Monticello High School saw the induction of two distinguished alumni and a former superintendent to the Hall of Distinction at the Arnold Packer Hughes Auditorium last Friday.

These three individuals are Emma C. Chase, the first Superintendent of the former Third District of Sullivan County which includes what is now Monticello Central School District, Sullivan County Historian and Class of 1970 Alumnus, John Conway, and Class of 1994 Alumnus and New York State Budget Director, Blake Washington.

Those recognized have achieved distinction, made outstanding accomplishments, or have made significant contributions within the school, family, career, community or personal lives.

“Today’s inductees represent those ideals and span centuries of excellence in the Monticello School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Matthew T. Evans. “Emma Chase, John Conway, and Blake Washington each made significant contributions to the communities they’ve served, and I’m honored to share this stage with them today.”

John Conway

Joanne Jasper, Conway’s sister, introduced him to the audience. She recounted of his activity as the Sullivan County Historian, a position he’s dutifully held for roughly 32 years.

“Dedicating his life to that one role doesn’t really give him justice,” said Jasper. “There are many, many roles he has played over the years.”

Conway partook in being a sports announcer, news reporter, trivia master, political strategist, marketing guru, author, coach and a teacher and “the list goes on and on.”

“There are many other accomplishments too, but I think John would tell you that he is most proud of his role as a family man,” stated Jasper.

Conway eagerly followed up on something which occurred to him as Jasper spoke.

This was that he thought all too often, people are labeled and pigeon-holed and identified with a specific attribute.

“That’s unfair to virtually everyone because we’re all complex individuals,” stated Conway. “We often get caught up in labeling people. For better or worse I’m labeled as the Sullivan County Historian, yet I feel like that doesn’t really begin to define me.

“In addition to being kind, be interested. When you meet someone, take an interest in them because we’re all on this journey. We’re all traveling through life and we don’t really know the burdens someone else is carrying. So be kind, be interested, and be curious.”

Blake Washington

Described as a mentor and one of the biggest role models in niece Monticello 2023 graduate Erin Brawley’s life, the nomination of this award should come as no surprise.

Brawley was very proud of her uncle who has taught her that “nothing worth doing is easy.”

“His success is proof that you can succeed at anything if you put the work into it,” encouraged Brawley.

According to Brawley, Washington was recently appointed to be the Director of the $229 billion New York State Budget. As Budget Director, Washington is appointed to over 30 Public Authorities, Boards and Commissions.

Washington largely cited his parents as one of the reasons for his success.

“At the fundamental level, the things they taught us was just to be kind to people,” Washington fondly recalled.

“[It’s all] just a very simple way of living. I know they’d be so proud to see me here today - in this building [Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium] in particular.”

The extremely successful Monticello alumni, past members of the board of education, and former staff members who have distinguished themselves, made noteworthy contributions to their communities, families, careers, and/or personal lives, are honored in the Hall of Distinction. 

It was founded in the 2012–2013 academic year and is situated in the lobby of Monticello High School’s Arnold Packer Hughs Auditorium.

Emma Chase

Introducing the recipient of the award was Principal of Emma C. Chase Elementary School Bill Frandino.

He informed the audience of who Emma C. Chase was through a short summary biography.

He read off an anecdote from a Mamakating student who attended District 11 in Wurtsboro.

“Mrs. Chase gave us a lengthy lecture on cleanliness, bathing, brushing our teeth and cleaning our fingernails,” read Frandino. “When she was ready to leave, her Model T was stuck in the mud. She prevailed upon us kids to push her out. We complied with enthusiasm but also dire results.”

“We were covered with mud from head to toe. As she pulled away,” Frandino continued, “she called out to us ‘tell your mothers it’s CLEAN dirt.’”

This line garnered a chuckle from the audience. Accepting the award on her behalf was Suzanne Dollard, the great-granddaughter of Chase.

“We definitely want to thank the District for thinking of Emma C. and I kind of hope she’s up there smiling,” said Dollard. “I always wanted to meet her but she was gone by the time all of us were born.”

“We’re very grateful for this honor, and thank you all. Thank you to the principal for nominating us.”