Fall 2001

Vol. 2, Issue 2

What’s Inside

• Hall of Champion’s new induction class

• Chris Ames swims for others

• New principal named at NAHS

• Alumni Spotlight on Bob Butera

• Preservation of Memorabilia

• Memory Garden

• Class of 1951:  The Golden Year

• '52, '76 Reunions information

• Golf & Picnic Reservation form

• New members

2001 Induction Class Announced by Association

Ten graduates will be inducted into the Norristown Area High School Hall of Fame and Hall of Champions in public ceremonies in the high school auditorium, 1900 Eagle Drive, West Norriton Township, at 7:30 P.M., Thursday, November 8th.  The ceremony will be presided over by incoming Hall of Champions Association President Wilmer D. Cressman.

The twenty-third annual installation will see five graduates inducted into each hall.  More than 200 grads have been installed into the two halls since the association was first organized in 1977.

The Hall of Fame honors those graduates who have excelled in their chosen profession since graduation, while the Hall of Champions honors those who were outstanding in athletics during their high school career.

In addition to inducting the 10 graduates, the Hall of Champions Association will also present the Louis A. Spinelli Memorial Award to an NAHS sports fan "who best typifies the interest and dedication to Norristown Area High School interscholastic sports" that the late Louis A. Spinelli did for more than 60 years before his death in March, 2000. This year the award will be presented to Lee Schwartz who resides in East Norriton Township.

Hall of Fame inductees

Charles J. Tornetta, Class of 1949, President and CEO of Tornetta Realty Corp., Plymouth Meeting, one of the largest real estate firms in the Delaware Valley; also member of many boards of directors and past chairman of the Montgomery County Planning Commission.

A. Richard Gerber, Esq., Class of 1952, long-time successful attorney, partner in Blue Bell law firm of Gerber and Gerber; member of the Pennsylvania Securities Commission; past president of Montgomery Bar Association.

Guido J. Martinelli, Class of 1955, a career banking executive, former vice president of PNC Bank; currently vice president of business development for Progress Bank; 30 year veteran of U.S. Army Reserve; recipient of several local awards; former president of the Greater Norristown Jaycees and the Norristown Area High School Hall of Champions Association.

Roger M. Adelman, Esq., Class of 1959, Washington, D.C. lawyer; formerly with Justice Department, served as lead prosecutor in the trial of John W. Hinckley, who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981; established his own trial and litigation practice in Washington, D. C.

Major George G. Hadrick, Class of 1981, during U.S. Army service he performed a key role in humanitarian efforts in Croatia in 1995 with United Nations High Command; also involved in sensitive relief efforts in South Pacific in 1997 to 2000; served as transportation officer during Operation Desert Storm; presently serving on task force for planning of Salt Lake City Winter Olympic games in 2002.

Hall of Champion inductees

Donald W. Shank, Class of 1951 (deceased), excelled in football three years; member of All-State football team in senior year; won Ray W. Musselman Award; also excelled in baseball as a first baseman and was a member of the basketball team.

Frank "Rinky" Batson, Class of 1954, cross country standout, team captain in 1952-1953; won 13 straight duel meets; finished high in PIAA championship meets; member of track team, establishing several records during career.

Miles A. Burrell, Sr., Class of 1974, member of wrestling team all three years, team captain in 1973 and 1974; All-Suburban One League first team and All-Area first team in 1974; won 29 matches in career; also member of football team and was named All-Suburban One League first team as offensive tackle and defensive end.

Timothy J. Bowers, Class of 1975, PIAA State Champion in javelin, 1975; two-time javelin champion in Suburban One League relays; District One silver medal winner in javelin; set a personal shot put record at 48'6"; set a new NAHS record for javelin throw with toss of 217 feet; led high school team to Suburban One and District One track titles three years and won PIAA State Championships in 1973 and 1975; starting center in football in senior year.

Kyle Rigg, Class of 1988, member of varsity wrestling team four years; state qualifier in 1988, top 100 state honorable mention; won 94 matches with 40 falls in a distinguish high school career; selected PIAA Section III "Most Outstanding Wrestler" in 1988; selected 2nd team All-Suburban One League in 1987.

Following the induction ceremony, a public reception will be held in the high school cafeteria.

Spring 2001

Vol. 2, Issue 1

What’s Inside

• Alumni activities focus on fun

• Association’s New Officers

• Greetings from the new Alumni Association President

• Ron Bolton wins Spinelli Award

• Alumni Spotlight:  Willie Richet

• A history worth preserving

• Class of 1951 news

• Financial Report

• New Alumni Association members

Everyone in Norristown knows Captain Willie Richet, whether it’s a child involved in the Police Athletic League (PAL) or a citizen walking down the street. Willie’s life is openly characterized by love of God, love of family, love of country and love of community.

