Welcome to the Levittown School District Hall of Fame

The Mission

To recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves by their contributions in their field of work, study or athletics.

Want to Nominate Someone For The Levittown Hall of Fame?

  • Nomination can be made by using the Hall Of Fame Nomination Form.
  • Nomination forms will be made available on or before January 1st of each year. Once a person is nominated they will remain in consideration for three years if not immediately selected.

Criteria

Alumni Award - A nominee must have graduated from either Division Avenue High School, Levittown Memorial High School, or General Douglas MacArthur High School a minimum of 10 years prior to nomination. Current employees are excluded.

Service Award - Nominee must have played a significant role in the Levittown School District as an employee, parent, community member, or elected official.

Nominee must not be a graduate of the district, however, can have attended school in Levittown.

These individuals have distinguished themselves by their contributions in their field of work, study or athletics. Nomination can be made by using the Hall Of Fame Nomination Form.


Induction Years

2025 | 2024 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018

2025 Inductees

James Ayres

Division Ave. High School
1963

image of James Ayres

Jim Ayres's life has been defined by his dedication to education, athletics, and service, leaving a lasting impact on students, athletes, and colleagues. A proud graduate of Division Avenue High School, he spent 32 years as an elementary educator in the East Rockaway School District, inspiring generations of students-including his own daughter, who followed in his footsteps as a teacher.

Beyond the classroom, Jim was a devoted coach, leading teams to five County Championships and two Long Island Championships over 20 years. He served as Head Coach for multiple sports, including Varsity Football, Girls' Varsity Basketball, and Varsity Softball, and held coaching roles at Molloy College. Even after retiring, he remains active in the community, announcing East Rockaway basketball games and mentoring his four grandchildren.

Jim's pride in his Division Avenue roots remains strong. He maintains close friendships with classmates, meets weekly with fellow alumni, and stays in touch with his former Driver's Ed instructor. His deep sense of connection and service extends beyond education and athletics.

A distinguished veteran, Jim served in the U.S. Army, rising to Captain in the Military Police Corps. He played a critical role in securing and delivering nuclear weapons in the Midwest and later served in Vietnam as Deputy Provost Marshal for the Saigon Support Command. For his exemplary service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Bronze Star Medal.

Jim also dedicated 33 years as a high school and college official in basketball, baseball, football, and wrestling. He led as Vice President and President of the East Rockaway Teachers' Association, advocating for his colleagues and the advancement of education.

For his lifelong contributions, Jim has earned numerous accolades, including inductions into the Coaching Hall of Fame and the Officials Hall of Fame. His legacy as an educator, coach, and leader continues to inspire generations, cementing his place as a pillar of the community.

Dr. Edgar Daniels

Levittown Memorial
1966

image of Dr. Edgar Daniels

For more than 50 years, Dr. Edgar Daniels has dedicated his career to educating students, adults, and fellow educators, earning a reputation as A Teacher of Teachers. A leader in teaching methodology, teacher mentoring, and educational innovation, Dr. Daniels has made a lasting impact on the field of education.

An award-winning educator, Dr. Daniels has been recognized by organizations such as Who's Who Among America's Teachers, the March of Dimes, Long Island Scope, the NYS Academy for Teaching and Learning, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, and the Delta Epsilon Tau Distance Learning Honor Society.

Throughout his career, Dr. Daniels has:

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Daniels has played an important role in shaping the Town of Hempstead Lifeguard Program. Starting as a Levittown lifeguard at age 18, he rose to Chief Lifeguard, overseeing 22 pools and two bays. His work in training, evaluation, and supervision has influenced hundreds of young lifeguards, many from Levittown.

Dr. Daniels has also been deeply involved in the Levittown community, serving on the Levittown School District Board of Education and the Levittown Library Board. His book, Mass Producing the American Dream, explores Levittown's history and its role in expanding homeownership in America. His research has reached readers worldwide, and he has shared his work through essays in Newsday and presentations at the Levittown Public Library and Levittown Historical Society and Museum.

Through his work in education, mentorship, and community service, Dr. Daniels has had a meaningful impact on generations of students and educators, making him a deserving inductee into the Levittown Hall of Fame.

