MARK C. BONN, Class of 1980, credits an NTHS course in Television Production, taught by Paul Belter, as the inspiration that ultimately pointed him in the direction that has led to an award-winning career in television editing and documentary filmmaking. He has received eight Promax Awards for editing, the industry standard for achievement, as well as Telly Awards for excellence in editing and documentary television. Two of his works as Director/Editor have garnered multiple industry awards: "Wings of Silver:The Vi Cowden Stor" was voted Best Documentary Short in the Artemis Women in Action Film Festival; Sedona International Film Festival; Black Hills Film Festival; Ventura Film Festival and the Rainier Independent Film Festival. It also received the prestigious Audience Award at the Port Townsend Film Festival, Gig Harbor Film Festival and the Buffalo-Niagara Film Festival. "In Times of War: Ray Parker's Story" was voted Best Documentary in the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival, Sedona International Film Festival, Boulder lnterpational Film Festival and Festivus Film Festival. It also received the First Place Documentary Short Award at the ReeHeART International Film Festival. At the time of his induction into the Wall of Fame he and his wife, Christine, produce and direct the acclaimed documentary film series "In Times of War Documentary Project" a history told by the men and woman who wrote it.
CINDY BRADLEY, Class of 1996, reached the highest levels of achievement as a young musician at NTHS. She was the featured soloist for the NTHS Jazz Band and Marching Band; attained All County and All State status for trumpet and was awarded Gold in the NYS School Music Association Solo Competition. She received her Bachelor of Music in both Jazz Studies and Music Education from Ithaca College and a Master in Jazz Performance from the renowned New England Conservatory. From there, she has enjoyed outstanding success as both a music educator and a professional jazz musician. She is an accomplished trumpet player and writer having performed regularly at jazz festivals around the world. Her original compositions, "Massive Transit" and "Lifted" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Smooth Jazz singles chart and her numerous awards include Oasis Contemporary Jazz Awards New Artist of the Year and Brass Player of the Year, Jazziz Magazine Critic's Choice of the year for "Unscripted", American Smooth Jazz Awards Debut Artist of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year. She was a quarter finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award in 2014. As an elementary school band teacher in New Jersey, she grew a program from 12 students to over 180 and travels throughout the United States conducting clinics and workshops. She also holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership.
APRIL CARERE, an NT staff member since 1999, is recognized for her contributions to the NTHS music program that occur years before her students reach high school. As an elementary music educator, she is directly responsible for successfully introducing hundreds of young students to instrumental music and nurturing an interest and development that continues through high school. She provides a foundation for the future. Without her efforts and those of her counterparts at the elementary and middle school levels, there would be no high school program. She is respected throughout the local and statewide music education community as an exemplary teacher/conductor, having been selected numerous times to serve as guest conductor for honor ensembles. She is a NYS Music Educators Association adjudicator for statewide music festivals and competitions. She has served as President of the Niagara County Music Educators Association and Education representative on the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Education Committee. An accomplished professional, she has performed with the Niagara Falls Symphony Orchestra, Greater Niagara Concert Band, Erie County Wind Ensemble, Artpark Orchestra and various orchestras for local productions. She was clarinet instructor for the famed summer youth program at Chautauqua Institute and co-owns and operates a music studio for private clarinet instruction.
DEAN VALLAS, staff member since 1995, is a graduate of the prestigious Crane School of Music and also holds master's degree in music performance and conducting from SUNY Buffalo. Among the most highly respected music educators in the area, his vocal students have garnered numerous selections to All-County, Area All State and All State Choruses. Many students have also participated in the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Affiliate Program and the Shea's Buffalo Broadway Master Classes. The NTHS Choral Music Department, under his director and development, offers music opportunities and experiences available in only the "best of the best" high school programs. Included among these are performances at the Statue of Liberty, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the White House, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Sears Tower, Disney World and Grand Ole Opry. He introduced "Cabaret" in 1995 as a showcase of musical talent that has become an annual tradition at NTHS and the most popular recurring student performance in the history of the school. The yearly stage productions he directs have enabled hundreds of students to enjoy a quality musical theater experience. He is a recipient of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Music Educator Award; served as President of the Niagara County Music Educators Association and was Chorus Chairperson of the NYS School Music Association. He is also an accomplished chamber choir vocalist.
Pictured at the Induction Ceremony on May 20, 2017 are (left to right) Christine Bonn, accepting for her husband Mark Bonn, Cindy Bradley, April Carere and Dean Vallas.