The Fallston Ring of Honor Ceremony debuted in 2007 when a group of faculty, staff, and community members came together to induct the first-ever class. The inaugural selection committee received nominations of people who deserved recognition for all they had given to Fallston – the school and the community – and the 2007 inductees were forever carved into what now stands as the Ring of Honor surrounding the flagpole in the student parking lot. The first seven inductees included former staff, former teachers, fallen heroes, and “super-parents.”
After a 15-year hiatus, Ms. Carrie Cummings nobly brought the Ring of Honor back to the forefront of the community’s hearts and minds. In 2022, nine more inductees were commemorated in the Ring, augmented this time with a schoolwide ceremony recognizing those nine contributors to the Fallston community. Current seniors and juniors would recall that ceremony from two years ago as being a touching celebration of service and community.
Just two weeks ago, Ms. Cummings led the third induction and set the precedent for a Ring of Honor induction and schoolwide ceremony to occur every two years for the foreseeable future. The entire student body, along with invited inductees and their guests, gathered in the FHS auditorium on Friday, October 4, from 8:15-9:30 a.m. to witness the celebration of the 2024 inductees. Family members, past teachers, friends, and students spoke for this year’s inductees in inspirational and heartfelt speeches. Each inductee received their certificate and medal from Fallston High School’s Principal, Mr. Joe Collins.
These individuals, listed below in alphabetical order, have achieved things that many can only dream of, becoming beacons of hope and inspiration for our community and are now forever commemorated in the Ring of Honor.
Mr. Saxon Brown
Saxon Brown, Class of 2019, was president of SGA and continues to be an active Harford County member. Starting his teaching career in 2023, Brown is an HCPS English Teacher at Bel Air High School. Fallston’s choral director, Ms. Katie Stout, nominated and introduced Brown to the crowd, explaining the circumstances of their first interaction: “Little did I know at the time just how much Saxon did – and still does – for our school and surrounding community.”
After graduation, Brown returned home for college breaks just to play for the band when certain piano members were unavailable. “He’s been called to step up for jazz ensembles as a last-minute replacement,” Stout expressed in admiration. “Both professionally and to help other school groups.” Brown also performs for church groups when they require extra hands for masses and services. Continuing his mission forward, Brown participates in the band ensemble at the school he is now working at, Bel Air High School. “Bel Air may have stolen you from us,” Ms. Stout chuckled with the crowd, “but we like to think of it as a loan – and trust me – Fallston misses you every day.” Brown has demonstrated a deep love for his past teachers, peers, friends, students, and all the Fallston community through all his actions in life. Congratulations, Saxon Brown! “We are so proud to call you one of our own,” concluded Ms. Stout.
Mr. David Cesky
Health and Physical Education teacher from 1978-2019, Mr. David Cesky was an iconic person and name not only in Fallston but in the entire county. During his FHS tenure, Mr. Cesky was a health and physical education teacher, athletic director, and the Varsity football coach. School safety liaison and good friend to Mr. Cesky, Ms. Tina Graf, nominated him to the Ring and took the honor of introducing Mr. Cesky to a crowd of students who had only ever heard his name but likely never had the chance to meet him in person.
With 44 years in the school system, 42 in Fallston, and 35 of those being the athletic director, he was also the longest running head coach. “The real reason I nominated Dave,” Ms. Graf said pridefully, “was for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering love and dedication to the Fallston community.” In 2018, Mr. Cesky was diagnosed with cancer and chose to tell very few people. “I was devastated…” Ms. Graf recalled. “He didn’t tell many people, and I had the honor of doing some of his job while he continued to instruct from the hospital bed.”
Mr. Cesky was passionate and dedicated to his job, and many times during Ms. Graf’s attendance at the hospital she realized how often players were there with her to simply come see him. Mr. Cesky was a storyteller, a fighter, and a father to all those who were blessed enough to be his students. People from across the county recognize Mr. Cesky, spotting his familiar scooter, Fallston colors, and kind smile, and they all know one thing: Mr. Cesky was so much more than a football coach. “Dave,” Ms. Graf started gratefully, “your impact on this community is ever lasting.”
