Several years ago, the Highland Central School District (HCSD) established a Hall of Fame to recognize the achievements of accomplished alumni and dedicated faculty and staff, while also inspiring today’s students to pursue greatness through education. This year’s Alumni Hall of Fame inductees are Fred DeMaio, a dedicated public servant and local business operator, and Eugene Rizzo, a community leader and town judge. Retired teacher Mary Beth Saso is the recipient of this year’s Husky Pride Award.

Like previous inductees, this year’s honorees exemplify an outstanding commitment to Highland.

Fred DeMaio is a pillar of the community. After graduating from Highland High School in 1975, he put himself through Cornell University, where he began his lifelong commitment to service with the Cayuga Heights Fire Department while working part-time.

After returning home, he built a life with his wife, Diane, whose family has been part of Minard Farms for four generations. Together, they continued the Minard Farms Beverage Company legacy and raised a family rooted in service and tradition.

A longtime member and the oldest certified interior firefighter of Highland Hose Company #1, DeMaio has mentored many aspiring firefighters, including his son, who became a line officer. He serves as honorary chaplain, financial secretary, and treasurer of the Highland Fire District and co-chairs the annual 200 Club BBQs with his daughter.

As president of the Highland Board of Education in the 1990s, he was known for his integrity and dedication to education. A devoted past elder of his church, he has spent decades guiding others in faith and values. His belief in giving more to the community than he takes is evident in the many lives he has touched.

Eugene Rizzo has spent decades serving his community through law, justice, and civic involvement. A graduate of Highland High School, Marist College, and Albany Law School (where he was a member of the Law Review and the Justinian Society), Rizzo built a distinguished legal career. He began working at McCabe & Mack before co-founding McCabe & Rizzo in 1985 and later Rizzo & Kelley in 1990, retiring fully in 2024.

Beyond his legal career, Rizzo has served as Highland’s town judge since 1985, earning recognition as a member of the New York State Magistrates Association. His impact extends beyond the courtroom—since the 1980s, he has been deeply involved in numerous local organizations, including the Lions Club, Little League (serving as secretary), Pop Warner (co-founding with Kevin McKenna and Carl Relyea), and Mock Trial programs.

Rizzo’s commitment to justice, mentorship, and community service has left a lasting mark on Highland. His decades of dedication make him a truly deserving honoree.

Mary Beth Saso dedicated more than 30 years to teaching at the Highland Central School District, working with students in Kindergarten, Grade 2, and Grade 5. More than a teacher, she was a mentor, friend, and a highly respected member of the Highland community. Born and raised in Highland, she returned after college to give back to the District she loved, fostering lifelong relationships with her students and colleagues.

Saso’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. She traveled to Haiti multiple times, incorporating her experiences into lessons that taught Highland students empathy and compassion. She also mentored numerous student teachers, shaping future educators, and volunteered with the "Girls on the Run" program to support young girls in their development. As a longtime grade-level coordinator, she tirelessly supported her fellow teachers and their students.

Known for her selflessness and dedication, Saso remains an inspiring figure in her community. Her passion for education and service continues to leave a lasting mark on Highland.

The Highland Educational Foundation will honor this year’s Hall of Fame inductees at its annual Spring Gala—a dinner, dance, and silent auction—on Friday, May 9, from 6-10 PM at The Barn at Indian Ridge in Highland. Tickets are $65 each, with a cash bar, and can be purchased by calling or texting Becky Auchmoody at (845) 234-1522. Proceeds will go towards purchasing equipment for the recently built concession stand at Highland High School.

Plaques featuring photos of the honorees will be added to the Hall of Fame wall at Highland High School, joining past years’ distinguished inductees.