BY EVA BROWN ’27
On April 23, 2026, the Jericho Public Library was abuzz as Jericho High School hosted its 34th annual Hall of Fame ceremony.
The Hall of Fame is a Jericho tradition that honors alumni who have made a significant impact since their high school graduation. Assistant Principal Dr. Michaela Finlay explained that inductees are selected by a committee via a process allowing community input. Dr. Finlay said, “[Alumni] could be nominated by themselves or fellow graduates, former teachers, or a friend.” Ultimately, the Hall of Fame Committee reviews all applicants and then votes on the year’s inductees.
The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees included Dr. Steven Sugerman ’77, Mr. Michael Lupa ’01, Mr. Michael Starobin ’74, and Ms. Lisa Frisch ’75.
Dr. Steven Sugerman is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and an American Cancer Fellow. Originally, Dr. Sugerman was a Computer Science major. However, he realized programming did not feel fulfilling, leading him to apply his analytical skills to cancer research and treatment development. Some of Dr. Sugerman’s favorite memories at Jericho included spending time with friends and going out to lunch with them.
Mr. Michael Lupa is a National Championship Athlete, Physical Education teacher, and NYS Coach of the Year. Mr. Lupa has maintained a lifelong passion for athletics and was inspired by his mother, who was also a Physical Education teacher, to pursue a career focused on coaching and education. During his time at Jericho, Mr. Lupa became a three-time county wrestling champion and earned more than 123 career wins. According to Mr. Lupa, his former teachers and coaches inspired him, helping to shape him into the inspiring coach and educator he is today.
Physical Education teacher Mr. Kevin Brodsky was Mr. Lupa’s former coach. Mr. Brodsky said, “Lupa was one of the best kids I have ever coached in my entire career, and he is everything that Jericho epitomizes.”
Mr. Michael Starobin is a Tony Award-winning orchestrator, conductor, and associate professor at Berklee College NYC. He has loved music since he was a kid, and started his career in 1979.
Mr. Starobin worked on a variety of Broadway and off-Broadway shows, such as “Sunday in the Park with George” and “All the World’s a Stage.” Mr. Starobin spoke warmly about the support of his band and choir teacher at Jericho, who had helped him succeed in his future career.
Lastly, Ms. Lisa Frisch is a non-profit community leader and domestic violence victim advocate. Ms. Frisch started her career as a probation officer, where she worked with many domestic violence victims on her caseload. This career path later led her to work for the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. In this role, Ms. Frisch advocated for victims, trying to be the change she wanted to see in the world. “We are trying to change the system to take it more seriously and provide support for victims,” said Ms. Frisch. Some of her favorite Jericho memories include participating in the school choir and working at the school radio station, where she caused a controversy by playing Elton John’s music all the time.
Each member of the 2026 Hall of Fame has contributed exceptionally to Jericho’s legacy, proving that Jericho High School is a place that breeds inspiration and success.
Be First to Comment