Wall of Fame 2026
The 16-member Ichabod Crane CSD Wall of Fame Committee met in February 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.
2025 Wall of Fame Inductees
- Michael Behrens – Distinguished Faculty
- Jo-Ellen Estabrook-Pollack – Distinguished Faculty
- Mary Ann Lizzi – Distinguished Faculty
- Linda McCarthy – Distinguished Faculty
- Deborah Simonsmeier – Distinguished Alumni
Overview
The Ichabod Crane Wall of Fame recognizes the contributions and achievements of a diverse group, including graduates, former employees, volunteers and friends of the district. These individuals, through outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields or dedicated service to the district, serve as inspirational figures for our students.
Nomination Process
Eligible individuals can be nominated by anyone, except themselves. Nominees can be living or deceased. To nominate someone, a completed application packet must be submitted by the deadline.
The application can be completed and shared via Google Docs or emailed to Communications Specialist Mackenzie Rigg at mrigg@ichabodcrane.org.
Any additional required documentation can also be emailed to this address.
For mail submissions, send all completed nomination materials to:
Ichabod Crane Central School District Office
Wall of Fame Committee c/o Mackenzie Rigg
2910 Route 9
Valatie, NY 12184
Applications can also be dropped off at the district’s Central Office.
If you have any questions during the nomination process, please email Mackenzie Rigg at mrigg@ichabodcrane.org.
Timeline
Nominations are typically due in the winter, with the Wall of Fame Committee convening in late winter or early spring to review candidates and cast their votes. The district announces new inductees to the public by early to mid-spring, followed by an Induction Ceremony.
Selection Criteria
A nominee must meet the criteria in one of the following categories:
- Distinguished Alumni: A nominee in this category graduated from Ichabod Crane Central School District and has made a lasting and outstanding contribution in their life and career. Nominations will be accepted for individuals who do not graduate because of military service.
- Distinguished Faculty/Staff: A nominee in this category is a former employee of the Ichabod Crane Central School District who has distinguished themselves by demonstrating exceptional leadership, character and achievement. The nominee can be an administrator, coach, faculty (teacher) or staff member.
- Distinguished Community Member: A nominee in this category is an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Ichabod Crane Central School District.
Selection Process/Committee
The Wall of Fame Committee is made up of a broad cross-section of the Ichabod Crane Central School District. Each year, the committee carefully reviews all submitted nominations. Selections are made based on the established criteria and all discussions are kept strictly confidential.
There is no limit to the number of inductees chosen each year. Nominations are evaluated solely on their individual merits and are not compared or ranked against other submissions.
The committee is led by the Superintendent of Schools, who serves as chair without voting rights. It consists of 16 members: three Board of Education members, three teachers (one from each school), two administrators, three support staff members, three High School seniors and two parents or community members. Voting is conducted anonymously and candidates must receive at least 70% of the votes (a minimum of 11 out of 16) to be selected. Each member serves a two-year term.
The committee may propose modifications to the Wall of Fame process through a majority vote.
Please visit our Wall of Fame Recipients Archive for information about past inductees.