Ms. Valerie Cooper
Ms. Valerie Cooper devoted many years to the Fallston community, including two stints as Assistant Principal and Senior Class Administrator: first, from 2001-2003 and then, from 2014-2022 when she retired. Ms. Cooper was valued and loved by all who knew her, but current English teachers Mrs. Elise Majewski and Mrs. Lauren Price got the honor of speaking on her behalf at this ceremony. Upon her retirement, Ms. Cooper told The Print, “Every school I have been in, I have loved. Every school has its own kind of personality and community, and I have enjoyed being a part of all those different schools.” Ms. Cooper has been a Bel Air Bobcat, an Aberdeen Eagle, and as Mrs. Price joked, we all know her favorite experience was her time as a Fallston Cougar.
Ms. Cooper was, first and foremost, an Assistant Principal. She handled teacher observation, student testing, scheduling, safety and security, discipline, and fire drills. With Ms. Cooper’s final two years in HCPS, she took on the burden of handling COVID-19, battling the challenges of social distancing and all the necessary ups and downs of the new way of life. Despite the stress of the world’s state, Ms. Cooper was patient, understanding, and dedicated to her work. “Every single person on this faculty would characterize her as someone who never seemed fazed,” Mrs. Price recalled during her speech. “Never stressed, never too busy to stop and chat or offering a listening ear.”
Ms. Cooper was known for loving her job, taking it seriously despite all the challenges she would face. When Ms. Cooper slid into the role upon her predecessor, Ms. Eileen Turowski’s retirement, “I knew we were in good hands,” Mrs. Majewski said with a smile. “However, this was to become an understatement, as we quickly learned we were in the best of hands.” Ms. Cooper always maintained a high level of professionalism, and still, she balanced giving personal and professional support to staff and students. She truly did care for everyone in the community, becoming a sounding board for all. “Your exceptional ability to listen has left an indelible mark on our school community,” Mrs. Majewski remarked. “You made it a priority to hear the voices of students, staff, and family, breeding a culture of openness and trust.” With Ms. Cooper’s nomination and induction into the Ring of Honor, Fallston High School celebrates her legacy of compassion and understanding.
Mr. Richard Jones
The famed German Language Teacher, Tennis Coach, Driving Instructor, Drama Production Sponsor, and German NHS/Club runner from 1978-2022, Mr. Richard Jones, widely known as Herr Jones, was nominated to receive his honor for all he’s done for this school and community. Herr Jones devoted 51 years of his life to teaching the students of HCPS, but clearly, he couldn’t stay away as after his retirement in 2022, he was immediately back the following year as a substitute teacher and volunteer tennis coach.
Herr Jones was nominated by friend and colleague, English teacher Mr. John Connelly. In May of 2022 students, teachers, and staff sat in the very auditorium the ceremony was held in to appreciate the feat achieved by Herr Jones: the only high school teacher to reach 50 years of teaching. “Hence forth, May 17th [2022] was declared Rick Jones Day across the land,” joked Mr. Connelly. “Well, at least here in Fallston.”
In 1972 Herr Jones started his career at Bel Air High School teaching German, and he later transferred to Fallston when it opened in 1978. For the years leading up to his retirement, every teacher, student, and staff member knew Herr Jones in one way or another. Even continuing as a substitute teacher carries his legacy, sharing stories and wisdom every place he goes.
Herr Jones worked tirelessly to ensure students were given an insight into the German language and culture. “Fifty-one years in the classroom has given Herr Jones the opportunity to not only influence the future but enable him to see the first-hand results,” remarked Mr. Connelly. Most notably, Herr Jones shared the spotlight in the Ring of Honor induction with the aforementioned Ms. Cooper, someone he taught when she was a student at Bel Air. Herr Jones was lucky to have been a teacher long enough to watch his students, like Ms. Cooper, succeed, moving on to pursue careers and promising futures.
