Copiague School District held its annual Hall of Achievement induction ceremony on Oct. 26 to honor five distinguished alumni who have left an indelible mark on the school community. This year’s inductees were Howard Austin Jr. (Class of 1993), Cristen Fischer Salisbury (Class of 1998), Joseph Garguilo (Class of 1983), Cedric Shine (Class of 2001) and Keith Willnauer (Class of 1974). 
“In honoring successful past graduates, the Hall of Achievement’s primary purpose is to introduce these alumni as positive and motivating role models to our entire school community and to keep these role models connected in a variety of ways to our school and our students,” said Copiague School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon. “By the nature of their accomplishments and service, inductees to the Hall of Achievement inspire our students to reach for their goals.”

“This year’s inductees, like those before them, are outstanding individuals,” said Copiague Board of Education First Vice President Brian J. Sales. “Each of them has many memories of growing up in Copiague and going through our school system. They have continued the tradition of Eagle pride throughout their lives and careers. Now, more than ever, students need role models to look up to, and inductees fill that role when students walk past the Hall of Achievement and read about their achievements.”

Mr. Shine is the director of marketing platforms for Major League Soccer. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University. Initially pursuing a legal career at Penn State Dickinson School of Law, Mr. Shine made a strategic shift into the entertainment industry, where he honed his skills in marketing and branding before leading key initiatives in the sports sector. He lives in Bloomfield, New Jersey, with his wife, LaShawn, and two children, Arya and Caden.

Ms. Salisbury earned a Bachelor of Science degree in music education in vocal music. Additionally, she holds a Master of Education in music education and achieved a Level III Orff Certification and Level III certification in world music drumming. Ms. Salisbury teaches K-4 classroom music, fourth grade chorus and high school musical theater in the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District. She serves on the executive board of the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association and created the PEAK Festival for fourth grade music students and their parents. Ms. Salisbury lives in East Northport with her husband, Brian, and her four children, Benjamin, Elliote, Piper and Reilly. 

After graduating from Copiague High School, Mr. Austin enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He began his service as Chief Petty Officer, then progressed to Senior Petty Officer and Yard Patrol Craft/Craftmaster. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree, he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Three and then Chief Warrant Officer Five, serving as the Landing Control and Boat Group Officer. Mr. Austin is stationed at Board of Inspection and Survey Command at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Austin has received medals for Meritorious Service, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement, Good Conduct, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense, Humanitarian, NATO and various unit and campaign awards. He resides in Norfolk, Virginia, with his wife, Julie. He has three children, Amanda, Jared and Mathew, and one grandson, Aidan.

Following graduation, Mr. Garguilo became a mechanic, working alongside his brother, Nick Garguilo. After years of working together, Nick left to pursue a different path. Mr. Gargulio continued to run the auto repair business and decided to expand the business to include towing. Mr. Gargulio and his son Joey now own All Town Towing and Repairs. He has more than 10 tow trucks and is the largest AAA service provider in Suffolk County. He is an active member of the Moose Lodge in Lindenhurst, the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce, and is also on the board of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce. He volunteers his time with the Kids Need More group and is a strong believer in paying it forward. 

Mr. Willnauer made his career in designing and manufacturing commercial kitchen equipment for restaurants, schools, hospitals and correctional facilities, specializing in refrigeration systems. Another passion is classic cars and motorcycles, as he owns more than 80 classic cars. He turned this hobby into a business by renting them to the movie, TV and magazine industry. Mr. Willnauer is the treasurer of the Long Island chapter of the Pontiac Club and restoration adviser for the Long Island chapter of the GTO Association of America. He has been married to his wife, Kathy, since 1991, and his son Mark is also a Copiague graduate.