The Monroe-Woodbury Central School District proudly announces the Class of 2026 for the Hall of Distinction (HOD). Launched in 2025, the HOD was established to celebrate the district’s rich heritage and honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the school community, as well as distinguished alumni who have excelled in their respective endeavors.
Nominations were accepted in two categories: Contributor—individuals who have supported MWCSD athletics, arts, or academics for at least five years; and Alumni—graduates who have achieved notable success, made meaningful contributions to society, or brought distinction to their alma mater through their accomplishments. A committee consisting of school community members and staff selected five individuals as the 2026 HOD inductees.
The committee also received several alumni nominations this year recognizing group achievements. After careful consideration, the executive committee determined that the existing categories are best suited for individual recognition and that groups merit a category of their own.
Accordingly, the district is introducing a new Honorary Recognition category to celebrate exceptional collective achievements. This honor recognizes athletic teams, academic organizations and extracurricular clubs that reached extraordinary milestones during their high school years. Nominations will be accepted in the same manner as alumni and contributors and one group will be selected each year.
Inductees, family, friends and members of the school community are invited to join the district as we honor the achievements of the Class of 2026. An Induction Ceremony will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Monroe-Woodbury High School, 155 Dunderberg Road, Central Valley, NY.
Congratulations to the Hall of Distinction 2026 inductees:
Sharon DiGeronimo - Contributor:
For nearly 30 years, Sharon served as a cornerstone of the Monroe-Woodbury Central School District, evolving from a dedicated school nurse into a pioneering educator and mentor. From 1984 through 2013, she not only provided compassionate care to generations of students but also introduced some of the district’s first health education classes, empowering young people with critical life skills. Her influence extended well beyond the clinic walls, as she mentored dozens of incoming nurses, leaving an indelible mark on the district’s professional standards and the lives of the alumni who still recall her patience and genuine kindness.
Sharon’s commitment to service is rooted in a lifetime of selflessness, having served as a nurse during the Vietnam War before settling in the community she would help shape. Her connection to Monroe-Woodbury was as personal as it was professional; she raised three children who all graduated from the district, further cementing her legacy as a pillar of the community. Whether on the front lines of a conflict or in the halls of a school, Sharon’s career has been defined by a resilient spirit and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Lawrence (Larry) Huntington - Contributor:
M-W proudly celebrates the extraordinary 32-year legacy of Larry, a foundational educator and coach who served the community from 1968 to 2000. As a dedicated 8th-grade mathematics teacher and Math Department Chair for two decades, Larry was known for blending academic rigor with a unique flair for humor and music. Beyond the classroom, his leadership as a Math Team Advisor and curriculum specialist helped shape the district’s academic standards, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students who benefited from his mentorship and passion for learning.
In addition to his academic contributions, Larry built one of the most storied coaching careers in New York State history. With a staggering 476 wins as the Varsity Boys Tennis Coach, he remains one of the top-ranked retired coaches in the NYSPHSAA. His versatility and competitive spirit extended across multiple sports, including leading the Girls Basketball team to four state appearances and earning the 1989 Times Herald-Record Coach of the Year honors. Whether on the court or in the classroom, Larry’s decades of service exemplify a profound commitment to excellence and the holistic development of Monroe-Woodbury’s student-athletes.
Ron Montalto: Contributor
Ron Montalto is a titan of the district’s athletic program whose career spanned over three decades of coaching excellence and visionary leadership. As the Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach, Montalto built a regional powerhouse, securing over 250 wins and six sectional championships while earning Coach of the Year honors twelve times.
Known for his "toughness" and relentless drive, he pushed his athletes to reach their full potential, emphasizing discipline and selflessness as the essential tools for success beyond the court. His deep investment in his players created a culture of mutual respect and love, cementing his reputation as a mentor who prioritized character as much as competition.
Beyond his coaching success, Montalto’s administrative leadership as Athletic Director set a national standard for excellence within one of New York’s largest school districts. His decorated career includes being named New York State Athletic Director of the Year three times, receiving the National Federation of Coaches Association Distinguished Service Award, and being inducted into the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame in 2009. Even after his initial retirement, his return to the district in 2012 served as a masterclass for a new generation of coaches and administrators.
Megan Patrignelli - Alumni:
The district is honored to celebrate Megan, a standout alumna whose journey from elite high school athlete to a champion for disability rights exemplifies the core values of the Hall of Distinction. After a stellar athletic career that culminated in reaching the Olympic Trials Standard A in the steeplechase, Megan transitioned her competitive drive into a life of profound service.
Armed with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management and a Bachelor’s in Human Physiology, she has become a pillar of the community in Eugene, Oregon. Through her leadership roles as Board President for the Oregon Supported Living Program and Radiant Community Arts, Megan has dedicated herself to dismantling barriers for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they have access to both essential support and the arts.
Megan’s professional and volunteer contributions span local, national, and international stages, reflecting a deep-seated compassion for those often overlooked. Her work with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) has seen her manage global youth exchange programs and lead disability rights initiatives in developing countries like Nepal.
Closer to home, she has spent over a decade coaching for the Special Olympics Oregon and was selected as the 2018 Team Oregon Head Coach for Track and Field at the USA Games. From mentoring student-athletes on mental health at the University of Oregon to teaching inclusive fitness for seniors and those with neuromuscular conditions, Megan’s life’s work serves as a powerful testament to the impact a Monroe-Woodbury education can have on the world.
Richard Wilson - Contributor:
Throughout a distinguished 23-year career, Coach Wilson served as a cornerstone of the athletic department, mentoring thousands of student-athletes in football and track and field. His tenure was marked by a commitment to integrity and character-building, resulting in remarkable competitive success. Notably, his leadership propelled the varsity track and field program to an elite 83-1 dual meet record over a four-year span, producing a multitude of county, sectional, state, and national champions.
Beyond his technical expertise and athletic accolades, Coach Wilson is recognized for his profound dedication to student development and mentorship. He was instrumental in establishing innovative leadership programs, such as the physical education student-leader initiative, which empowered varsity athletes to mentor underclassmen and discover their own professional passions.
His ability to foster individual potential and his lifelong commitment to excellence have left an immeasurable impact on the Monroe-Woodbury community. By prioritizing the personal growth of every student, Coach Wilson has inspired a new generation of educators and coaches, solidifying his place as an exemplary figure in the district’s history.
Honorary Recognition: 2005 Varsity Football Team
(20th anniversary)
The 2005 Monroe-Woodbury Varsity Football team won the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class AA championship on November 27, 2005, capping a perfect 12-0 season under Head Coach Pat D’Aliso. This marked the first state football title in the district’s history.
This championship cemented a dominant era for Monroe-Woodbury, which reached the state title game again in 2006, 2007 and 2008, establishing them as a top contender in Section IX and New York State.