Nina Glenn

MacArthur High School
1971

image of Nina Glenn

A lifelong member of the Levittown community, Mrs. Glenn grew up attending Levittown schools and graduated from MacArthur High School, where she met her husband, Tommy. Together, they built a life in Levittown, raising their three children-who, like their mother, graduated from MacArthur. Today, her family's deep connection to the district continues, with her grandchildren currently attending Levittown schools.

Mrs. Glenn is known by so many in the community, not just for her years of service but for the way she made people feel--heard, supported, and valued. She was the person students turned to with their worries, knowing she would listen without judgment and offer guidance with kindness. Parents sought her out for help with challenges ranging from homelessness and poverty to special education services and addiction. Teachers, administrators, and staff relied on her expertise, knowing she would do everything she could to find solutions for those in need.

Her impact extended far beyond the responsibilities of her role. She had a way of bringing humor to even the toughest situations and made those around her feel like they were never facing their struggles alone. Her work was never about recognition-it was about people. She gave of herself endlessly, always stepping up when someone needed help, always putting others first.

Mrs. Glenn truly embodied the spirit of service, and her influence on the Levittown community will be felt for generations. Winston Churchill's words capture her legacy perfectly:

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."

Charles Greaves

Levittown Memorial
1974

image of Charles Greaves

Charles J. Greaves earned seven varsity letters at Levittown Memorial High School, culminating in his recognition as the 1974 Long Island Press Scholar-Athlete Award winner. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California in 1978, where he also captained the Trojan lacrosse club. Mr. Greaves went on to graduate Cum Laude from Boston College Law School in 1981 and was admitted to the State Bar of California that same year.

Over his 25-year career as a trial lawyer at Hahn & Hahn, LLP-one of California's oldest law firms-Mr. Greaves represented high-profile clients, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Richard Pryor. He achieved partnership in 1986, served on the firm's Executive Committee, and chaired its Litigation Department. He was also a frequent contributor to Los Angeles Lawyer magazine, where he served on the editorial board.

In 1982, Mr. Greaves founded the Pasadena Public Library Foundation, serving on its board for over 20 years, including five years as president. Under his leadership, the foundation raised more than $5 million for the Pasadena Public Library system.

In 2006, after retiring from law, Mr. Greaves relocated to Santa Fe and began a second career as a novelist. Writing both mystery novels under the name Chuck Greaves and general fiction as C. Joseph Greaves, he has become a finalist for numerous prestigious awards, including the Shamus, Lefty, Macavity, Audie, New Mexico-Arizona, Oklahoma, and Colorado Book Awards, the CAL Award in both mystery and fiction, the RT Reviewer's Choice Award, and the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. His novel Tom & Lucky was named one of the Wall Street Journal's "Ten Best Mysteries of 2015," and Church of the Graveyard Saints was selected as the six-city "Four Corners/One Book" community reading for 2019-2020. His latest novel, The Chimera Club, won the 2023 CAL Award for Best Mystery and was a finalist for the 2023 Colorado Book Award.

Mr. Greaves has written numerous articles and short stories for national magazines. He currently resides in southwestern Colorado, where he owns Stark Raven Vineyards and grows Pinot Noir and Viognier grapes.

Anne Marie Guerra
Service Award

Division Ave. High School
1988

image of Anne Marie Guerra

Annemarie has been a proud resident of Levittown for nearly 20 years, bringing with her an unparalleled commitment to the community she calls home. Through tireless dedication and genuine passion, she has become a driving force in strengthening local connections and supporting initiatives that uplift those around her. Whether through advocacy, volunteerism, or hands-on involvement, Annemarie consistently strives to make a meaningful impact on the town and its residents.

A devoted champion of youth sports, Annemarie has been instrumental in supporting Levittown's football and cheerleading organizations. Her belief in the power of sports to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience in young athletes has driven her to go beyond simply promoting these programs-she actively organizes fundraisers, coaches, and coordinates activities to ensure their success. Thanks to her efforts, countless young athletes have had the chance to grow, compete, and succeed both on and off the field. Balancing her community work with a demanding full-time career in sales and account management, Annemarie's ability to juggle responsibilities while remaining dedicated to her mission is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for what she does was evident at the parent send-off event at Levittown Memorial, held before Pride Cheer's departure for the national competition.

