The Octorara Area School District inducted two new members into the Octorara Hall of Fame on Sept. 23 during a ceremony held at Octorara Junior-Senior High School. The inductees were Joshua Althouse, a member of the Class of 2006, and Catherine Imms, a member of the Class of 2010, who was inducted posthumously.

Welcoming attendees to the 30th annual induction ceremony was Julia Roth, senior class president. "These inductees have shown the world what the Octorara Brave can achieve. They set an example for generations to come," Julia said, encouraging her classmates to view the Hall of Fame plaques displayed in the school hallway.

Yony Gonzalez, vice president of the Student Council, inducted Althouse and provided his biographical information. Althouse attended James Madison University in Virginia, where he received a master's degree in public administration and a Bachelor of Arts in political science. After working for the United States government for seven years, he started working for Facebook's Meta in the external affairs department in 2018.

Althouse addressed the Octorara students, asking them to always express appreciation to their teachers. "I got to serve in the United States House of Representatives working for Congressman Joe Pitts, who represented this area. I worked for Speaker Paul Ryan, and through that job, I got to engage with two presidential administrations," he said. "The teachers in this school, the mentors and coaches should be up here (on stage) with me. They are the reason I was able to do anything beyond these walls."

Inducting Catherine and reciting her biography was senior Mackenzie Muldoon, a member of the Student Council. Catherine was salutatorian, Student Council president and editor of the school newspaper. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a bachelor's degree in history in 2014. She was able to transition from a part-time development coordinator position at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House into a full-time position. Her job was to secure funds for the facility, which provides housing for the families of seriously ill children who are receiving care at local hospitals.

Catherine was diagnosed with leukemia in 2017 and passed away at the age of 26 in February of 2018. "Her life was short but powerful and deserves to be remembered," said Mackenzie.

Accepting Catherine's award on her behalf was her sister Rosemary Shirey. Also in attendance were Catherine's parents, Dan and Peggy. Peggy held a photo of her daughter during the ceremony.

Rosemary spoke of Catherine's volunteer work in the Philadelphia community, including volunteering to help refugee women learn English and making homemade baked goods for the homeless. "She was a person who sought to channel her energy to help people around her and was well loved by those whose path she crossed," said Rose. "She was an example of courage, confidence and kindness. Had Catherine had the chance, I have no doubt that her contributions to the community would continue to grow."

Closing remarks were provided by Jonathan Propper, principal. The Octorara chorale was also on hand at the event to sing the school's alma mater and "The Star-Spangled Banner."