Six inducted into alumni Hall of Fame

A half dozen graduates representing five classes were inducted into the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Hewlett High School on April 29.

Stuart Weitzman, class of 1959: Considered a “shoemaker to the stars” he is recognized global leader in the footwear and fashion industry. Created a half million shoe designs, including award-winning shoes, boots, and bridal footwear collections. Designed the $1M diamond sandal worn on Oscar night.

Fundraising sales and auctions, like “Bid for a Cure”, “Serve to Save” Ping Pong Charity Tournament, Women in Need, and Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Breast Cancer Shoe Auction, contributed to local, national and international philanthropy benefiting breast and ovarian cancer awareness and research breakthroughs.

Arnold James Rabinor, class of 1961: The posthumous recognition is because of a lifelong commitment to charitable efforts and his inspirational leadership to numerous community service organizations.  He was a founding member of the Hewlett-Woodmere Alumni Association in 1994.  

After graduating from Cornell University, he guided the Major Gifts Committee for the class of 1965. He devoted his time and support as co-creator of the Mentoring Program of Long Beach Schools and served on the Board of Mentoring Partnership of Long Island. His charitable efforts equaled his humility as he declined to be honored by many organizations.

Ilene Kain Gabel, class of 1968: Taught science in the school district for 47 years, and is considered an inspiration to her students and colleagues by demonstrating her love for teaching and her desire and concern to make learning a meaningful experience for all children.  

Her dedication to education included leadership positions with the Hewlett-Woodmere Faculty Association as a representative, treasurer and vice president. Through the Science department, she organized and chaperoned student trips to the Galapagos Islands in order to explore natural environments. 

Dr. Mel Pohl, class of 1968: Chief medical officer of the Las Vegas Recovery Center. A board certified family practitioner he was a major force in developing LVRC’s Chronic Pain Recovery Program helping those struggling to successfully avoid addiction to painkillers and reclaim their lives. 

A nationally known public speaker, co-author and recently starred in “The Pain Antidote,” a PBS special that aired nationally in 2016. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice and a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Iris Terens Dankner, class of 1974: A tireless worker for the purpose of living in a world without breast cancer, she has devoted more than 10 years to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She has served on the executive board of directors for Susan G. Komen, chaired the NYC Race for the Cure, Spearheaded the Race for the Cure in Israel and founded “Tickled Pink,” a fundraiser with breast cancer survivors and their children. 

She founded Holiday House Designer Showcase, which supports cancer research through interior design. Now in its 10th year, Holiday House continues its partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to which it has already donated more than $1 million.

Greg Abramson, class of 1988: was the first Hewlett High Athlete of the Year in ’88, he has continued achieving and inspiring on all levels in both his professional career and his community involvement. As managing director at Goldman Sachs, he helped to launch and develop the middle market business at Goldman Sachs Asset Management.  He was selected for the firm’s highly selective Vice-President Leadership Acceleration Initiative Program. 

As president of the Long Island Hearing and Speech Society, he leads a board that supports hearing and speech services to all regardless of financial status. As chairman of the board of trustees of the Jewish Community Center of Harrison, he helped to raise funds to support educational and spiritual enrichment programs for the community.