How about those famous Panthers!
Did that kid who sat next to you in math class go on to stardom? Did a fantastic teacher change your life? The Miami-Palmetto Senior High Alumni Association seeks nominees to their Hall of Fame, which honors former students who have made their mark, as well as memorable Palmetto faculty. They are also seeking businesses to sponsor the Hall of Fame induction.
Ten years ago, the committee for the school’s 50th anniversary convened to induct well-known former students and faculty. The Hall of Fame were recognized in a ceremony, and their pictures hang in the school auditorium. They now seek new inductees and will display all members of the Hall of Fame in the newly-constructed Miami Palmetto Senior High building when it opens.
Current inductees include Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos (class of 1982), soccer player, Robin Fraser, (1984), author Alex Flinn (1984), astronaut Dominic Gorie (1975), Olympic swimmer, Matt Gribble (1980), television producer, William Herbstman (1979), conductor, Cal Kellogg (1965) and skater, Jennifer Rodriguez (1994). There were quite a few locally-recognizable names too, such as Zoo Miami’s Ron McGill (1977), Community News publisher, Grant Miller (1975), businessman and philanthropist Albert Dotson (1978), and Miami Herald sportswriter, Linda Robertson (1979).
What about that inspiring teacher? Faculty inducted included activities director, Andy Massimino, math teacher, Johnny Williams, debate coach Fran Berger, coach Dale Collins, and principals, Clyde Crabtree and Carl Manzelli.
Since the previous induction, several alumni, headed by former Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, have started the Miami-Palmetto Alumni association. This group meets periodically for social events such as happy hours and raises money for improvements to the school and for scholarships. They also provide aid to groups planning reunions.
The Miami-Palmetto Senior High Alumni Association is seeking new hall-of-famers to induct in 2018. New inductees will be honored as part of this year’s Homecoming. The school is looking for sponsors for this event.
Nominees should be alumni who have made their mark or special faculty members who have retired. In this past year, Palmetto has been lucky enough to have visits from two recent alumni, former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy (class of 1994) and Hamilton cast member, Sydnee Winters (class of 2004). Did we forget anyone? Individuals who would like to nominate someone or sponsor the Hall of Fame luncheon should contact Cindy Lerner at mayorlerner@gmail.com or Alexandra Flinn at alixwrites@aol.com.
Individuals interested in joining the alumni association should e-mail pantheralums@gmail.com, visit our website at www.palmettohighalumni.org, or like the Miami Palmetto Senior High Alumni page on Facebook. They can also join the group at their next happy hour on Thursday September 14 starting at 5:00 p.m. at Brio at the Falls. Future events will be on the website and Facebook page.
