2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Andrew Bell '01
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Andrew "Andy" Bell is the Senior Property Director of the Ambler YMCA, where he oversees facility operations and supports programs that serve thousands in the community. After graduating from Wissahickon High School, Mr. Bell earned his HVAC certification at North Montco Technical Career Center, which launched his career in facilities management.
Beyond his professional role, he has dedicated more than 27 years to the Wissahickon Fire Company, where he currently serves as Assistant Chief. He is also a board member of the Ambler Community Ambulance. In addition, Mr. Bell is active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster and contributing at the council level through the Baden-Powell District’s Property and Camp Committee. He is recognized for his strong work ethic, leadership, and lifelong commitment to serving others.
His advice to students? “My advice for students interested in facilities management or the trades is to take advantage of every learning opportunity. High school is a great time to explore technical training programs and hands-on experiences, like those offered at North Montco Technical Career Center. Learn the basics of HVAC, electrical, or carpentry, because those skills open doors to stable and rewarding careers. Beyond technical skills, focus on dependability, teamwork, and problem- solving—those qualities are just as important as certifications. Finally, find mentors who can guide you, and don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. Hard work and commitment will open opportunities for growth.”
Jeffrey Bond '99
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Jeffrey Bond is the Co-Founder & CEO of Chat With Leaders Media, where he advocates for human-centric leadership through storytelling, strategic content, and immersive experiences. With a people-first approach, Mr. Bond helps purpose-driven organizations deepen stakeholder relationships, grow revenue, and amplify social impact. His media company has produced over 200 podcast episodes featuring servant leaders and ranks in the top 5% globally on ListenNotes.
In addition to his role at Chat With Leaders, Mr. Bond serves as Executive Partner of the People First Elevation Team, a strategic alliance focused on enhancing leadership influence and workplace culture through impactful events and communications. He also sits on the board of Conscious Capitalism Atlanta, where he leads thought leadership initiatives and produces the “Capitalism Done Right” podcast, showcasing businesses that blend profit with purpose.
Mr. Bond is passionate about helping leaders steward their influence to build inclusive, connected communities. He believes that intentional communication and authentic connection are key to transforming workplaces and society. His advice to emerging leaders: stay curious, seek mentors, and never stop learning.
Maya Chester-Ziv '15
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Maya Chester-Ziv is a passionate theatre artist and educator committed to accessibility, new play development, and inclusive arts programming. As the Education Programs Manager at Philadelphia’s historic Walnut Street Theatre, she leads the Touring Outreach Program, bringing affordable, high-quality performances to over 160,000 children—many from underserved communities. Ms. Chester-Ziv also revitalized the theatre’s internship program and manages its summer camp, creating financially accessible opportunities for young performers.
Her dedication to inclusion extends to the stage, where she ensures all Main Stage productions are accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences through Open Captioning. Previously, Ms. Chester-Ziv served as the inaugural New Play Development Producer and head of Accessibility and Inclusion at The Strides Collective, championing LGBTQ+ narratives and identity-driven storytelling.
A graduate of Arcadia University with a degree in Theatre Arts, Ms. Chester-Ziv blends creativity with practical skills to foster joyful, community-centered theatre experiences. She encourages young artists to pursue their passions boldly and believes that success in the arts comes from loving the work fiercely and cultivating a diverse skill set.
Michael Hurst '95
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Michael Hurst is a 21-time Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award-winning Content Producer and Video Editor at NBC10 Philadelphia, where he’s spent over two decades telling impactful stories and informing the public through visual media. His work spans hard-hitting news coverage to editing NBC10’s weekly partnership shows with the Philadelphia Eagles, blending accountability journalism with engaging entertainment.
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Communications Media, Mr. Hurst’s passion for storytelling was sparked at WHS, where he immersed himself in TV Lab classes and music programs. At WHS, he was a drummer in multiple bands and pit orchestras, where he built lifelong friendships and later returned to mentor student musicians.
Mr. Hurst encourages aspiring media professionals to dive into every opportunity, whether it be classes, extracurriculars, or internships, and to take initiative in learning. He recommends that students stay curious, be proactive, and connect with those already doing the work they aspire to do.
Amy Breen Kunihiro '89
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Amy Breen Kunihiro is a distinguished emergency medicine physician who trained at Stanford University Medical Center and practiced for nearly two decades before transitioning to private wellness management and patient advocacy. Her career exemplifies adaptability and compassion, demonstrating how medical expertise can evolve to serve patients through a more holistic approach to health and wellness.
Ms. Kunihiro's commitment to community service is evident through her board positions with the Menlo Atherton Youth Lacrosse Club and The Fit Kids Foundation, as well as her volunteer work with the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula. Her leadership in youth development organizations demonstrates her passion for supporting the next generation.
Recently, Ms. Kunihiro authored Tranquila: A Doctor-Mom Attempts the Slow Life in Spain, sharing her journey from high-pressure medicine to mindful living. Her book serves as an inspiring example of reinvention and the pursuit of balanced living. Ms. Kunihiro's journey offers students an inspiring blueprint for success, emphasizing the importance of a meaningful, well-rounded life.
Francis Larkin III '73
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Francis "Frank" Larkin is a national advocate for veteran suicide prevention and traumatic brain injury research, currently serving as COO of the Troop's First Foundation where he leads the National Warrior Call Day initiative. Mr. Larkin is a dedicated supporter of the Navy SEAL Foundation and has devoted his post-military career to addressing critical issues facing America's veterans.
