The deputy inspector of the Long Beach Police Department, a colonel in the U.S. Army, a social worker and a champion hockey team are the four newest members of the Long Beach High School Wall of Fame.
Last Saturday, a day after the Marines’ Homecoming football victory over Calhoun High, the high school honored Stefan Chernaski, Estee Pinchasin, Jeff Kupferman and the 2005 hockey team at a ceremony at the high school.
Chernaski, class of 1988, was a three-sport athlete — the captain of the varsity football and wrestling teams as well as a varsity baseball player. A Most Valuable Player in football and a three-time All-Conference selection, he went on to play football for Hofstra University.
A 30-year member of the Long Beach Police Department, Chernaski is now a deputy inspector. He has been recognized with the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs Association Distinguished Service Award and the Long Beach City Council Commendation for Gang Enforcement.
He thanked everyone in attendance, and applauded his fellow inductees. He also advised future generations to “Put in the hard work, fight through diversity, and dig deep.”
Pinchasin, class of 1993, was commissioned in the Army in 1998, and has risen to the rank of colonel. She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Boston University, and a master’s in civil engineering from Stanford.
During her nearly three decades of Army experience, Pinchasin has served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has been awarded two Bronze Stars, six Meritorious Service Medals and three Army Commendation Medals. In addition, she oversaw a multi-billion-dollar construction and engineering program with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Baltimore, and spearheaded the recovery operations following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in that city.
Pinchasin was on assignment for the Army and could not attend the ceremony, but her parents, Amos and Helen Pinchasin, accepted the award on her behalf, and thanked the district for helping to mold her future.
“She loved everything about high school,” Helen Pinchasin said. “It shaped her into a leader.”
Kupferman, class of 1970, was a dedicated social worker. Described by former students as “a kind and listening ear,” his dedication to students, and people, was unmatched, both during and after school hours.
“If anyone deserves to be up on the wall, it’s Jeff Kupferman,” Chernaski said.
At his retirement in 2010, Kupferman’s son, Bill, presented him with a book of letters compiled by past students — a testament to the impact Jeff had on so many.
“I know I may be biased, but in my lifetime, I cannot think of another person who has had a greater impact on this community, an impact that spans generations,” Bill said of his father. “There are literally people who are alive because of him. People have found their way out of darkness.”
Jeff Kupferman gave thanks to “those I’ve crossed paths with” over the years, saying he “values the time” he has spent helping people, and is “thankful for (the) trust.” He still runs into former students almost daily, whether in a grocery store or on the boardwalk.
“It’s like running into family wherever I go,” Kupferman said.
The 2005 LBHS state champion hockey team was the last — collective — inductee. The squad was known for its grit, winning back-to-back games in the state tournament against Grand Island and Cheektowaga, which were ranked No. 2 and No. 1 in the state, respectively.
The one-goal semifinal victory over Grand Island was a “grueling win,” Coach Joe Brand recalled, noting the team’s mantra, “Teamwork, pride and accomplishment.”
The Marines went on to defeat Cheektowaga 4-0, in the state final, scoring three quick goals to take command of the game. Afterward, the “Marine Faithful” and the rest of the Long Beach community saluted the squad’s show of teamwork and tenacity.
The induction ceremony began with introductions by members of the Board of Education. Trustee Sam Pinto welcomed the inductees and community members.
“We proudly welcome and honor you on our Wall of Fame,” Andrew Smith, Long Beach High principal, said. “Your experience on the ice, in your careers and in service to others continues to inspire our students. You’ve shown dedication, resilience and pride in our community. We are all grateful to celebrate you.”
Pinto noted how, with the Wall of Fame, Long Beach celebrates those whose service and leadership embody the values that will guide generations to come.
“The Wall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Long Beach community,” he said. “It emphasizes the importance of the inductees’ values, hard work, perseverance and leadership — values that will inspire future generations of Long Beach residents.”
