Hamburg Alumni Foundation

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Hamburg Alumni Foundation The Hamburg Alumni Foundation This merger produced a strong, well-focused charitable organization poised to energize Hamburg in the 21st century.

The Hamburg Alumni Foundation was formed with the merger of the Hamburg Alumni Association and the Hamburg School Foundation in 2011. A Tradition of Excellence:

In September 2010 the inaugural Sports Wall of Fame ceremony was held, which inducted sixteen Alumni in an exciting, and occasionally tearful, ceremony that brought back a lot of great memories for all who attended. This program was well overdue and we are excited for 2011 when we will expand that program to include the Distinguished Alumni award, which will be given to those Alumni who have given to their community or achieved greatest in their professional endeavor. A combined ceremony honoring these great men and women will be held in October. Supporting the Future:

The addition of synthetic turf and lights to Howe Field in 2009, spearheaded by an alumni task force, has had a tremendous impact on the Bulldog Athletic program. This addition, funded through a combination of 80% state grant and 20% local bond, has increased the use of the “football” tenfold and highlighted boys and girls in many different sports. The improvement has made Hamburg a destination for regional contests adding to district coffers and aiding local businesses. The new turf also saves the district money each year in field maintenance costs. The Hamburg Music Festival kicked-off in 2009 by a small group of Alumni as an idea to show off local talent [including student musicians] and raise money for community projects. The event has been a tremendous success and has raised, much needed, financial assistance.

Congratulations to another one of our 2026 inductees, Julie Andreeff Jensen (class of 1991). Julie is a battle-tested, s...
10/19/2026

Congratulations to another one of our 2026 inductees, Julie Andreeff Jensen (class of 1991).

Julie is a battle-tested, strategic advisor and executive who helps leaders navigate defining moments, drive growth, and lead through significant change. She is the Founder & CEO of Jasper Advisors and a Partner at SKDK, where she oversees the firm’s Corporate Advisory practice. Julie and her team have been instrumental in building SKDK’s C-suite and Sports & Entertainment practices, advising some of the most successful and recognizable sports teams, leagues, brands, executives, and companies on reputation, communications, and brand strategy.

Julie has worked at the highest levels of business, sports, and politics. Before founding Jasper, Julie worked in the National Football League as a Senior Vice President of the Washington Football Team, where she was a member of the executive leadership and led communications and public affairs during the organization’s historic rebrand and a period of significant transition. Prior to the NFL, Julie was the first Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer at Citadel and Citadel Securities, where she built the firm’s corporate affairs function and led its reputation, brand, and strategic communications strategy.

Julie joined Citadel from Brunswick Group where she was a Partner. During her eight years at the firm, she advised Fortune 500 companies and CEOs on critical business issues including reputation management and crisis communications. Julie began her career in politics serving as an aide on Capitol Hill to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and later holding senior roles on multiple presidential and congressional campaigns including President Barack Obama and Senator John Kerry.

Julie received an undergraduate degree in Political Science from American University and law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law. She was a four-year member and captain of the Division I championship swim team and served as assistant swim coach while she attended law school. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors for American University's Top 10 nationally ranked School of Public Affairs.

Julie’s leadership and contributions have been recognized with the 2026 PRWeek Women of Distinction Award and American University’s Neil Kerwin Alumni Achievement Award.

Julie is passionate about mentoring the next generation of women leaders in business, sports, and public service. She is a proud Buffalo Bills fan and Hamburg Bulldog.

Good morning! GO BILLS!
10/18/2026

Good morning! GO BILLS!

Congratulations to another one of our 2026 inductees, Julie Meyer (Class of 1980). Julie competed in cross country, ind...
10/16/2026

Congratulations to another one of our 2026 inductees, Julie Meyer (Class of 1980).

Julie competed in cross country, indoor track, and girls' outdoor track & field. She was recognized as the Most Improved Player for the 1979 outdoor track & field season. In the fall of 1979, Julie set the HHS record for the 3-mile run in cross country at Chestnut Ridge Park.

