Nominations are now being accepted for potential 2020 inductees to the Wilton Public Schools Hall of Fame. Completed nomination applications will be accepted through March 15, 2020. 

The Hall of Fame was established in 2016 to honor members of the Wilton Public Schools community who have distinguished themselves in ways that have brought great honor and pride to the community. Induction into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor the Wilton schools can bestow on an individual. The inaugural group of Hall of Fame members was inducted in June 2018 and included: 

  • Kristine Lily (WHS Class of 1989)
  • Donald Verrilli (WHS Class of 1975) 
  • Army Pfc. Nicholas Madaras (WHS Class of 2005/posthumous award) 
  • Mr. John Rhodes (faculty member) 
  • Mr. Chip Gawle (faculty member) 

Nominees can be teachers, students, former students or staff members who have in some way achieved recognition in their chosen area of expertise. Those fields may include, but are not limited to, education, business, legal service, politics and government, military service, athletics, theatre and the arts, philanthropic endeavors and community service. Such individuals may have attained national recognition, or in some way been recognized by their peers for outstanding achievement. 

Criterion for Hall of Fame eligibility are included in Wilton Board of Education Policy 1171, and include: 

  • A student/former student must be a graduate of Wilton High School.
  • Faculty/staff members must have attained their prominence while employed by the Wilton Public Schools. 
  • A candidate should have distinguished him/herself in a way that attained positive national prominence, or by being honored by his/her peers in a manner reserved for individuals at the top of that particular profession or endeavor. 
  • A candidate who is elected to statewide or federal office, or who was appointed to serve the government in a high profile (i.e. cabinet, ambassadorship) capacity may be eligible for consideration. 
  • An individual who has distinguished him/herself in a national volunteer or philanthropic capacity in such a way that those efforts had a measurable impact on society, or if the individual received national recognition for their efforts. 
  • Any candidate who serves in the military and is recognized for bravery, valor or leadership may be considered. Hall of Fame induction may be granted posthumously. 
  • All candidates must be considered to be individuals of good character. An honoree must demonstrate that he/she is person of integrity and good moral ethics. Conviction of a felony will prevent an otherwise qualified candidate from consideration. 

Policy 1171 also outlines the process for submitting a nomination. Applications will be accepted through March 15, 2020. 

The 2020 Wilton Public Schools Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on June 3, 2020 in the Zellner Gallery.