06/25/2026
It is with great pleasure that we proudly announce the 2026 Inductees into the Orange Alumni Association’s Alumni, Staff, and Athletic Halls of Fame!!! The Induction Ceremony will occur the weekend of September 25-26, 2026.
Please plan to join us! See additional information below.
Congratulations to:
ALUMNI HALL OF FAME:
-Donna Apidone ’74 – Writer, PBS Host, Teacher, Life Coach
-Jonah Bayer ’98 – Mental Health Counselor, Writer, Musician, Podcaster (with sister Vanessa!)
-Vanessa Bayer ’00 - Comedian, Actor, Writer, Producer (and Podcaster with brother Jonah!)
-Jordan Matthew Brown ’12 – New York-based Broadway Actor
-David Holbert ’15 – Actor, Singer, Teaching Artist
-Bud Kraus ’71 – WordPress Content Creator, Educator, Podcaster, Storyteller
-Ophir Paz ’14 – Gunnery Sergeant serving as the Assistant Chief Recording Engineer for “The President’s Own US Marine Band”
-Steve Samuels ’77 – Founder/Chairman of Boston-based real estate development firm/dedicated to community engagement/Storyteller
STAFF HALL OF FAME:
-Diane Atkin – 24-year Board of Education Receptionist, Lionettes Adviser, Camp Nurse
-Joyce Brandt – 35-year Elementary and Middle School Teacher, Cheer Coach, Unity & Diversity Coordinator (BMS), Alumni Association Board Member
-Marc Haag – MHS Principal, Teacher, Educator for 44 years
-Jeff Moore ’70 – 36-year Middle School Math Teacher, OHS Alumnus, Alumni Association Board At-Large Member
-Dr. Nancy Wingenbach – 15 years in the Orange Schools serving as Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Educator. Coined Orange Schools Motto: “To Learn. To Lead. To Make a Difference.”
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME:
-Janie Boyle ’19 – Two-time State Diving Champion, Olympic Trials finalist, State-Record holder, Named NCAA All-American
-Eric Buckner ’84 – Athletic Standout in Cross Country, Basketball, and Track & Field, Placed at States, PD Dream Team
-Brittany Hurd ’05 – All-Ohio Honors in Swimming (4 years), State Runner-Up in 200 Medley Relay, All-Conference Honors
-Evan Klee ’91 – All-State Tennis Star, #1 Ranked Tennis Player in NE Ohio, All-Conference Golfer
-Tomas Rodriguez ’01 – Football, Wrestling, Track Star, Earned 12 Varsity Letters and 1st Team CVC Honors in all three sports, finishing in the top 3 in the State/All-American Honors for Wrestling
Additional information about all of our inductees will appear in the July newsletter. To receive the newsletter, you must be a member of the Alumni Association and sign up for the newsletter. You may do so at www.orangeschools.org/alumni.
We thank everyone who submitted dozens of nominations and a fantastic group of candidates. Those not selected for induction this year will automatically be considered for the next Hall of Fame inductions. We are so blessed to have such an abundance of talented, accomplished, kind, and deserving individuals!
The September weekend will be marked by Homecoming festivities, alumni crowning the new King & Queen and participating in the Ceremonial Coin Toss, a pre-game reception, the sealing of the Time Capsule, the dedication of our new historical kiosk filled with 100+ years of Orange Schools history, a luncheon, tours, and of course, the induction itself. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the weekend events!
If you would like to participate in the luncheon, please use the QR code to get your reservation in early! With 18 extraordinary individuals being inducted, the room is sure to fill quickly! If you are interested in performing with the Alumni Choir or Alumni Band, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Alumni President Staci Adelman Vincent ’83 via the website below.
Congratulations to all of our esteemed alumni and staff! See you all in September!!!
Additional information: www.orangeschools.org/alumni
