The Islip community came together in a special way to honor its newest inductees into the Hall of Fame during the 2025 ceremony. 

The celebration began at the Hall of Fame wall in the Islip High School lobby, where inductees and their families gathered to view their newly installed plaques, a permanent reminder of their contributions to the school’s proud history.

"This is something we developed to bring together the Islip community to remind all of us that we're all Buccaneers," said Renee DeCrescenzo, an Islip High School teacher who oversees the Hall. "Once a Buccaneer, always a Buccaneer. It's meant to keep that community spirit going, to bring everybody back to Islip."

This year’s class included the late Mr. Bill Evert, a beloved former business teacher who made a lasting impact on countless students; Katie Hyland, a standout former Islip Varsity soccer player who earned All-State recognition; and the legendary 1991 and 1992 Islip Varsity Football teams, whose achievements continue to inspire Buccaneers more than three decades later.

"The Islip Hall of Fame brought us together," said John DeCrescenzo, a team member on both the 1991-92 and 1992-93 Islip football teams that won Suffolk County titles. "It's just a surreal feeling to know you were part of a championship in back-to-back years."

DeCrescenzo played a pivotal role in the 1991 Suffolk County title game, kicking the eventual game-winning 37-yard field goal against Sayville in a tight 9-7 win.

Hyland, who was a two-time Suffolk County Player of the Year, said the recognition is a product of years of hard work and dedication.

"It's not just about this achievement, it shows that with all the time and commitment that was put in, that it's obviously a great honor to be remembered," she said. 

Following the emotional visit to the high school, the community moved to Marconi Manor for the official induction ceremony. The event highlighted not only the accomplishments of the honorees but also the power of tradition and the strong bond between Islip schools, alumni, and the broader community.

The 2025 induction added another chapter to the legacy of excellence at Islip, ensuring that the names and stories of this year’s honorees will continue to inspire generations of Buccaneers.