About Us
The Hilton Alumni Association began in 2022 as a response to a small group of alumni who wanted to give back to a district that had given them such a great start. Little did we know that this organization would spark the same response from other alumni and the community.
Our purpose is to connect alumni, educators, and the community in service to today’s students. And thanks to the generosity of each of these groups we have been able to raise funds for grants and scholarships totaling $17,000 since our beginning awarding over $10,000 in grants and over $2000 in scholarships. We hold a minimum of two major fundraisers each year with a Fall Raffle and a Spring Casino Night.
As a 50l c 3, nonprofit incorporated charity, we operate under state-approved Bylaws with a volunteer board of alumni as well as several volunteer committees. Pure sweat equity keeps this organization going and the results encourage more and more alumni and friends of HCS to become involved. The satisfaction we receive from grateful students and educators tells us we are offering a much-needed service. We would love for you to become a part of this growing community of dedicated alumni who are making a difference in the lives of students.
Learn more about the Hilton Alumni Association from the HCSD podcast, Cadet Chat with Superintendent Dr. Casey Kosiorek
Our Mission
To build connections among Hilton graduates and provide educational enhancements for students in Hilton’s schools today.
Board of Directors
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Nancy Leport
Hilton High School ‘70,
Empire State College ‘86;
Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, ‘90
President, retired clergy, and spiritual director. Married with 2 children and 5 bonus children.
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”HCS gave me a great start and helped me understand the importance of connections. Connecting the community and the school with its alumni in order to enhance the current student body seems like a great way to give back. It is my hope that this is exactly what the HAA will do.” -
Bonnie A. Lupo, MS, FNP-BC
Hilton High School ‘83
Alfred thru St. John Fisher ‘87
St. John Fisher College ’97 & ‘98Nurse Practitioner, Owner and Principal – Pathways Forward Consulting, LLC
I became a Nurse Practitioner following my initial RN career and graduated with a Masters in Managed Care of High-Risk Populations and Post Family Nurse Practitioner from St. John Fisher College. I worked several years in the private sector and at the National Program Office Veterans Administration Office of Community Care.
Currently, I am Owner and Principal of Pathways Forward Consulting, LLC
I am married to John A. Barnes – Hilton HS Class of ’83 and reside in Hilton
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"My time at Hilton had been incredibly rewarding and the guidance and support from my teachers and friends have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. ""As an Alumni, my goal is to emulate the supportive environment I experienced and to champion the power of community and mutual support. I firmly believe that no one can navigate life's journey alone. Together, we have the ability to create lasting positive change within our community and beyond."
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Debbie Schrader Montrallo
Class of ‘73
University of Rochester ‘96
SUNY Brockport ‘00
Hilton CSD Social Studies Teacher ‘98-’22Some of my most unforgettable memories are connected to Hilton High School both as a student and social studies teacher. It was here that I forged lifelong friendships, shared my desire for learning, challenged students to view the world from different perspectives through respectful dialogue grounded in evidence. And, ultimately, to serve among the many dedicated colleagues and outstanding students was truly a privilege.
Married with 3 children and 3 grandchildren
Owner, Casuallure LLC
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“It is my honor to champion educational opportunities for HCS students, support teachers in the classroom, connect with alumni and the community.” -
Joey Dean Danzig
Hilton Class of ‘95
After leaving Hilton Central, I received my Bachelors of Science from RIT where I also graduated with a Masters of Science- Health Systems Administrator from RIT Class of 2011.
In 2015 I received my Nursing Home Administrators License.Currently, I am the owner of a lighting showroom called Illuminating Expressions Distribution on
W Ridge Rd.I am married to Steve Danzig (‘95) with two children who also are Hilton Alumni
(Erika ’19 and Luke ’21).____
“Being part of this organization will allow me to bring I a lot of my life experiences in recruitment, fundraising, hosting events. I have worked with the Hilton schools in the past and feel that I can bring in more alumni and “friends of alumni” to participate on this board so we can help future alumni receive great experiences in their futures.” -
Liz Mistretta
Hilton Class of '89
I participated in several extracurricular activities in school including, class treasurer, majorettes, orchestra, varsity tennis and Prom/Ball Chairman. I went to SUNY Fredonia and graduated with a Political Science degree (pre-law) and a minor in Legal Philosophy in 1993. I was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and served as both scholarship chairman and President. I have worked for General Code/International Code Council Community Development Solutions for 21 years as a Solution Account Executive supporting local governments with government technology solutions in NY, PA, DE, MD and VA. I have been married to my husband Christopher Mistretta for 29 years and have three boys, Connor (class of 2017), Alexander (class of 2020) and Jordan (class of 2023).
