Two graduates of Croton-Harmon High School, each with a distinct profession, were recognized throughout the day on Nov. 23 as the newest inductees to the school’s Hall of Distinguished Graduates.
Benjamin Holzer (class of ’96) and Loren Stillman (class of ’98) addressed the entire student body during a special assembly, visited classrooms to discuss their careers and accomplishments and were officially inducted into the Hall in the afternoon.“We are so happy to have our graduates come back and give us an opportunity to thank them,” said CHHS Principal Alan Capasso. “We have chosen people who have distinguished themselves in various fields and we feel this is an important part of our community. They have contributed in their fields and we want to recognize them and have our students benefit from their experiences.”
The school’s Building Planning Council, made up of administrators, teachers, students and a Board of Education member, organized the special occasion. Two student members, Luke Banta and Madeleine Camillieri, shared biographical information about the accomplished inductees at the ceremony.
Holzer, said Camillieri, is a Brown University graduate whose work in the political and public policy field includes working for a U.S. Senator’s campaign in South Carolina, a presidential campaign in Arkansas and as deputy chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner. Additionally, Holzer founded and directed public affairs and political consulting firm Harmon Strategies in Brooklyn. In 2009, Holzer went on to graduate from New York University School of Law. In 2011, he began a four-year stint again in politics as special assistant to the President and director of research in the Obama White House.“For our students to hear firsthand what it is like to be in the White House is truly something special,” said Capasso.
Holzer said he enjoyed his time back in Croton-on-Hudson and noted, “The students are super impressive, as are the faculty.”
Banta introduced Stillman, a renowned saxophonist and composer who went on to attend the Manhattan School of Music and The New School on full music scholarships after graduating from CHHS. He holds many accolades in the jazz field, including two Outstanding Performance awards and the Rising Star Jazz Artist Award from Downbeat Magazine. He has performed as both a soloist and in ensembles in the United States, Europe and Japan. His original recordings have received critical acclaim from The New York Times and four-star recognition in the BBC Jazz Review, Jazz Man Magazine and Downbeat Magazine. The New York Times named Stillman an innovative voice of modern jazz and one of New York’s best alto saxophonists well before he turned 30. He has returned to Croton-on-Hudson, where he now resides, and continues to work as an improviser, teacher and composer.“It was a pleasure today listening to [Stillman] play in front of the entire student body,” said Capasso.
Stillman noted that CHHS has grown by 80 percent since he graduated in 1998 and he “had an amazing day with the students.”“It’s marvelous to see the new additions and to see how well everyone is doing,” Stillman said. “It’s nice to be a member of the community again.”
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