NTCSD Arts Wall of Fame

The Remember Ryan Foundation is the Corporate Sponsor of the North Tonawanda High School Visual and Performing Arts Wall of Fame. The Wall of Fame honors alumni and staff members who deserve special recognition for their contributions to the promotion or betterment of the visual and performing arts in the school, the community and beyond. The Wall of Fame also recognizes graduates who have enjoyed success as visual or performing arts professionals and, as such, are a source of pride for the North Tonawanda City School District.

F. Donald Shearer (staff member).

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, "Doc" Shearer is particularly remembered for outstanding NTHS Marching Bands during a 33-year tenure in the school district. His innovative, entertaining approach brought awards and recognition to North Tonawanda High School as having the premier Marching Band in Western New York. A respected, admired musician, teacher and conductor, Doc's artistic influence expanded beyond the school district to include the community as evidenced by his role in the development of the Twin Cities Orchestra which he directed, to great acclaim, for many years. F. Donald Shearer was inducted, posthumously, into the Wall of Fame on May 10, 1997 as the first member of its inaugural class.

Tonio DiPaolo ( Graduate)

Following his graduation from NTHS and then the Eastman School of Music, Tonio went on to become recognized as one of America's premier tenors having sung leading roles in most of the major opera houses in the United States, Canada and Europe. He has received international acclaim for his excellent vocal quality, musicianship and stage presence and complements his operatic success with international popularity as a concert artist and soloist. Inducted into the Wall of Fame May 10, 1997, Tonio DiPaolo holds the distinction of being the first graduate to be honored.

Verdun L. Kerswell (staff member)

During his more than 30 years as a vocal music teacher and chorus director in North Tonawanda, Verd Kerswell raised the performance level of his student groups to heights rarely attained at the high school level. Directing his choruses through such challenging works as Carmina Burana, the Brahms and Faure Requiems, Handel's Messiah, the Bach Magnificat and Cantata No. 4, the Schubert Mass in G and Vivaldi's Gloria was recognized by his peers as an accomplishment of truly significant proportion. Verd was also active in the community as a choir director for several local churches further enhancing his contributions to the cultural and musical heritage of the North Tonawanda community. Verdun L. Kerswell was inducted into the Wall of Fame on May 10, 1997, the second member of its inaugural class.

Norman F. Alexander (Class of 1972 Graduate & staff member)

Following his years as an accomplished student and musician at NTHS, Norm pursued a degree in music education. He returned to NTHS in 1978 to begin a career as an instrumental music teacher that spanned more than 30 years and positively impacted the lives of countless music students. As the driving force behind some of the most successful musical groups in the history of the school district, Norm's marching and concert bands, jazz ensembles and orchestras flourished under his leadership and creative artistry. An excellent musician, both as performer and conductor, combined with his friendly and outgoing personality and high energy level endears him to colleagues and students alike. Having devoted his life to the musical education of the children of North Tonawanda it is fitting that he is the first Wall of Fame Inductee to be honored as both a graduate and a staff member. Norman F. Alexander was inducted into the Wall of Fame on April 16, 1999.

WALL OF FAME PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

MORE TO FOLLOW.