Pinkerton Academy inducted seven individuals into the school’s Hall of Fame on Friday, September 28, in the Senior Cafeteria of the Spaulding Center.

 Walter Borowski ‘37

Mr. Borowski is one of the last four surviving members of one of WWII’s most decorated outfits – Fox Company, 2nd Army Rangers. He won the Silver Star for his heroism in the climbing the cliffs at Point Du Hoc at Omaha Beach, Normandy during the D-Day invasion. He would later distinguish himself at the Battle of Brest and Castle Hill and received two purple hearts, a Presidential citation and a bronze star. At Pinkerton, Mr. Borowski played basketball and football, sang in the Glee Club and was the president of the Future Farmers of America. Although he didn’t become a farmer, he did return to Derry where he raised his family and worked as a foreman in the local factories and volunteered with the police and fire departments. He became a hero a second time for the town’s youth, by coaching hockey and baseball. Now 70 years after graduation, Mr. Borowski tends to his gardens as quietly as he earned his prestigious medals. Although all were stolen during the 1950’s, we hope his courage and bravery will be publicly recognized at long last. (Based on original write-up by Rick Holmes, Derry historian).

 Samantha Brown ‘88

According to one of her childhood friends, anyone who knew Samantha Brown would not be surprised at her career success. “She was always the best source of stress relief and entertainment. She had friends across many different groups and knew how to relate to everyone.” This trait comes in handy in her job as one the Travel Channel’s up-beat hosts. Ms. Brown travels nine months of the year to introduce viewers to destinations worldwide and has hosted Great Hotels, Great Vacation Homes, Girl Meets Hawaii, Passport to Europe and most recently, Passport to Latin America, which she also helped produce.

While at Pinkerton, she cheered on the varsity football squad, performed on stage, and was a class treasurer. Ms. Brown pursued a degree in musical theater at Syracuse University. While performing in an off-Broadway show, the Travel Channel discovered their newest host. In 2000, after a series of auditions, she began her self-proclaimed “best job in the world.” In 2002, she made time in her hectic schedule to return to Pinkerton as the special guest speaker for the dedication of the Spaulding Center.

 Matthew Downin ‘95

Many will remember Mr. Downin as a well-rounded student - a member of the National Honor Society and a superior track and cross-country athlete. But the coaches and friends who knew him best said his genuine concern for others and his humble and gracious manner are what made him special. In 1994, Mr. Downin earned the title of National Cross-Country champion in San Diego, CA after winning the New Hampshire state championship. He holds numerous Granite State high school records in indoor and outdoor track, including multiple state championships. While Mr. Downin will be remembered as someone who brought the sport of cross-country to a new level at Pinkerton, his nominator praised his concern for his teammates at all times. “He truly is an ambassador for our sport. He constantly gives back to the sport by encouraging youth with his knowledge and enthusiasm.” He was a star varsity runner at the University of Wisconsin and was selected to run in the one-mile race at the prestigious Millrose Games in New York City.

 Barbara Stevens Ellingwood ‘66

If you ask Barbara Ellingwood what Pinkerton class she’s from she will crow, “the terrific class of 1966.” Although 40 years have passed since graduation, she hasn’t lost any enthusiasm and pride for her alma mater. As a Pinkerton student she split her time between the Pep Club, Glee Club, acting in the senior play, and working on the Critic as part of their business staff. Over the past four decades she has been one of the Academy’s, and Derry’s, most active and productive volunteers. That same effervescent spirit extends to her many years on the Alumni Association’s executive board - which began in 1980 as their Secretary. Since that time she’s served two terms as vice-president and two as president. Her role as president fostered the Alumni Association’s goal of strengthening relationships between the school and its alumni. In Derry she has volunteered her time as the voice of the town’s Community Access Channel 17 since 1990, moving equipment all over town in the back of her van. The station eventually rewarded her with a stipend for her many volunteer hours. She now holds a permanent paid position as the station’s administrator.

 Jack Grube, Faculty

Many students remember Jack Grube behind the wheel as their first drivers education instructor. Some know him as a student council advisor, and others as their field hockey coach or woodworking teacher. The man who wears all these hats has been making a difference at Pinkerton since 1976. In 1981 he was voted as the student council teacher of the year by the students, and in 1983 as the state Drivers Education Teacher of the Year. He earned the faculty Shepard Award two times, and in 2001 was awarded the prestigious Trustees’ Meritorious Service Award. His love for woodworking and teaching is apparent by the quality of the work displayed each year at the student woodworking show, hosted with pride by the artists themselves. Among his many professional achievements are his membership in the Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers, the American Association of Woodturners and the New Hampshire Institute of Furniture Making. His woodworking talents are not as well recognized as the infamous wooden tie he can be seen sporting each day. This year Mr. Grube began a new chapter in his Academy tenure when he was selected as the new Director of Career and Technical Education.

  Michael Pelletier ‘72

Active in youth athletics, Derryfest, the holiday parades or through Pinkerton Academy events, Michael Pelletier is one of the most visible figures in Derry. While at Pinkerton, he dedicated his talents to the marching, concert, and jazz bands as well as the glee club. He also ran track, played intramural basketball and was the Business Manager of the Critic. Today, Derry boasts one of the most successful recreational basketball leagues in the state. Because of his dedication to the sport for over 20 years, countless children have developed self-esteem and skills under his tutelage.

Mr. Pelletier founded the Derry Astros Traveling Basketball Program as well as the AAU Shooting Stars girls’ basketball program in 1990. In his role in the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, he assists in the training programs for referees and officials.

In the community, his interests and volunteer efforts include being the Emergency Coordinator for the West Rockingham County Amateur Radio Emergency Services. He coordinates emergency services for town events including Derryfest. At Pinkerton he is frequently seen in various roles at at varsity basketball and football games. He currently serves as the president of the Academy’s Alumni Association and regularly attends Academy events.

Santhe Tsetsilas ‘86

From the time that Santhe Tsetsilas was five, she knew her career goal. Her mission in the 1986 CRITIC said, To become a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet Company - a goal she eventually accomplished. At Pinkerton, along with pursuing a strict dance schedule, she was a three-year honor student and was a member of the school’s Gifted and Talented Program. In her senior year Miss Tsetsilas was named a Presidential Scholar, selected to meet President Ronald Reagan at the White House rose garden to accept the honor. The program, established in 1964, was extended in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrated exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. This exceptional dancer trained at The Boston School of Ballet, and danced with The Boston Ballet as a principal dancer. She was discovered by the principal dancer for the New York City Ballet and enrolled in The School of American Ballet. Within a year she joined the ranks of the New York City Ballet, eventually dancing all over the world. Along with her Presidential Scholar Award, she is also the recipient of the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts and the Princess Grace Awards. In 2005 she was gracious enough to return to her alma mater for a performance of “Arabian” in the holiday classic The Nutcracker at the Stockbridge Theater.