Islip High School honored its 2023 Hall of Fame inductees on Oct. 14. Assistant Principal Meghan Stern and teacher and Hall of Fame Committee member Renee Clock unveiled the newest plaques in the school’s main lobby with the honorees and their families in attendance. The celebrants then adjourned to Marconi Manor for the formal induction ceremony.
This year’s honorees were former Islip School District librarian Ginger Michelini Carls, Class of 1958 graduate John Eden, Class of 1965 graduate John Monteleone, former Islip High School football and wrestling coach Joseph Patrovich, and the 55 members of the Islip High School 2004-2005 varsity wrestling team.
Carls, who spent 35 years working as a librarian at Commack Road Elementary School and Islip High School, also coached track, formed the inaugural girls soccer team, and established the Michael Michelini 5K and Michael Michelini Memorial Scholarship.
Eden, who played baseball, basketball and soccer during his high school career, earned All-State honors twice and was named an All-American in his senior year. He later became the physical education coordinator for the Babylon School District, earning 371 wins as a coach from 1963-1989 as well as league, section and national Coach of the Year honors.
Monteleone, who played in Islip’s jazz band, became an acclaimed luthier of jazz guitars, earning accolades from renowned musicians. His work is currently exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is the subject of the recent “The Chisels Are Calling” documentary.
Patrovich, who earned Coach of the Year and Regional Coach of the Year honors, was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012. His wrestling program at Islip produced nine state champions, nine All-Americans and a New York State Tournament championship.
Coached by Patrovich, the 2004-2005 wrestling team was ranked No. 1 in New York State and Long Island, named Suffolk County champions and earned the League V Dual Meet and Long Island Challenge titles. Individually, the team placed 12 wrestlers in the county tournament and boasted multiple league champions, four county champions and three state champions.
“The people here represent and reflect the pride, tradition and strength of Islip, not only the school district, but the community,” Superintendent Dr. Dennis O’Hara said. “Congratulations to all of the honorees.”
Date Added: 10/18/2023