Ilion High School

Class of 2000

Alumni News

2000 Ilion Yearbook

 

Digitized Class Yearbook....

Mirror 2000 from the New York Heritage digital Ilion Free Public Library Yearbooks collection. Link opens in new browser tab. (added March 26, 2021)

 

Class Roster....

Class Roster and Honor Students, as published in the "The Mirror 2000", are available on the 2000 Class Roster page. (added January 9, 2023).

 

Meet the Class of 2000 .....

The Class Graduation List is now available. See if you can recognize familiar names. (July 1, 2000)

 

Commencement Program for Class of 2000.....

Commencement Program for Class of 2000 has been added as a pdf file, which will open in a new browser tab. This file is not search-able and has not been indexed on this site. (March 19, 2023)

 

Top Scholars of the IHS Class of 2000 ....

The 26th annual honors dinner was recently held to honor senior members of the IHS Class of 2000. FIFTY-SEVEN seniors were honored for earning outstanding scholastic records and achievements during their high school careers. The guest speaker, at the dinner, was Thaddeus Luke, a former Ilion High School graduate. Mr. Luke is currently the principal law clerk for the combined Courts of Herkimer County. (June 22, 2000)

Sara Korol is the 2000 valedictorian. She is the daughter of Theresa Korol.

Kathryn Adams is the salutatorian for the class of 2000. Katie is the daughter of Richard and Annemarie Adams.

 

IHS Class of 2000 20th Reunion (1 Year late)....

DON'T LET COVID KILL OUR FUN. Very casual get together to celebrate our 20th anniversary of graduating high school. In true GenerationX fashion, the Elks is having a band, so a $5 donation at the door is all that is required. If you want to eat, eat. If you want to drink, drink. Come remember what we were, who we wanted to be and what we wore. This is a night to remember we were the CLASS OF 2000, we started a new millennia! See www.facebook.com/events/577569916850467/?ref=newsfeed (November 19, 2021)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2021 AT 7 PM
IHS CLASS OF 2000 REUNION
Ilion Elks Lodge #1444

 

Joe Evans.....

Joe Evans email, joined the Navy in 2000. He was deployed to the Caribbean in 2001 where he worked with the Coast Guard and stopped drugs from coming into the United States. He stopped a total of 10 tons of cocaine approximate value of $130 Million. Joe married Kristy Davis from IHS in Mobile, Alabama in June of 2003. Joe was shipped out to Iraq 6 months later where he worked with the Navy Seals, stopping the terrorists from attacking the oil platforms in the Persian Gulf. He found out that Kristy was pregnant 2 days before he shipped out. He came back to see his daughter Isabelle Eva Evans born in October 2004. Joe currently works as the Military Liason for the U.S. Navy at the Federal building in Syracuse, NY. (April 5, 2006)

 

Army Ranger, Dad, Husband.....

B. M. Ketron, email, joined the army as a ranger, and met a girl, Misty Steinbach, who did the same. He married her and recently (January 13) they had a a son, Nathaniel Sabastian, who was 7 lbs. 12oz., 20 1/2" long, was born at 4:04 pm, and he has "long blond hair". Congratulations! (submitted by Katherine E. Ketron - January 18, 2002)

 

Condolences.....

James M. Kowalczik, IHS 2000 - It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of James (Jamie) M. Kowalczik, age 43, who died in a car accident on June 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Born in Utica on May 10, 1982, Jamie was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished friend, and all-around kind soul. He is survived by his beloved wife, Justina, and their two young children, Kiersten (8) and Kevin (6), who were the lights of his life and his greatest pride. Jamie was at peace most when surrounded by nature, whether hiking through the woods, tending to his garden, or relaxing by a campfire at his favorite place on earth, Piseco Lake. He found joy in the simple things: a good song on the radio, a home-cooked meal shared with family, the scent of pine trees, and the warmth of summer night. He was a passionate cook who loved experimenting in the kitchen, often turning everyday - meals into feasts. A true kitchen patriarch, Jamie found joy and purpose in feeding the people he loved. Whether it was slow-smoked brisket, char-grilled ribs, or fiery long hots that dared to be eaten, every meal was a gesture of devotion. To know Jamie was to know warmth, humor, and deep compassion. He showed up for people, offered support without hesitation, and had a way of making others feel heard and seen. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the love he gave lives on in those who were lucky enough to know him. Jamie received his Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration from SUNY Morrisville in 2007. Jamie’s passion for Information Technology was central to who he was. For over 25 years, he served in the SUNY system, most recently promoted to Senior Network Administrator for SUNY ITEC, earning the respect and trust of all who worked with him. He had a rare ability to make complex systems work better for people, often creating automations and efficiencies that saved time and improved operations. No matter the challenge, Jamie found solutions, often putting in extra hours to ensure things were done right. His impact lives on not only in the improvements he has made, but in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working alongside him. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his parents, John and Sharon Losier Kowalczik, his siblings, John Kowalczik, Julie Steele (Clint Healy), and Jeff (Beth) Kowalczik, mother-in-law Darlene Russett, father-in-law Eric O’Neil, step father-in-law William Russett, brother-in-law Aaron Russett, sister-in-laws Shawna (Garth) Coveny, Brianna Bouck, Jasmine Zinkovitch, Justina’s grandfather Robert O’Neil, and his beloved Losier aunts and uncles, Kathy (David) Williams, Patricia (Bill) Albin, Paul (Linda) Losier, and Tom (Theresa) Losier. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Michael, Andrew, Emma, Addie, Kenzie, Kaison, Brantley, Heavenly, Ezra, Ivy, Deacon, Isabella and Willow, and a wide circle of friends who will carry his memory with them always. Lastly, he was part of a very elite group we call The Losier Cousins who will all miss him greatly. A funeral service, as we partake in a celebration of Jamie’s life, will be held on June 29th at Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home in Ilion, NY from 12-3pm. This will be calling hours at the funeral home, located at 4309 Acme Road, followed by a funeral home Catholic prayer service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made for a college fund for Kiersten and Kevin. He left this world far too soon, but his spirit lives on in every sunrise over Piseco Lake, every song shared in the car, and every quiet evening around the fire. Rest peacefully, Jamie. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed. Arrangements are in care of the longtime family friends at Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000. This obituary may be viewed by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet. (June 24, 2025)