Extending his reach in the school and impact on students, Herr Jones ventured into the role of drama production instructor, taking part in more than 30 drama productions over the years. “He brought amazing insights, instruction, and leadership to the Drama Company,” said Mr. Connelly. “If you know him, you love him. And we certainly love him here at Fallston High School.”
Mr. Vincent Nastro
From 1983-2000, Mr. Vincent “Vinnie” Nastro was a social studies teacher and Fallston’s first men’s soccer coach while attaining the title of 2-time state champions. Introducing Mr. Nastro was his daughter, Katherine Bernstein, and his grandson, current FHS senior, Salvatore Berstein. “To [Vincent Nastro] Fallston was not just a base for him to work, but it was a chance to inspire and foster greatness on multiple levels,” said Katherine Bernstein. Mr. Nastro took pride in helping his soccer players on and off the field; he wanted to make them feel like an extension to his pre-existing family. Players even began to call Mr. Nastro’s wife, “Mama Nastro.”
When Mr. Nastro was in the classroom, he inspired greatness academically, decorating his classroom to be a more welcoming environment to students. Covered in movie posters, music posters, lava lamps, and other novelties, he made his class feel like a safe space for students. “He felt that creating a relaxed, relatable environment would foster a higher level of learning,” Katherine Berstein remarked. During Mr. Nastro’s summers, he led student exploration trips across Europe, wanting to provide the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the history and culture of other countries so they could really appreciate it.
Mr. Nastro also commissioned painted murals with students in the cafeteria, created a memorial garden for Cougars gone too soon, and even created a non-school sanctioned mascot known as “Captain Fallston,” whose identity remains a mystery until this day. Mr. Nastro was a guide for his students, always someone they could go to when they faced problems big or small. “Although [Nastro] says this all isn’t necessary,” joked his daughter, “we must give credit where credit is due.” Mr. Nastro has truly left a lasting mark on Fallston; he will continue to live on in our school through his contributions and hard work.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Lisa Raab
Mr. and Mrs. Peter and Lisa Raab were active and involved parents in the Fallston community from 2003-2009, being members of the PTSA and Cougar Booster officers. Ms. Roxy Ryan, one of Fallston’s physical education teachers, nominated her parents for this recognition and spoke on their behalf during this year’s ceremony. “Their dedication, leadership, and countless hours of volunteer work have truly made a difference within our community,” said Mrs. Ryan. Immediately after joining their active participation in the community in 2003, the Raabs joined the PTA and Boosters, immersing themselves in the spirit of Fallston. Mr. Raab became the Boosters Club vice president in 2007, and for six years, the Raabs selflessly lined the football and lacrosse fields – quite a time-consuming task on the grass fields in those days – to ensure that our athletes had the best possible environment to compete. Mr. Raab transformed the concession stand with new appliances and a lighting system and installed so many improvements that are now hallmarks of the Fallston campus: banners in the gym, the sign out by the road, the Ring of Honor stone, the cougar down at the track, upgrades to our football field sound system, and the giant American flag hanging outside of the auditorium.
Ms. Lisa Raab contributed not only to the manual side of things but also offered her organizational skills through planning the senior cruise, senior fashion show, and senior sports awards. She ran many fundraisers and organized a multitude of events to ensure that every student had an experience to remember. Not only that, but she also ran concessions for all the years she was helping with events. “Her dedication meant that every student was valued and celebrated,” Mrs. Ryan said pridefully. The Raabs’ unwavering support on and off the field touched the hearts of so many students and athletes. “Mom and dad,” Mrs. Ryan started, “thank you for all the tireless dedication and the love you poured into our community.”
Mr. Brett Sperl
Class of 2017 graduate, Mr. Brett Sperl, has brought honor to himself and everyone he has impacted. Sperl was USMC active duty from 2019-2023 and continues to work at the Bel Air Police Department, serving there since 2023. FHS Social Studies teacher, Mr. Matt Jergensen, Sperl’s former teacher, nominated Sperl and spoke on his behalf during the ceremony. “It is my great honor to introduce this remarkable individual who embodied dedication and service to our community,” said Mr. Jergensen. Over Sperl’s career he has made many achievements, receiving a plethora of recognition and awards, such as National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Meritorious Union Commendation Ribbon, and Expertise in Rifles. He has exemplified excellence throughout his career, reflecting his commitment to duty and skill in his field.