The Richet family moved to Norristown from Florida when Willie was two years old. Willie graduated from Norristown High School in 1967 after which he worked as a machine operator at the Markel Corporation. He was in Vietnam as a platoon sergeant, where he earned many commendations including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge and U.S. Army Commendation Medal with first and second Oak Leaf Cluster.

In 1973, Willie joined the Norristown Police Force where he has had an amazing career. In 1981 he was named “Police Officer of the Year” by the Norristown Exchange Club, and in 1982 the American Federation of Police cited him as “Police Officer of the Year.” Willie was promoted to corporal in October 1984, and in 1992 he was honored with the Outstanding Law Enforcement Award In 1993, he was appointed to head the Community Relations Division.

Three years after Willie became a police officer, the Police Athletic League was chartered. PAL President, Sal Gambone, has nothing but praise for the way Willie threw himself into the League from the beginning. Sal calls Willie PAL’s greatest asset. “You can count on him 100%! He is the most prominent and most active person involved with PAL. He is very popular with the volunteers and children, and enjoys great respect from all.“ In spite of his awards and promotions, Willie remains a “regular guy” to all, according to Sal. He is respected by all as a man, not just a police officer. This is the purpose of PAL, promoting a positive relationship between Norristown youths and the Norristown Police Department. The League fosters learning, teamwork and sportsmanship over material rewards. Although trophies are given to winning teams, the emphasis is not on winning. Willie is a model police officer to the children in the community and a true role model. The basket-ball leagues are one of Willie’s top priorities with PAL. He organizes, directs and even referees. And all of this is done as a volunteer, on his own time.

The honors continued. In 1994, Willie was selected by Mayor Jack Salamone to head the Criminal Investigation and Juvenile Divisions of the Department. He also serves as a board member on the Domestic Violence Legal Network, liaison officer with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County and the MCCWF Committee for a coordinated community response to domestic violence and sexual assault. He is a member of the FOP Lodge #31 and a charter member of the Montgomery County Black Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Willie is a charter member of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves as chairman of the Board of Deacons, a member of the Finance Commit-tee, the Brotherhood, the Constitution Committee, and the Evangelism Team.

Willie has a long list of community honors and awards for ser-vice. In 1986, he received the Out-standing Achievement Award from Pennsylvania State Senator Edwin G. Holl for volunteer services to the Montgomery County Opportunity Board, Inc. Other awards include recognition by the Norris-town Track Club, the West End Business Association, and the Friends of Education. He was awarded a collar by the Elmwood Lodge #438, and received awards from the Lodge and Montgomery Temple #250.

In August 1999, Willie Gene Richet was promoted to Administrative Lieutenant on the Police Force, and on May 16, 2000 to Captain, serving as Deputy Chief of Police.

In February, Willie traveled to the new Morgan Academy in Morgantown, PA. This academy is a retention home for kids who have broken the law. Willie took part in the first Black History program, which he says the kids attended enthusiastically.

Married to Barbara, Principal of Gotwals School, for 23 years, Willie is the father of five children, Jaudona, Jacquis, Janelle, Regina Marie and Juanelle and they have seven grandchildren. Interestingly, Willie and Barbara lived across the street from each other before they started dating. They both volunteered at a lifestyles program for neighborhood children at the Washington School and it was there that their romance began.

Willie was honored by family and several hundred friends at a testimonial dinner following his latest promotion. Each of his children spoke about what it has meant 

to be the children of Willie and Barbara Richet. Woven into each narrative was the theme of belief in God and sustaining faith that was instilled in each of them by their parents.

Chief of Police Russell Bono also has known Willie for 27 years as they were partners as patrolmen. During that time, they formed a strong personal and professional relationship that still exists today. Chief Bono said, “Willie is just wonderful to work with. He is respected by his peers and the people in the community.”

Willie remembers Norristown as a school he enjoyed. Asked what stands out in his mind as an alumnus of Norristown Area High School, he cites the time spent with Mr. Harper, JV basketball coach. He taught the boys about character and values. He was like a father to all of them.

Willie has never missed a class reunion, and is a member of the Alumni Association. The Richet children attended Norristown Area schools where they received a quality education, according to Willie. Willie is a credit to Norristown High School, and to all the organizations and people whose lives he has touched.