Holy Cross High School proudly announces that eight individuals and one athletic team will be inducted into the 2021 Crusader Hall of Honor.  The heritage, legacy and memory of alumni, faculty, community leaders and friends who made an invaluable mark in the school’s history is celebrated in this annual event.

The inductees for the 2021 Crusader Hall of Honor include:

• The Hon. Neil O’Leary (The Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys Award), Mayor, City of Waterbury
• Rita McCarthy (The Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award), Holy Cross High School, Retired Faculty Member
• Paul Whealon (The Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award), Holy Cross High School, Retired Faculty Member
• Rev. Michael Casey ’05 (The Crusader Award),  Archdiocese of Hartford, Director of Vocations and Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New Britain
• John Burrus ’81 (The Crusader Award), Waterbury Public Schools, Behavior Technician
• Amy Calvo MacNamara ’02 (The Crusader Award), The Law Offices of Amy Calvo MacNamara, LLC, Attorney
• Don Trella ’72 (The Saint Andre Bessette Award),  Mohegan Sun, Vice President, Human Resources
• David Hoey ’85 (The Saint Andre Bessette Award), Law Offices of David Hoey, Attorney
• The 2006 Varsity Football Team (The Green and Gold Award)

“The Class of 2021 is, in a word, incredible” said Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino, President.  “Individually and collectively, they represent the best of what Holy Cross is and what we hope our students will aspire to.  In this Class you have represented exemplary leadership, exceptional teachers, powerful advocates, gifted caregivers and guides, amazing athletes and distinguished community members.   The Crusader Hall of Honor is once again blessed to have such remarkable inductees entering its ranks.”  

“We are really excited about this year’s class,” said Mike Giampetruzzi ‘95, Head of the Crusader Hall of Honor Selection Committee. “Many people submitted wonderful people to be nominated this year. I am very happy with the selections that the committee made.”

This year’s Hall of Honor was originally scheduled to be held in November 2021. However, due to the rising COVID-19 positive rates and current uncertainty going into the fall involving indoor events with large numbers of people, this Hall of Honor has been rescheduled to May 11, 2022. The event will be held at Aria in Prospect.  At that time, the Holy Cross community will celebrate honorees from the classes of 2021 and 2020.

Funds raised through this event will support the Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund, making a Holy Cross High School education more affordable to new students. This scholarship was established in December of 2020, supported that year by a matching gift from Kim and Jeff Fryer ’87. Through proceeds raised and inductees celebrated for their achievements, a path is paved with inspiration and opportunity for future Crusaders.

“In our 53 years of existence, one thing has remained a constant - a Holy Cross education is too important not to make it accessible to all,” said Dr. Pellegrino. “The Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship was created to help our newest Crusaders who may someday be our newest Hall of Honor members. The Scholarship is an incredibly worthwhile cause. I urge everyone in our Holy Cross family to consider a gift of any amount to the Scholarship. By giving, we not only pave the way for the future generation of students, but we honor in the most impactful way possible the amazing men and women being inducted into the Hall this year.”

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 coach, teacher, administrator or staff member for his/her/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, clubs, groups or organizations that have brought respect and honor to Holy Cross High School because of their outstanding accomplishments while in high school

In 2020, Holy Cross High School created the Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund. All future funds raised through the Hall of Honor will support a Crusader education, making it more affordable for new students to receive their education at Holy Cross High School.

Bridging the Gap between Costs and Affordability

Interest in Holy Cross High School has consistently remained strong over the years, However, while we control tuition increases, and allocate $1.4 million in financial aid annually, nearly 50% of the students we offered admission to over the past three years were forced to decline the offer of admission because of insufficient aid and scholarship funds. In addition to the average financial aid award, we estimate that $2,500 in annual tuition assistance is the critical number needed by many families to tip the balance in favor of sending their child to our school.  

“Giving Joshua the opportunity to attend Holy Cross renewed my belief in HOPE: there is light in the darkness, good people do exist, hard work does pay off, and being true to yourself brings great reward.  With the personal support and encouragement from the teachers and staff at Holy Cross, my son has found a home...Holy Cross has strengthened my family’s direction and core values by transforming Joshua into an amazing young man”
- Nichole Holland (mother of Joshua ’23) 

We know what the challenge is.  Here is the solution: The Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund.

