By Kathy Kane
“New York, New York,” this year’s Signature Event, will be a dinner/dance at the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. All aspects of the event will be fun and kept light along with the honoring of this year’s Wall of Fame inductees.
The Wall of Fame honors men and women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the quality of education in Trenton and THS graduates who have distinguished themselves in their professions. This year’s inductees are Gerald Brown, Vincent “Joe” Porreca and George W. Mans.
Brown was lauded for his time served as a school board member, where he served in many capacities including president in 1994-95. He was instrumental in many TPS initiatives, including faculty training and facility maintenance. He also was involved with the renovation of the football field. His mantra in a school board decision was, “It must be good for the kids.” He had a stellar Trenton Police Department career, serving in many capacities, as well as police chief before he retired. He also served as mayor from 2001-2011.
Vincent Porreca served his community by running and being elected to Trenton City Council in 1977 and 1981. He also served 14 years as state representative, keeping a special eye on the needs of the City of Trenton. He is an advocate for education and public schools and both of his sons are THS graduates with careers in education. His youngest son Victor was a high school teacher and his oldest Vince is the principal of Hedke Elementary in Trenton.
George W. Mans Jr. was nominated for his humble service in many aspects, including school board member, mayor and state representative. He is a THS graduate, 1961 captain of University of Michigan football team and graduate with a BAA and LSA in history and business.
He coached football at Eastern Michigan University, U of M, and Michigan Tech. He served on the Trenton school board for six years, as the mayor of Trenton for six years and as state representative for six years. He also has served as chairman of the board for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Alliance, and many other community initiatives throughout his years as a Trenton resident.
A disc jockey will provide music selections that call to mind the Big Apple. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a cocktail hour, followed by a family-style dinner, the Wall of Fame presentation and dancing.
Tickets are $50 apiece or $450 for a table of 10, and are available at the Board of Education offices, 2603 Charlton; City Hall, 2800 Third St.; or through the TEF website: www.trentonedf-oundation.org. The ticket price includes two cocktails. Sponsorships, which start at $125 and include dinner tickets, are also available.
For more information, visit the TEF website or contact Trosien at ltrosien-@hotmail.com to get involved in the planning.