Spike Mendelsohn, a non-graduate who attended Farragut two years with the class of ‘00, is a successful Washington D.C. chef and restaurateur who owns several top eateries in the D.C. area. Mendelsohn became a celebrity chef after placing fifth in the TV show Top Chef in 2008.
Thomas Salomon ’15, left, and Joseph Zolfo ’86N on the set of Stargirl
During the 2019 Army Navy Alumni Weekend, Joseph Zolfo ’86N met fellow alumnus Thomas Salomon ’15. During this meeting, Salomon expressed his desire to get into TV production after reading about Zolfo’s career which was highlighted in the Spring 2019 edition of Reveille. Salomon reached out to Zolfo after his graduation from Drexel University last fall to see if there were any opening opportunities in TV production. After interviewing, Zolfo hired Salomon as his production assistant for the new television series he is producing called Stargirl.
CAPT Orie T. Banks, the Dean of Students at the southern campus from 1953-1987, oversees cadets at a school dance.
During his 34 years of service, CAPT Banks had a profound impact on many cadets. Alumni remember his firm but wise teachings and have shared over the years the positive influence he had on their lives. Read the thoughtful reflection about “What a Boy Learns At Farragut” written by CAPT Banks.
CAPT Geno Paluso, USN (Ret) ’85N has announced his retirement from the position of Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. CAPT Paluso will complete the academic year through June 2021.
Juan R. Torruella ’49N, Farragut alumnus and a groundbreaking Hispanic federal judge in New England who championed the rights of his fellow Puerto Ricans, died on Monday, October 26, 2020, in San Juan. He was 87.
Allison Kowalczyk ’14
Allison Kowalczyk ’14 has been studying law at Syracuse University College of Law. She was the first recipient of the Maj. Megan McClung ’91N Memorial Fund while attending Farragut and hopes to give back.
Charlie Duke ‘53S, our very own Apollo astronaut, moonwalker, and retired U.S. Air Force Brig. General was honored as the 2020 Texan of the Year during the Texas Legislative Conference on September 3, 2020.
Fred Nelson ’59S (left) and Stephen Hice ’60S (non-grad) reconnect after 62 years.
Stephen Hice attended Admiral Farragut Academy’s St. Petersburg campus from 1956-1958. After 62 years and what seemed like an entire lifetime, Stephen contacted Victoria Raymer in Farragut’s alumni office in order to reconnect with his former roommate, Fred Nelson ‘59S. They have had several conversations since then, reminiscing about a time that left a great impression on both of their lives. Stephen shared the following letter to Fred that is a testament to the impact Farragut had on their lives.
President and CEO Alan Levine ’85S has been with Ballad Health for over two years but has over 25 years of hospital operations experience. Ballad Health represents 21 hospitals and over 3,000 physicians and providers in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
In 2015, Melissa Diaz Salas ’20 moved from Peru and started her five-year Upper School journey at Farragut. Although she had to learn a new culture and did not know much English, Diaz thrived and became the first female in her Peruvian family to attend college.
