2022
- Patricia Westover, Distinguished Faculty/Staff Member
- Jennifer Kline, Distinguished Faculty/Staff Member
- Shirley McThenia, Distinguished Faculty/Staff Member
- Michael Buono, Distinguished Community Member
2021
- David Kolb, Distinguished Alumni (Ichabod Crane Class of 1984)
As a member of the Ichabod Crane Class of 1984, David Kolb is inducted to the Ichabod Crane Wall of Fame under the category of “Distinguished Alumni”. Since graduating from Ichabod Crane, Mr. Kolb has devoted himself to serving the nation, New York State and the Columbia County community.
Mr. Kolb entered the United States Air Force after graduation, where he served on active duty and as a member of the New York Air National Guard for 25 years. He is a Persian Gulf War veteran and retired in 2009 as a Senior Master Sergeant. In 2005, he was the recipient of the NYS Commendation Medal for saving the life of a person who was in cardiac arrest. Mr. Kolb entered the New York State Police in 1992. Upon graduation, he reported to the New Lebanon barracks and served a majority of his career in Columbia County.
He deployed to New York City on September 11, 2001, in response to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. In 2006, Mr. Kolb was a recipient of the NYSP Superintendent’s Award for heroism. In 2018, he was promoted to Captain and currently serves as the Executive Officer and a Tactical Flight Officer with the New York State Police Aviation Unit. Mr. Kolb regularly participated in the ICC Middle School Career Day presentations. He also was an ICC Modified softball coach and a volunteer assistant coach for the Girls Varsity volleyball team. Mr. Kolb earned an M.A. degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from American Public University, and a B.A. in Community and Human Services from SUNY-Empire State College.
- Melissa Murray, Distinguished Faculty/Staff
A member of the Ichabod Crane faculty for 34 years, Melissa Murray is inducted to the Ichabod Crane Wall of Fame under the category of “Distinguished Faculty/Staff.”
Ms. Murray started her time in Ichabod Crane during a college internship at the Primary School and in the K-12 Summer School Programs. She started her official employment with the district as a teacher, first of Middle School Science and then 1st & 2nd Grade for 20 years. After deciding to explore further career options other than teaching in Ichabod Crane, she took on the roles of K-5 Reading & Language Arts Coordinator, followed by Primary School Principal and finally finishing her career in the district’s Central Office as the Principal in Charge of Curriculum for Grades K-12. A dedicated employee of the district in all these roles, she was frequently described by her former colleagues as an amazing mentor, supervisor, co-teacher and friend. She was particularly noted for her professional expertise in curriculum performance reviews (APPR) and classroom management skills.
Her legacy can is felt throughout the district and is especially apparent in the Primary School. The building is home to the Melissa Murray Book Room dedicated to her in 2017 and is also the site of the annual holiday season event, Melissa Murray’s Festival of Trees. Melissa was well known for her love of the holidays and created the Festival of Trees when she was the building principal as a way to bring the school community together to celebrate that special time of year. The event was renamed in her memory in December 2018.
Ms. Murray passed away in Fall 2018 after courageously battling cancer and is missed by all who knew her in the Ichabod Crane school community.
2019
- Patricia DiGrigoli, Distinguished Community Member
Ms. DiGrigoli has been involved with Ichabod Crane since 1976 when she worked as a District bus aide. She served a long tenure on the Board of Education from 1985-1994, during which she served as both President and Vice President. Ms. DiGrigoli is known for her ongoing generosity to the District, particularly her longtime support of the Ichabod Crane Closet and High School Teen Weekend Meal & Pantry programs. She always asks if the District community programs need specific items and is the first to provide them if so. Additionally, there are countless examples from over the years of Ms. DiGrigoli personally helping ICC classes finance projects, such as class plays. An involved community member outside the schools as well, her public service includes President of the Columbia Country Board (since 2012), Chairperson of the Valatie Ecumenical Food Pantry and a volunteer at St. John Baptist with their Community Thanksgiving & Easter Baskets.
