The 16-member Ichabod Crane CSD Wall of Fame Committee met on Thursday night and selected six outstanding individuals for inductions into the district’s distinguished Wall of Fame.
The 2026 Wall of Fame inductees are:
- Linda Collett – Distinguished Faculty/Staff
- Steve Fielman – Distinguished Faculty/Staff
- Alexander Mangione-Smith – Distinguished Alumni
- Dr. Pam (Delp) Polashenski – Distinguished Alumni
- Corrie Shattenkirk – Distinguished Alumni
- Dale Tuczinski – Distinguished Faculty/Staff
“I am deeply grateful to serve a community shaped by generations of remarkable people who have dedicated themselves to Ichabod Crane,” said Superintendent Marie Digirolamo. “Our former faculty, alumni and community leaders have built a powerful legacy of service, mentorship and excellence that continues to enrich the lives of our students, staff and community today. This year’s inductees have given back selflessly and meaningfully. It’s a privilege to recognize their extraordinary contributions and to share their stories with our community.”
Ms. Collett’s 36-year career reflects dedication, leadership and compassion. She began at Ichabod Crane in 1969 as an English and Reading teacher, inspiring students for 22 years while serving as Department Chair and advisor.
In 1990, she became Director of Special Education K-12, ensuring students with disabilities received individualized support. She later served as High School Co-Principal, helping shape long-term goals. After retiring in 2006, she went on to mentor future school leaders through Questar III BOCES, continues to volunteer in hospice care and, in 2024, was elected to the Chatham Central School District Board of Education.
Mr. Fielman dedicated more than 32 years to Ichabod Crane as a teacher, mentor and leader. Beginning in 1983, he taught seventh-grade science, engaging students with hands-on experiments and creative projects that sparked curiosity and critical thinking. He supported students academically and personally, offering extra help and second chances to succeed.
He helped shape the Middle School science curriculum, aligned instruction with state standards and mentored colleagues. A leader in STANYS, he also co-founded a grade 5-6 Science Club. Beyond the classroom, he coached track, served as union representative and organized Relay for Life teams to support cancer research.
Mr. Mangione-Smith, a member of the Class of 2016, has built a life defined by service, leadership and inclusion. After graduating with honors from Bryant University in Accounting, International Business and Spanish, he began a banking career in Arizona, earning multiple promotions.
In 2020, he founded Cerebral Palsy Soccer Arizona, creating adaptive opportunities for youth with disabilities to experience soccer. He is also deeply involved with one•n•ten in Tempe, supporting LGBTQ+ young adults and launched the first annual Disability Pride event in 2025. Recognized as an innovative, mission-driven leader, he strengthens every organization he serves.
Dr. Polashenski, a 1987 Ichabod Crane graduate, excelled as a student, athlete and leader. A National Honor Society member and Regents Scholarship recipient, she set lasting school records in volleyball and track.
She earned a bachelor’s in health and society and a master’s in public health from the University of Rochester, becoming the school’s first All-American in volleyball and later inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame. She earned her medical degree with honors, served as Chief Resident and became Chief Medical Officer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, she continued her work and advocacy until her passing in December 2021.
Ms. Shattenkirk’s life was defined by compassion, resilience and service. A 2001 Ichabod Crane graduate, she excelled academically and athletically, serving as class secretary and captain of the varsity basketball team. She studied Spanish and Biology at Colby College, going on to earn nursing degrees from Columbia University and completing service work in the Dominican Republic.
She became a Certified Nurse-Midwife and went to work in Omaha, Nebraska, serving primarily Spanish-speaking patients, helping launch a centering pregnancy program. She passed away in June 2023 at 39, leaving a legacy of dignity, service and education, honored through initiatives like “Corrie’s Car Seats,” which provides safe car seats to families in need in Omaha.
Mr. Tuczinski was a guiding presence at Ichabod Crane Middle School for 28 years, serving students as a counselor and trusted advocate. Greeting them each morning and waving them off each afternoon, he made everyone feel seen, supported and valued.
He guided students through everyday worries and personal challenges, ran small groups and helped establish the Middle School Mentoring Program in 1997. Colleagues relied on his insight and compassion, while administrators praised his leadership in student mental health and family partnerships. Remembered as a mentor, friend and father, his legacy endures in the lives he touched. Mr. Tuczinski passed away in February 2024.
District alumni, former employees and community members are eligible to be nominated for the Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame recognizes the contributions and achievements of a diverse group, including graduates, former employees and community members. These individuals, through outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields or dedicated service to the district, serve as inspirational figures for our students.
The Wall of Fame Committee is made up of Board of Education members, staff in various instructional and non-instructional positions, students and parents/guardians/community members. Nominees must receive 70 percent of the committee vote to be selected.
The new inductees will be honored at a ceremony on March 30, 6 p.m., in the High School Auditorium.