Burke High School honors two Warwick residents

Warwick - For five years now, John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen has been honoring those alumni who have made a notable difference in the school. Earlier this month, two Warwick residents were honored, along with one of the best athletes to ever attend Burke. Robert Newhard and John Debold, both of Warwick, were two of the three honorees at the Burke Hall of Fame Induction ceremony and dinner. Andy Lake, a 1988 graduate of Burke who hails from Middletown, was also inducted. Newhard is the owner of Akin’s Pharmacy in Warwick. A 1970 graduate of Burke, Newhard excelled both academically and athletically. He competed in cross country, spring track and basketball, helping his varsity basketball team win Burke’s first divisional title in 1970. Newhard is still part of the Burke family, coaching the girls’ spring track team along with his wife, Kelly. Debold was honored with the distinguished faculty award. While a student at Burke, Debold participated in cross country, track and field and student council. After college and teaching for two years in Middletown, John returned to Burke in 1981 and has been a faculty member ever since. Teaching nearly every science course offered, he also coaches cross country and track and field. He is active in many other capacities in the school, including as a contributor to the senior breakfast, junior ring night, senior class trip, school prom, baccalaureate dinner, 100 nights dinner celebration, yearbook, and senior class coordinator. All tolled, John has been a student, teacher, and coach at Burke Catholic for 32 years. He was joined at the dinner by his parents, Joe and Catherine, as well as all six of his siblings — every one a Burke graduate as well - and several nieces and nephews.