2011 Honoree

Ralph Polera

Ralph Polera was born and raised in Utica, New York. He attended local schools and graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School, Class of 1949. Ralph is very proud of his football accomplishment while at Proctor. He was the recipient of the "Most Valuable Player" award as a senior. For the past 65 years he has assiduously practiced his chosen trade of master electrician.

He has generously donated his time and energy to an array of community athletic and civic organizations.

Ralph has coaching experience in baseball with the Minor League, Little League, Colt League, and Pony League. He was a coach with the Jan Roback Post hockey team. Ralph was president of the Colt League in 1960. He was also elected president of the Proctor Parents Association from 1971-1973.

He is a charter member of the East Utica Optimist Club. Ralph was thrice selected as the club's "Member of the Year" for his dedication to spearheading a variety of activities. He is a past-president of that service organization. Ralph received the 1999-2000 Optimist International Presidential Citation Award. He is an associate of the Proctor Boys.

Ralph, the "official greeter" of the E.J. Herrmann Interscholastic Cross-Country Invitational, has chaired the Parking Committee at the meet since 1991.

Ralph and his wife of 57 years, Patricia, reside in Utica. They have one son, Richard.

Past Honorees