I served on the Hilton Select Youth Basketball Board for 10 years, where I served as Board Member, Vice President and President. I resigned from the Board in 2019 after my youngest son aged out of the program. I currently serve as a Trustee for the Parma Hilton Historical Society as Program Coordinator and serve on the Banquet Committee.
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"I have lived and raised my children in the Hilton School District. My family has graduated 3 generations from Hilton Central School District and I believe in supporting the school administration, staff and students. I know several Directors and have interest in the mission of the Association to support and provide grants and scholarships to Hilton Central School District students and staff" -
Liz McKernan Graupman
Hilton High School ‘88
SUNY Brockport in ‘92I moved to Hilton from Niagara County in 1983 and graduated from Hilton High School in 1988. From there, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from SUNY Brockport in 1992. Since then, my career has centered around sales and marketing.
I work for Blackbird Cider Works and manage the Braddock Point Lighthouse Airbnb. I also substitute teach at Merton Williams whenever I can. In my downtime, you’ll find me making jewelry, crafts and gardening, I’m never bored.
The last 25 years, I’ve lived in Cleveland, Annapolis, and all over the Rochester area, but settled in Hilton because it’s always been home. I believe in showing up for the community that helped raise you, it’s small efforts that build something lasting.
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”My superpower? I bring people together. I’m a people person, a problem solver, and someone who thrives in the middle of chaos with my eyes on the big picture. I can rally support, brainstorm ideas, and use team work to get things done. I believe I bring a unique perspective having lived in different communities and would be a strong addition to the Hilton Alumni Association Board.” -
Karen Hermance
Hilton High School ‘74
I retired from Eastman Kodak in 2019 after 40 years of service where I managed between 40 and 90 operations staff throughout my career. Currently, I serve as the President of the Edelman-Gardner Cancer Research Foundation, a registered 501 (c) organization with a board of nine members. Through grassroots fundraising, we have contributed $ 1.5 million to the Wilmot Cancer Institute for cancer research projects. In that capacity I work with committees and advise on fundraising activities, develop ways to communicate to our supporters the status of where their money is going, work with the Board on Marketing and Branding opportunities for our Foundation and work with our Finance Director on planning out the current year vs. the following year. Among other things I have served at the Wilmot Cancer Institute as Co-Chair for the Community Cancer Action Council (CCAC) for four years, focusing on community education, screening, and increasing enrollment in clinical trials. In that role, I developed projects, collaborated with staff to organize activities, and tracked results.
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”The Hilton Community is the reason our Foundation has achieved great success. I would be honored to share my experiences and give back to the community as a member of the Hilton Alumni Association” -
Tera Strauss
Hilton High School ‘92,
As a proud 1992 graduate of the Hilton Central School District, I have always carried with me a deep appreciation for the education, values, and sense of community that Hilton instilled in me. My career in education began in the very halls where my own journey started—Village Elementary School—where I served first as a teaching assistant, then as a special education teacher and elementary educator. Driven by a passion for instructional leadership, I pursued certifications as both a School Building Leader and School District Leader.
Over the years, I’ve held various leadership positions across Monroe County, including Assistant Principal and Principal at Monroe One BOCES, Principal in the East Irondequoit Central School District, and currently, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs at Monroe One BOCES. These roles have allowed me to develop deep experience in organizational leadership, community engagement, program development, and strategic planning.
