9/11 Photographer Among 3 Inducted Into South Huntington Hall Of Fame

SOUTH HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — Three distinguished Walt Whitman High School graduates will be honored this weekend during South Huntington's Homecoming celebration as the newest inductees into the school district's Hall of Fame.

Thomas Franklin, Class of 1984, is best known for capturing the iconic photograph of three firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001 — an image that became a symbol of resilience seen around the world.

Joining him as 2025 inductees are Chris Kort. Class of 1990, founder and president of the New York City-based Prosthetics in Motion, and Nicholas Ciappetta, Class of 1997, attorney, former Town of Huntington attorney, and longtime South Huntington Board of Education president.

The honorees will be celebrated at a luncheon and induction ceremony at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Oct. 25, in the South Cafeteria at Walt Whitman High School, 301 West Hills Road, Huntington Station. They will also appear in the district's Homecoming Parade at 4 p.m. and take part in the coin toss before the Wildcats' football game against Riverhead at 6 p.m.

Each inductee will receive a personalized crystal trophy engraved with the Wildcat logo, and their portraits will be added to the Hall of Fame wall at the high school.

"Our district résumé is filled with graduates who have amassed noteworthy achievements and emerged as leaders of their respective academic, military, business, research, leadership, and service fields," Superintendent Dr. Vito D'Elia said. "These individuals serve as bright, beautiful examples of our ever-evolving Wildcat dream."

The South Huntington Hall of Fame, established in 2008, recognizes alumni who have made significant contributions to their profession, community, or society. New members are inducted every two years, selected by members of the South Huntington Alumni Group.