Three graduates inducted into Octorara Hall of Fame

All three inductees into this year's Octorara Hall of Fame have achieved success in their respective careers. Lt. Col. Joshua Tyson, Class of 1991, is a decorated member of the United States Marine Corps; Andy Gregg, Class of 1993, has built a successful career with the NFL Network; and Michael Gill, Class of 1975, is a Broadway producer.

The three new members were inducted into the Octorara Hall of Fame on Oct. 6 during a ceremony held at Octorara Junior-Senior High School.

After a welcome provided by senior class president Sarah Meyer, Octorara students read biographies of each of the inductees.

Introducing Tyson was Lyla Elboubkri, who noted that he has served in various military operations in the field of intelligence and has earned three master's degrees. He was deployed six times, most recently to Qatar. He has over 2,200 flight hours logged, including 500 combat hours, and has won numerous military service awards. He was nominated for the Hall of Fame by Octorara alumna Raeleen Mills.

Tyson's advice for students was threefold - to be persistent, determined and kind. He also encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunities offered at Octorara. "This school is the standard of which I judge other schools," he said. "This is a great (learning) opportunity for you. Having knowledge is one thing. Having the desire to learn is something completely different."

Gregg, who was introduced by student Carrie Beecher, was unable to attend the event since he had to fly to London for an NFL football game. Instead, he sent the students a video message.

Gregg talked about taking a chance in life and moving to Los Angeles, where he got a job working on the sitcom "Malcolm & Eddie." Later, he worked as a writer for WWE and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Today, he is the senior coordinating producer at the NFL Network. "I oversee a lot of our shows, including our Sunday morning pregame show. I produced the NFL draft in Philadelphia in 2017," he said noting that he has produced pregame and post-game shows for the NFL championship game. "The biggest thing for me was I finally found something that I was passionate about."

Octorara alumna Lisa Rudisill, who nominated him for the Hall of Fame, accepted Gregg's award on his behalf.

Chloe Badman introduced Gill, who has produced 16 shows on Broadway, including "The Phantom of the Opera." He was nominated for the Hall of Fame by Octorara alumnus Norman Pine.

"This is where I fell in love with live stage shows - right here at Octorara," Gill said. "I knew that I wanted to work on the backstage side of theater."

He talked about forming a student-run drama program at Syracuse University. He later worked on the stage crew at the Valley Forge Music Fair, which has since been torn down, where he became the stage manager. Later, he moved to New York City, where he began his Broadway career.

"A kid from Octorara made it to Broadway," he said. "I got there slowly through connections and through passion. I believe that anyone here can follow their passions. Each and every one of you here today can forge your own path in life."

Closing remarks were provided by Jonathan Propper, principal. The Octorara chorale was also on hand at the event to sing the school's alma mater and "The Star-Spangled Banner."