Five individuals and one team from the Shelton High School community, ranging from legendary teachers and administrators to amazing athletes and impactful community members, will be inducted into the school’s 2020 Hall of Fame.
The Shelton High School Hall of Fame was established in 2017 as a way to recognize and honor in a permanent manner those who have excelled in their dedication to the community of Shelton High School and those who have made outstanding contributions both at Shelton High School and in the world which reflect positively upon Shelton High School.
Shelton High School Hall of Fame committee chairman John Niski announced the latest members to be inducted. The SHS Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductees are Greg Biercevicz, Terry Jones, Susan Martin, Anthony Savignano, Joan Velms, and the 1962 Gaelette Girls Basketball Team.
An induction banquet will be held later in the year once events of this type are deemed safe for all attendees.
Greg Biercevicz is a 1973 graduate of Shelton High School where he was a multi-sport athlete excelling in both baseball and basketball. He went on to have a remarkable baseball career at the University of Connecticut, where he was named captain and led the team to several conference and tournament championships. He was also a 2x record-holder in pitching. Greg was drafted by the Seattle Mariners professional baseball team and competed for many years in the minor leagues and received recognition for his accomplishments.
Terry Jones is a 1964 graduate of Shelton High School and the current patriarch of the Jones Family Farms. He is a 5th generation farmer and has served on the Connecticut State Board of Education, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Board of Control, and chaired the Connecticut Working Lands Alliance. He is currently serving on the Board of the Valley Community Foundation of Greater New Haven. Terry has contributed greatly to the Shelton Public Schools system in countless ways and his commitment to the local Shelton Conservation Commission has helped bring health and nutrition education and opportunities to hundreds of Shelton students, athletes, and residents.
Susan Martin is a 1968 graduate of Shelton High School, where she ultimately returned to teach social studies for many years and also started the School and Community Volunteer Service course and served as Student Council advisor. Susan is also one of the original (and current) volunteers in the Audrey Dreyer Food Bank, which serves needy families in the Shelton Public Schools system. Following retirement in 2010, Susan continued to teach in the Adult Education program and has served on the Juvenile Review Board for over 20 years. Sue is also active in the City election process as a moderator and began the student voter registration process while teaching at SHS.
Anthony Savignano was a 1953 graduate of Shelton High School and began his professional career at SHS, where he served as math teacher, basketball coach, vice-principal, housemaster, and headmaster of Shelton High School for many years. He also worked as the director of operations for the Shelton Public Schools system and was instrumental in the planning, design, and building project management of the new Shelton Intermediate School as well as several other projects and renovations of city elementary schools. His dedication to the students of Shelton and his love of the City continued into his retirement and up to the day of his passing. His contributions to both are part of his lasting legacy.
Joan Velms was a remarkable Shelton High School English teacher and department chair throughout her 37-year career. As a gifted classroom teacher, Joan was ultimately recognized as the District’s first Teacher of the Year in 1986. Joan also was active in the school newspaper and developed the school journalism program. In addition to teaching full time, Joan was active in the Shelton Education Association and Connecticut Education Association. Following retirement, Joan was active in the Greater Bridgeport Retired Teachers Association and was an officer in the Delta Gamma International (Society of Women Teachers).
The 1962 Shelton High School Girls Basketball team ranks as one of the most outstanding in school history because the coaches and players are listed as the very first interscholastic girls’ athletic team both in Shelton and in the greater Naugatuck Valley. The Gaelette team members had to fight to create a brand new program in every aspect. Budget, uniforms, schedules, officials, practice space, and transportation were all huge obstacles that were overcome by this determined group of dedicated female student athletes and coaches. All championships and athletic programs which have followed since owe a debt of gratitude to this remarkable team. Members of the 1962 SHS Girls Basketball team include: Carol Petro, Sr. Linda Pepe, CSJ, Lorraine Hemenway Sedlock, Karen Kruk (Manager), Bernice Nicolari (Coach), Jerrilyn Gildea Klubek, Linda Zimmerman Bishop, Elaine Biercevicz Piazza,
Linda Wight Gogan Letsch, Grace Petro DelStritto, Cheryl Ballas, Cindy Vick Iutzi, Beverly Homick O’Hara, Michelle Cayer Kawalautzki, Joszette Gralow Carlson, Christina Biercevicz Vogel DeGennaro, Cathy Carey, Barbara Churma Majeski, and Mickey Biasucci Doria.
For more information about the Shelton High School Hall of Fame, please contact committee chairman John Niski, 203 – 395-1431, jniski@sheltonpublicschools.org
