Shannon Frederick Meneses is a leader in the field of educational media. Shannon possesses 20+ years of top-notch technical, creative and management skills and has broken many barriers in her industry.

Shannon is currently the Executive Producer at Learning Games Network, a non-profit learning game studio that is dedicated to closing the gap between research and practice and builds award winning games across ages, content, and devices. These educational games feature inspiring design, innovative pedagogy, and sound business strategy.

As a producer, she is involved in all aspects of the production process – from inception to completion. Shannon has led numerous large-scale educational technology projects simultaneously, with many projects exceeding million-dollar budgets. She has inspired and managed large project teams consisting of writers, content experts, artists, animators, developers, directors, and sound designers. Her work can often have social conscious themes and values intertwined into the teaching components of these gaming tools.

Before Learning Games Network, Shannon was a Senior Producer at FableVision Studios and Six Red Marbles in Boston. She worked on MIT’s Lure of the Labyrinth as well as several PBS Kids Play! websites and games, including Jim Henson’s Sid the Science Kid and Dinosaur Train TV shows. She began her career working in production at Disney Interactive Studios.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Television, Radio and Film from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications. She has presented and served on panels in the educational space where she continues to be an inspiration to young women looking to pursue a career in media and technology. She currently serves on the School Committee for the Norfolk Public Schools.

Dr. James O. Jackson spent his entire career in North Colonie at Shaker High School (SHS). He served as a Science Teacher (1963-79), Science Department Supervisor (1979-91), and as the third Principal of Shaker High School (1991-2006).  His career spanned 42.5 years (plus two years sabbatical for his PhD).

As Principal, he enhanced Shaker High School’s reputation, making it the #1 school in the Capital District throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He created an all-Regents school, increased Regents diplomas from 66% to 96.6%. In 1998, he was named High School Principal of the Year by the Capital Area School Development Association.

During Dr. Jackson’s tenure, SHS was chosen and participated in a five-year comprehensive study and professional development sponsored by the Gates Foundation and facilitated by the International Center for Leadership in Education.  SHS was one of only 25 schools nationally represented in this Promising to Proven initiative.

Dr. Jackson has been consistent, passionate, and committed throughout his career in advocating and providing educational opportunities of the highest caliber for ALL students.  His vision for students – and The Shaker High School – never wavered and guided him as a teacher, supervisor, and principal. 

In addition to his work at North Colonie CSD, Dr. Jackson is a lifetime member of the Albany Medical Center Board of Directors and a former member of the NYS Board of Regents.  He has generously volunteered his time with various community organizations including the Albany Two Together program. He has over 25 Peer Reviewed articles in local and national magazines on education, programs of benefit for students, educational philosophy, and leadership.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Geneva College, a master’s degree from the College of Saint Rose, and a PhD from Northwestern University where he was a Ford Foundation Fellow.

Melissa Jeffers is a second-term Councilwoman on the Town Board of Colonie. A lifelong Colonie resident, she first decided to run for local office in 2017 at the age of 30. She received the most votes out of six total candidates for the Colonie Town Board and became the first millennial and one of the youngest officials ever elected in the history of the Town of Colonie. During her first term in office, Melissa gained invaluable experience about the inner workings of local government and worked collaboratively with her colleagues to move Colonie forward.  

Melissa’s leadership skills were put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic. She created a social media group “Proud to be Colonie,” and began connecting residents with resources and causes to remain engaged. She also highlights the work of town employees as well as local schools and businesses. In 2021, Melissa was re-elected to a second term on the Colonie Town Board, again having received the most votes out of six candidates.

 She has a distinguished public service career and currently works as the confidential secretary to a State Supreme Court Justice in Albany County.

Melissa has been a great influence on the younger generation – attracting them to public service. She remains committed to ensuring the Town of Colonie remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

Adam Kriss is an advocate for people with disabilities in Portland, Oregon. He worked at several colleges overseeing campus housing and helping students with course choices and other necessities of college life. When Adam moved to Portland to attain a degree in social work at Portland State University, he was appointed to the Portland Commission on Disabilities.

