On Oct. 12, 12 distinguished individuals were inducted into the Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) Hall of Fame, honoring their contributions in both academics and athletics. This year’s inductees are recognized for their exceptional achievements and lasting impact on the community, nation, and world.
Academic Inductees:
Dr. Earl Bellinger (Class of 2008): Dr. Bellinger is an assistant professor of astronomy at Yale University. He has authored 57 publications, 21 as the lead author, and has been cited 863 times.
Marlena Ammerall (Class of 1982): Marlena led Microsoft’s global technical support organization of over 10,000 employees. She also developed a program at Microsoft dedicated to advancing women in technology.
Dave Mendez (Class of 1987): An outstanding football player, Dave led Amsterdam to its first sectional title in 1986. After graduating from RPI, he served in the U.S. Navy for three decades, rising to the rank of Commander. Upon retirement, he founded “Time to Thrive,” a nonprofit focused on creating housing for veterans and their families in Montgomery, Fulton, and Saratoga counties.
Tom Perillo (Class of 1970): Tom dedicated his career to the GASD, serving as a teacher, coach, swim director, principal, and superintendent. Under his leadership, the graduation rate increased, particularly among students with disabilities, Hispanic/Latino students, and economically disadvantaged students.
Dr. Ronald Marsh (Class of 1977): A top graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Marsh is one of the leading surgeons in robotic surgery in the Capital District. He frequently hosts surgeons from around the country for training.
Aniela Znamierowski (Class of 1949): Known as “Nell,” she is an internationally renowned fabric designer and artist. Her work has been featured in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Alex Torres (Class of 1981): Alex formed the renowned Latin music ensemble Alex Torres y Los Reyes Latinos. He has transcended cultural barriers in music and was nominated for a Grammy in 1999. In 2015, he toured China, sharing the rhythms of Amsterdam globally.
Athletic Inductees:
Omahari Sturdivant (Class of 2016): A nine-time Section Champion, Omahari placed 6th in the NYS Championship Meet in both the triple jump and long jump in 2015 and 2016. He also won the Puerto Rican National Championship in the triple jump and was a two-time America East Indoor Triple Jump Champion.
Jordyn Kline (Class of 2007): Jordyn is one of the most decorated swimmers in Amsterdam’s history, holding five school records for nearly two decades. She was named The Recorder’s Player of the Year as a seventh grader.
Dale Stanavich (Class of 2017): Dale made his mark in baseball, leading to his selection by the Miami Marlins in the 8th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. In high school, he was also a standout football player, rushing for 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns his senior year.
Lou Fedullo (Class of 1980): Lou excelled in three sports but stood out as a basketball player, scoring 1,098 points during his high school career. He participated in the Empire State Games and went on to play Division I basketball at Siena College.
Pat Liverio (Class of 1979): Pat had an unparalleled impact on Amsterdam Football, amassing a 130-34-1 record over a 16-year tenure as head coach, with seven league titles, six Section 2 titles, and a state championship in 2005. He was inducted into the Capital Region Football Hall of Fame in 2016. Legacy Team Inductee:
2007-08 Wrestling Team: The 2007-08 AHS Wrestling Team captured a Section II championship, with seven individual Section champions, a feat unmatched in AHS history. The team was ranked as high as 3rd in New York State and placed 6th at the prestigious Eastern States Classic. Wrestlers Rick DuFresne, Dan Palmerino, Brian Benton, Giuseppi Lanzi, Rob Morey, John Paris, and Dan McNamara all claimed Section titles, while Jestin Seayes and Orlando Pacheco finished as runners-up.