Most recently, she played a pivotal role in bringing the Pride Cheer program to the National Cheerleading Competition in Orlando, Florida. Her dedication and hard work ensured the team had the resources and support needed to compete at the highest level-an effort that culminated in the team earning the prestigious title of first-place champions in the nation. Her leadership, perseverance, and steadfast belief in the potential of young athletes made this historic achievement possible.

The committee could not think of a more deserving recipient for this award, as Annemarie becomes the first-ever honoree for "Service to the School District" in Levittown history. Her contributions to the community, relentless advocacy for youth sports, and ability to inspire those around her make her a true role model. Through her dedication and passion, she continues to shape a brighter future for Levittown, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Steve Kissane

MacArthur High School
1975

image of Steve Kissane

Steve's impact on the Levittown community is built on professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to his players. Known for his nurturing guidance and strong character, Steve has been a true mentor, shaping not only athletes but individuals who have had the privilege of working with him. His charm, wit, and ability to connect with people have left a lasting impression on countless students, parents, and colleagues alike.

As a coach, Steve has earned the highest respect from his peers and officials, who hold him in the greatest regard. His coaching is not only about teaching the game but also about teaching life lessons. He instills in his players a sense of discipline, respect, and hard work that extends beyond basketball. For over 39 years, Steve has been a cornerstone of the Levittown School District, serving both as a coach and educator. His dedication to his craft and his students is evident in his impressive career, which includes over 300 career wins in girls' basketball, 16 straight years of playoff appearances from 2003 to 2019, and 25 playoff appearances in the last 27 years.

Steve's teams have been consistently outstanding, earning eight league championships, a county championship in 2010, and Long Island champions in the same year. Under his leadership, the team made a remarkable run to the State Semi-Finals in 2010, showcasing his ability to lead his players to the highest levels of success. His coaching record speaks to his hard work, focus, and ability to inspire athletes to perform at their best.

But Steve's contributions go beyond his success on the court. He is a true "Levittown guy," someone who grew up in this community, attended school here, and raised his family here. He sent his own children through the Levittown schools, embodying the values of community, family, and service. His deep connection to Levittown is a shining example of how one person can positively shape the lives of so many.

Steve's professionalism, dedication, and kindness make him a role model for all. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the community, Steve has always been someone who puts others first, leads with wisdom and compassion, and brings out the best in everyone he meets.

Steve's contributions to Levittown have created a lasting legacy that will continue to impact students, athletes, and families for years to come. His remarkable career and dedication to his work make him a deserving and inspiring figure for the Hall of Fame.

Arnold Kornfeld

Division Ave. High School
1960

image of Arnold Kornfeld

Nicknamed the "Father of Woodstock," Arthur "Artie" Kornfeld is a renowned musician, songwriter, record producer, and music executive whose influence on American pop culture is undeniable. Born in Brooklyn in 1942, he moved with his family to Levittown in the late 1950s, attending Division Avenue High School. By 1958, while still a sophomore, Artie's passion for music led to a songwriting contract at New York's legendary Brill Building, where he collaborated with industry greats like Ellie Greenwich. His talent for crafting hit songs resulted in over 75 Billboard-charting singles and more than 150 album credits, including co-writing classics like Deadman's Curve, Pied Piper, and The Rain, The Park & Other Things.

At just 25 years old, Kornfeld became the youngest vice president of rock music at Capitol Records, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. In 1969, he helped orchestrate one of the most defining events in music history by securing a deal with Sullivan County dairy farmer, Max Yasgur to host the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair. Kornfeld also contributed to the creation of the Warner Bros. documentary Woodstock, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1970. Beyond his work in music, he has remained engaged in media and activism, earning numerous accolades, including over 100 Gold and Platinum music awards and the Congress of Racial Equality Award.

Despite his many achievements, Artie Kornfeld is best remembered for bringing Woodstock to life-a festival that became a cultural touchstone and symbol of an era. As one of Division Avenue High School's first graduates, his legacy continues to resonate through the artists he supported, from Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty to Sheryl Crow and Billy Joel. Today, he remains active in the industry, hosting The Spirit Show with Artie Kornfeld on artistfirst.com, ensuring that the spirit of Woodstock endures for future generations.