Mr. Larkin's distinguished career includes serving as the 40th United States Senate Sergeant at Arms and as a senior leader in the Department of Defense. He spent two decades as a special agent and Deputy Assistant Director in the United States Secret Service, earning the USSS Valor Award along with numerous Treasury, DHS, and DoD achievement awards.
After his military service, Mr. Larkin became a law enforcement in the Philadelphia area, working in patrol, narcotics, and homicide divisions. He later became a trooper-flight paramedic with the Maryland State Police and has maintained his nationally licensed paramedic certification for over 40 years. Even in quasi-retirement, he continues serving as a firefighter-paramedic for the City of Annapolis.
Mr. Larkin holds BA and MS degrees in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from Villanova University. His career has been driven by a passion for solving tough problems and improving public service, with experiences spanning the globe that have shaped his deep appreciation for America. His philosophy centers on respect, dignity, and treating others as they wish to be treated. His advice to students: "Grab onto the wheel and steer your destiny. Life ahead is full of adventure, so make it your own and make it count."
Dr. Abraham Lo '98
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Dr. Abraham Lo is a distinguished science educator and researcher with over 20 years of experience in K-12 teaching, university instruction, and professional learning design. He earned his BA in Biology and MSEd in Secondary Science Education from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by his PhD from Northwestern University.
Dr. Lo has taught middle and high school science in the Philadelphia area and the UK, including four years at Wissahickon High School working alongside his former teachers. His passion for forming student relationships and helping them connect science to real-world phenomena has shaped his entire career trajectory. Currently, Dr. Lo designs high-quality instructional materials and professional learning experiences to foster meaningful science learning for all students. His research focuses on testing the efficacy of innovative educational approaches.
Dr. Lo played a key role in developing OpenSciEd, a set of freely available, high-quality instructional materials that support students in using science to explain phenomena around them. These nationally recognized materials, including those used at Wissahickon, have been externally evaluated as exemplary. He co-led the design of professional learning approaches that support teachers nationwide and currently assists districts and states in implementing these transformative educational resources.
Sue Kanopka '94
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Sue Kanopka is the K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum in the Office of Teaching and Learning for the Wissahickon School District, where she has dedicated her entire educational career to serving the community that shaped her. A lifelong Wissahickon resident, she attended Mattison Avenue Elementary, Shady Grove Elementary, Wissahickon Middle School, and graduated from Wissahickon High School in 1994.
Mrs. Kanopka returned to Wissahickon in 1998 as a Kindergarten teacher at Stony Creek Elementary School, where she spent 17 years teaching all grades K-5. Her deep understanding of elementary education led her to serve as an elementary instructional coach for five years before being honored with the opportunity to serve as principal at Lower Gwynedd Elementary for nearly three years.
Throughout her diverse roles in education, Mrs. Kanopka has consistently focused on building relationships with students, families, and colleagues. She believes that meaningful connections form the foundation of effective education and credits Wissahickon's amazing community of learners, teachers, and staff for her success. She believes in the transformative power of teaching, viewing education as the foundation upon which all other careers are built. Her time as a Wissahickon student instilled in her the values of diversity, acceptance, and teamwork, which are principles that continue to guide her work and contribute to what makes the Wissahickon community special.
Maryann Slater '78
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Maryann Slater is a dedicated elementary educator who devoted 33 years of her career to the Wissahickon School District, beginning her teaching journey in 1992 and continuing until her retirement in 2025. Throughout her tenure, she had the privilege of teaching students across multiple grade levels, consistently focusing on inspiring and empowering her students to become lifelong learners.
Mrs. Slater was actively involved in district-wide initiatives focused on curriculum development, student achievement, and teacher mentorship. She served on numerous committees and contributed to programs that enriched the educational experience for all students, demonstrating her commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence. Mrs. Slater played a meaningful role in organizing Veterans Day events and was honored to serve on the Veterans Memorial Committee. These initiatives not only paid tribute to veterans in the Wissahickon community but also taught students the importance of service and respect, which are values that Mrs. Slater finds essential to character development.
Mrs. Slater believes education is one of the most meaningful and impactful careers possible, offering the incredible opportunity to shape lives and touch the future. Her advice to aspiring educators emphasizes the importance of patience, creativity, resilience, and leading with your heart. She believes that passion for making a difference and faith in every child's potential are the foundations of extraordinary teaching.
Kyle Wilson '85
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Kyle Wilson returned to Wiss Nation in 1997 as a middle school English teacher and became head basketball coach in 1998. As a student, he was a four-year basketball player and senior co-captain. Since graduating, he has built an extraordinary coaching legacy as the "winningest" coach in school history with 376 victories and counting.
Under Mr. Wilson's leadership, the basketball program has captured numerous league titles and reached two district Final Fours and a state Final Four. He has coached nearly 100 All-League athletes, two first-team all-state players, and six athletes who became professionals. Seven players have achieved the milestone of 1,000 career points, a testament to his ability to develop talent and foster excellence.
Mr. Wilson has served in multiple roles throughout the district, including middle school baseball coach, interim assistant principal, and football announcer. What he treasures most is building lasting relationships within the Wissahickon community. For Mr. Wilson, education has never been just a job but a calling rooted in pride, purpose, and a whole lot of blue and gold. He emphasizes that education enriches the soul through profound impact on students' lives. His advice to aspiring educators is to lead with heart, integrity, and purpose, promising that those who do will find deep fulfillment in helping others grow and succeed.