 

Jacob A. Mutchler, IHS 2000, passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord surrounded by his family on May 19, 2022. He was born on September 20, 1981, in Herkimer, New York. A life-long resident of Ilion, NY, Jacob was a graduate of Ilion Jr./Sr. High School Class of 2000. Over the years Jacob worked for Gatehouse Media (Utica Observer-Dispatch), Human Technologies Corporation, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, HMS Host Family Restaurants, and Wal-Mart. Jacob had a love of music and found joy in listening to his extensive music library and playing his guitar. He enjoyed family visits to Cooperstown and the Adirondacks. Jacob was the son of Roxanne K. and John L. Mutchler. He also leaves a sister Sarah J. (Michael) De Marchena; Aunts: Robin (John) Wilson and Elaine Henry; Uncle Robert Kempton, Jr.; Nieces: Daniella J. De Marchena and Olivia J. De Marchena; Cousins: Maria (Anthony) Dardano and Leigh Ann (Michael) Dillon; and special friend of many years Christine Keyser. Jacob was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Robert and Mary Kempton, fraternal grandparents Forbes and Betty Mutchler, and his uncles Kenneth Lowe and James Henry. The family is thankful and greatly appreciates the doctors, nurses, and staff of the Bassett Cooperstown ICU, particularly Dr. Bruce Kramer, for their compassion, respect, and excellent care of Jacob. The support received from family and close and dear friends, particularly the Redeemer Church family, has been of the greatest comfort. Jacob had a kind heart for people in need. In his memory, the family requests that you consider an act of kindness to someone who may be struggling with loneliness or their mental health. In keeping with Jacob's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Interment in Armory Hill Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357. (May 22, 2022)

 

Jonathan L. Waller, IHS 2000, 38, of Coldbrook, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, July 10, 2020. He was born on December 10, 1981, in Herkimer, NY, son of Jim Waller and the late Patricia (Farr) Waller. He was a graduate of Ilion High School and Herkimer BOCES Auto Body Repair Program. Jonathan was at one time employed with Cater Lincoln Mercury, Advance Auto Parts, and PEP Boys. He was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer, NY, where he served as an altar boy and volunteered for many activities including cooking for Church dinners. Jonathan will be remembered as a kind and considerate person who respected everyone he came into contact with. In his free time, he enjoyed building model planes and cars, as well as the company of his feline companion "Gizzy" who never left his side. He is survived by his son Jonathan Waller, his grandmother Ann Waller, his father Jim (Florence) Waller, uncles David and Mike (Heather) Waller, aunt Johna Berger, and long-time friend Jim Amado. He leaves his half-siblings, Kellie Pope, Amanda Waller-Guyer, and Mike, Duane, and Jasmine Beauharnois. He also leaves several cousins, nephews, and a niece. He was predeceased by his grandfather Donald Waller. Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. There are no public calling hours. Arrangements are with the Dimbleby Funeral Homes. Inc. For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com. (July 22, 2020)

 

Danielle Marie (Patrick) Jeck, IHS 2000, age 37, of North Gardiner Road, Town of Little Falls, passed away very unexpectedly, too young, on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, New York. Danielle was spending a relaxing day with her mom on Sunday and her passing was graced with her beloved mother at her side. She was born in Herkimer, NY, on May 18, 1982, a daughter of Mary Irene (Tillinghast) Gonzalez and the late Randolph Scott Patrick. Danielle graduated from Ilion Central School, Class of 2000. The most important thing for Danielle was spending time with her family. She just absolutely loved to be in the presence of her children. She loved to read and being outdoors as well Survivors include her beloved family, her husband, Jeremy K. Jeck, joined in marriage on November 1, 2015; her cherished children, Isaiah Ackler, Isabella Ackler, Ionna Ackler, Kenneth Jeck, Ryan Jeck and Emily Ellis – Jeck; her mother and stepfather, Mary Gonzalez and her husband, Joe; her brothers, Greg Patrick, Corey Patrick and Nathan Patrick; her step mom, Lisa Patrick; her step siblings, Alicia, Levitta and Jose; and so many other family members of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to mention. Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, May 30, 2019, from 4pm - 6pm, at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Main Street), Ilion, NY, (Town of Frankfort). A funeral prayer service will be held after the calling hours at the funeral home, at 6pm, with Pastor Sue Holland, officiating. Arrangements have been secured with Funeral Directors Harry J. & Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 894-8000.(June 2, 2019)