Dr. Tonie McDonald

Levittown Memorial
1977

image of Dr. Tonie McDonald

The Levittown community proudly celebrates Dr. Tonie McDonald on her well-deserved induction into the Levittown School District Hall of Fame. A dedicated educator and leader, Dr. McDonald has devoted over three decades to serving students, faculty, and families with distinction.

Dr. McDonald began her career as a social studies teacher at Division Avenue High School in 1995. Aside from sharing her love of all things history with her students, she was also Student Council Advisor. She brought a life to the building that would be difficult to replicate. From planning field trips across the country and the globe to enhancing homecoming parades with a horse and carriage and press releases, she put her heart and soul into making sure the students had the best experience possible while at Division. She then pursued administrative positions both in Levittown and Plainedge before ultimately serving as Superintendent of Schools for the Levittown School District. Her leadership, passion for student success, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting impact on the district. Throughout her tenure, she championed educational innovation, fostered student achievement, and strengthened community engagement, helping to make Levittown a model for academic excellence.

Beyond Levittown, Dr. McDonald served on the executive board of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, including as its president, and contributed to other educational organizations such as REFIT, SCOPE and most recently as the president of the Levittown Educational Foundation. Her outstanding leadership and service have earned her numerous accolades, including the New York State Woman of Distinction Award, the Nassau County Trailblazer Award, and the 2022 SCOPE Administrator Service Award.

This prestigious honor is a testament to Dr. McDonald's profound contributions to education and her enduring legacy in the Levittown School District. Congratulations, Dr. McDonald! Your impact will continue to inspire generations to come.

Brian McDonnell

MacArthur High School
1981

image of Brian McDonnell

Brian McDonnell was the kind of person who never hesitated to help others. As a proud member of the Emergency Service Unit Truck 1, stationed on East 21st Street in Manhattan, he was always ready to answer the call. On September 11th, he was last seen heading into the South Tower. It was said about him that he "was a cop's cop. When people get in trouble, they call the police. When the police need help, they call Emergency Services."

But above all else, Brian's heart belonged to his family. His greatest joy was being a dad to Katie and Thomas. He was right there in the delivery room the day Katie was born, his eyes full of tears as his daughter was welcomed into the world.

A former Army paratrooper, Brian served the NYPD for 15 years with quiet dedication. He never looked for recognition or awards, though there were countless times he could have been honored. Loved ones shared that "he wasn't showy. That just wasn't who he was. He simply wanted to help people." He believed in making people feel seen and valued, whether it was his family at home or someone he met on the job.

Brian McDonnell's life was a testament to bravery, selflessness, and devotion to others. He embodied the very best of what it means to serve-both as a protector of his community and as a loving father and husband. His legacy lives on not only in the countless lives he touched but also in the example he set for future generations. Brian's courage and kindness continue to inspire, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have through a life lived with honor, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to others.

Hank Steinbrecher

Division Ave. High School
1965

image of Hank Steinbrecher

Hank Steinbrecher, born in 1947 and raised in Levittown, New York, is a highly respected figure in American soccer. He played during the early 1960s before the establishment of the Long Island Junior Soccer League and later competed at Davis & Elkins College, where he was part of the 1970 NAIA national championship team. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from West Virginia University.

Steinbrecher began his coaching career at Warren Wilson College before moving on to Appalachian State University and Boston University. He later transitioned to sports administration, serving as director of sports marketing for Quaker Oats before becoming Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) in 1990.

As head of USSF, he played a key role in the success of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 1996 Olympic Soccer Tournament, and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, helping to elevate soccer's popularity in the U.S. His contributions earned him induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005 and the prestigious Werner Fricker Builder Award in 2012.

Hank Steinbrecher's influence on American soccer is both profound and enduring. Through his leadership, vision, and relentless dedication, he helped shape the sport's growth in the United States, leaving an indelible mark on its history. His efforts in expanding the game's reach from grassroots development to the global stage have inspired generations of players, coaches, and administrators. A true pioneer and passionate advocate for the sport, Hank Steinbrecher's legacy is one of transformation and progress, ensuring that soccer continues to thrive as a vital part of American sports culture.