- Anthony Welcome, Distinguished Faculty/Staff
Mr. Welcome devoted his entire career to Ichabod Crane. A District employee from 1970 until his retirement in 2006, he began as a 4th-grade teacher. In 1988 he became Assistant Principal of the elementary schools. By 1990, he was promoted to principal of the elementary schools. In 1997, he became the Primary School Principal, a position he held until retirement. Mr. Welcome is fondly remembered by colleagues for his memory of student (and parent) names long after they left his schools and for his conflict resolution skills as an administrator. He ran for the Ichabod Crane Board of Education one year after his retirement, where he served as President from 2012-2018 and is currently the Vice President. Out in the community, Anthony has been heavily involved in many programs and held many roles including religious education teacher, little league coach, Kinderhook summer softball coach, performer at the local MacHayden Theater.
2018
- Judith Bury, Distinguished Community Member, Graduate of Ichabod Crane High School – Class of 1956
Mrs. Bury taught Home Economics at Ichabod Crane for nearly 30 years. She volunteers countless hours at her church and for the Ichabod Crane school community. Her ongoing dedication to Ichabod Crane is evidenced by her support of numerous programs aimed at helping others, including the Ichabod Crane Teen Weekend Meal Program, the Giving Tree and serving as a co-advisor of the high school’s Habitat for Humanity Club. Mrs. Bury is an active and dedicated volunteer in the greater community, including 4H and Warm Up America. Through her church, Mrs. Bury was instrumental in starting the Summer Free Lunch Program, which provides healthy lunch to Ichabod Crane students.
- Chris Gibson, Distinguished Alumni, Graduate of Ichabod Crane High School – Class of 1982
Mr. Gibson earned a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University. He served 24 years in the US Army, rising to the rank of Colonel. Mr. Gibson deployed seven times, including four combat tours to Iraq and was awarded numerous medals, including four Bronze Star Medals and the Purple Heart. He taught American Politics at West Point. Mr. Gibson was elected to Congress to serve the 20th Congressional District in 2010. He was re-elected to serve the 19th Congressional District for terms in 2012 and 2014. As Congressman, Mr. Gibson made every effort to be an active part of the district. He visited the schools to speak with students and shared his fond memories of his time at Ichabod Crane. He also made it a priority to meet with the 8th-grade students during their annual visit to DC and provide them with the best and most informative opportunities during their visit. Mr. Gibson is now the Stanley Kaplan Distinguished Visiting Professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College and the author of the books Securing the State and Rally Point.
- Gail Nadeem Helfer, Distinguished Faculty
For 25 years, Mrs. Helfer taught music and high school theater at Ichabod Crane. She created the theater classes at the high school and assisted in developing state curriculum for high school theater. During her teaching career and as the long-time director of the Crane Acting Troupe, Mrs. Helfer instills in her students a passion for musical theater and performing. Under her leadership, two generations of Ichabod Crane students have gained on-stage and backstage experience and the Crane Acting Troupe has earned a reputation of excellence for its Broadway-style shows. The skills taught by Mrs. Helfer extend beyond her students’ formal education and positively impact their lives, whether they pursue a career in theater or something else. Former students and taxpayers who have no other connection to the school come back to her productions year after year.
- Joyce Gould Robinson, Distinguished Faculty in Memoriam
For 35 years, Mrs. Gould Robinson taught social studies and economics at Ichabod Crane Central School District at the middle and high school levels. She was a chairperson of the social studies department, advisor to student council and cheerleading and an active member of the Booster Club. Mrs. Gould Robinson and students created Operation Cheer Up, a monthly newsletter which was mailed to district alumni in the Persian Gulf War to help them feel closer to home. .She created the Jerry B. Gould Memorial Scholarship to help graduating seniors continue their student/athletic education beyond high school. After retiring from Ichabod Crane in 1998, Mrs. Gould Robinson began a 10-year career with the NYS Assembly. She passed away in 2012. The E. Joyce Gould Robinson Scholarship is presented annually to an Ichabod Crane graduating senior who best exemplifies the ideals she aspired to instill in her students: a passion for US history, a civic-minded spirit and a drive to better the school and community.