ORANGE — Ralph C. Mahar Regional School took the opportunity last week to recognize alumni for their post-graduation successes, welcoming the first group to its new Wall of Fame.

“Today’s event is very special. It is the first of many to recognize Ralph C. Mahar graduates for their accomplishments in their respective fields,” Principal Scott Hemlin said to the auditorium full of students on Friday. “Your experiences in education will serve as the keys to open doors of opportunities for yourself in the future.”

The Mahar graduates recognized at the ceremony were nominated by their peers for their accomplishments in various career fields and contributions to the community. In addition to recognizing and honoring the seven inductees, the ceremony provided current students with the opportunity to see what graduates have done beyond high school.

Hemlin stressed that success should be defined individually and can mean different things to different people. He said no matter what that success looks like, it “will in part be shaped by the experiences you gained here as students at Mahar.”

The first alumnus introduced at the ceremony was Greg Dunbar, who graduated from Mahar in 2006 and now works as vice president of digital marketing for The Walt Disney Co. Dunbar explained his experience at Mahar — collaborating with other students and taking direction from teachers — helped him learn how to navigate his chosen career.

“My advice is not to get caught up in a dream job,” he told the students.

Dunbar explained that when he was in school, his job didn’t exist yet, so he encouraged students to take risks and seek opportunities as they sometimes lead to unknown places.

Also honored on Friday was 2012 graduate Dylan Robichaud, who works as a meteorologist. He said he thinks there is a lack of scientific education going out to the public, a problem he looks to help solve through his career.

“Every day I can teach people new things,” he said of his news broadcasts.

Robichaud told the students they should take advantage of their free education because learning gets more expensive once they graduate from public high school. Robichaud said he was not a good student while he was attending Mahar, but he was able to get where he is today because the teachers “bent over backward to get me what I needed.”

Other Wall of Fame inductees included 1969 graduates and current Mahar teachers Pennie and Pam Smith. They wrote a speech advocating for students to get involved in extracurricular activities. Being teachers, they added, has given them a chance to be positive role models, and working with young people gives them a fresh perspective on life.

Construction project manager Hunter Apteker, who graduated in 2017 and currently works with Hill International, also joined the Wall of Fame.

While attending Mahar, Apteker said he took a range of electives that “sharpened his technical skills,” including woodworking and digital music production. His education gave him the foundational base to effectively communicate with others in his job.

Brittany Adams, a 2009 graduate, also took the stage to be inducted. She works as an occupational therapy educator at Western New England University, a job she loves because every day is different and she is always learning something new.

Adams said her time at Mahar, especially being part of the volunteer organization Key Club, “literally laid the groundwork for me to become a leader.” She advised the students not to take the easy path, even if they are afraid of a challenge.

The last to be inducted was emergency room nurse Kaila Richard. She said Mahar prepared her for her current job by instilling a work ethic that has served her throughout her life. She told the students to embrace failure and not give up on the first try.

“Good luck to all Mahar students and future graduates,” Richard said. “You guys got this.”

To learn more about the Wall of Fame inductees, visit u73.rcmahar.org/R.C.-Mahar-Wall-of-Fame.

Reach Bella Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.