Stratford High School Hall of Fame Honorees

by Tony De Angelo
Athletic Director
Stratford High School

Boys Tennis defeated Bunnell 7-0 on Tuesday and will finish with a 4-7 record on the season. This is their highest win total in more than 15 years.

Stratford High School Athletic Association will hold their annual Senior Recognition/Hall of Fame Banquet at Vazzano’s.  We will honor all of our senior-athletes who earned a varsity letter this year and induct two former standout athletes into the Hall of Fame, Ron Christy, Jr. (Class of 2000) and Abigail Cerone (Class of 2013)

We are also giving this year’s Community Service Award to Jacqueline Sherrick and a Distinguished Service Award to Daniel Volturno.

Ronald Christy, Jr. (Class of 2000)

From the rugged fields of high school sports to dazzling arenas across the globe, Ronald Christy, Jr. has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. Born with a passion for the game, Ron quickly rose to prominence, showcasing remarkable talent and tenacity at every level of competition.

Ron’s journey began with a thunderous impact at Stratford High School, where prowess in both football and basketball earned him recognition as an athletic phenomenon. In 1999, Ron achieved the pinnacle of success in high school football by earning a spot on the All-State team, setting the stage for an illustrious sporting career. The following year, Ron dominated the basketball court, securing another All-State honor while also clinching the title of the leading scorer in the state, alongside the coveted Player of the Year award.

As the curtains lifted on the collegiate chapter of their career, Ron continued to redefine excellence. In the realm of Division II basketball, he emerged as a beacon of skill and leadership, clinching the prestigious All-American title not once, but twice. His stellar performances led to consecutive honors as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Furthermore, Ron etched his name in the annals of basketball history by leading the nation in scoring during the 2003 season, a testament to his unmatched talent and work ethic. With a record-breaking 2,546 points scored over three years, Ron solidified his status as an all-time great at Post University.

Venturing beyond the borders of their homeland, Ron embarked on a global odyssey in pursuit of his basketball dreams. From the sun-kissed courts of Spain to the chilly arenas of Sweden, he left an indelible impression wherever he played. His journey took him to Hungary and Saudi Arabia, where he continued to showcase his skills and inspire basketball enthusiasts around the world. He would finish his illustrious basketball career as a member of the prestigious Harlem Globetrotters.

Abigail Cerone (Class of 2013)

Abigail Cerone is a former standout athlete and dedicated educator whose journey is marked by excellence both on and off the field.

Her athletic prowess was evident early on, as she graduated from Stratford High in 2013 with an impressive tally of 12 varsity letters across four sports in her four-year tenure. With a passion for soccer, basketball, indoor track, and lacrosse, Abby excelled as a multi-sport athlete, showcasing her versatility and commitment to athletic achievement.

During her senior year, Abby’s leadership qualities shone brightly as she assumed the role of captain for both the soccer and lacrosse teams. Her impact on the lacrosse field was particularly notable, as she etched her name in the record books by setting the career scoring record with an astounding 228 points over three years, including 188 goals and 40 assists.

Abby’s stellar performances did not go unnoticed, as she earned numerous accolades throughout her high school career. She was named to the Southwest Conference All-Division team in 2011 and 2012 before garnering First Team All-Southwest Conference honors in 2013. Additionally, Abby’s talent earned her a spot on the CT Post All-Star Team in her graduating year, cementing her status as one of the region’s top lacrosse players.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Abby demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. She was honored with the Babe Ruth Award for Outstanding Female Athlete at Stratford High in 2013, as well as the Southwest Conference All-Academic Award, underscoring her dedication to balancing athletics with scholastic pursuits.

After high school, Abby continued her academic and athletic pursuits at Plymouth State University, where she played lacrosse for one year before graduating in 2017 with a degree in Physical Education. Armed with her passion for sports and teaching, Abby embarked on a career in education, specializing in physical education.

