On Friday, Oct. 25, almost 300 people headed “Up the Alpine” to celebrate the newest class of inductees to the Cranston Hall of Fame. This ceremony marked one of the largest attendances in recent Hall of Fame history

With this latest induction, the ranks of the Hall of rise to 217.

Hall of Fame President Cindy Soccio, a former inductee herself, welcomed everyone to the event.

“Tonight’s ceremony shows what a vital role public education plays. These inductees are outstanding examples of the services offered by Cranston Public Schools,” she said.

This year’s class truly shows how diverse the alumni of Cranston high schools actually are.

Carol Peterson, Philanthropist and retired Senior VP of FM Global, Cranston High School, 1958, Mark Ross, Retired Vice President Ross-Simons Jewelry, Cranston High School 1960, Steven Feinberg, Executive Director RI Film and TV Office, Cranston West, 1981, Constantine “Gus” Marses, Owner Royal Poultry, Cranston West 1985, and Dr. Marcia Fay Katz, (posthumously) medical doctor, researcher, author and professor. Cranston West, 1975.

Hostess of the evening, Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse, took a moment to acknowledge former Mayor and current School Committee Chairman, Michael Traficante on his 20 year tenure on the School Committee.

Mayor Hopkins addressed the guests.

“It is a great honor to be here to celebrate all the remarkable achievements of the 2024 inductees. It is a celebration of spirit, resilience, dedication, integrity, perseverance and sense of community shown by each inductee,” Hopkins said.

Nota-Masse had all the past inductees stand and be recognized, as well as board members of the Hall of Fame.

Before dinner was served, the first award was presented.

The Dr. Frank DelSanto Community Service Award was awarded posthumously to Army Sergeant Adam DeCiccio, Cranston West, 2002 for his brave military service in Afghanistan and Iran and his tireless efforts and deeds to support local veterans and their families in Cranston and beyond.

This is the inaugural year for this award.

Close and lifelong friend, Justin Erickson spoke about Adam and how much he gave back, to not only Cranston, but veterans and anyone else who needed help.

Adam’s brother, Mark, accepted the award on behalf of the family, calling Adam “a man of service.”

“It was an honor to receive the Dr. Frank DelSanto Award for Community Service on Adam’s behalf, and have Adam’s volunteerism recognized. We as a family, and community hopefully, will continue to honor Adam and his legacy through his motto of “deeds not words. It was truly an honor to meet Dr. DelSanto as well. Thank you Cranston Hall of Fame,” said Dawn DeCiccio, Adam’s mother.

Each inductee was introduced to the audience by a friend or family member. Offering information and stories most people would never have known.

Randy Rosenbaum, the first speaker introduced his longtime co-worker and friend, Steve Feinberg. Dr. Debra Katz spoke of her sister, the late Dr. Marcia Katz. Cranston East Principal Tom Barbieri introduced Constantine “Gus” Marses. Carol Peterson was introduced by Ed Caron, and lastly the Cranston West Assistant Principal spoke of Mark Ross.

The theme that carried through each inductee’s introduction, as well as their own acceptance remarks, was the importance of a Cranston education.

There were comments about the direction life took each of the inductees, but the common denominator with all of them was Cranston.

“The Hall of Fame induction ceremony is always a wonderful event. The inductees’ speeches about how growing up in Cranston and going to our schools have impacted their lives offer a nostalgic, funny, and often moving opportunity to hear of the bygone years in Cranston. Thank you to all who attended and to those who support this worthy organization each year,” said Nota-Masse.

After each inductee spoke, Soccio presented them with their certificate of induction, and they received citations from Mayor Hopkins and Sen. Hanna Gallo.

“The 2024 Induction Ceremony was another joyous and memorable celebration of Cranston’s finest graduates. We thank the inductees and their families and friends for their support and their contributions to our scholarship fund and the foundation,” said Soccio.

For more information about the Hall of Fame, or to nominate a Cranston graduate, go to cpsed.net, scroll under culture, or visit www.facebook.com/thecranstonhalloffame

Editor’s Note: Pam Schiff, a Cranston resident, has been a regular contributor to the Cranston Herald for more than a decade. Contact Pam at pfts319@aol.com.