During the 1980 indoor track season, Julie established seven school records, including the 3200-meter, 1600-meter, and 960-meter relays, as well as 200, 400, 800 and 1600-meter individual events. One of her favorite memories from her HHS running career was receiving the David Boyd Memorial Award as the Outstanding Performer for the 1980 indoor track season. It was a shock for her to be recognized with this award.

Julie served as co-captain of the 980 outdoor track & field team and was named Athlete of the Week during the season. She also set five outdoor track records that year, including the mile and 2-mile relays, along with individual records in the 440, 880, and mile runs. She was honored as the Most Valuable Player award for the 1980 outdoor track team.

After completing her high school career, Julie attended Allegheny College in western Pennsylvania, where she competed in both cross country and outdoor track. She held records in the 400 and 800 meters while at Allegheny College. Julie graduated with a B.S. in Economics and later earned her J.D. degree in 1991.
Julie currently lives in Huntersville, NC with her husband, Bob Baer. She has two grown sons, Matthew and Ryan. After more than 19 years with IBM Corporation as a contract negotiator, she joined MSC Industrial Supply in March 2025 as a senior contract negotiator.

Your donation can make twice the impact! Gifts to our Pay It Forward or Digital Sign campaigns will be matched dollar fo...
10/15/2026

Your donation can make twice the impact! Gifts to our Pay It Forward or Digital Sign campaigns will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000!

A huge THANK YOU to Foundation supporters Keith & Michele Fisher for making this incredible matching gift possible!

Help us maximize this opportunity to support Hamburg students and our schools. Make your matched donation today!

Visit https://hamburgalumnifoundation.org/donate/ to learn more and make your matched donation today!

It's Wall of Fame Wednesday and today we celebrate another one of our 2026 inductees, Michael Graf (Class of 1983). Mich...
10/14/2026

It's Wall of Fame Wednesday and today we celebrate another one of our 2026 inductees, Michael Graf (Class of 1983).

Michael is an Emmy Award winning filmmaker and screenwriter with over 30 years of internationally recognized achievement in the entertainment and advertising industries. He graduated from Hamburg High School in 1983 and from Syracuse University in 1987.

He started his career working at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, CA then worked at The Post Group in Hollywood with their editorial film unit on scripted television shows including Law & Order, Tales from the Crypt, and Beverly Hills, 90210.
After moving to Madison, Wisconsin, Michael founded his own production company, Spot Filmworks, producing commercial broadcast campaigns for hundreds of major brands including Jimmy Johns, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Miller Brewing. He directed two Super Bowl campaigns and was named “Director of the Year” by Screen Magazine. He is also a proud member of the Directors Guild of America.

Michael was named “Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch” by the International Screenwriters Association, was the inaugural Writer in Residence at the University of Wisconsin’s Institute for Discovery, is the co-founder of the Wisconsin Screenwriting Symposium at the University of Wisconsin and sits on the advisory committee for Action! Wisconsin, a non-profit promoting the entertainment industry in the state of Wisconsin.

He’s been shortlisted for the Academy’s prestigious Nicholl Fellowship, won screenwriting honors at Cannes, and won top screenwriting honors at film festivals in Paris, L.A., Tokyo, Nassau, Park City, and our own Buffalo Niagara International Film Festival.

Michael wrote the true crime feature, Winter of Frozen Dreams starring Thora Birch and Keith Carradine and the recent feature film, Green and Gold starring Craig T. Nelson and Brandon Sklenar, which won back to back audience awards for best feature film at the Austin and Heartland Film Festivals.

Who's taking a nap before the game tonight? LET'S GO BUFFALO! ❤️🤍💙
10/12/2026

Who's taking a nap before the game tonight?

LET'S GO BUFFALO! ❤️🤍💙

We're pleased to present another one of our 2026 Wall of Fame inductees, David “Fridge” Fregelette (Class of 2003). Dav...
10/12/2026

We're pleased to present another one of our 2026 Wall of Fame inductees, David “Fridge” Fregelette (Class of 2003).

