The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY (October 30, 2014) – Five individuals will be honored at the Monticello Central School District’s Second Annual Hall of Distinction ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m. in the Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium in Monticello High School. The event is open to the public.

The 2014 inductees are: Dr. Gene Block, Joan Rhulen Farrow, Hon. Josephine Finn, Eugene David Nesin and Jacob “Jack” Sharoff.

The individuals will join 10 distinguished individuals who were inducted during the inaugural Hall of Distinction ceremony held last November. The ceremony will include musical performances by current students and Monticello alumni.

The 2014 Hall of Distinction Inductees are:

Dr. Gene D. Block – Class of 1966 – Esteemed biologist, academic and inventor, Dr. Block currently serves as chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. Well known in the scientific community, Dr. Block is the recipient of many scientific honors and awards.

Joan Rhulen Farrow – Class of 1946 – Successful businesswoman, philanthropist and benefactor, Mrs. Farrow has dedicated her life to the betterment of Sullivan County. She is a long time Board Member of Catskill Regional Medical Center, Trustee of Sullivan County Community College and a Founder of Catskill Hudson Bank.

Hon. Josephine Victoria Finn – Class of 1968 – Judge Josephine Finn was elected to the New York State Board of Regents in March 2014 and serves as village judge. A tireless advocate for children and education, Judge Finn spearheaded Creative Think Tank, Inc., a youth organization designed to help keep at-risk youth out of the criminal justice system.

Eugene David Nesin -Board of Education Member, 1976 – 2009 – For more than 33 years, Mr. Nesin served on the Board of Education with distinction. He worked tirelessly to address the needs of our children and the local community. His legacy continues through the work of Nesin Cultural Arts and a scholarship established in his name.

Jacob “Jack” Sharoff – Class of 1931 – Remembered as a humble, principled, dedicated man, Mr. Sharoff served as Monticello Chief of Police from 1938-1968. He was a constant presence on the streets of his beloved Monticello. Mr. Sharoff was devoted to the Boy Scouts and he served in numerous leadership roles, as well as a Village Trustee.

The Hall of Distinction was established in 2012 by the Monticello Board of Education to honor highly successful graduates, former students, Board of Education members and former employees who have achieved distinction, outstanding accomplishment, or have made a significant contribution within their school, family, career, community and/or personal lives. Inductees are selected by a committee consisting of community stakeholders, Board of Education members, faculty and alumni. The Hall of Distinction is located in the lobby of the Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium in Monticello High School. Application forms for the 2015 Hall of Distinction will be available in early 2015.