- John Dennison Knipple (deceased), JHS Class of 1939
- Arlene M. (Johns) Sitterly, JHS Class of 1941
- William M. Pollak, JHS Class of 1953
John Dennison Knipple (deceased), JHS Class of 1939
John Dennison Knipple walked miles to a one-room schoolhouse as a boy. At JHS he was spirited and popular. He was a JHS cheerleader and active in school activities. He was a lifelong poet who wrote for pleasure.
Upon graduation from JHS with honors at age 15, he worked locally until entering the U.S. Navy in 1941. He was selected for officer training in 1944. He attended Union College and then transferred to Dartmouth College, graduating with the Class of 1946 and commissioned an Ensign. He served as Supply Officer aboard several ships. He received his Masters Degree in 1963 prior to leaving for Vietnam where he served for one year. Obtaining the rank of Captain in a highly decorated 34-year naval career, Captain Knipple and his family were stationed across the United States and abroad.
Active in community affairs, he served as PTA President in four different schools over 30 decades, was Civic Association President and Treasurer, led clothing and food drives in the community and volunteered for the Virginia Democratic Party. A 30-year member of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, he served as lector, Eucharistic Minister and member of the Legion of Mary. John was a devoted husband for 52 years (wife Pauline is a JHS graduate, Class of 1943) and father of six.
In 1983, Captain Knipple’s youngest son, a Marine serving in Beirut Lebanon was among 241 service members killed by a terrorist attack. Captain Knipple devoted the next 13 years as a family liaison for “No Greater Love,” a humanitarian organization dedicated to remembering those who gave their lives in service to their country and all victims of terrorism. He died in 1996 at age 73 and is buried near his son in Arlington National Cemetery.
Arlene M. (Johns) Sitterly, JHS Class of 1941
Arlene Sitterly ranks among the most successful Realtors in the capital area of New York State. In the beginning her interest in real estate grew from employment in an insurance brokerage. Shortly after this initial experience, Mrs. Sitterly opened her own business which has held a prominent place in the real estate community for over four decades.
Mrs. Sitterly’s concern for people, her humility and willingness to serve the public has led to a significant list of accolades and awards. Mrs. Sitterly, during her career, has been recognized by a host of legislators, both U. S. and state senators, as well as New York Governors Cuomo and Rockefeller. Mrs. Sitterly led efforts to establish the local community college and is an honorary member of the College Foundation Board.
Mrs. Sitterly’s roll in urban renewal led to the Johnstown Main Street Park — her service as President of the County Economic Development Corporation and Industrial Development Agency resulted in plaudits for her insight and vision, which resulted in the establishment of the industrial parks. Mrs. Sitterly is the first woman ever elected as president of the State Association of Realtors, and the first woman to receive the Realtor of the Year from this 20,000-member organization. Other recognitions include the Chamber of Commerce “Jenny” and Ambassador of the Year award. The county Bar Association selected Mr. Sitterly as the Liberty Bell recipient in recognition for her community service. In 1994, Governor Mario Cuomo named Mrs. Sitterly as “Woman of Distinction” and in 2000 state Senator Farley named Mrs. Sitterly as “Woman of Distinction.”
William M. Pollak, JHS Class of 1953
William M. Pollak clearly has made significant contributions to the Johnstown area. After serving two years in the U.S. Army, Mr. Pollak received a BA degree from St. Lawrence University and a Masters from SUNY at Albany.
He began his 36-year career as a high school social studies teacher in 1960. In addition to teaching, he served as a football and basketball coach, as well as advisor to the student council, yearbook and school newspaper. He was also active in writing state examinations and served 18 years as social studies department chairman.
In 1991, he was elected to his first of three two-year terms on the Fulton County Board of Supervisors. In 1997, he was elected to a four-year term as Mayor of Johnstown. During his term, major strides were made in beautification, clean-up and economic development in the city.
He was selected as Executive of the Year for 1999 by the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. Bill’s active civic involvement, for which he received the Fulton County Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award in 2003, also included the Jaycees, YMCA Board of Directors, “The Cave” youth center, the Veterans Memorial, the City Planning Board, and a founder and hall of fame member of the Glove Cities Colonials. He was elected to the Board of Education in 2002 and was named curator of the school museum, a project which he spearheaded.