Gill St. Bernard’s Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Ceremony 

On Friday, September 20, 2024, Gill St. Bernard’s School held its Athletic Hall of Fame (AHOF) Induction Ceremony, welcoming over 60 guests in the Athletic Center’s Brueckner Hall.  

The evening brought together current and former faculty, coaches, and alumni to celebrate the school’s rich athletic history and recognize the achievements of the 2024 inductees. 

Familiar GSB faces attending the event including Athletic Trainer Glen De Pino, Dean of Student Life and former Athletic Director Dave Pasquale, Assistant Dean of Student Life Mike Wendell ’84, P ’23, current soccer coaches Tony and Donna Bednarsky P ’08, ’10, ’14, ’17, and current basketball coaches Mergin Sina P ’13, ’14, Jaren Sina ’13, and Mark Gnapp P ’22, ’25.  

Former GSB employees Alison Buxton, Mike Chimes, Gerry Cirillo, and Peter and Randi Schmidt came out in support of the event and enjoyed reconnecting with fellow community members.  

The evening began with cocktails, followed by dinner and heartfelt speeches, as inductees were honored for their outstanding contributions to Gill St. Bernard’s athletic programs. A particularly emotional moment came when a video message from Honorary Inductee Dick Emmitt’s daughter, Meg Emmitt '02, who resides in Madrid, was shared by Athletic Director Jenn Noon. In her message, Meg expressed her deep pride in her father’s generosity and dedication to the Boosters, noting that he never expected anything in return for his contributions.  

The room was deeply moved, and the emotional tone continued when Daisha Simmons '10 gave a heartfelt speech thanking the Schmidts and the Hockenbury family for their support throughout her athletic career. 

Tony Bednarsky presented the awards for Rob Lancsak '94 and Matt Lucariello '94, while Mergin Sina spoke on behalf of Daisha Simmons. Gerry Cirillo honored Megan Manner Knott '99, and Head of School Sid Rowell recognized the impact of Dick Emmitt. 

The inductees themselves represent a broad spectrum of athletic achievement: 

• Megan Manner Knott '99: A three-sport standout in basketball, soccer, and softball. 

• Matt Lucariello '94: An exceptional athlete in both soccer and wrestling. 

• Rob Lancsak '94: A talented soccer player and team leader. 

• Daisha Simmons '10: A star in basketball, who went on to achieve great success at the collegiate level. 

• Dick Emmitt P ’02: Honorary Inductee, who was recognized for his vision, leadership, and many contributions to the GSB Athletic programs over the years.  

Noon concluded the honors by stating “You all laid the foundation, you set the bar high, and you established tradition. All the award winners have displayed the highest level of honor, dignity, and sportsmanship during their years at GSB. I thank you for staying part of the Gill Community and remaining connected to your alma mater.” 

The ceremony was a night to remember, with emotions running high as memories of perseverance, dedication, and triumph were shared. With the stories of these inductees echoing through the hall, it was clear that their time at Gill St. Bernard's left an indelible mark on both their lives and the school’s legacy. 

As Chimes reflected, “The induction ceremony for the GSB Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024 was a memorable evening. Catching up with so many friends, including all the inductees and their families, was a real pleasure. Just as important, listening to the five inductees reflect on their years at Gill St. Bernard's was a reminder that our school changes lives. Sure, athletic success was rightfully celebrated, but academic excellence and character development got equal time. It was a night that allowed all attendees to be proud of GSB.” 

A special thanks goes to the AHOF Committee, including Kristin Licata P ’18, ’22, ’24, Lauren Calone McCallum ’00, Chimes, Pasquale, and Wendell who were there to support the event.