Most recently, Abby has been making a positive impact as a physical education teacher at Greenwich Country Day School. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom as she also serves as a coach for middle school soccer, basketball, and lacrosse, inspiring the next generation of athletes to reach their full potential.

In every endeavor there are people behind the scenes providing support, encouragement and resources to make the experience more meaningful for the participants. Tonight, the Stratford High School Athletic Association honors two individuals who have elevated the quality of academic and athletic endeavors through their efforts.

Jacqueline Sherrick (BHS Class of 2004) personifies the spirit of community service and leadership dedicating her career in the town of her upbringing. During her senior year, Jackie’s talent on the softball field earned her accolades as an All South-West Conference member and chosen for the CT Post Softball All-Star Team. Pitching a perfect game against Pomperaug High School was a stand out highlight of her final high school softball season.

Continuing her academic journey, Jackie pursued her passion for education at Eastern Connecticut State University before transferring to Southern CT State University. There, she majored in Exercise Science in Education, earning recognition with the Physical Education Leadership Award and consistently landing on the Dean’s List each semester.

Her dedication to education found its home right in her hometown, at Stratford High School, where Jackie began her teaching career in August 2008. Alongside her commitment to the classroom, she dedicated herself to coaching, serving as the assistant varsity coach for Bunnell High School’s volleyball team for four seasons under the guidance of Coach Dave Jockle. For over a decade, Jackie has left a lasting mark as a coach, starting as a freshman softball coach at Bunnell in 2008 and ascending to the role of Head Coach at Stratford High School in 2016, where she partnered with her husband, Gary Sherrick Jr., as her trusted assistant coach. Sharing the same coaching philosophy, in a three year stretch of coaching, the softball program went from one win in 2016 to fourteen wins in 2019.

Jackie earned a Master’s of Education in Adventure Learning in November 2011, followed by her completion of a Sixth Year in Educational Leadership from Southern CT State University in December 2013.

Beyond the field and classroom, Jackie’s leadership extends throughout the district, serving on various committees and spearheading initiatives as the Lead Teacher for Health and Physical Education and Senior Class Advisor. Her commitment to her school community shines through in her coordination of events and fundraisers, including the successful School Open House, welcoming residents and alumni to tour the newly renovated building. Jackie strives to attend numerous school and sporting events to show the students and community her support is apparent during and after school hours.

Jackie’s influence reaches beyond her immediate community, as she shared her expertise as a Cooperating Teacher through Southern CT State University and as a respected panelist for the Coaches Panel hosted by the university’s Physical Education Club. Additionally, she contributes her time and talents to the Softball Collegiate Hall of Fame, serving on its Board of Directors.

Daniel Volturno, a dedicated individual with a lifelong passion for craftsmanship and sports, was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut before later moving to Stratford. He embarked on his journey into the world of mechanical precision upon graduating from Bullard Havens Technical School in 1978, specializing in Machine Tool technology.

Throughout his high school years, Dan excelled not only academically but also athletically, showcasing his talents in football, baseball, and even bowling. It was on the bowling lanes where Dan truly found his niche, achieving the remarkable feat of three perfect games, a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.

Dan’s professional journey was marked by a steadfast commitment to the steel industry, spanning over four decades. His tenure culminated in 18 years of service at Olympic Steel in Milford, where his expertise and work ethic were highly regarded by colleagues and superiors alike.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dan dedicated his time and energy to his community. For over three decades, he has been an integral part of the Stratford Brakettes organization, contributing his skills and passion to the success of the team.

Additionally, Dan has been a steadfast supporter of high school sports, actively involved with the Stratford High School athletics program since 2005, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless young athletes. If you have ever attended a Stratford High School Football, Soccer, Basketball, Softball or Lacrosse game, you will be sure to see Dan managing the scoreboard and operating the game clock. He is a dependable and multi-talented worker for Stratford Athletics.

As Dan transitions into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His impact on both the professional and personal spheres of his life serves as an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of knowing him.

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