Briarcliff HS Recognizes Two Distinguished Alumni

From Syntax: Briarcliff High School Principal Debora French presented the Distinguished Alumni award to two outstanding recipients at the school’s annual award ceremony on May 22.

French recognized Eric Lebenson (class of 1988) and Tom Leihbacher (class of 1978), two alumni who are dedicated to giving back to the village and school community.

“Over the years, Briarcliff High School graduates have demonstrated exemplary achievements in every walk of life,” said French.

Lebenson, a standout for the school’s cross country and tennis teams, was awarded the Rotary Club’s scholarship for community service his senior year. He now has been a member of the club for more than 15 years, including two terms as president. He additionally serves as chairperson of the Pocantico Hills Foundation, has worked as a real estate professional and was recognized in Washington D.C. for his work with St. Christopher’s, a school for at-risk youth, for which he is the chief development officer.

For Lebenson, two BHS rooms in particular hold special memories. He met his wife of 20 years, Dawn, in the chorus room. And, he recalled, “30 years ago last Monday, I asked her out in the library.”

Lebenson, who has children ages 15 and 10, encouraged this year’s crop of BHS graduates to make time for giving back as they move on.

“My road started 20 years ago when I won the Briarcliff Rotary community service award, and since then, I’ve made charity work and community service part of my life,” he said. “I hope all the amazing young men and women in this room continue giving after they leave. You are going to have amazingly busy lives – colleges, jobs, perhaps families. I can honestly say giving back to [the] community is truly the most rewarding, fulfilling part of my life.”

Leihbacher was born and raised in Briarcliff Manor, attending Todd Elementary School through BHS.

“His dedication to service is unbridled,” said French, who noted Leihbacher also serves as a leader in the field of advertising and digital sales.

Leihbacher founded the Briarcliff Congregational Church’s youth group, volunteers at the Ossining Food Pantry and serves on the board of directors for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“Sometimes the words ‘thank you’ just aren’t adequate to express the gratitude you have,” he said. “I consider this a very lovely honor I will hold [it] dear as long as I live.”

Leihbacher said that looking at the wall of distinguished alumni plaques that hang in the school’s entrance reminds him of the lifelong friendships he forged as a student.

“You can take the kid out of BHS, but you can’t take BHS out of the kid,” he said, pointing out his high school friends in attendance. “Bonds of friendships made here at BHS are made to last.”

Leihbacher has a son who graduated BHS in 2006 and thanked his wife Rachel, who he said “has done more for the Briarcliff community than anybody I know.”

“Lastly, for those of you who are preparing to graduate,” he said, “Congratulations and welcome to the club. Dream crazy, pray hard and Godspeed as you write your next chapter.”

Photo courtesy of the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District (Briarcliff High School alumni (from left) Tom Leihbacher (class of 1978) and Eric Lebenson (class of 1988) received the school’s Distinguished Alumni award.)