White Plains City School District
On Oct. 23, four individuals were inducted into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame. Carl Austin, Susan Altman, Jonette Mines and Daniel Slepian join the 90 WPHS alumni whose successes will be forever preserved by the White Plains community.
Since the inception of the WPHS Hall of Fame in 1996, only 94 graduates, including those inducted on Wednesday, have been recognized for their accomplishments. Those who have distinguished themselves in their fields and dedicated themselves to service are nominated and considered for induction. Nominees who are not inducted are reconsidered every year. Members of the WPHS Hall of Fame include doctors, teachers, athletes and musicians.
The induction ceremony commenced with a speech from Principal Martinez, who spoke of the significance of Hall of Fame Day. Co-presidents of the Student Government Organization Deya Allen and Neila Older spoke next about the community, connection and opportunity they find at WPHS. In attendance were Superintendent Ricca, Mayor Tom Roach, U.S. Rep. George Latimer, mayoral candidate Justin Brasch and County Legislator Benjamin Boykin, among others.
This year’s inductees had outstanding careers with significant impact on the community. Each reflected on their time at WPHS and described how it shaped them into the people they are, even going as far as to credit their achievements to their high school experience. All four are entering a space where their legacies will live on and inspire future students for generations to come.
Daniel Slepian, an NBC news producer and criminal justice journalist, spoke about how the diversity at WPHS formed him into the person he is today. One of his most famous works is the podcast “The Sing Sing Files,” which tells his 20-year story of how he exonerated six wrongfully convicted prisoners at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. Regarding the making of the podcast, he said, “I chose to listen to … people from different backgrounds, from different cultures … because of where I came from.” Slepian ended his speech by saying that he feels at home at WPHS.
Carl Austin was inducted for his contributions to the city of White Plains. As a private firm owner, Austin was a real estate developer and consultant who helped construct many of the buildings in the city. In his speech, he reminded the audience of the importance of teachers, the encouragement they provide and the passion one must have to succeed. “White Plains High School has been a source of encouragement,” he said. “[It] was my safe place.”
Susan Altman taught social studies at WPHS for 39 years in addition to being an alum herself and was active in the school community. As a female high school graduate in 1964, she had few career opportunities. Breaking gender boundaries, she studied history in college and was a vocal advocate for gender equality. She described her experiences in the diverse environment of WPHS as “building blocks for my life.” She established an exchange program with a high school in China and led the Midnight Run club as they worked to donate food and other necessities to those in need. Before taking her seat, Altman acknowledged that her induction was an honor for all teachers.
Jonette Mines was inducted for her countless acts of service. After a successful 30-year career at IBM, Mines pivoted her focus toward helping the community. She worked with the County Investigation Department, led the Juneteenth Heritage Committee as president and was active in her church community, gaining her the reputation as the “unofficial mayor of White Plains.” Mines summed up her speech by saying, “if I can help someone, my living shall not be in vain,” before leading her former classmates in a sing-along of Ra-Ra, the anthem played by the marching band at home football games.
Slepian, Austin, Altman and Mines will not be returning home with just a plaque commemorating their induction into the White Plains High School Hall of Fame. They will return with a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that they are joining the 94 names on the walls of the main entrance of WPHS that will serve as inspiration and motivation for every student who walks through those doors from this day forth.