MIDWOOD — James Madison High School, the educational institution with an accomplished list of well-known alumni across politics, entertainment, law, and sports, had its centennial celebration the weekend of Oct. 24.
The event spanned three days, and included a pep rally, a musical alumni gathering and an all-class reunion at Clemente’s Crab House, 3939 Emmons Ave., on Friday, Oct. 24. The following day featured a homecoming football game called the “Battle of Bedford” against Midwood High School. On Sunday, Oct. 26, James Madison High School hosted a Wall of Distinction Ceremony and centennial luncheon.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters about Democratic victories on Election Day, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, day 36 of the government shutdown. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
The centennial reaffirmed the school’s role in educating generations of New Yorkers from immigrant families in early decades to a diverse student body today.
Don Vultaggio, class of 1970, chair and founder of AriZona Beverages. Photo by Jane Carbonaro Arrabito
Madison’s Wall of Distinction inductees
Honorees at the ceremony included several notable alumni.
Dr. Hope Handler Punnett, class of 1944, was the first female editor-in-chief of the Madison Highway school newspaper. She also spent more than 30 years as director of the genetics laboratory at Philadelphia’s St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks to reporters about Democratic victories on the morning after Election Day, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, day 36 of the government shutdown. Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Dr. Richard Chasin, class of 1953, was a Harvard Medical School graduate and a founding member of the American Family Therapy Academy, a non-profit organization that aims to make family therapy knowledge accessible to practitioners, allied professionals and the public.
Jonathan Stein, class of 1960, an attorney practicing anti-poverty law, was at the forefront of social change and law reform on behalf of low-income people in the Philadelphia region and nationally.
This image provided by the U.S. Postal Service shows the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The U.S. Postal Service is honoring her as “an icon of American culture” with a stamp in the new year, seen in this rendering released by the agency on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022, in Washington, D.C. Photo: U.S. Postal Service via AP
Joan Spiegel Van Horn, class of 1967, spent decades in film and television, working with legends like Martin Scorsese, Frank Sinatra and Woody Allen.
Joel Benjamin, class of 1981, an FIDE grandmaster of chess, had wins in the U.S. Open throughout three decades and was the youngest inductee in the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2008.
Don Vultaggio, class of 1970, is the chairperson and founder of AriZona Beverages. He began his foray into the beverage industry in 1970 as a local beer distributor in Brooklyn. Vultaggio initially made his mark on the beer business under Hornell Brewing Co.
Edward Suhr, class of 1980, has led his teams to numerous championships as a coach and player in wheelchair rugby, including the Paralympics and world championships. His passion for sports and dedication to volunteering with veterans profoundly impacted the lives of many disabled athletes.
Madison’s well-known alumni
Among the more noteworthy attendees of James Madison High School are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, comedians and actors Andrew Dice Clay and Chris Rock, Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau, and former NBA player and coach Lenny Wilkens.
Jacquline Bernstein, class of 1983, right, alongside Akkitta Wellington Cope, class of 1987. Photo by Jane Carbonaro Arrabito
Named after President James Madison, the school officially opened its doors on Sept. 14, 1925, and was built to serve the rapidly growing population of Brooklyn in the early 20th century.
Its entrance features a stone header inscribed with President Madison’s words. Students can still see it to this day as they walk through the school’s doors every morning: “Education is the true foundation of civil liberty.”
Alumni from 1986 through 1989 and Principal Jodie Cohen. Photo by Jane Carbonaro Arrabito
More than teachers, books and going through the motions
Co-president of the Madison Alumni Association Jane Carbonaro Arrabito, class of 1986, spoke exclusively to the Brooklyn Eagle about the school’s three-day centennial celebration.
Class of 1988: Lauren Carbonaro Alfarano, Candace Caracci, Dina Hengber, school mascot Sir Quentin, Amy Muskluck Crowe, Ian Kahonowitz, Lauren Kimbell McLoughlin, Patricia Limongelli and Vinnie Serpico. Photo by Jane Carbonaro Arrabito
Carbonaro Arrabito said that the planning started more than a year ago and involved three different groups: the James Madison Alumni Association, the James Madison High School staff, and the Golden Knights Touchdown Club, an organization that helps raise funds for athletics as well as school celebrations. Carbonaro Arrabito noted that Principal Jodie Cohen was instrumental in making the weekend happen as well.
Co-presidents of the Madison Alumni Association Jane Carbonaro Arrabito and John Rice. Brooklyn Eagle photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
When asked what makes Madison special, Carbonaro Arrabito responded, “A lot of people ask that. One of the classic retorts to that question is, ‘it’s in the water!’”
According to Carbonaro Arrabito, Madison is still thriving. “It’s a neighborhood school that you don’t have to test into to enter, so it feeds into the general population from communities,” she said. “I attribute Madison’s longevity to a caring and dedicated staff. The school is way more than just teachers, books and going through the motions.”
Madison alumni from the 1980s and 1990s celebrate at Clemente’s post-homecoming football game. Photo by Jane Carbonaro Arrabito
Looking forward, Carbonaro Arrabito said she can see James Madison High School being around for another 100 years. “We’ve been doing all right since 1925, and I don’t foresee anything interrupting that momentum.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
