Cairo-Durham Central School District Announces Jonathan Halligan as February 2024 Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight Recipient

CAIRO – The Cairo-Durham Central School District is proud to announce the February 2024 recipient of the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” is Bank of Greene County Municipal Banking Officer Jonathan Halligan (‘11). 

Halligan, a 2015 graduate of SUNY Oneonta, has quickly left a great impact on surrounding communities through volunteerism and donating to organizations such as local youth sports organizations, the Catskill Elks Club and the City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department. He can often be found on the basketball court as an official or the baseball diamond as an umpire, serving on the International Association of Approve Basketball Officials #114 and as the secretary and treasurer of the Columbia-Greene Umpire Association. 

“My time at Cairo-Durham Central School District instilled in me the values of hard work, dedication and community involvement. The supportive environment provided by teachers and staff encouraged me to pursue my interests and develop important skills such as critical thinking, teamwork and communication. These foundational experiences have been invaluable in shaping the person I am today and have prepared me to face the challenges of adulthood with confidence,” Halligan said. “Playing basketball for four years under hall of fame coach Bob Piano taught me that being a student-athlete was a privilege and the importance of teamwork. Mr. Karnes took me on as a freshman on the baseball team and made me grow up quickly. Having him put me in situations where I could be successful to help the team win, grew confidence in my abilities on and off the field. I take the lessons learned on the basketball court, baseball diamond and classroom with great pride.” 

Describing himself as a “quiet but driven, curious, and passionate about learning” student, Halligan takes great pride in graduating fourth in his Cairo-Durham High School class of 2011 and his ability to apply lessons from the classroom and athletics to his performance. 

“All around, Jonathan was one of those great student-athletes. He was excellent in the classroom and a star on the baseball field,” said Halligan’s nominator and Cairo-Durham Mustang Pride Hall of Famer

Tom Karnes. “ Jonathan led by example. He was always willing to help his teammates and was always looking to get better. When I was coaching, I always thought if I could have nine Jon Halligan’s, that would be one amazing team.” 

Touching on Halligan’s local employment, Karnes described Halligan as “an excellent role model” for future Mustangs. 

“It’s really nice that some of our alumni stay local and he has great ties here. I think it’s a great example to young students that there are opportunities here in Greene County,” said Karnes. 

Providing advice to future generations of Mustangs, Halligan invites today’s youth to live in the moment and to treat people with kindness and respect while chasing their dreams. 

“Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both inside and outside the classroom. Find your passions and pursue them with enthusiasm and dedication. Remember to be kind, empathetic and inclusive, and always strive to make a positive impact in the world around you,” Halligan said. “Get to know your classmates and cherish the friendships and memories you make along the way, and never underestimate the power of hard work and perseverance in achieving your goals. High school goes quick, enjoy every second and be kind to your local officials. Most do it because they love the game and have been in your shoes once before. Once a Mustang, always a Mustang!” 

In an effort to bridge the community and the Cairo-Durham Central School District, the “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” was created to provide an opportunity for community members to nominate members of the Cairo-Durham Class of 2018 or prior who have made an impact in the community, embrace Cairo-Durham pride and serve as role models to future generations of Mustangs to be recognized on the District’s platforms. 

Nominations for the March 2024 “Mustang Monthly Alumni Spotlight” are officially open and can be submitted at the link below by Friday, March. 22, 2024 at 3 p.m. Past nominations will also be considered in the selection process. Click here to submit a nomination for March 2024.