In December 2020, we raised $25,000 to create the Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund through generous donations from past Hall of Honor honorees.  This $25,000, along with a generous $25,000 match from Jeff ’87 and Kim Fryer, created the inaugural fund which is being used to award scholarships.

Make an Impact Today 

Join us as supporters of this transformational vision that safeguards Holy Cross High School’s future.  Each year, from here forward, we will be focusing our fundraising efforts around the Hall of Honor on this exciting scholarship fund.

GIVE TODAY in honor of a member of the Crusader Hall of Honor and make a difference in a future Crusader’s education.

Make a gift today

For more information on the Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund, please contact President, Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino at tpellegrino@holycrosshs-ct.com 

“The scholarship gave me more confidence to put Grace through school since it added to our financial assistance. Since her father died in 2018, I was uncertain if Grace was going to able to graduate here because of the tuition. Because we had the scholarship, I could worry less about how to pay for school, and focus on Grace being able to go through her high school experience.”
- Sarah Persaud (mother of Grace ’22)

2020 Inductees

Mrs. Phyllis Altieri*, Ms. Sally Bowman '86, Mr. Chris Corbett '93, Mr. Jeff Fryer '87, Monsignor Thomas Ginty '76, Mr. Rob Paternostro '91, Ms. Chanessa Saunders '93, Mr. Frank Steponaitis, Ms. Nicole Zuraitis '03 & The 1995 Varsity Boys' Basketball Team 

2019 Inductees

Mr. Jerry Ciarlgelio ’72, Br. Jerome D. Donnelly, C.S.C.*, Mrs. Kristen Jacoby ’85, Mrs. Denise M. Marcella, Ms. Clare Matasavage, Br. John R. Paige, C.S.C., Miss Marissa Follo Perry ’03,  Atty. William L. Stevens ’73 & The 1989 Varsity Softball Team

2018 Inductees

Br. Thomas A. Dziekan, C.S.C., Mr. Carmen Giampetuzzi ’82, Lt. Col. Gralyn Harris ’77, Sister Patricia Jamele, CND, Mrs. Margaret Leger*, Dr. Robert Porzio ’72, Mr. Amadeo Rinaldi,  Mrs. Sandra Vigliotti Senich ’82 & 1988 Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team

2017 Inductees

Hon. Salvatore Agati ’75, Ms. Patricia Conlan ’89, Sr. Denise Conway, CND*, Mr. Ed Generali, Mr. Joseph Jacovino, Jr., Br. James J. Kane, C.S.C., Mr. Francis Marrello ’72, Mr. David Martin ’83 & Atty. Kevin McSherry ’75

2016 Inductees

Mr. Jim Abromaitis ’75, Mr. Jay Alix ’73, Mr. Fritz Blasius ’76, Atty. Mary Piscatelli Brigham ’79, Mr. Jim Cunningham, Mr. Tony Hanson ’73*, Br. Harold Hathaway, C.S.C., Br. Francis Leary, C.S.C.,  Ms. Linda Mascoli ’88, Hon. Paul Matasavage ’76 & Mr. Timothy McDonald*

*Deceased

Relive some memorable moments from previous Crusader Hall of Honor ceremonies!

Please consider being a sponsor for the 2021 Crusader Hall of Honor.

Sponsorship opportunities are listed below.

Purchase an ad in the Crusader Hall of Honor Souvenir Program today.

This 8 1/2 x 11 souvenir program book will be distributed to all guests in attendance. Pay special tribute to the Hall of Honor inductees and show your support of Holy Cross High School. 

Ad Sizes & Costs 

• Full Page: 8.5'' (w) x 11'' (h): Cost - $1,250 
• Half Page: 7.5'' (w) x 4.875'' (h): Cost - $750 
• Quarter Page: 3.625'' (w) x 4.875'' (h): Cost: $400
• Business Card: $250
• Listing: $100 

To become a sponsor and/or purchase an ad in the Souvenir Program, you can either:

• Complete the online form below
• Download this form and mail back to the school

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nora Mason at nmason@holycrosshs-ct.com or at 203.706.0788. Thank you for supporting Holy Cross High School.