Medina inducts 2 into Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame

Posted 14 November 2017 at 8:40 am

Provided photo: David Miller, Gabrielle Calandra Barone and High School Principal Michael Cavanagh are pictured at last week’s ceremony.

Press Release, Medina Central School

MEDINA – Gabrielle Calandra Barone (Class of 1960) and David Miller (Class of 1966) were inducted into the Medina High School’s Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame during a ceremony on Nov. 9.

The award was created to honor alumni, promote school spirit, foster pride in the Medina School District and serve as an incentive for current students. Alumni must have graduated at least 10 years ago and demonstrated success in one of the following: attained excellence in their chosen career, made outstanding contributions to their community or profession, or made outstanding contributions to humanity.

After graduation from Medina High School, Mrs. Barone continued her studies at Endicott College and Medaille College.  While working part-time, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. She then moved to San Francisco, California with a career in retail, but moved back to the Medina area where she married and started a family. She managed women’s ready-to-wear retail locations throughout Western New York.  She later became employed by Modern Corporation in Lewiston where she worked for ten years and then in 2002 began working with the Orleans Economic Development Agency.

Mrs. Barone has been extensively involved in the Medina community with her work with the Orleans Economic Development Agency, Medina Business Association, Boxwood Cemetery and Chapel, Job Corps Advisory Council, GLOW Workforce Investment Board and the Medina Sandstone Association. She was also an active member of the former League of Women Voters chapter of Orleans County. She is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce.

She has been a tremendous asset to the Orleans Economic Development Agency and has been instrumental in bringing many new projects to the county in her role as Vice President. She has also assisted in upgrading established businesses such as Western New York Energy, Brunner International, Hinspergers Poly, CRFS, Cottages at Troutburg, Precision Packaging Products and Pride Pak. She helped guide both state and local support for several county projects from upgrading infrastructure to securing tax credits or grants and has proven to be invaluable in all aspects of economic development.

“I am very, very honored to be here today,” Mrs. Barone said. “I am the fourth member of the Class of 1960 to receive this award.  My classmates are here and it’s a wonderful day.”

Mr. Miller went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Photographic Science from R.I.T. in 1970. He continued his education and in 1982 and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He began working for St. Regis Paper Company in 1974 and worked in the paper industry for 26 years as a manager before retiring in 2000. He was awarded the prestigious Quality Award for Excellence for a “Process Improvement Project” which he initiated. He moved back to Medina after he retired and started Nuvisit Communications, a company that designs websites for non-profit and small businesses.

Mr. Miller has definitely immersed himself in the community of Medina since returning. He has served as a volunteer, site manager, board member and president for Habitat for Humanity. Because of his passion for history and his pride in his hometown, he is involved in the Medina Sandstone Society. He was instrumental in the fundraising and erection of the beautiful clock tower in Medina’s Rotary Park, a gift from the Class of 1966.

He is also involved in the Medina Lions’ Club, Medina Sandstone’s Hall of Fame, the Parade of Lights, the Medina Historical Society and the Genesee Community College Planning Committee for historical events. He and his wife, Gail, also began the Canal Village Farmers’ Market.

“I am very excited about being part of the Distinguished Alumni Wall of Fame,” he said. “I am very pleased. It’s a fantastic thing.”

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