He served on the committee on employment and accessible transportation. He also works for the Moda Center and the Portland 5 Theater Group in guest services. He is viewed as a positive role model for individuals with disabilities and not shy about speaking up to ensure that facilities and services are accessible and available to all.

Adam also volunteers at the Planetarium at Oregon Museum of Science and Innovation. He guides children and adults into the exhibits, announces the program and recently learned to assist with the laser light show. What started out as just several hours every other week has increased, especially during school breaks and holidays. He is generous, caring, and exemplifies the meaning of leadership on both a professional and personal level.

Adam holds a bachelor’s degree from Elon College and a master’s degree from Texas A&M University.

Jessica Kriss Saratovsky has served as Principal at P.S. 770 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn for the past eight years. She was appointed as Principal at the age of 32.

Jessica has worked tirelessly to increase the level of achievement of the students at P.S. 770 and is continuously praised for her leadership abilities. The school is viewed as a positive place of learning and many parents check off the school as their first choice for kindergarten enrollment. Jessica has been interviewed several times by the NYC press and the reputation of the school is highly regarded by the Department of Education.

She has also increased the partnership with other schools and services in the Crown Heights community. The PS 770 PTA is extremely active under her leadership.

The past two years have been quite difficult, but she has met the challenges and guided PS 770 in a positive direction. She is devoted to her profession, to the students who attend PS 770, and their parents and caregivers. She treats the teachers and staff with respect, fairness, and dignity.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Muhlenberg College, a master’s degree in literacy from Hunter College, and a master’s degree in educational administration from Columbia University Teachers College and Hunter College.

Liz Abunaw is the founder and operator of Forty Acres Fresh Market, a grocery startup launched in January 2018. Alarmed by the lack of fresh food options on Chicago’s West Side, after leaving her sales job at Microsoft in November 2017, Liz committed to opening an affordable specialty grocery store with a bountiful fresh food selection on Chicago’s West Side. Using an innovative mobile strategy centered on full-selection pop up produce markets to test and develop the right business model, she has grown Forty Acres from idea to a social impact small business built to scale.

Since its inception Forty Acres Fresh Market has serviced over 1000 customers residing in underserved communities. It continues to expand its reach through a delivery service option and participation in Veggie Rx programs. Forty Acres’ impact on Chicago’s Westside has garnered investment from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the USDA Healthy Food Financing Initiative, the American Heart Association Social Impact Fund, and other funders.

Prior to launching Forty Acres Fresh Market Liz was a partner manager in Microsoft’s sales division and before that spent ten years at General Mills, Inc. A native of New York state, Abunaw moved to Chicago in 2012 when awarded a full-tuition fellowship to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, from which she graduated in 2014. Liz is a 2002 Cornell University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis and Management. She holds the staunch position that while Chicago deep dish is delicious, it is not pizza. It is casserole. Pizza folds.

Elizabeth Lee is a children’s book author and editor. Under the pen name E.L. Shen she wrote her middle-grade debut novel, The Comeback (Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group), which received two starred reviews and praised for its “fast-paced prose, big emotions, and authentic dialogue” in The New York Times. She is also the editor of Dear Librarian, written by Lydia Sigwarth and illustrated by Romina Galotta, with a foreword by This American Life host and producer, Ira Glass; Spare Parts: Young Readers’ Edition, adapted by award-winning author, Reyna Grande; and Under the Same Stars by New York Times bestselling author, Libba Bray.

Joe Milot is the president and co-founder of Protective Industrial Products Inc. (PIP). PIP is the leading North American provider of personal protective equipment such as work gloves, safety eyewear, head protection and protective clothing to industry and retailers. PIP is headquartered in Latham, NY and the company has operations in Guilderland, New York, Minnesota, North Carolina, Colorado, California and Mississippi as well as overseas operations in Mexico, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Thailand, Ireland and China.

Joe’s career began as an accountant after graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in 1976. He obtained his CPA license and at age 28 became the Controller of an Albany based public company, Amadac Industries Inc., which owned Century Glove and the Miller Shoe Company. In 1979 Joe married Colleen Bridget Grady, Shaker class of ’74.

