Thank you to everyone who attended the Amherst Central Alumni Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni and Educator Emeritus awards reception on Thursday, October 20, 2016.
The evening was wonderful. It was great to honor alumni and retired faculty who symbolize the great history of the Amherst Central School District.
Here is a recap honorees:
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS
Dr. John Schriver ’55 – Nationally recognized in the area of emergency medicine. Dr. Schriver helped establish two academic departments of emergency medicine at Yale University School of Medicine and Oregon Health Sciences University. Most recently Dr. Schriver was professor of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University Hospital, Washington DC.
Gary Ginsberg ’80 – Lawyer, American political operative and corporate advisor who worked as Assistant Counsel to President Clinton. After a time as senior editor and counsel at George magazine, Mr. Ginsberg was Executive VP of Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs at News Corporation. He is currently Executive VP of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Time Warner, Inc. in NYC.
Anne Harding Joyce ’70 – Past President of the ACAF, Inc. and instrumental in building the new Amherst Central High School field track. Anne has served on numerous boards including Buffalo Prep, Buffalo Olmstead Park Conservancy, Goodwill Industries, Rainbow Lake Association in Franklin County NY, and the Garret Club.
Tom Hambridge ’79 – Grammy winning singer, songwriter, producer and drummer. Tom’s production work includes duets or solo projects with Eric Clapton, Keith Urban, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Kid Rock, BB King, and many others. Tom performed three times for the President at the White House.
EDUCATOR EMERITUS AWARDS
Nancy Riccio – Former Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics for Amherst Central School District. During her career at Amherst, Nancy remained active in professional organizations including Treasurer of the ECIC League, President of the ECIC Athletic Directors, Treasurer of the WNY Varsity Ice Hockey Federation and the ECIC girl’s representative to Section VI.
Kenneth Butka – Math Department Chair at Amherst Central High from 1992 – 2014, Ken also served as a class advisor and coach athletics for many years. He received numerous awards including the WNY Educational Service Council Excellence in Teaching Award and was honored in 2014 for 42 years of service by the Amherst Central School District.
Fred Machemer – a 1958 ACHS alumnus, Fred taught chemistry at Amherst Central High School for 30 years. He was an advisor, coached JV and Varsity basketball and also started their Junior Achievement Program.
Cleta Schermerhorn (posthumously) – a graduate of the Conservatory of Music at Ithaca College, Cleta taught music at the Lancaster School District and founded their band program. When Cleta’s son entered college she took a music position at Amherst Middle School until she retired in 1972.
Here are some photos from the event: (click on images for full view)
Tiger Tracks 