Alumni Hall of Fame
The Alumni Executive Board created the Alumni Hall of Fame to recognize and celebrate the achievements of RCDS alumni in their post-graduation careers and lives. The first induction ceremony was held in October 2005. RCDS alumni who are inducted into the Hall of Fame are recognized for their achievements in one of four categories: Academic/Professional, Arts, Athletics, and Service. In addition, RCDS faculty and staff are inducted for their outstanding contributions to the School (in the "Special" category). Finally, the highest honor for an alum, the Distinguished Alumni Award was established “to recognize an individual whose generosity and service has significantly bettered and strengthened our society,” and demonstrated exemplary service to RCDS and the community at large. The award is named for the late Dr. W. Lee Pierson, who served as Head of School for 14 years.
Nominations are solicited by the President of the Alumni Executive Board and received by the Office of Alumni Relations and the alumni website. Committee chairpersons in each of the five categories identify the most qualified nominees for recognition.
Criteria for the awards are as follows:
- Preference is given to Rye Country Day School graduates who have been RCDS alumni for the last five years.
- The nominee must have demonstrated a good record while at Rye Country Day School.
- The personal conduct of the nominee is in accord with the ideals and standard of, and set forth by, Rye Country Day School.
The Alumni Hall of Fame occurs every other year on the eve of Wildcat Weekend and Reunion in the fall. Our previous as well as current inductees exemplify a high standard of excellence that we hope will inspire future Alumni Hall of Fame honorees.
2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees
- Brent Forester '84 (W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award)
- Vanessa Kroll Bennett '94 (Academic/Professional Achievement Award)
- Taylor Washington '11 (R. Adrian Walters III '91 Memorial Athletic Award)
- Mira Riad '96 (Service Award)
- Margo Otis (Special Award)
- Harriet Rofman H'02 (Special Award)
Brent Forester '84 (W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award)
Vanessa Kroll Bennett '94 (Academic/Professional Achievement Award)
Taylor Washington '11 (R. Adrian Walters III '91 Memorial Athletic Award)
Mira Riad '96 (Service Award)
Margo Otis (Special Award)
Harriet Rofman H'02 (Special Award)
Past Inductees
- W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award
- Academic/Professional Achievement Award
- Artistic Achievement Award
- R. Adrian Walters III '91 Memorial Athletic Award
- Service Award
- Special Award