The Ellenville Central School District held its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, October 17, celebrating four stellar athletes in Ellenville's sports history. This year's honorees were basketball star Raynard Shorter (Class of 1988), runners Tyler O’Bryant (Class of 2012) and Kelly Mansell (Class of 1996), and wrestler Pasquale Lamaestra (Class of 1971).

The ceremony was held at Ellenville Elementary School, with family, friends, faculty and community members in the audience. Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics Matthew Salamone gave opening remarks, praising the inductees for their perseverance and Blue Devil spirit.

Shorter, Ellenville's all-time leading basketball scorer, accepted his place in the Hall of Fame with gratitude, shouting out those who supported his success on the court. His former coach, Lee Augustine, recalled Shorter's early promise and swift success, which earned him a lasting Ellenville legacy.

Bryant was unable to attend, but former coach Phil Althouse sang his praises as a strong, resilient sprinter. Mansell gave some love to Ellenville in her acceptance speech, reflecting on how the village shaped her life. She was the first female athlete in Ellenville history to receive a Division I athletic scholarship, and her coach, Jack Carter, called her an inspiration.

Lamaestra was Ellenville's first student to earn 12 varsity letters across 3 seasons of sports, a true multisport athlete. Former Coach Pete Meoli emphasized his humility, and Lamaestra used his acceptance remarks to thank folks whose everyday contributions often go unnoticed.

Salamone concluded the ceremony encouraging everyone to nominate athletes for future inductions and keep the Blue Devil love coming.