Identifying five diverse men and women who share a common background as "role models for our kids of today and tomorrow," English and social studies teacher Barbara Murphy welcomed the newest inductees into the Jericho High School Hall of Fame.

On Thursday, March 19 in a packed Jericho Public Library auditorium, students, faculty and administrators of Jericho honored the quintet of former graduates for both the success they have achieved through their admirable professions, and, more importantly, their propensity for "giving back to the community," said Murphy, who emceed the event.

The Hall of Fame evening provided a forum where current students could witness living proof that hard work and determination can lead them to high places. In being such excellent examples, Murphy hoped that the inductees, each "through his or her efforts, become shining beacons for others."

"Our alumni are making significant contributions to society," said high school Principal Mathew Mandery, who presented honorary certificates to the new Hall of Fame members. "Each of our inductees has had a significant impact in his or her field."

Board of Education President Flora Greenberg and Superintendent Henry Grishman also chimed in with some proud words. "These Jericho alumni live lives that epitomize the educational philosophy of our schools," stated Greenberg. Grishman said that these alumni were further validation that Jericho has rightfully been "recognized for our education excellence."

Financial analyst, business owner and former international banker James F. Davis, as a Class of '63 graduate, had the most seniority of the five honorees. A descendent of one of the first European settlers to dwell in Jericho, and the great-grandson of a former Jericho civic leader and a former Jericho board of education member, Davis' ancestral roots are firmly planted in the community.

Davis was the head of an international division of Chase Manhattan Bank by age 35. His work particularly impacted Latin America, where he created tens of thousands of jobs after a debt crisis financially ruined many who lived in the region. He has met with many of the world's leaders, including India's Indira Gandhi, in order to develop economic projects. Currently, he is president of Crissam Ltd., a financial portfolio analysis consulting firm and owner-manager of investment properties.

According to Davis, throughout his life he has sought "jobs consistent with his interests and values," which have been to "help create jobs by financing and analyzing international businesses."

"It's only fitting that those correspond to the courses that I disliked the most," Davis jested, referring to his high school math and economics courses.

Among those who Davis thanked was foreign language teacher George Batjiaka, who would "talk to me man-to-man instead of teacher-to-student." Davis said that the teacher suggested to him after he graduated that "I never speak Spanish again." Of course, Davis went on to work in Latin America, and couldn't wait to be reunited with his former teacher to speak in his second tongue.

As if his work has not already greatly benefitted others, Davis is also heavily involved in several non-profit organizations, serving as director of Accuracy in Academia, which promotes higher educational standards, and Accuracy in Media, a communications watchdog group.

Brad Spencer, next to be introduced, was the most recent graduate, having completed his senior year in 1975. Spencer, a Duke Law School graduate, is an attorney in Washington by day, but on the side pursues a passion he has pursued since childhood ¬ singing.

In 1988, Spencer founded the Washington Men's Camerata, and served as the first president. From humble beginnings, the choral group slowly became recognized. Today, under the direction of Thomas Beveridge, the 55-man chorus has received glowing reviews from music critics, and has even performed at the White House.

Spencer lauded Jericho's music program, crediting it for inspiring him to continue to use his voice for purposes other than shouting "Objection." He recalled the advice that music teacher John Norton once gave him: "A musician's life is a hard life. Don't be concerned about making music your career. Make it your passion."

Robin Twerdahl graduated from Jericho High School in 1967, but she still frequents the halls of schools today, only now as a special education consultant in Connecticut.

Twerdahl's primary goal as consultant is to help students with special needs adapt to their community life after schooling, and assist them in finding employment. She stated that the Jericho school system helped her find her "niche" for helping others.

"I want to thank all of my Jericho High School teachers who encouraged me to follow my goals and to serve the community," she stated.

Twerdahl also has served on organizations such as the Newcomers Club, the Young Women's League and UNICEF, and is currently the chairperson of the Board of the New Canaan Nature Center.

As a student working on a project for teacher Bob Hoffman's class, Bonnie Siber Weinstock roamed the Long Island Rail Road station, conducting a survey on people's views of the LIRR labor union. Ironically, years later, as a mediator and an arbitrator, she would be dealing with this very union.

The reputation of this Class of 1971 graduates has garnered Weinstock a position on the New York Port Authority Employment Relations Panel, and admittance into the National Academy of Arbitrators.

Weinstock is known for promoting women and minorities in the field of labor relations, and also teaches on the side.

"I have fond memories of a small, intimate school that valued individualism, and encouraged kids to succeed," said Weinstock. "May that always be so."

It was Weinstock who nominated Jericho's final honoree, educator Heather West Werthessen. A teacher of fifth grade students in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District, Werthessen was a little surprised to make the Hall of Fame grade, considering she wasn't what one considered a "model student," she said.

But her creative and inspiring work with students today far outshines her work as a student years ago. She was, as she termed it, a "late bloomer" in life.

Weinstock, deeply honored, compared the process of teaching children to her favorite pastime, gardening. "There is a great connection between the two. They both involve the nurturing of another living thing, and in doing it you leave the world a better place than how you found it.

Each inductee was introduced by a Jericho High School honor student. The five students selected to make presentations this year were Tanvi Chheda, Bradley Krauz, Jared Mann, Steve Metzger and Hally Schreiber.

The five inductees were chosen from several dozen contenders in a difficult selection process. To be considered for induction, one must first be nominated. Nominees then are selected by the Hall of Fame Committee, which considers factors such as profession and community service before making its final determination.