On Friday, Oct. 17, at the West Valley Inn, the Cranston Hall of Fame welcomed five new members.

This year’s inductees represent a variety of professions and vocations, but all are Cranston born and bred. They are retired Lt. Col. David A. Accetta, the Honorable Bettina J. Borders, Mr. Joseph C. Cardin, Mr. David W. Hanson and former state Sen. Thomas J. Izzo.

“You are distinguished alumni that have had a big impact not just on our community but our state and our country,” Mayor Allan Fung told the honorees. “Throughout the variety of fields you have selected, you are a true testament to the great work our educators do day in and day out in Cranston.”

Established in 1980, the purpose of the Cranston Hall of Fame Foundation is to recognize graduates of the Cranston Public Schools who have distinguished themselves on the local, state, regional or national stage and have made outstanding contributions in their fields.

Each nominee must meet three certain criteria, including being nominated by at least five members of the Cranston community, graduating 10 or more years ago from a Cranston public high school and having distinguished themselves on a regional or national level in any field of endeavor.

The Screening Committee reviews nominations from the community and submits the names of 20 nominees to the Permanent Selection Committee. From those names, five are selected by secret ballot.

The screening committee is comprised of a school administrative representative, the City Council president or representative, a member of the School Committee, the president of a service club (on a rotating basis), the president of the Cranston Teachers’ Alliance, representative from the business community, a member of a senior citizens club and two Cranston citizens.

Members of the Permanent Selection Committee are the superintendent of schools, the chairperson of the school committee, the mayor, a representative of the service clubs, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, an alumnus, two high school principals and, when appropriate, a previous year’s winner.

President of the Hall’s Board of Directors Fred Vincent served as master of ceremonies for the evening. After the Cranston East JROTC Color Guard led the Pledge of Allegiance, the ceremony got under way. Fung announced that he had a proclamation for each inductee.

“You will forever be memorialized as noted representatives of the Cranston Public Schools,” he said.

Superintendent Dr. Judith Lundsten offered her comments and congratulations as well.

“This group of inductees shares a very special common theme – they are patriots, good citizens and role models, but they also all went to Bain [for junior high or middle school].”

Lundsten offered background about each of the inductees and their connection to Cranston’s schools.

“You represent our community. You make our world a better place,” she said.

An inductee from the class of 2001, former mayor and current school committee member Michael Traficante offered his remarks and paraphrased a quote from President John F. Kennedy.

“A community reveals itself not only by the people it produces but also by the people it honors,” he said.

Traficante told the inductees they were more than worthy of the honor being bestowed upon them. Vincent had the past inductees that were in the room stand and be recognized. He then held a brief update of the financial status of the Hall of Fame.

“We are happy to support this event. However, in the case we ever dissolve the organization, our funds will be turned over to the Cranston Veterans Memorial Scholarship Fund,” he said.

Each inductee was introduced by a friend or family member who shared anecdotes and memories.

Accetta was honored for his distinguished and dedicated career in the U.S. Army, his membership in the class of 1983 from Cranston High School West and his humanitarian efforts.

Borders, a Cranston High School East graduate, was recognized as an innovative, creative and pioneering administrator of the juvenile court system and applauded for her deep dedication to women’s and children’s program.

Cardin graduated from Cranston East in 1970 and has given 40 years of service as a highly respected employee of the Rhode Island State Department of Children, Youth and Families.

An educator, a successful coach, Hanson graduated from Cranston West in 1970.

Izzo, a graduate of Cranston High School in 1960, has a long legacy as an educator and as an elected official serving in both the Rhode Island Constitution Convention and the State Senate.

With these newest inductions, membership of the Cranston Hall of Fame has swelled to 176 over the years.

For information or an application for the Hall of Fame, please email fjvincent27@yahoo.com or call 942-9308.