The Jamesville-DeWitt Fine Arts Hall of Fame held its second induction ceremony on Oct. 29 at J-D High School.
The hall of fame serves to enlighten the community about the school district’s outstanding fine arts heritage and to honor those who have made remarkable and lasting contributions, according to the group’s website. It inducted its first class in 2019, and skipped adding a class in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was held in the high school auditorium. In addition to the induction ceremony, entertainment will be provided by student group InAchord.
Fine arts includes, but is not limited to, music, theater, dance, literature, architecture and visual and graphic arts, according to the J-D Fine Arts Hall of Fame.
Induction Criteria
Individuals or ensembles must meet the following criteria to be considered for induction into the hall of fame:
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Alumni, beginning 10 years after their class graduation.
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To be considered for 2021, alumni must have graduated by July 1, 2011, or before.
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Some special circumstances may allow for the 10-year requirement to be waived.
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Candidates are considered based on any combination of accomplishments during their time as J-D students and afterward.
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Accomplishments may include artistic excellence and contributing to their community.
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- Ensembles, beginning 10 years after the given academic year.
- Educators, beginning five years after leaving the district, including teachers, administrators and staff members employed by the Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District.
- Contributors, individuals who donated their time or resources to J-D fine arts students, staff, programs or productions.
2021 Honorees
Ensembles
- Roaring 20’s, 1969
Educators
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Vic Russo, Music
Contributor
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Brenda Neuss
Alumni
- Debra Barsha, Class of 1976, Music: Singer, composer who has worked in New York City theater for decades.
- Paulie Cerra, Class of 1985, Music: Performer, studio musician who has worked with a long list of household-name performers.
- Bill DiCosimo, Class of 1970, Music: Multi-talented musician and performer, just retired as Associate Professor, Chair of Music Industry, Technologies at Syracuse University.
- Eric Lichtblau, Class of 1983, Author: Two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author.
- Babs Rubenstein, Class of 2006, Music.
- Renee Schuls-Jacobson, Class of 1985, Art: Former English teacher (not J-D) and talented artist with an inspiring story.
- John Shields, Class of 1975, Architecture: Concept land planner/landscape architect, executive with Walt Disney Imagineering for 26 years.