Joe and Colleen moved to Cincinnati when Amadac consolidated operations there and soon was named the Chief Operating Officer of Century Glove. After a change in ownership of Century Glove, Joe and Wellson Tao, a Hong Kong resident, joined together in 1984 to form PIP in Albany. The company started very slowly with only a $2,000 initial investment. Today, PIP has annual revenue of over $700 million, employs over 1,400 people globally and services over 9,000 customers. The company was a key source of PPE during the recent pandemic.

Joe and Colleen reside in Latham. Joe’s son, Joe III, and daughter, Bridget, both work at PIP in key managerial positions. PIP began as a unique two-family business with one family on each side of the world and has become a leader in its industry.

Dan attended Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) through 2013 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He currently serves as the Veterans Resource and Outreach Center Coordinator at HVCC and is in constant contact with student-veterans as well as veterans around the counties.

After being stationed in Camp Lejeune from 2013 to 2017, Dan deployed to Bagram, Afghanistan as a Joint Fires Observer with 2D Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. In 2018, he deployed to Okinawa, with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and he finished deploying in 2020 with 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, Fox Company in Camp Shorab, Afghanistan (Camp Bastion – Leatherneck) as the Company Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC). After rotating out of Afghanistan, he transferred to the Baghdad Embassy Compound in Iraq to serve as the resident JTAC.

Dan relocated back to the Capital District in January of 2021 after being Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant (E-5) after eight faithful years of service.

Kimberly Field-Marvin is a life-long educator. She is currently the Head of School at the Louise S. McGehee School in New Orleans, LA. Prior to her work at the McGehee School, Field-Marvin served as the Director of Communications and the Upper Middle School Divisional Head at the Marymount School of New York.

Kimberly has presented at educational workshops across the country, focusing on independent schools, women’s leadership and adolescence girls. She is a graduate of Siena College and received masters degrees from Middlebury College and Castleton State College. In August 2016, she received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D), from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Christian Jackson has worked in the medical field since 1999. He currently serves in many roles, including: Assistant Professor and Faculty Advisor in the Department of Medicine at the Loma Linda University Medical Center in California; Section Chief, Section of Gastroenterology at the Loma Linda VA Healthcare System; Director of the Foregut Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT); Assistant Clinical Professor of Public Health at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health; and Health Sciences Clinical Associate Professor, University California Riverside.

Jackson attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine before attending postgraduate training at the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL and the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, IL.

Jackson is a member of a number of professional societies, including: a Fellow American College of Gastroenterology; the American Gastroenterological Association; the American College of Gastroenterology; the American Society Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; and the American Cancer Society.

Sophia Papoulis is the Associate Conductor of the Young People’s Chorus (YPC) of New York City and the principal conductor of YPC’s Prelude division. Since 2007, she has conducted and prepared young people from ages 8 to 18 in all YPC divisions for performances in the city’s most prestigious venues; on international tours; as well as in recording sessions and for radio and TV appearances. Sophia is also the associate director of YPC National, which supports and inspires youth choruses and choral conductors nationwide, as well as the creative director for the Foundation for Small Voices, a not-for-profit organization that brings choral, songwriting, and mentorship programs to children around the world.

Sophia also served as guest conductor for the Suburban Council Middle School Chorus in 2016 – conducting the same group that she was a student in as a child. She spoke to students about the impact of music on her childhood, and the education and powerful influence of teachers.

Sophia serves as Creative Director of the Foundation for Small Voices. The Foundation for Small Voices (FSV) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to using music to cross cultural, generational, and ideological boundaries to raise awareness and funds for national and international music and mentoring programs for children.

Sophia attended the Ithaca College School of Music and graduated magna cum laude.

Susan Allen is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and the College of William and Mary, as well as graduating from many Army and Pennsylvania State transportation and supply chain programs. She entered federal service as a Transportation Specialist at West Point.

