Congratulations to the Shoreham-Wading River School District Staff Alumni Hall of Fame inductees for this year.

Mr. Jeffrey Bennett

The Shoreham-Wading River High School theater’s namesake, Jeffrey Bennett, was nominated by a Class of 1980 graduate and future SWR teacher who cited a dedication and passion to the theater program that went well beyond school hours.

Mr. Bennett worked at SWR High School for almost 20 years until his retirement in 1997. He started an adult acting class and went on to stage high-quality productions. He has been described as an artistic visionary, a remarkable teacher, director and theatrical producer and a powerful soul.

Mr. Bennett passed away in January of this year. The SWRSD is honored to posthumously induct him into the Staff Alumni Hall of Fame.

Mr. Steve Fayette

Mr. Steve Fayette started his musical life as an orchestral bassist. He spent 30 years at SWR teaching every level of string student. Famous for his Hawaiian shirts, he had an easy-going nature and booming voice. According to a co-worker, he connected with students very quickly and always put the department first, taking assignments that others did not want, doing the hard things and never seeking recognition for it. He had a saying, “You know how you can tell if a bass player is any good? They show up and play bass.”

Mr. Bob Vlahakis

Mr. Bob Vlahakis taught English and social studies at the Middle School from 1975 to 2005, primarily for seventh grade. He often team-taught with his wife, Susan, who handled math and science. Mr. Vlahakis coached various sports at the school for 30 years, including soccer, basketball and girls lacrosse. His lacrosse program won four New York State championships and numerous regional titles. After retiring from teaching in 2005, he continued coaching at SWR until 2010. He then coached women’s lacrosse at St. Joseph’s University, leading them to NCAA tournaments. Mr. Vlahakis occasionally works with SWR’s women’s lacrosse program, teaching tai chi for focus. Two of his former star players, Brittany Davis and Alex Fehmel, later became head lacrosse coaches at SWR.

Mr. Vlahakis took to the podium at Superintendent’s Conference Day and shared uplifting words of kindness and encouragement with the teachers and staff of the SWRSD.