COLONIE —Three graduates were inducted to the Colonie High School Hall of Fame this year.
Since the Hall of Fame was created in 1994, 69 graduates have been inducted to serve as role models for current students. The inductees represent a variety of high school classes and accomplishments.
In 2010, a new Military Wing of the Hall of Fame was added dedicates to high school graduates who lost their lives while on active duty.
The 2022 inductees are:
The late Daniel J. Burnetter, Class of 1978
Recognized for his Humanitarian and Service to the community
Burnetter is nominated for his lifelong ability to make connections, his support to his community, and his ability to bring the best out in others, regardless of who, what, or where they were from.
He wore many hats during his lifetime, from community leader, fire chief, scoutmaster, public servant, teacher and role model — he always played a strong role in the development of young individuals in Colonie where he led with respect, honor, and courage.
Burnetter was a social member at Stanford Heights Fire Department. He also served in various capacities at the Midway Fire Department including assistant chief and commissioner earning Firefighter of the Year award two times and two lifesaving awards in addition to other awards received for his dedicated service to the department over the years.
Burnetter was selfless with his time to the Colonie community but also found time to be a dedicated family man. A master of the kitchen, he racked up four Chili Cook-Off Championship titles. Burnetter always led with his heart and made time for various community fundraisers — always to benefit others and his Colonie community.
Katharine “Kate” Halligan, Class of 1998
Recognized for her Medicine and Science contributions
Halligan is is recognized for her distinguished work in the pediatric medical field and is a full-time physician at The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center Hospital.
Halligan is currently the director of the Hemophilia Treatment Center where she supervises a medical team caring for children and adults with inherited bleeding disorders. She’s also a noted participant in multiple state and national grants that help provide recombinant replacement factor as therapy for patients.
In addition to her primary medical responsibilities at the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Halligan is also an assistant professor of pediatrics at Albany Medical College. In this role, she dedicates her expertise to teaching and educating tomorrow’s physicians for success in today’s medical profession.
Previous to her work at Albany Medical Center, she spent the prior three years completing her fellowship in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Halligan is also an alumnus of Siena College and Albany Medical College and performed her residency in pediatrics at Albany Medical Center from 2009 to 2011.
Master Sgt. Richard LaMotte, Class of 1991
Receiving Lifetime Recognition for his Humanitarian and Service to the community
At CCHS, LaMotte was an active member within his community and those efforts eventually carried to his military service. After graduating in 1991, he was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. During his service, LaMotte successfully rose through the leadership ranks, while bravely serving his country in the following military conflicts: Operation(s) Deny Flight, Iraqi Freedom, Provide Promise, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout his military career, he was awarded several service awards and was a participating member for one of the United States Air Force’s highest units.
In addition, after serving in the logistics field of the Air Force, LaMotte became a U.S. Air Force flight crew member serving in a high ranked position responsible for the service and transporting of the President, Vice President, First Lady, Secretary of State, and countless other government leaders.
During this time, he accumulated over 5,000 safe flight hours, performed over 15,000 volunteer hours at various charities, and as a natural performer and singer — performed for over 500,000 military service members and their families.
His humble beginnings have taken him around the world many times over, while witnessing history before his eyes. LaMotte is recognized by his friends, family and fellow service members as a hard-working, self-starter who invariably understands exactly what it takes to “remember where you come from.”