Ms. Allen has served in a wide variety of Department of Defense senior staff positions in Transportation, Logistics, Program Management, and Acquisition during her federal government career. She is also a member of the Virginia Area Six Special Olympics Board of Directors, and has earned numerous awards for her service including the Global War on Terrorism Medal, U.S. Army Transportation Corps Regimental Civilian of the Year, and U.S. Forces Korea Civilian Employee of the Year.

Jonathan Teale is the Chief of Police for the Colonie Police Department, overseeing a department of 112 sworn officers and 49 full and part time civilian employees. He is also lifelong resident of Colonie.

During his near-three decade police career, he has worked as an investigator, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and administrative lieutenant. Mr. Teale has received the Colonie Police Department’s Distinguished Service Award and the John Kimball O’Neill Certificate of Achievement from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

Dr. Jonathan Mathis is a graduate of American University with a degree in business administration, a graduate of Trinity Washington University with a master of science in administration and educational administration, and holds a PhD in Urban Education Policy at the University of Southern California. He is the Executive Director of The Next Step Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. The school provides a learning community for nearly 400 adult-learners, ages 16-24, with a focus on college and career readiness.

Dr. Mathis was selected as a 2016 Congressional Black Caucus Week Honoree by the American University Black Alumni Alliance. He has also served as the inaugural director of the National Honor Societies at the National Association of Secondary School Principals and served as the director of education and training at the National Association for College Admission Counseling. While a student at Shaker, Dr. Mathis began the program that recognizes Black History Month and the diversity of the Shaker student population.

Kimberly Jeram has been a teacher at Shaker High School for over two decades serving students with special needs. During her time as a teacher, she has gone above and beyond to help students graduate who otherwise would have dropped out of school.

She devotes her time outside of school to tutor students who have been suspended and has a life-changing impact on students even after they graduate, helping some overcome homelessness. Mrs. Jeram also is an active member of the school community, chaperoning proms and senior picnics to help her students manage the environment.

Christian D’Orazio was a track standout at Shaker High School, holding a long jump record of 22 feet, nine inches that still stands today. He graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in physical health/education and a master’s degree in education. Mr. D’Orazio spent nearly four decades as a Marine Corps officer and civilian helping shape Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Corps as a whole. He has also created two pilot fitness programs, both for state and federal agencies, that were piloted under the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: the “Getting Stronger, Now” program for the state of Maryland and the “Semper Fit” program for the USMC.

Craig Blair is a graduate of Dean College and Siena College, with degrees in business administration and accounting. After working in the field of accounting for his entire career, Craig retired from his position as the Comptroller of the Town of Colonie.

After losing his 19 year old daughter in 2014, he and his wife worked to raise funds to donate DVDs and gaming systems to the Albany Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Additionally, the Blairs created Cathryn’s Courtyard at the Colonie Town Library. This is a space made available to children of all ages where they can play, do outdoor literacy tasks, interact with others and be creative. It promotes literacy, creativity and social interaction.

Jennifer Blair is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College and the University at Albany, with degrees in dental hygiene, biology and chemistry. As a dental hygienist, she has been recognized by national organizations and is a true patient advocate.

After losing her 19 year old daughter in 2014, she and her husband worked to create Cathryn’s Courtyard at the Colonie Town Library. This is a space made available to children of all ages where they can play, do outdoor literacy tasks, interact with others and be creative. Jennifer is also a long standing member of the Latham Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary where she has held the offices of treasurer and historian.

Dr. Cicchinelli is a graduate of the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine specializing in adult and pediatric reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. He is an internationally recognized surgeon and professor having consulted and operated in 15 countries and currently lives, works and teaches in Spain. In 2018 his humanitarian medical mission team will travel to El Salvador and Guatemala celebrating 25 continuous years of pro bono reconstructive surgery for children in Central and South America.

Musician 1st Class Jesse King earned a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College in 2005 and completed a Master of Music from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2008. He joined the Navy Band as a trumpeter in 2007, and was named the 2017 United States Navy Band’s “Sailor of the Year.” King is also a 2015 recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. The United States Navy Band serves the ceremonial needs at the seat of government, performing at presidential inaugurations, state arrival ceremonies, state funerals, state dinners, and other significant events.

