The Norristown Area School District (NASD) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of eight distinguished alumni of Norristown Area High School (NAHS) during this year’s Hall of Champions and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 21, 2024. This annual tradition recognizes individuals whose contributions, achievements, and character have left an indelible mark on the Norristown community and beyond.
View this year’s Induction Ceremony Program
Hall of Champions
The Hall of Champions honors graduates who made outstanding contributions to athletics during their high school days. This year’s inductees are:
John T. Hadrick, Class of 1975 – Hadrick was a stellar multi-sport athlete at NAHS, excelling in track and field as a sprinter, hurdler, and relay team member, as well as playing football. He led the track and field team to multiple league, district, and state championships, setting records and earning numerous accolades, including Outstanding Athlete honors at the 1975 Leister Invitational after breaking his 1974 record and winning the championship in the 120 yard high hurdles. Post-graduation, Hadrick achieved national titles in Masters Track and Field, served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, and had a distinguished career in telecommunications.
Sheldon Mayer, Class of 2010 – Mayer was an exceptional three-sport athlete at NAHS, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. On the football field, he earned All-Area honors, a Mini Maxwell Award, and rushed for over 3,000 yards with 60+ touchdowns, contributing to a 2009 Suburban One Championship. As a point guard, Mayer helped lead the basketball team to a historic 32-2 record and a near state title in 2008, with multiple district championships to follow. Post-graduation, he earned All-American honors as a wide receiver and return specialist at Shippensburg University and continued his athletic career in Germany. Mayer now resides in Elkins Park, PA, and works for FedEx.
Michael Springer, Class of 2014 – Springer was a record-breaking wrestler at NAHS, where he set the all-time pin record with 100 pins and achieved a stellar 176-33 career record. A four-time Sectional Champion, three-time District Champion, and two-time Regional Champion, he earned All-State honors from 2012 to 2014 and placed at the PIAA State Championships twice. Post-graduation, Springer wrestled at Shippensburg University, where he served as a three-year team captain, qualified for NCAA Division II Nationals, and achieved a 52-26 collegiate record. Now, Springer is a Tax Analyst at SEI Private Trust Company and an assistant wrestling coach at Methacton High School.
Dylan Copestick, Class of 2017 – Copestick was a standout three-sport athlete at Norristown Area High School, excelling in golf, baseball, and particularly bowling. He earned four varsity letters in bowling, where he set multiple records, including a high series score of 806 and a 220 average during the 2016-17 season. Copestick was named to the Continental American Conference All-League 1st Team for three consecutive years and was the team's captain in his junior and senior years. After graduating with a 4.53 GPA and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics from Widener University, Copestick works as an accountant for Balfour Beatty Investments and resides in King of Prussia.
Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame pays honor to alumni who have distinguished themselves following graduation. This year’s inductees are:
*Mary E. (Shaffer) Ralston, Class of 1942 – Ralston's contributions to government and community service have had a lasting impact on the local area. After serving as secretary to Norristown High School Principal Emma E. Christian, Ralston played a key role in the merger of Lower Providence and Worcester School Districts as a member of the Lower Providence School Board. She served on the Methacton School District's Board of Directors, overseeing the hiring of a new superintendent, the expansion of schools, and the development of new curricula. Ralston's career also included positions with Montgomery County, Lower Providence Township, and Norristown, where she was Treasurer and Finance Director. A graduate of Montgomery County Community College, Ralston was an active member of various civic organizations and remained a passionate community leader throughout her life. She was married to William H. Ralston, ’41, and together they had three daughters and five grandchildren.
*Vincent L. Fisher, Class of 1949 – Fisher's distinguished military and educational career spanned several decades. After graduating from Norristown High School in 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning a Silver Star for Gallantry and a Bronze Star for Bravery. He retired as a Command Sergeant Major after 23 years of service. Following his military career, Fisher pursued higher education at Howard University and went on to teach at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., where he spent 40 years as a Senior Army Instructor, Assistant Principal, Head Track Coach, and Athletic Director. Fisher received multiple accolades, including the school’s President’s Medal, Lasallian Educator Award, and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters. Upon his retirement in 2011, St. John’s established the CSM Vincent Fisher Scholarship Award in his honor. Fisher was married to Louisa for 31 years, and they had one son, Vincent Jr.
Richard M. Springman, Ph.D., Class of 1997 – Dr. Springman is an accomplished engineer and business leader, currently serving as the President of Global Clean Energy Opportunities and Senior Vice President of International Programs at Holtec International. With over 15 years at Holtec, he has held numerous leadership positions, including Business Development Engineer and Manager, Director of International Projects, and then Senior Vice President. His work spans global projects in the UK, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, focusing on the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies. Dr. Springman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics in 2009. He researched the mechanics of biological cell adhesion for his doctoral thesis. An accomplished wrestler in high school, he was inducted into the NAHS Hall of Champions in 2003. He also competed on the University of Pennsylvania's Wrestling Team, earning NCAA All-American and Academic All-American recognition. Dr. Springman holds four patents for spent nuclear fuel management and serves on the External Advisory Board for the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Mechanical Engineering. He lives in Media, PA, with his wife Laura and their three children, Robbie, Alex, and Sammy.
Albert J. Zone, Class of 1997 – After graduating magna cum laude from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Business Administration and Hospitality, Zone started Zone Catering at Jeffersonville Golf Course. He later expanded into the Elmwood Park Zoo in 2008, eventually helping to revitalize the zoo’s finances and operations. Appointed Acting Executive Director in 2012, Zone's leadership increased zoo attendance seven-fold and revenue by over 1300%. His appointment as acting Executive Director was made permanent later that year. Under his direction, Elmwood Park Zoo became the world’s first autism-certified and pet-friendly zoo, as well as one of the 238 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Zone has been recognized as one of the "Most Admired CEOs of 2021" by the Philadelphia Business Journal and is active in various professional organizations.
These inductees exemplify the values of NASD through their achievements and commitment to excellence. Their contributions serve as an inspiration to current students and the community, underscoring the district’s mission to foster growth, leadership, and service. NASD extends heartfelt congratulations to each inductee and their families for their well-deserved recognition!
A special thank you to the NAHS Select Choir and NAHS Select Strings for adding to the ceremony's special atmosphere with their remarkable performances, and the NAHS JROTC Color Guard. Thank you to Mr. Tim Walker and the NASD-TV team for livestreaming the ceremony. Additionally, NASD would like to express our gratitude to the NAHS Hall of Champions Association and NAHS Alumni Association for their continued support and dedication to recognizing the achievements of NAHS alumni.
NASD would also like to congratulate the outstanding student athletes and outstanding student scholars that were honored at the induction ceremony.
Outstanding Student Athletes
10th Grade
Viktor Lebron (Football, Wrestling, Track & Field)
Alison Calderon-Lopez (Girls Soccer)
Luis Zavala (Boys Soccer)
11th Grade
Julio Garcia (Wrestling)
Christopher Coey (Football, Wrestling, Baseball, Track & Field)
Amiya Carter (Volleyball)
12th Grade
Brendan Farrell (Football)
Ariel Carter (Volleyball)
Matthew Leary (Golf, Basketball, Baseball)
Outstanding Student Scholars
10th Grade
Winnee A. Phan
Aissata Barry
Joshua Falk
11th Grade
Jordan Chhay
Gavin Kunicki
Jackson Falk
12th Grade
Sarah Dewane-Malonoski
Destiny Charokopos
NASD, again, extends heartfelt congratulations to each inductee and student for their well-deserved recognition. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to our current students and community, showcasing the excellence that defines the Norristown Area School District.