In an inspirational ceremony, five former Salisbury students were honored for their accomplishments in the annual Alumni Wall of Honor Induction held Nov. 19 at Salisbury High School.

Honored were Matthew Haldeman M.D., Class of 2003; Katherine Hilgert, Class of 1989; Alissa Burkholder Murphy, Class of 2001; Kevin Strauss M.D., Class of 1986 and Russell Zullick III, Class of 1978.

According to Superintendent Dr. Randy Ziegenfuss, the program was designed to recognize notable alumni who have brought honor to the Salisbury Township School District. The district sought nominees who have distinguished themselves and contributed to society in an exemplary manner.

Awards will be given annually.

To be considered for this honor, the candidate was required to be a graduate of the district and at least 25 years old.

Nominees were evaluated on the following criteria: a commitment to learning; accomplishments in his or her chosen career; accomplishments related to volunteer work/service to others; a positive impact on people or contributions to others and special recognition or awards.

The selection committee was comprised of the superintendent, the assistant superintendent, one member from the Salisbury Township School Board, one member from the Salisbury Township School District administration, one member from the Salisbury Educational Support Personnel Association, one member from the Salisbury Education Association and one member from the Salisbury community.

Inductees will have a plaque placed on the Alumni Wall of Honor located in the Salisbury Township School District Administration Building.

Following the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” by Salisbury High School choral members, Ziegenfuss made a few comments and introduced School Board President Frank Frankenfield who welcomed the honorees and their families and friends.

Assistant Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten introduced all inductees.

Haldeman is a United States Naval anesthesiologist. During his comments, he noted how former teachers had an impact on his life, singling out former teacher Michele Honochick who was a great mentor to him. “She mentored me at a time when I was vulnerable,” Haldeman said. “Being in the business of service and mentoring others means a lot to me and I think that was shaped in all the support I had growing up through the school district and I am very honored to be here today. Thank you.”

Hilgert is president and CEO of Bethlehem-based ArtsQuest.

“Around each inductee are all of the teachers, the administrators and the school district employees who spend every day making sure as we begin to put on that suit of adulthood ... they give us space to grow and learn and mature. I see this as a reflection of the amazing experience I had at Salisbury.”

Murphy is an educator at the Institute of Design at Stanford University in California who teaches creative problem-solving through design thinking. As she was unable to attend the ceremony, her parents Dr. Tom Burkholder and Judy Burkholder accepted the award on her behalf.

In a letter written by Murphy, she explained after returning from work in Myanmar, her career path took a turn from engineering to academia. As an educator, Murphy said she realizes the privilege of being able to shape students as they figure out who they want to be, what they stand for and how they intend to act that out in life.

“This experience in academia has made me more aware of my own path as a student for 18 years - with 12 of those years in Salisbury Township School District. Any of the opportunities I have had to serve others have felt like a natural progression of my life trajectory which was certainly shaped by the role models in my daily life growing up - teachers,” Murphy said. “The award is a reflection of the work you’ve done to grow five year olds into people who care deeply for others throughout their lives. Thank you.”

Strauss is a medical director for a clinical research center for children with genetic diseases in Lancaster.

Strauss also credits his teachers at Salisbury, saying he was never an easy person to teach.

“I credit my teachers here with tolerance. I questioned everything I learned; I challenged every idea ... they put up with my restless spirit.”

In his message to students in the audience, he provided the following advice. “When you are here at Salisbury, respect your teachers but question everything they tell you. Respect your parents but it is OK to question them too. And be grateful for knowledge but trust your own heart to make it your own.”

Strauss thanked the committee for this award.

Zullick III was the last nominee to be honored. He is a private sector helicopter pilot who served extensively in the United States military and as a former Maryland State Police Trooper. Zullick was unable to attend the ceremony; however, his father Arlan Benscoter provided comments and accepted the award on his behalf. He was nominated by the Benscoter family who detailed his service to his country in the United States Army and the United States Coast Guard as a highly decorated Coast Guard Rescue Pilot.