Besides acting in his official capacity as a musician in the Navy Band, Jesse regularly serves as a trumpeter for honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring some of the nation’s most decorated veterans. He serves the band as leading petty officer for the Ceremonial Band, handling all logistics for more than 100 funerals at Arlington Cemetery and ceremonies for the highest-level dignitaries.

Michael Patrizio attended the Crane School of Music as well as the College of St. Rose, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s degree in education. He is an outstanding music educator with a long record of success in the field. Michael taught for many years in the North Colonie Central School District while running two local music businesses, First Note Music and currently, the Patrizio Center for the Arts. Over the years he has produced countless outstanding student musicians, many who have gone on to pursue careers in music themselves. He has inspired generations of North Colonie students. Even in retirement, Michael’s Patrizio Center for the Arts, located in Latham, continues to support the efforts of the North Colonie Music Department. Of particular note, is his constant offers to assist underprivileged students in the district who may have difficulties affording instruments or private lessons.

Dominick Purnomo, Wine Director & Co Owner of Yono’s & dp An American Brasserie, grew up in his family’s restaurant working alongside his parents at an early age before going on to the State University of New York at Morrisville to pursue a degree in hotel & restaurant management. Purnomo’s goal was to bring a world class wine program to Albany, more specifically to Yono’s.

In 2005, he was elected to his first of two, two year terms as the President of the Greater Capital District of the New York State Restaurant Association, the youngest president in the history of the state organization. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District, the New York State Restaurant Association and The Palace Performing Arts Center; is a member of the Society of Fellows at the Culinary Institute of America, the American Sommelier Association, the Guild of Sommeliers; a founding board member of the Albany Food & Wine Festival, and the founder of the Sommelier Society of Albany.

During his 20 year career with the U.S. Army, John Van Vranken earned the highest non-commissioned office rank of Sergeant Major. He earned numerous letters and certificates of achievement and good conduct medals, as well as the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. During his time in the army, John and his family were selected as the “Great American Family” for Fort Monroe, Virginia. This program presented his family with an award signed by the First Lady, Nancy Reagan.

In addition, John was a volunteer coach for many years in youth soccer and baseball with the army’s dependent youth program. Locally, he has served as a deacon with the Malta Presbyterian Church and as a treasurer and elder with the First Presbyterian Church in Watervliet, and has volunteered at the Watervliet Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry for 20 years.

Dr. Jonathan Keith Joseph received his MD degree from Harvard Medical School and has focused his career on bringing medical care to some of the most impoverished places in the world, specifically Africa and Latin America.

He has over 19 years of experience in Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine. He has practiced medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Lutheran Medical Center, City MD and Harlem United. Additionally, Dr. Joseph has taught at Harvard Medical School and Weill Cornell Medical College.

Dr. Michael Drusano is a family physician and humanitarian. He travels the world to treat the less fortunate, including Sierra Leone treating patients with Ebola, Greece treating Syrian refugees, and throughout Africa treating people with numerous health concerns. Additionally, Drusano is the medical director of an Ebola orphanage in Sierra Leone.

Ryan Chase is active as a pianist, recently performing his chamber and solo piano music with the Society for New Music. Over the years, his music has been presented at the Cannes Film Festival, Tanglewood, the Aspen Music Festival, the Copland House, the Mizzou International Composers Festival, the Poets Out Loud Festival, the Resonant Bodies Festival, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, and on PBS. Chase was named a recipient of the 2017 ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award. His upcoming projects include pieces for the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the New York Virtuoso Singers, the Lunatics at Large, the OK Electric Festival, and saxophonist Curtis Macdonald.

William Bryan received Shaker’s 1969 National Honor Society award in Industrial Arts and in 1971 received his A.A. in Construction from Hudson Valley Community College. Bryan currently works for Gilbane Construction Company, an international construction firm and one of Rhode Island’s largest businesses.

