The gala honors the legacy of those who have made a lasting impact on Skyline; tickets must be purchased by Feb 21
Skyline High School is proud to announce its inaugural Hall of Fame event, honoring 12 exceptional staff and former staff members who have made a lasting impact on the school community.
In a significant move to strengthen alumni connections and celebrate its rich history, Skyline’s first-ever Hall of Fame will take place at Weber’s Boutique Hotel on Saturday, March 15. Tickets must be purchased by Friday, February 21st. To do so, click here.
Principal Casey Elmore says that the Skyline Hall of Fame event is more than just a night of celebration.
“It’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of those who have made a lasting impact on our school and community,” she says. “By attending, you’re not only showing support for these outstanding individuals but also for the future of our school.”
“As the newest high school in the district, we’ve recognized the need to build stronger connections with our alumni and community. Now that we have graduates established in various fields doing amazing things, we want to create a platform to recognize them and forge lasting connections back to Skyline.”
The inaugural class focuses on the visionaries who helped plan, design, and launch Skyline. These 12 inductees were instrumental in the research, implementation of best practices, and foundational work that created the high-performing, inclusive environment Skyline is known for today. Their legacy continues to influence the school’s student-first approach after 17 years of operation.
The celebration at Weber’s Boutique Hotel promises to be more than just a dinner event, Elmore said. Attendees will experience a journey through Skyline’s history with memorabilia displays, photographs, and artifacts spanning the school’s existence. The evening will feature a special performance by the renowned Skyline Blues a cappella choir and a custom video highlighting the school’s identity and achievements.
To commemorate these contributions permanently, the school has established a Hall of Fame display at the student entrance. Each honoree will receive recognition through a mounted plaque detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the Skyline community.
The event aims to raise $25,000 to establish both a Hall of Fame Fund and an Alumni Fund. These resources will support future celebrations and provide direct benefits to current students through:
- Scholarships for yearbooks and graduation attire
- School beautification projects
- Funding for special events
- Various student-centered initiatives
Looking ahead, Elmore envisions this as just the beginning. Future Hall of Fame classes will expand to include former students, parents, and community members who have made significant contributions to Skyline or achieved outstanding success in their fields, she says. The nomination process for next year’s inductees will open during this inaugural celebration.
Elmore hopes this inaugural Hall of Fame will influence future generations of Skyline High School educators and students.
“I hope that this will be the start of a strong, organized alumni base that will continue to stay connected both to each other and to Skyline. I know I cherish the amazing students, parents, and community members I have been able to work with during my 15 years at Skyline and I want everyone to have access to this strong community that we have created well beyond when they graduate and move onto next steps.
Principal Casey Elmore
Elmore is also hoping classes will start to organize some class reunions so the relationships forged at Skyline may continue to be nurtured.
“Most importantly, I want to develop a culture of celebration and recognition for our Skyline family,” she says. “I want current students to know who came before them and know that they are capable of achieving whatever they set their mind to do as those who sat in the same seats as they have been able to do.”
Kay Wade is among the dozen inductees. Now retired from Skyline after a career in education spanning nearly five decades, Wade was part of the team that founded and planned Skyline High School, which opened in 2008.
“I am honored to have been selected for Skylline’s Inaugural Hall of Fame, says Wade, who had served as the school’s Social Studies Department Chair and the AAPS District Social Studies Coordinator until her retirement in 2019 “I believe this event will help highlight Skyline and its history.”
AAPS Career and Technology Education Director Tom Pachera says he’s thrilled to be part of the 2025 inaugural class.
“I am honored to be among some of the best educational leaders I have ever worked with,” he says. “This includes two of my educational mentors, Mrs. Kay Wade and Ms. Salura Jackson. I love and fully support Skyline Hall of Fame to honor administrators, teachers, students, and community members for generations to come.”
Elmore is hoping for a large turnout at the event.
“The evening will be filled with fun, smiles, fellowship, music, good food, and dancing,” she says. “All while honoring those who have made Skyline what it is today.”
For those unable to attend but wishing to support this initiative, donations can be made at https://gofan.co/event/2853292?schoolId=MI68101.
And the 2025 inductees are:
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