Alumni
Alumni Achievement Awards
2025 Alumni Achievement Award Recipients
2025 Alumni Achievement Awards Recipients
Harrisburg Academy is delighted to announce the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners
and inductees into our Hall of Fame.
and inductees into our Hall of Fame.
Professional Achievement Award
Liz Hoffman ’04 covers business and finance for Semafor, a global startup news organization she joined in July 2022.
She previously spent nine years at The Wall Street Journal, beginning in 2013 as a mergers and acquisitions reporter. During her tenure, she broke news on some of the largest corporate deals of the decade—including Burger King’s merger with Tim Hortons, Dell’s acquisition of EMC, the Baker Hughes–Halliburton tie-up, and a hostile bid for Hershey, her hometown company. As a senior finance reporter, she authored numerous front-page stories and exclusives on topics such as Goldman Sachs’s push into consumer banking, the challenges facing the world’s largest venture capital fund, the rise and fall of the SPAC boom, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s toll on global markets.
Liz is also the author of Crash Landing: The Inside Story of How the World’s Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink, which examines how major corporations navigated the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.
She is a graduate of Tufts University and holds a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Academic Achievement Award
Dr. Samantha Zuckerman ’05 is the Vice Chief of Breast Imaging and Director of the Breast Imaging Fellowship Program at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated from Harrisburg Academy in 2005 and went on to earn both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Pennsylvania. She subsequently received her medical degree with honors from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Zuckerman completed her residency and fellowship in breast imaging at the University of Pennsylvania, where she has remained as a faculty member. In her current roles, she provides leadership in breast cancer imaging, research, and education.
An accomplished academic, Dr. Zuckerman has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications and book chapters and is a frequent invited speaker at national conferences. Her research, particularly in digital breast tomosynthesis, has earned her national recognition and awards. She also serves in leadership positions within the Society of Breast Imaging, contributing to the advancement of the field at a national level.
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ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Associate Professor of Clinical RadiologyActive Medical Staff, Department of Radiology, Chester County HospitalActive Medical Staff, Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging, Pennsylvania HospitalActive Medical Staff, Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging, Penn Presbyterian Medical CenterAttending, Department of Radiology, Breast Imaging, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaBreast Imaging Fellowship Director, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaCo-Chair Ethics Committee, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaVice Chief of Breast Imaging for Clinical Operations, Hospital of the University of PennsylvaniaNational Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), Steering Committee, Breast Radiology RepresentativeMedical School & ResidencyUniversity of Pennsylvania Health System - Residency - Radiology-Diagnostic, 2014-2018University of Pennsylvania Health System - Fellowship - Women's Imaging, 2018-2019University of Pennsylvania Health System - Chief Residency - Radiology-Diagnostic, 2017-2017Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - Internship - Transitional Year, 2013-2014Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai - MDCertifications & LicensureAmerican Board of Radiology (ABMS®) - Certified in Diagnostic RadiologyNJ State Medical License - Active through 2027PA State Medical License - Active through 2026
Rising Star Award
Peter Stone ’11 is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and producer whose innovative blend of rock, alternative, and folk music has reached audiences worldwide. As co-founder and guitarist of The Rare Occasions, they helped create the hit song “Notion”, which has been streamed more than one billion times. Now performing under their own name, they live and work in New York City. This fall, they is touring the Northeast while completing a new album, scheduled for release in 2026.
Service to Humanity Award
Donald Jacobs ’82 enjoyed a distinguished career as a transformational Chief Information Officer (CIO) and consultant, serving a wide range of private and public organizations spanning government, real estate investment trusts, and pharmaceuticals. His professional expertise in information technology was matched by a deep commitment to community service.
Following his graduation from Harrisburg Academy, Don earned dual undergraduate degrees in computer science and in mathematics and natural sciences, later completing an MBA with a concentration in strategy and organizational leadership. He further advanced his executive training with a postgraduate program in executive leadership in cybersecurity at MIT.
After a successful career, Don retired at age 56 and now enjoys this new chapter of life with his wife, Kathryn.
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ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Achievements and Awards1982 – Outstanding Graduate Student Award1982 – Civilian Lifesaving (rescued and resuscitated a swimmer in deep waters)2002 – Five-star Award - Technology Leadership2004 – U.S. Coast Guard Civilian Meritorious Service Award2004 – Distinguished Service Award, North Whitehall Township2008 – U.S. Presidential Lifetime Volunteer Service Award, 21,000+ hours of volunteer2018 – National Honor Society for Academics and Leadership, Graduate SchoolVolunteer Services1991-Present – Emergency Management Director (and Deputy, see previous)
1985-2001 – Firefighter / EMT, Sussex County, NJ
1982-1986 – Firefighter / EMT, Lycoming County, PA
1980-1985 – Firefighter / EMT, Cumberland County, PA1997-1998 – Deputy Mayor and Council President
1995-1999 – Fire Commissioner
1995-1996 – Deputy Police Commissioner
1994-1999 – Elected Member of Council
1990-1999 – Emergency Management Coordinator2004-Present – Fire Marshal2005-Present - EMT, Northern Valley EMS (Volunteer)
2005-2018 – Treasurer, North Whitehall Twp. Volunteer Firefighter's Relief Association
2006-Present - Treasurer, North Whitehall Twp. Emergency Services Organization
2006-Present - Public Information Officer (PIO), North Whitehall Twp.
