02/14/2026
Calhoun Alumni Association Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Merrick, NY — The Calhoun Alumni Association proudly announces the induction of 11 distinguished alumni and one beloved retired staff member into the Calhoun Alumni Association Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. These honorees exemplify the highest ideals of Calhoun High School through extraordinary achievement, service, leadership, and lasting impact in their professions and communities.
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Coral House, where the Calhoun community will gather to celebrate this remarkable class.
“As Chair of the Calhoun Alumni Association Hall of Fame Committee, it is a privilege to recognize this exceptional group of honorees,” said Denise Murphy McGraw ‘89, Chairwoman of the Hall of Fame Committee. “The Class of 2026 reflects the very best of Calhoun—individuals whose lives of service, excellence, courage, and leadership continue to inspire our students, alumni, and community. We are proud to honor their legacies and achievements.”
The Calhoun Alumni Association Hall of Fame – Class of 2026
1. Don Ericksen ’66 (posthumous) – Vietnam veteran and helicopter pilot who earned some of the nation’s highest military honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star with “V” device, and the Air Medal with 21 Oak Leaf Clusters.
2. Steve Grilli ’67 – The only Calhoun graduate to play six seasons in Major League Baseball; later a scout, broadcaster, and mentor to generations of athletes.
3. Donna Kaufman ’69 – Trailblazing official at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and former staff member to two United States senators.
4. Bob McIntyre ’73 – Extraordinary special education teacher, coach, and mentor.
5. Kevin Conroy ’75 (posthumous) – All-American lacrosse player, CPA, and Comptroller for the Town of Hempstead.
6. Ross W. Turrini ’81 – Senior executive and Chief Gas Engineer at National Grid with global responsibility for gas safety and infrastructure; longtime mentor and supporter of Calhoun athletics and students.
7. Scott Berns ’82 – Director of a Pediatric Trauma Center, White House Fellow, and Senior Vice President at the March of Dimes.
8. Brian McCauley ’85 (posthumous) – Merrick volunteer firefighter and member of the elite Fire Patrol of New York (FPNY) who searched for survivors at Ground Zero after September 11, 2001, and later died from 9/11-related cancer.
9. Dana Milbank ’86 – Nationally syndicated Washington Post columnist, MSNBC and CNN contributor, and New York Times bestselling author.
10. Dina Gentile ’88 – Trailblazer in sports management and sports education; distinguished professor; Hall of Fame athlete and coach; author and national thought leader.
11. Brian Sweeney ’89 (posthumous) – Merrick volunteer firefighter and FDNY firefighter who ran toward the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, and was killed in the line of duty at age 29.
12. Fred Harrison – Retired faculty member, union leader, and community environmental activist.
“These honorees represent the very best of Calhoun. They include distinguished alumni and a dedicated former faculty member whose achievements, service, and character have left a lasting mark on our school and beyond. They showcase the powerful impact Calhoun has had on their professions and communities. On behalf of the entire Sanford H. Calhoun High School community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2026,” said Calhoun Interim Principal Michael Hughes.
The Calhoun Alumni Association Hall of Fame honors individuals whose achievements bring distinction to Calhoun High School and whose lives embody the school’s enduring values. For more information or to purchase tickets to the Indiction Gala: https://calhounalumni.com/