Hilton is more than just my hometown—it is the foundation of my family and career. My husband and I are both Hilton graduates, and all four of our daughters have proudly graduated from Hilton as well. My mother, a dedicated Hilton educator for over 32 years, modeled the spirit of service and lifelong learning that continues to guide me today.
As a board member of the Hilton Alumni Association, I would bring a collaborative leadership style, strong communication skills, and a strategic mindset shaped by years of educational and administrative experience. I am highly organized, mission-driven, and committed to inclusivity—skills essential for engaging alumni, building meaningful connections, and supporting outreach initiatives that reflect the values of Hilton. I understand the importance of honoring the district’s legacy while also fostering a vision that supports future alumni.
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“I would be honored to serve and give back to the district and community that shaped who I am, and to help strengthen connections between past, present, and future Cadets.” -
Maureen L. Werner, Esq.
Hilton High School ‘83
Maureen L. Werner, Esq. is a distinguished attorney and lifelong resident of Hilton, New York, where her deep-rooted connection to the community has shaped both her personal and professional life. A proud graduate of Hilton High School (Class of 1983), Maureen continues to live in her childhood home, drawing from her intimate knowledge of the area in her role as Partner at Schum & Werner. Since joining the firm as an associate in 2015 and becoming a Partner in 2019, Maureen has been instrumental in the firm's growth, particularly by leading the expansion into Hilton with the opening of a new office in 2021, complementing their Spencerport location.
In addition to her work with the firm, Maureen serves as the attorney for the Town of Parma and Hamlin, further underscoring her deep commitment to the local community and its governance.
In recognition of her achievements and contributions, Maureen was honored with induction into the Hilton High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2023, a testament to her lasting impact and dedication to her hometown.
Maureen's educational journey is as diverse as it is impressive. She earned her first degree from SUNY Cobleskill in 1985, followed by another from SUNY Brockport in 2002. Her pursuit of legal excellence led her to the University at Buffalo School of Law, where she graduated in 2014 after completing her first year at the prestigious Thomas H. Cooley School of Law in 2011. In 2015, Maureen was admitted to the New York State Bar, Fourth Department, marking the culmination of her commitment to law.
Before transitioning to her legal career, Maureen spent years as a Chef, an experience that honed her precision, creativity, and discipline. She later completed her Paralegal Certification at St. John Fisher College, leading to a successful 20-year career as a paralegal. Specializing in Estate Planning, Elder Law, Trusts, and Real Estate, Maureen built a reputation for exceptional client service, fostering long-lasting relationships within the community.
Her legal career is matched by her deep commitment to serving Hilton and the surrounding areas of Spencerport, Brockport, Hamlin, and Greece. Maureen's unwavering dedication to her clients, combined with her community involvement, makes her a trusted advocate for individuals, families, and local businesses.
Outside of her professional life, Maureen cherishes time spent with her family, including her husband, son, daughter-in-law, sisters, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephew, and her 96-year-old father—all of whom are deeply connected to the Hilton area. She also enjoys outdoor activities like boating and jet skiing, and values the company of close friends.
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“Through her extensive legal experience, community involvement, and personal commitment, Maureen L. Werner is a pillar of the Hilton community and a devoted professional dedicated to making a lasting impact.”
At-Large
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Kristen Paolini
Greece Athena High School ‘98
Hilton Central School District Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
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”The Hilton Central School district values the partnership with our alumni. Serving on the board allows me to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals working together to support our Hilton learning community.” -
Ed Mascadri
Hilton High School ‘96
St. John Fisher College ‘00School Administrator in the RCSD
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”Growing up and living in the Hilton community for over 40 years has been rewarding for my family and I. Being afforded the opportunity to give back to Hilton and serving the community is an honor. ” -
Josh Jensen
Hilton High School ‘06
Niagara University ‘10NYS Assemblyman - 134th District
Wife - Casey
Children - Brendan and Margot
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“My time in the Hilton Central School District truly shaped me into the person I am today, and I would not have had the opportunity, or ability, to serve my community if it weren't for the education I received at Hilton. To be a member of an organization that connects that past with the promise of tomorrow's future in the support of the Cadets of today and tomorrow is something that I wholeheartedly want to be a part of.”