2011-Present – Master Mason & Shriner2019-2021 - Treasurer, TriClover Volunteer Fire Company
Alumnus of the Year
Colonel William Dodson ’73, MD is a U.S. Government contractor physician at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. He is a member of the Academy Board of Trustees, is on the Schools Committee, and has chaired the Athletics Committee.
Col Dodson is a graduate of Emory University College, GA and Duke University School of Medicine, NC. Internship was at Spartanburg Level I Trauma RMC, SC and Residency in Physical Medicine at George Washington University, DC. He did the Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship at St. Joseph's Hospital, FL and the USAF Residency in Aerospace Medicine (RAM) at Brooks AFB, TX including a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Texas.
Son of W. Dodson Jr ’38, nephew of Charles Dodson ’39, he was the proud recipient of the Academy’s 2016 Alumni Award for Professional Achievement. He has been thrilled to be able to support the Academy in person on Team Gold including sports and theater events, alumni days, galas, founders’ days, picnics and commencements as well as making himself available for students that have questions for him about medicine, aviation or federal service (both military and civilian).
Col Dodson is convinced that the Academy’s AAA Triad Model of a balance of Athletics, Arts, and Academics maximizes the development of any student’s potential. Regarding athletics, not only does it improve health including less depression and anxiety, it leads to better academic performance as shown by Mandolesi L et al’s 2018 review: “Effects of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Functioning and Wellbeing” (National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health, includes 149 references).
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ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
EDUCATION:1977 Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude, Emory University, Atlanta GA 1983 Doctor of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham NC1984 Internship, Spartanburg Regional Level I Trauma Medical Center, Spartanburg SC 1988 Squadron Officers School (Correspondence)1993 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency, George Washington University, Washington DC 1996 Undersea Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship, St Joseph’s Hospital, Tampa FL1997 Air Command and Staff College (Correspondence)1998 Masters of Public Health, University of Texas, San Antonio TX 1999 Air War College (Correspondence)2000 Residency in Aerospace Medicine (RAM), San Antonio TXASSIGNMENTS:August 1984 – March 1986, Flight Medicine Clinic, Flying Training Wing, Reese Air Force Base, TexasMarch 1986 – July 1989, Primary Care Clinic - Flight Medicine Augmentee, Zweibrucken Air Base, GermanyJuly 1991 – July 1994, SGH Chief of Professional Services, 113th Fighter Wing Tactical Hospital, Andrews Air Force Base, MarylandJuly 1994 – August 1997, SGP Chief of Aeromedical Services, 125th Fighter Wing Medical Squadron, Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, FloridaAugust 1997 – June 2000, Resident in Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base, TexasJuly 2000– August 2003, SGO (SGP/SGH) Chief of Professional and Aeromedical Services, Headquarters Air National Guard, Andrews Air Force Base, MarylandAugust 2003 – July 2004, Commander Asst/Deputy SGP Chief of Aeromedical Services, 125th Fighter Wing Medical Group, Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, FloridaOctober 2004 - April 2006, July 2009- Dec 2013, SGP Chief of Aeromedical Services, 108th Medical Group, alternate State Air Surgeon, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey;November 2004 - January 2005, Aeromedical Dental Flight Commander, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group (CENTAF), Al Udeid Air Base, QatarNovember 2005 - April 2006, State Air Surgeon - Acting, Joint Force Headquarters, New JerseySeptember 2005 - November 2008, Commander, 108th Medical Group, McGuire Air Force Base, New JerseySeptember 2006 – January 2007, Commander, 447 EMEDS Hospital (AFCENT), Baghdad IraqDecember 2008 - June 2009, CENTCOM Multi National Security Transition Command - Iraq / Coalition Air Force Training Team Joint Surgeon, IraqDecember 2013 – Aug 2014, New Jersey State Air Surgeon, Joint Force HQ, Joint Base MDL, NJAug 2014 – 1 July 2017, ANG Assistant to 711 HPW Commander, Wright-Patterson AFB, OHFLIGHT INFORMATION:Rating: Chief Flight SurgeonFlight Hours: More than 900 Military (Includes 41 Combat Sorties)MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONSLegion of Merit Bronze Star MedalMeritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clustersAir MedalAir Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf clusterAir Force Achievement MedalIraqi Campaign MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalNational Defense Service Medal with starHumanitarian Service MedalMilitary Outstanding Volunteer Service MedalNuclear Deterrence Operations Service MedalAF Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf clusterAir Force Organizational Excellence AwardAir Force Recognition RibbonAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border and 2 oak leaf clustersSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with starMAJOR STATE AWARDS AND DECORATIONSNew Jersey Distinguished Service MedalLouisiana Emergency Service MedalFlorida Commendation MedalDistrict of Columbia Faithful Service MedalDATES OF PROMOTION:First Lieutenant, May 8, 1983Captain, Jul 22, 1984Major, April 17, 1992Lieutenant Colonel, June 8, 1996Colonel, June 30, 2005
2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Doug Caplan '11
Being inducted into the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame is an incredible honor that reflects not only my achievements on the tennis court, but also the support of my dear family & friends, coaches, and teammates who all believed in me. Tennis has taught me many life skills - resilience, discipline, determination, and leadership - lessons that have shaped who I am far beyond the sport. I’m proud to have contributed to the Academy’s athletic tradition as the school's first PIAA State Champion, and I'm thankful for the experiences that helped me grow both as an athlete and as a person.