In 1996, he received the company’s annual Builder of the Year Award for managing its $200 million expansion of the Providence, R.I. airport. He was later promoted to the firm’s Senior Project Manager and now concentrates on school and college construction projects. In 2008, he was appointed to the state’s Workforce Building Futures Advisory Council, and in 2015 the Rhode Island governor appointed him to the Rhode Island Career and Technical Board of Trustees.

Bryan is also a cancer survivor and is the father of a special needs adult son. In 1991, he co-chaired a statewide effort to restore Rhode Island’s funding of early intervention programs for special needs children under four years of age. He continues to remain active in the private center that provides services for his son.

Matthew McElligott is a world renowned author/illustrator of 14 children’s books. He has won many nominations and awards for his books, including the Nebraska Golden Sower award, Oregon’s Patricia Gallagher Picture Book Award, and the South Dakota Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award.

McElligott’s illustration style includes multiple art media such as watercolor, fabric, ink, pencil, photography, and digital techniques. He has presented at many schools across the country and regularly visits North Colonie schools, including his alma mater, Southgate School.

Dr. Michael Person is the Director of the Wallace Astrophysical Observatory and a research scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences. Dr. Person has spent the past 28 years at MIT, as a student, doctorate student, teacher’s assistant, researcher, and research professor. He was a principal investigator aboard SOFIA, (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), a high-altitude NASA plane carrying a 100-inch-diameter telescope, which raced over New Zealand to catch a stellar occultation. He was named the 2016 Beatrice Hill Tinsley Lecturer by the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. Dr. Person continually does astronomy outreach, speaking at high schools and libraries and working with boy scout troops to inspire interest in his field.

Thomas Dawes was a rock musician whose band opened for the Beatles on their final tour. However, he made a broader mark on pop culture writing music for well-known commercial advertising jingles including, “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz” for Alka-Seltzer and “Our L’Eggs Fit Your Legs” for the hosiery maker. Dawes was also a co-founder of the Cyrkle, a folk-pop group with a brief career that is best known for its 1966 hit single “Red Rubber Ball,” written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley.

Arthur Walker joined the North Colonie district in 1956 as an elementary physical education teacher. He moved to Shaker High School when it opened in 1958 in the same capacity. Over the years, Walker was a coach or head coach for baseball, basketball, and football. In 1965, he became the Head Teacher for Webster Hall and the Hall Principal for Taft Hall in 1969. In January of 1971, he was appointed as Principal of Shaker High School until his retirement in 1991. During his time as principal, Shaker High School achieved Blue Ribbon status from the U.S. Department of Education, a national program that recognizes schools of excellence. The faculty and staff who worked under Walker describe him as a person who left a lasting impact and one who played an active, encouraging, and mentoring role in students’ lives. He is labeled by many as their “biggest cheerleader.”

Peter Gannon, Class of 1998, is the President of the Arsenal Business and Technology Partnership, serving as the economic developer for the Watervliet Arsenal. Under Gannon’s direction, the Partnership has developed 300,000 square feet of previously underutilized space, attracting new businesses and creating jobs. Gannon was a member of the inaugural class of the Leadership Tech Valley, and was named one of the Albany Business Review’s “Forty Under 40” in 2011. In addition, Gannon has coached hundreds of athletes during his years with North Colonie’s Pop Warner, and is currently the Chair of the 2015 Best Buddies Friendship Walk. He also is a member of the adjunct faculty at Schenectady Community College.

Joan Hart, Class of 1981, served the children and families of the North Colonie community for more than 20 years, as a member of the Board of Education, North Colonie PTA Council, and the Boght Hills PTA. For more than ten years, she played a key leadership role on the board, serving as President for three years, and co-chairing the superintendent search committee and the long range planning committee overseeing the Maplewood annexation process. Hart retired from the Board in 2014, but continues her liaison work with the district’s Special Education PTA. She is currently the CFO of Saratoga Financial Systems in Latham, N.Y.

