Our School

Holy Cross High School proudly announces the upcoming induction of ten individuals and one athletic team into the 2023-2024 Crusader Hall of Honor. The ceremony will take place at Holy Cross High School on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with the excitement commencing at 5:00pm through a cocktail reception followed by the awards program at 6:30pm. Tickets are $85.00 and will be available for purchase starting on February 7.

This annual event serves as a celebration of the rich heritage, enduring legacy, and cherished memory of the remarkable alumni, dedicated faculty members, influential community leaders, and supportive friends who have left an indelible mark on the school's history and/or in their local communities. Proceeds from the evening’s event will go directly to the Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship, a scholarship that makes this education accessible and affordable for incoming students.

The Crusader Hall of Honor is comprised of these distinguished awards:

• The Crusader Award, honoring an alumnus/a who distinguished himself/herself during his/her time at Holy Cross
• The Saint Andre Bessette Award, honoring an alumnus/a who distinguished himself/herself in life after high school
• The Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award, honoring a former coach, teacher, administrator or staff member for their stand-out, outstanding service to Holy Cross
• The Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Award, honoring the contributions of our loyal friends of Holy Cross
• The Green and Gold Award, honoring teams, groups or organizations that have brought respect and honor to Holy Cross High School because of their outstanding accomplishments while in high school.

The inductees for the 2023-2024 Crusader Hall of Honor include:

• Mary Donnarumma Sharnick, recipient of the Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award (Beacon Falls, CT) 
• John Dufour, Jr. ’77, recipient of the Saint Andre Bessette Award (Morris, CT) 
• MaryAnn ’84 & Bernard ’81 Dzinski, Jr., recipient of the Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Award (Middlebury, CT) 
• Br. Robert Fontaine, C.S.C., recipient of the Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award (posthumous)
• Joseph Gugliotti ’74, recipient of the Saint Andre Bessette Award (Wolcott, CT) 
• Bruce Johnson ’81, recipient of the Crusader Award (Torrington, CT) 
• Clay Johnson ’77, recipient of the Crusader Award (Waterbury, CT) 
• Carol Liepis, recipient of the Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award (Plainville, CT) 
• Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro ’87, recipient of the Saint Andre Bessette Award (Norwalk, CT) 
• The 1975 Varsity Spring Track & Field Team, recipient of the Green & Gold Award

“Since its inception in 2016, the Crusader Hall of Honor has celebrated the best of our school community,” said Jack Senich ‘84, Board Chair. “This year’s class exemplifies the qualities of excellence, compassion and character that we strive to pass on to our current student body. I want to send my congratulations to this year’s honorees.” 

“It’s not cliche to say that something special, powerful, and truly unique exists at Holy Cross,” said Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino, President. “The Crusader Hall of Honor speaks directly to this aspect of our school, through the stories and lives of these amazing inductees.  The evening is a time to celebrate them, to pay tribute to the educational tradition given to us by the Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and to look to the future.”  

Holy Cross High School is looking for businesses and companies to sponsor this event. Being a Crusader Hall of Honor sponsor is a great way to support future students at our school while having the opportunity to promote your business, company, or organization to a diverse audience of families, alumni, students, friends and other Holy Cross supporters. Please consider sponsoring this event. Your commitment directly supports our students. For more information, please contact Courtney Ligi at [email protected]