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Achievements & Awards
Varsity Tennis:2007-08: Mid-Penn Singles Semi-Finals, Mid-Penn Doubles Champion, PIAA District 3 Doubles 4th Place, Coaches’ Award2008-09: Mid-Penn Singles Champion, Mid-Penn Doubles Champion, PIAA District 3 Singles 3rd Place, PIAA State AA Singles 2nd Place, PIAA Team Districts 2nd Place, PIAA Team States Quarterfinals, Team MVP2009-10: Mid-Penn Singles Champion, Dallastown Invitational #1 Singles Flight Champion, PIAA District 3 Singles 2nd Place, PIAA Team Districts 2nd Place, PIAA Team States Semi-Finals, Patriot News All-Star Tennis Team, Patriot News Big 15, Coaches’ Award2010-11: Mid-Penn Singles Champion, Mid-Penn Doubles Champion, PIAA District 3 Class AA Champion, PIAA State AA Singles Champion, Sports Club Trophy Award, Team Captain & MVPAwards:Full International Baccalaureate Diploma, 2011 John Travers Nomination, USTA Middle States Boys 16s - Top 10 in Rankings, USTA Middle States Boys 18s - Top 3 in Rankings, USTA National Boys 18s - Top 200 in Rankings, 2nd Place at the 2007 United World Games in Vienna, Austria, First Place in the 2009 Wisehaven Tennis Center Elite Junior/College Champions League, Fourth Place at the 2008 National Mother/Son Indoor Doubles Championships.BOWDOIN COLLEGE, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Government & Legal Studies, Spanish, Varsity Men’s Tennis, Student-Athlete Advisory CommitteeUNC KENAN-FLAGER BUSINESS SCHOOL, Master of Business Administration (MBA)Community: Senior Consultant at Investor Group Services (2023-Present). Brand Manager, Innovation at Ocean Spray Cranberries (2020-2023). Co-Founder of Back Bay Roasters (2016-2020). Tennis Instructor for Harrisburg Dept. of Parks and Rec. (2012-2013). Harrisburg Academy Executive Alumni Board Member (2015-2019). 9-year rider and volunteer in the Pan-Mass Challenge (2017-Present). Bar Mitzvah confirmed at Temple Ohev Sholom.
Adam Chernicoff '10
I am incredibly thankful to my parents, coaches, and friends who taught me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. The work ethic I learned at Harrisburg Academy has propelled me to success in college, law school, work and more.
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Achievements
Varsity Soccer: 2006-09, Captain ‘09, MVP ’09, Defender of the Year ‘06, SIAC League All-Conference ‘07, ‘08, and ‘09, SIAC League Honorable Mention ‘06. SIAC League Champions 2007, 2008, 2009.Middle School Girls’ Assistant Soccer Coach: 2008Varsity Basketball: 2006-10, Captain ‘08-’09 and ‘09-’10, Co-MVP ‘09-’10, Coaches’ Award, ‘08-’09, JV MVP ‘06-’07 and ‘07-’08, SIAC All-Conference ‘08-’09 and ‘09-’10, 2009-10 All-Sentinel Honorable Mention, 2010 North/South All-Star Team, 5th All-Time Leading Scorer in school history. SIAC League Champions 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10.Varsity Lacrosse: 2007Varsity Baseball: THS Co-op, ‘09 and ‘10, Mid Penn All-Conference ’09 and ‘10.AWARDS: 2010 Sports Club Trophy Award, Tri-Athlete Award - 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10. Athletic Achievement Award 2007-08 and 2008-09.LAFAYETTE COLLEGE, B.A., History and Government & Law, with Honors, D1 Baseball, Student Government, Trustee CommitteeUNIVERSITYOF PENNSYLVANIA LAW SCHOOL, Juris Doctor. Journal of Business Law, Sports and Entertainment Law Society, Wharton Certificate in ManagementCOMMUNITY: Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates (2021 to Present). Special Assistant at the White House National Security Council (2015-2017). Advance Associate at the White House (2013-2015). Legal Intern at The National Football League (2018). Athletics Hall of Fame Committee 2009.