At the beginning of spring each year, Allderdice elects new members into its hall of fame. With notable inductees including Broadway star Billy Porter, Terrible Towel creator and Steelers commentator Myron Cope, and current cross-country and track coach Edward Flynn, the Hall of Fame is a way to honor those who have made meaningful contributions to society. To be inducted, a local committee of Allderdice alumni receives nominations of possible candidates and then selects between four and six people a year. The induction is split up into a nomination ceremony and a Q&A across two days.

This year's event took place on April 10th and began with a musical introduction from Allderdice's marching band along with the “Allderdice Alma Mater Song,” performed by guest singer Erica Zabusky. Next, Allderdice Principal Dr. McCoy took the stage and gave a brief overview of the event, explaining how the “inductees have lived by the school's motto: Know something, Do something, Be something.”

Each of the six inductees was introduced by current Allderdice students who are part of school leadership clubs or grade-level government.

Mary Beth Kaufman, JD'88

To begin the ceremony, Senior Class President Nikhil Saxena introduced Mary Beth Kaufman. Kaufman, who graduated from Allderdice in 1988, was an influential activist who fought for the protection of human rights and the safety of others. During her time at Allderdice, Ms. Kaufman served as the editor-in-chief of the school's newspaper, The Foreword, and defended students' First Amendment rights in her work. Currently, Kaufman, who holds a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree, practices immigration law in California, protecting the rights of immigrants. In her speech, Kaufman explained how she was deeply inspired by her grandmother to pursue a career in immigration law and how her goals centered on a commitment to free speech and equal protection for everyone. She also cited the many humor columns that she wrote during her time with The Foreword. From traveling the world to help those in need to fighting for those in her community, Kaufman ended her speech with the inspirational quote: “It's the people who make history.”

Mark B. Orringer, MD ‘60

Seniors Hannah Adelson and Chavi Beck introduced thoracic surgery pioneer Mark B. Orringer, who graduated from Allderdice in 1960. Deemed as a legend in the medical community, Orringer helped extend survival rates of patients with new methods in thoracic surgery, with many calling him part of the “Special Forces of medical professionals.” Orringer credited his hometown of Pittsburgh and his family for inspiring his work ethic and helping him become the person he is today. As a student, Orringer played the Trombone, but explained how he eventually traded it for a scalpel in search of being able to help others. Even with over 50 years of medical experience, Orringer clearly remembers his time at Allderdice, describing his return as “surreal.” Today, he continues to contribute to not only advancements in the medical community but also those in his local community. He ended his speech by thanking his friends and family, and explained how he was very grateful for his wife, with whom he had been High School sweethearts. 

Rich Lesser, MBA ‘80

Next, juniors Thomas Aldous and Dara Fudrow introduced renowned global business leader, Rich Lesser. Lesser is best known for his work as a 9-year CEO of Boston Consulting Group. Growing up, he had always thought he would become a chemical engineer. However, this path eventually led him to business school, where he entered consulting and eventually worked his way up through the ranks of the business world. In his speech, Lesser expressed his deep appreciation for Allderdice, as it has shaped who he is today. Lesser explained how throughout his years of education, he most vividly remembered his time and teachers at Allderdice when he seemed to forget his professors during college. Today, Lesser is contributing to climate change reform and helping his community and those around him grow. He ended his speech by saying, “Each of us can find our own unique way to contribute to a better world.”

Jonathan Rapping, JD ‘84

Allderdice junior Kofi Opoku-Dakwa and senior Za’Morrie Reeves next introduced criminal justice reformer Jonathan Rapping with a Bob Dylan quote from his 1975 song Hurricane that related to Rapping's career, quoting, “To see him obviously framed…To live in a land where justice is a game.” They discussed how Jonathan had always aspired to a just legal system, and since his time at Allderdice, he has been involved in roles that allow him to make a positive impact in his community. As a two-time class president during high school, Rapping explained during his speech that he hoped for the success of future generations, and it was his goal to help those in underprivileged communities and situations. In his deeply emotional speech, he explained how he cried after losing his first murder case, and after that day, he decided it was up to him to show the good side of people. Rapping discussed how the “melting pot family” of Allderdice inspired him to help others and how, despite the world's pervasive hate, Allderdice remains a haven of safety. 

Ronald Roth, MD ‘74

Finally, introduced by seniors Ashton Buckner and Vanisha Lumari, was Ronald Roth, who is an EMS Physician leader and was for many years the medical director for the Department of Public Safety of the city of Pittsburgh. Roth, who has been a key figure in the health and safety of the Pittsburgh community, has helped over forty different medical agencies and mentored thousands of aspiring medical professionals. Initially, Roth explained how he had always wanted to become a marine biologist, but his career eventually led him to medicine, where he has excelled ever since. In his speech, Roth explained that he was “truly honored” to be inducted and thanked everyone who helped him become who he is today. During his time at Allderdice, Roth was a member of the swim team, which he credited for shaping his future. After high school, Roth earned his degree at the University of Pittsburgh and eventually completed his residency there as well. 

After the induction ceremony, I had the privileged opportunity to speak with Roth. When asked about when he realized he would pursue a career in medicine, Roth went back to his previous point about originally wanting a career in oceanography, but then explained how a friend’s father in school recognized his skills and suggested that he become a doctor. Roth explained that each person is different and that their main goal should be to figure out exactly what they enjoy doing. When asked about advice that he would give to aspiring students, Roth gave the example of having to wake up early to be a surgeon, explaining how students need to find the specialty that's right for them. Roth emphasized the importance of shadowing professionals to figure out what interests you, as it can provide valuable learning experiences. To conclude the interview, Roth discussed his favorite aspect of his career, which is the opportunity to help people and address problems in his community. 

Besides the meaningful speeches presented by the inductees, the night was filled with student performances, including songs from the school musical "9 to 5," inspirational messages from Principal Dr. McCoy, and concluding remarks from Rika Maeshiro about celebrating excellence in our community and congratulating the inductees. The Hall of Fame event was an overall success, and The Foreword would like to give a warm congratulations to all the inductees.