Early this month, the South Colonie Board of Education announced three individuals as the most recent inductees to the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame. The following individuals are set to be recognized during the 69th Commencement Ceremony on June 23, 2023 at the MVP Arena.
Gary C. Davis – Class of 1967
Recognized for his contributions to the field of science.
Gary C. Davis, a distinguished alumnus of Colonie Central High School, Class of 1967, is a renowned chemist whose passion for chemistry was ignited during his time at CCHS. Throughout his impressive 36-year career at General Electric (GE), Davis made groundbreaking contributions to the field of science.
Starting as an associate staff chemist and rising to the position of senior staff chemist and technical team leader at GE’s Corporate Research and Development Center, Mr. Davis revolutionized consumer products with his inventions of thermoplastic polymers for enhanced flame retardancy and advancements in computer chip processing.
His exceptional achievements have earned him prestigious accolades, including the esteemed Dushman Award, GE’s highest team technical honor, received twice. With numerous patents, published papers, and presentations representing GE Global Research, Mr. Davis is widely respected in the scientific community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Davis’s commitment to his community, support for children in other countries, and devotion to his family highlight his exceptional character. His outstanding contributions make him an exemplary candidate for induction into the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame.
DeLynn Scaringe Wickham – Class of 1986
Receiving lifetime recognition for her commitment to education.
DeLynn Scaringe Wickham, a proud graduate of Colonie Central High School’s Class of 1986, is a dedicated world language educator who has positively impacted the South Colonie school community. Her unwavering commitment to teaching and her ability to inspire students and colleagues make her an exceptional candidate for the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame.
As a Spanish teacher at Sand Creek Middle School since 1990, Wickham has gone above and beyond to provide immersive language learning experiences for her students. Her extensive travels to Spanish-speaking countries have enriched her teaching by incorporating real-world experiences and fostering a deep appreciation for the Spanish language and Hispanic culture in the classroom. Pursuing a master’s degree from the Middlebury College Language School and keeping current with communicative methods of language instruction have helped her to create a classroom environment that facilitates language acquisition for her students.
Wickham’s contributions to the theatrical community are equally remarkable. As director of over 90 musical productions with the drama clubs at Sand Creek Middle School and Colonie Central High School, The Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy and the Colonie Youth Center Summer Theater Camps, and as a charter member, a director and a president of the Family Players of Northeastern NY community theater organization, she has inspired and connected with students beyond the traditional classroom setting. Through her dedication to theater, she provided a spot on the stage or behind the scenes for both children and adults who wished to participate and, in doing so, brought families together, allowing them to collaborate and to share their talents for the entertainment of our community.
Wickham’s commitment to service also extends beyond education and the arts. Her active involvement of over 35 years in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, a charitable organization which “strives to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality, and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all”, showcases her strong sense of community and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Serving as the regent of the local Court St Martin DePorres #1648 in Colonie and as the president of the CDA Past Regents Chapter of the Diocese of Albany she upheld the organization’s motto of “Unity and Charity” and its purpose of spirituality and service by overseeing and participating in a variety of projects and fundraisers to aid those in need.
Throughout her career and volunteer work, Wickham has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and generosity. Her contributions to the South Colonie community, as an educator, theater enthusiast and community advocate, have left a lasting impression on countless students, families, and community members.
Wickham’s passion for teaching, her commitment to fostering cultural understanding, and her significant contributions to the arts make her a deserving candidate for this recognition.
Raj Patel – Class of 1989
Receiving recognition for his commitment as a professional in the field of medicine and his work as a business professional.
Dr. Raj Patel is a remarkable individual—a dedicated physician, respected researcher, and compassionate friend. A graduate of Colonie Central High School in 1989, Patel is a board-certified urologist specializing in urologic diseases. He is known for his commitment to utilizing cutting-edge medical technology and techniques to provide effective treatments, particularly in the field of urologic cancer.
Beyond his medical practice, Patel’s compassion shines through in his dedication to patients from all walks of life, including those facing financial challenges. He values maintaining connections and nurturing relationships, staying connected to his roots, and cherishing his high school friends as a member of the “Nerds Of America” (N.O.A.) who reunite annually for a camping trip.
Alongside his medical accomplishments, Patel is also an accomplished entrepreneur. He is the founder of Divine Productions, an entertainment company, and a part-owner of Karma, a renowned Chicago nightclub. Additionally, he co-founded Serendipity App, a social media platform connecting individuals with similar interests. Patel’s diverse pursuits extend to serving as the chief evangelist, board member and part-owner of Wikireviews, Inc., a company offering online business reviews.
Dr. Raj Patel epitomizes excellence, both in his medical practice and in his contributions to various ventures. His unwavering commitment to patients, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to meaningful relationships make him a truly exceptional individual to be recognized by Colonie Central High School.
Since 1994, 72 graduates have been honored in the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame. The inductees represent a variety of high school classes and accomplishments. In 2010, a new Military Wing was added to the Hall of Fame – dedicated to those CCHS graduates who lost their lives while on active duty. Read more about all of our inductees here.