This year, The Pennington School recognized three impressive alumni with awards for their service and accomplishments. The 2024 alumni award recipients are Dan Frankel ’74, Neal Manowitz ’89, and Julia Weeder ’14, each of whom has made invaluable contributions to Pennington and their local communities. These alumni, along with this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, were honored in October during the Head of School Breakfast at Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. 

Representative Dan Frankel ’74 celebrated his 50th reunion this fall and he received the Alumni Service Award in recognition of his work in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Frankel has been a member of the House since 1999 and is lauded for the work he has done to advance health care and social justice. As the current chair of the House Health Committee, he has been a staunch advocate for science-based policies that prioritize the health of all Pennsylvanians. During the pandemic, Frankel stepped up in extraordinary ways, championing initiatives that addressed racial and socioeconomic disparities and ensuring that public policies reflect the needs of Pennsylvania’s most at-risk populations. His unwavering commitment to healthcare reform and social equity exemplifies the values instilled in us at Pennington: sensitivity, generosity, and the pursuit of justice.

Neal Manowitz ’89 was honored with the Alumni Achievement Award for his exceptional professional accomplishments at Sony Electronics. His corporate leadership has driven a remarkable 300% growth in the interchangeable lens camera business, and he played a pivotal role in Sony's successful entry into the digital camera market; the company achieved over $100 million in revenue within just four years. In 2010, Manowitz was inducted into Sony’s prestigious Samurai Society, and in 2011 he was recognized as one of the "40 Under 40" by Dealerscope. Manowitz has a distinguished track record of innovation and talent development, and his compassion for others and focus on inclusivity reflect the values we cherish at Pennington.

Dr. Julia Weeder ’14  was recognized with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award for her civic and professional contributions. As a veterinarian at Newtown Veterinary Hospital in Pennsylvania, Dr. Weeder is passionate about educating pet owners on preventive health and the science of animal care. As a champion for animal welfare, an educator, and a mentor, her journey is a shining example of what it means to reflect the highest ideals of The Pennington School: integrity, service, and a commitment to excellence.

The Pennington School also proudly inducted several alumni into the Athletic Hall of Fame, including Kimberly Borden Perri ’92, Vincent DiFazio ’04, Jesse “JJ” Williams ’89 (posthumously), and the Baseball Team of 1974.

Kimberly Borden Perri ’92, a standout softball player, earned First Team All Prep B honors for four consecutive years and led her team to the Prep B Finals as a ninth-grader. Her former coach, Jeffrey Hall, remarked, “Kim was not only an outstanding athlete but also an excellent student and one of the kindest individuals I have ever met.”

Vincent DiFazio ’04 was a stellar baseball player who led Pennington to a Prep B State final appearance during his senior year. After Pennington, DiFazio played at the University of Alabama and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 12th round of the 2009 MLB draft, playing professionally until 2016.

Jesse “JJ” Williams ’89, honored posthumously, left a lasting legacy with his exceptional track achievements and his positive impact on the Pennington community. During his time at Pennington, JJ won the NJ Independent School Championship in the long jump, placed third in the 400-meter sprint, and earned a gold medal in the long jump at the 1987 conference meet. His teammate, John Daves ’90, remembered JJ as “a community-building leader who inspired everyone to be their best while embracing joy. His dedication and enthusiasm made our time together as a team truly special.”

The Baseball Team of 1974 was honored for their historic season, in which they successfully defended their Prep B State Championship title and secured back-to-back championships for Pennington. A number of members of the team attended the October induction ceremony including Jerry Eure ’75, Bryan Lee ’76, Rob Riesenberger 74, and Bill Turner ’75. 

Congratulations to all of our accomplished alumni! 

Follow these links to learn more about the alumni awards or nominate an outstanding alumnus/a for next year’s awards!