 

Golden Bombers Buzz WebSite.....

Michael Parkhurst, US NAVY, email, Suffolk, VA, registered in the directory. (May 31, 2015)

Justin Gage, Shop Teacher, Richmond, Va, registered. (Aug 28, 2011)

Megan Seymour, email, from Ilion, NY, registered. (Mar 26, 2009)

Rebecca 'Becky' DeLong, from Owings Mills, MD, email, re-registered. (Feb 22, 2009)

Scott McCumber, recruiting and retention NCO, email, from Auburn, NY, re-registered. (Apr 13, 2008)

"Hi everyone! I stumbled upon the website and thought it was pretty cool and wanted to post a little update to my life to this point. I went into the Marines right after school, which I was in for 5 years. I was promoted to SGT one year before I got out. I spent my last 42 months in overseas in Okinawa, Japan, where I worked as a crew chief on CH-46 helicopters. I traveled to 13 different countries while I was in to include the Philippines, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Kuwait, and Iraq. After that I came home for a while and then missed the military, so I went into the New York Army National Guard, and am currently working full time with them as a recruiting and retention NCO. I work out of Auburn and am responsible for an area about twice the size of Herkimer County. If anyone would like to get in touch, you can email me! Hope everyone is doing well with their lives!"

Brad Morse, Web Developer, email from Ilion, NY, re-registered. (Apr 13, 2008)

"Recently (03/08) began working at Herkimer County Community College as their Webmaster. Before HCCC, I worked for three years at Quadsimia LLC, a Professional Web Design company in New York Mills, NY right out of college, graduating from SUNY Morrisville in May of 2005 with a Bachelors in Technology, concentrating in Electronic Marketing and Publishing."

Andrea Hoffman, Substitute teacher (with a Master of Science Degree from U Albany), shift supervisor at Kinney Drugs, email, Ilion, NY, re-registered. (Jan 26, 2008)

Kevin Hight, Computer Networking Tech, email, Ilion, NY, re-registered. (Feb 27, 2007)

Danielle Cardarelli, high school social studies teacher, email, from Brooklyn, NY, registered. (Sept 14, 2006)

Lacey Lonis Auld, email from Havelock, NC, re-registered. (July 14, 2006)

Matt Woody, Project Engineer, email email, from Cockeysville, MD, registered. (Feb 28, 2006)

Sarah Donahue, Speech-Language Pathologist, Ilion, NY, registered. (Jan 7, 2006)

Heidi Johnson Hitchcock, Grocery Store Owner, email, from Eagle Bay, NY, re-registered. (Nov 14, 2005)

Craig Sears, Computer / Electronic Technician, email, from Ilion, NY, registered. (April 3, 2005)

Ashley Egland, Event Coordinator, email, from Brookline, MA, registered. (Feb 20, 2005)

Jacquelyn Pickett Foley, Student, email, from Ilion, NY, registered. (October 4, 2004)

Justin Spadea, email, re-registered. (September 29, 2003)

Sara Fasani, email, from Frankfort, NY, sent news. (December 21, 2001)

"Just letting everyone know the change in e-mail address and to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year"

Bob Squire, Student/Fitness Trainer, email, from Oswego, NY, registered in the directory. (November 1, 2002)

Alisha Clark, School/dry cleaners, email, Layton, UT, registered. (September 16, 2002)

Melody Crossway, Waitress, email, Winchester, VA, registered. (August 27, 2002)

Devon Brewer, email, tried Guess The Grad. (Feb 28, 2002)

Kevin Hight, Herkimer, NY, registered. (February 11, 2002)

"I used to be such a geek....now im a geek who parties too much. I'm Going to college for Computer Networking. Don't plan on marriage but who knows. Still wondering around the valley.....for now so if ya wanna hang out, e-mail me." (February 11, 2002)

Missy Montana, dog groomer - mom, email, from Frankfort, NY, registered. (Feb 3, 2001)

Casey Moore, student, email, from Ilion, NY, registered. (December 31, 2000)

Rebecca Sparrin, Student-William Smith College, email, from Ilion, NY, registered. (December 1, 2000)

Steven Fowler, US Army, email, from Manassas, VA, registered. (November 26, 2000)

Jill Fitzer, student, email, from Plattsburgh, NY, registered. (July 17, 2000)

Your class contact is Becky Delong


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