The Alpena Wildcat Hall of Fame Committee convened recently to review applications for the Wildcat Hall of Fame. The committee selected three outstanding candidates for induction in Fall 2025. The ceremony will take place as part of Homecoming festivities on October 10th, 2025. The three new members are Ryan Suszek Class of 2002, Dr. Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney Class of 1973 and Brett Trelfa Class of 1989.
Ryan Suszek stayed local, beginning his post-secondary education at Alpena Community College and advancing academically while also working in leadership roles at the Besser Company. Ryan’s career led through several promotions at Besser to his current job as Chief Executive Officer which he has filled since 2021.
Dr. Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney earned her Ph.D. in Public Affairs, from Western Michigan University. She has had a long and successful career in non-profit management and political consulting including being called on to help build democratic governance in Eastern Europe following the end of the Cold War.
Brett Trelfa served his country in the United States Marine Corps and built his career in Computer Science attending University of Michigan and Carnegie-Mellon University. He has worked in both manufacturing and health care, advancing to his current role of Senior Vice-President and Chief Information Officer with Arkansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
They will join a group of distinguished Alpena High School graduates on the Wildcat Wall of Fame in the main office lobby at AHS.
Nominees should exemplify the pride and spirit of Alpena High School. They must have distinguished themselves in their career, their community and society as a whole and must be out of high school at least 10 years. Nominations are taken annually until April 15th. Information to nominate a candidate is available at alpenaschools.com on the Alumni page (News and Resources Tab).