Gloria Lamb, Class of 1999, is an artistic designer and director, holding the position of Art Director for a number of prestigious productions, including the 2015 Oscars, “The Voice”, Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards, and “BET Awards.” In 2014, Lamb was awarded a Creative Arts Emmy for her work on that year’s Oscars, and has also received Awards for Excellence in Production Design from the Art Directors Guild as Assistant Art Director for the 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Oscars. During her time at Shaker, Lamb was described as a leader and one who enjoyed coaching younger students in music. She was involved in multiple performing groups, exemplifying her artistic strength in chorus, select chorus, and theatre.

Violet Palombo, Class of 1993, has directed the Colonie Youth Court Program for 20 years. Under her leadership, the program has been personally acknowledged by the President of the United States twice, for its use as a state and national model. Palombo serves as a mentor for thousands of youth, volunteers and juvenile offenders alike. She supervises juvenile offenders who are completing community service in the Town of Colonie, teaching them to live a life devoid of criminal activity. For the volunteers that work under her, Palombo educates them on the judicial system, and works with them on the college application process. In addition, Palombo sits on the Town of Colonie Youth Advisory Board, is a member of the Association of New York State Youth Courts, and is a Trustee of the National Association of Youth Courts, Inc.

Lisa Proskin Pierce, Class of 1985, received a B.A. in Political Science from Johns Hopkins University in 1989, and a law degree from the Ohio State University in 1992. Pierce has been an attorney with the Proskin Law Firm since 1995, and currently serves as the Village Justice of Menands in Albany County. Beyond her legal work, Pierce is very active within the community, having served as President of the Greater Capital District Business and Professional Women’s Association, chairperson of the Colonie Chamber of Commerce, and on multiple North Colonie PTAs. Pierce is also a breast cancer survivor, and is Vice-President of “To Life!”, a local breast cancer and support organization.

Dr. Maria Zarambo, Class of 1995, is a Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Zarambo received her Doctorate of Pharmacy, a six year program, in five years, resulting from the AP credits she earned while at Shaker High School. She became board certified in Oncology in 2007, and currently oversees and directs pharmacists in the delivery of clinical pharmacy programs. In addition, she has written and co-written eight publications related to various treatments, drug utilization, side-effects and pain management. Dr. Zarambo also volunteers each summer as a pharmacist at the Camp Oz Epilepsy camp and Hemophilia Foundation camp.

Dr. Maxwell Alley, class of 1979, is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Middlebury College, and a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He is a board certified Orthopaedic Surgeon at Capital Region Orthopaedics, with a main area of specialization involving Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine. Dr. Alley was recognized as one of the “2011-12 Best Doctors in the Capital Region”, and has been named “Top Doc” by the Hudson Valley Magazine from 2006-2013. Dr. Alley has served for many years as the Shaker High School football team’s physician, as well as for the UAlbany football and basketball programs.

Lt. Col. Steve LeBlanc, class of 1977, has a B.S. in Biology from Villanova University, an MBA from the University of Rochester, and a Master’s Degree in National Strategic Studies from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Lt. Col. LeBlanc retired after serving honorably for 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviator. Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, LeBlanc joined the Washington Post as a Production Superintendent, where he learned the art of printing. After one year, he was hired by the Government Printing Office, where he is currently a Senior Executive, in charge of the Secure Intelligent Documents of the U.S. government, including U.S. Passports.

Lieutenant Michael Woods, class of 1985, has a B.A. from UAlbany in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Lt. Woods has been a police officer for 23 years in the Colonie Police Department, protecting and serving the community he grew up in. Lt. Woods is considered an expert in training issues, use of force and police tactics. He oversees the Colonie Police Department Administration Division, and in doing so, is also in charge of the plans to deal with school violence, working closely with school administrators. Woods has held the rank of Investigator, Sergeant and Lieutenant, and is currently coaching the Shaker Freshman football team.

Kim Nazarian, class of 1979, is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Ithaca College. She is one of the founding members of the multiple Grammy Award winning group, New York Voices, a vocalist, teacher, lyricist and ensemble singer. In 2012, Nazarian was recognized as one of the top 50 most influential Armenian artists. She is one of the featured voices on Bobby McFerrin’s “VOCAbuLarieS” CD, and has also collaborated with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the Manchester Craftman’s Guild.