members

  • Harry E. Brown
  • Philip M. Carpenter, Jr.
  • John T. Digilio, Jr.
  • Michael Dolan
  • Artie Dromerhauser
  • Kathleen Allen Hanley
  • Guy Leggio
  • Frank Romeo
  • Gary V. Smith
  • Chet Striplin
  • Maureen Tortorici
  • Paul Wernersbach
  • Viki Zimolka

Acknowledgements

Heartfelt appreciation to the Bay Shore Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools for their continued support of this project!

Superintendent of Schools

  • Mr. Joseph C. Bond

Board of Education Members

  • Susan Gargan
  • Craig Brewer
  • Louis R. Bettinelli
  • Guy Leggio
  • Andrew A. Arcuri

Additional thanks to BSHS Technology (Michael Virsinger), Facilities (Joseph Hodosky) and Security (Michael Sutch) for their valued input and cooperation.

Some of the information noted for certain Veterans has been obtained from the following research journals:

  • S. Bela, J. Brennan, K. Byrne, K. Callahan, J. Discount (1994) Islip's War Veterans Journals Addendum. Town of Islip
  • Jeane M. Podhany (1987) The Journal of Islip's Korean and Vietnam Veterans. Town of Islip
  • Christopher D. Bodkin (1991) World War II in Islip Town Pearl Harbor to VJ Day. Town of Islip
  • Nathaniel R. Howell (1948) Islip Town's World War II Effort. Town of Islip
  • Perry S. Wicks (1921) War Record of the Town of Islip World War 1917-1918. Town of Islip

Finally, many thanks to Art Guild Inc. and Interactive AV-IT for the design and construction of this unique tribute to our past, present and future Bay Shore service men and women!