David distinguished himself as an intense competitor and dedicated three-sport athlete in football, baseball, and basketball. From seventh grade through his senior year, he earned eight varsity letters and built a reputation for toughness, leadership, and team-first commitment. His high school career included First Team All-ECIC Class A football honors as both a junior and senior, Honorable Mention All-ECIC Class A recognition in baseball, senior captain roles in football and basketball, the Hamburg High School Outstanding Athlete Award, and selection to the Kensington Lions Western New York All-Star Game, where he served as captain of the South Team.

Among his most cherished memories as a Hamburg Bulldog was competing in the basketball sectional semifinal at Buffalo State during his senior year under Coach Cauley. In a hard-fought game against rival Sweet Home, decided in the final seconds, Fridge recalls the electric energy in the arena and the determination of his teammates. Although the outcome fell short, the experience, camaraderie, and bonds formed that season with Coach Cauley remain some of his most valued high school memories.

Fridge’s success in football earned him opportunities to continue his athletic and academic career at the collegiate level. He attended SUNY Cortland, where he studied Physical Education and played for the Red Dragons football program. In 2007, his final season, he helped lead Cortland to a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship and finished with 3 Cortaca Jug victories in his career.

Today, Fridge resides in Southern Maryland with his wife, Caitlin, and their two children, Meegan and Camden. He serves as a high school Physical Education and Health teacher in Calvert County Public Schools.

Congratulations to another one of our 2026 inductees, the 2001-2002 Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team, this year's Team of...
10/09/2026

Congratulations to another one of our 2026 inductees, the 2001-2002 Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team, this year's Team of Distinction!

The 2001–2002 Hamburg High School Girls' Varsity Basketball Team forever changed the standard of excellence for the program. Building upon the strong foundation established by Wall of Fame coach Jim Henneberg, Coach Scott DeJohn elevated the Bulldogs by introducing a year-round commitment to basketball through summer leagues, clinics, and offseason skill development. That dedication paid extraordinary dividends as Hamburg captured the division championship before embarking on a remarkable postseason run. The Bulldogs defeated Niagara Wheatfield, Sweet Home, Grand Island, and finally Kenmore East to claim the first sectional basketball championship in Hamburg High School history—boys' or girls'—a landmark achievement that forever changed the school's athletic tradition.

While senior co-captain Jen Lardo led the team in scoring and senior co-captain Becky Williams Morgan anchored the team on the boards as its leading rebounder, the true identity of the 2001–2002 Bulldogs was defined by relentless team defense, unselfish play, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Freshman and future Wall of Famer, Erin Zahariev emerged as a consistent scorer beyond her years, while junior point guard Jenea Castanza directed the offense with poise and leadership. Junior Lisa Nicholas routinely accepted the challenge of defending the opponent's top offensive player, and junior Katya Kroll-Haeick provided invaluable production as the team's dependable sixth player. Erin Ryan brought toughness and determination as a fearless defender, Lauren Matricardi contributed skill and versatility at both ends of the floor, Alex Dix inspired her teammates through her emotional leadership, Katie Nemmer stretched opposing defenses with her accurate three-point shooting, and Perri Kraengel controlled the paint with her physical, intimidating rebounding. Underclassmen Kim Barnashuk, Meagan Walker, and Stephanie Lardo added valuable depth to the roster and played important roles throughout the team's memorable playoff run.

Every member of the roster embraced the belief that championships are won through defense, creating a culture of accountability and teamwork that became the hallmark of this historic season. The team's success was further strengthened by the dedication of junior varsity coach Kelly Owens and modified coach Mark Dziob. Their sectional championship not only secured their place among the greatest teams in Hamburg athletics but also established a new standard of year-round commitment that inspired future generations of Bulldogs. Through their perseverance, sacrifice, and championship excellence, the members of the 2001–2002 Girls' Varsity Basketball Team left a legacy that continues to define Hamburg basketball, making them truly deserving inductees into the Hamburg High School Wall of Fame.

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P. O. Box 174
Hamburg, NY
14075

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