Norwich High School Hall of Distinction (HOD) recognized the remarkable accomplishments of Rear Admiral Charles Hartigan, Sheriff Joseph Benanti, Bonnie Pierce Campbell, Margaret Marshall, Robert Kroeger and Elizabeth Christman at a ceremony in the high school library on Saturday, October 24. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – The second annual induction of the Norwich High School Hall of Distinction (HOD) recognized the remarkable accomplishments of six NHS graduates at a ceremony in the high school library on Saturday, October 24.

The HOD aims to recognize and commemorate Norwich alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their fields of endeavor. This year’s inductees were Rear Admiral Charles Hartigan, Sheriff Joseph Benanti, Bonnie Pierce Campbell, Margaret Marshall, Robert Kroeger and Elizabeth Christman.

Students from the Class of 2028 treated awardees and guests to a tour of the high school, followed by refreshments before the induction ceremony. This year’s induction honored six NHS alumni, whose unique accomplishments rise to national and regional levels.

Norwich City School District Superintendent Scott Ryan gave welcoming remarks, noting that, “Every community has a story to tell. A story shaped by its people, its traditions, its challenges, its triumphs, and the generations who have contributed to making it what it is today. Here in Norwich, that story is one of pride, perseverance, opportunity, and achievement. And what makes the Hall of Distinction so meaningful is that we have the opportunity to tell that story through the lens of individuals who once walked in our shoes.”

NHS social studies teacher Rich Turnbull presented Judge Howard Sullivan, a friend of the Hartigan family, with the late Rear Admiral Charles Hartigan’s (NHS 1901) award. Admiral Hartigan won the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1914 at Vera Cruz, Mexico. The second-highest peak in Antarctica is named Mount Hartigan in his honor.

Mayor Robert Jeffrey inducted the late Sheriff Joe Benenati (NHS 1932) and spoke about the impact Sheriff Benenati had on Chenango County’s at-risk youth. Mayor Jeffrey also spoke about our pride in our school and city, and about the importance of remembering where we come from. When asked “Where are you from?” the mayor encouraged the audience to say proudly, “I’m from Norwich, New York!”

Harry Graves inducted Bonnie Pierce Campbell (NHS 1965) into the HOD. Bonnie Campbell became Attorney General for the State of Iowa and was named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Americans in 1997. Bonnie was unable to attend this year’s ceremony and is planning to attend in 2027.

Harry Graves awarded the late Dr. Margaret Ann “Peg” Marshall’s (NHS 1962) HOD certificate to her cousin, Clay Benedict. Peg Marshall was a humanitarian health care provider who served in refugee camps in Cambodia and Somalia.

Harry Graves also inducted Robert “Bob” Kroeger (NHS 1970), who spoke about his lifelong love of competitive croquet. Bob Kroeger is a national croquet champion, author, and an inductee to the US Croquet Hall of Fame.

HOD Committee Chairman Anthony Testani presented fellow classmate Captain Elizabeth “Beth” Christman (NHS 1983) with her certificate. Captain Christman is a high seas seafarer who holds an unlimited tonnage ocean master’s license and an unlimited licensed harbor pilot in Maryland.

Norwich Secondary Campus Principal Jennifer Oliver and HOD Committee members John Antonowicz, Elise Eaton, Dr. Ed Erickson, and Sarah Genter also attended and welcomed the inductees and their guests.

The induction was a trans-generational event which connected the Class of 2028 with living graduates like Vietnam veteran and retired US Army Sergeant Major Ed Tucker from the Class of 1955.

Superintendent Ryan noted, “That is why ceremonies like this matter: to connect our past with our present, to inspire our future, and to continue telling our story. A story that belongs to all of us.”

The HOD committee, through donations and fundraising activities, plans to install an interactive video system at Norwich High School. It will allow students and other visitors to select an inductee’s name and read about their accomplishments. Contributions can be made to Norwich Alumni Association care of the Norwich City School District.

The NHS Hall of Distinction, established in 2024, is intended to serve as a vision and source of pride for our community and student body. To nominate an NHS alum for the Hall of Distinction, complete the nomination form found at norwichcsd.org/documents/district/211781 and submit it to NCSD Event Coordinator Rich Turnbull at rturnbull@norwichcsd. org, or drop it off at the District Office at 89 Midland Drive.

-Information submitted by the NHS Hall of Distinction Committee