While being handpicked out of a station in Hawaii, Sperl was moved to the continental United States to provide security escort details for several high-profile officials, including former president Obama, First Lady Biden, and various military leaders from different sections. By the end of that service in April 2023, Sperl held multiple valets, including Traffic Accident Investigator, Traffic Crash Reconstructionist, and AI de-training NCO. In the fall of 2023, Sperl joined the Bel Air Police department, starting a new level of service for our country and community. “His journey reflects not only a passion for justice but also a deep commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our neighbors within the Fallston and surrounding Bel Air community,” Mr. Jergensen remarked.
Anthony York
The only posthumous inductee in the Ring of Honor Class of 2024 is Mr. Anthony York, a music education teacher and band director at FHS from 1988-1992 who passed away at age 29 from cancer but left a huge legacy that still resonates through the music department today. He was a young, enthusiastic educator who impacted the lives of his students in everlasting ways that were resoundingly seen and celebrated through the speakers at this year’s ceremony.
Mr. York had the mentality that if he couldn’t teach, life wouldn’t have true purpose – and teach he did. Married with two young children, Michael and Heather, Mr. York determinedly battled his skin cancer to live his life to the fullest extent that he possibly could. The current band director, Mrs. Ariel Foote, knows of Mr. York’s legacy and nominated him for this recognition, digging amazing photos and videos from the archives to fully capture the impact Mr. York had on his band students. Along with Mrs. Foote, his former student, Ms. Jessica Wolf Rhoten, and his daughter, Heather – now Mrs. Heather Pray – came together to paint a vivid image of who Mr. York was to this 2024 audience.
“Mr. York’s impact was immediate and lasting,” remarked Mrs. Foote. “His love for music transformed the Fallston High School music program and elevated it to new heights and inspired countless students along the way.” Despite his diagnosis, he continued to inspire those around him, refusing to let an illness define him and selflessly giving his energy to his students until he physically could not do so any longer. Upon first arrival to Fallston High, Mr. York saw the outdated band uniforms and knew he had to make a change. “It was that year that he had Hawaiian t-shirts, white pants, and a whole underwater sea theme for our performance,” Ms. Rhoten reminisced to the crowd. “People actually came to Friday night football games to see us.” Mr. York emulated passion – passion for teaching, passion for his profession, and passion for his students. “I learned from his regard to lead with dignity and grace,” said Ms. Rhoten. “To lead by example.”
Mr. York chose to be grateful and positive; he chose to be this way with his students no matter how long he may have had left. “Nothing would make him happier to know that he is still impacting this community even thirty-two years after his death,” said Ms. Pray. Heather was only seven when her father passed away, and her brother was only 2, but even the little memories they have still hold weight, knowing that they were loved immensely by their father and that they must not quit when life gets hard.
“Mr. York was a no-nonsense teacher,” Ms. Pray said, “believing that this responsibility as a teacher was one he was entrusted with.” Simply, Mr. York wanted his students to work hard, value education, and practice so they could understand the importance of persevering with purpose and so they would not waste the one life they had. “He remained in the school and continued teaching for as long as he could,” said Ms. Pray, “even if life got hard.” And when Mr. York could no longer get out of bed, Fallston High School band came to him. They marched down the driveway, playing outside for him to hear.
The resounding message in his daughter’s tribute to her late father was that all people should aspire to live a life like Mr. York did – one that does not prioritize self-fulfillment, easy contentment, and passive happiness but rather a life that is devoted to the service of others, a life that leaves a legacy like Mr. York’s. “He could have had any amount of paid time off he wanted,” Ms. Pray concluded. “But he chose to keep teaching for as long as he could, because teaching and caring for his students was his life purpose.”
