I received a call in September from Cindy Milojevic, Principal of Student Activities at my alma mater; Oak Park & River Forest High School on Chicago's Westside. In earlier days I knew Cindy as "Cindy Noonan," a classmate of mine who has always had a heart of gold. You know ... one of those people you meet in life who becomes a life-long friend. Just the fact that Cindy chose a profession that "gives back" is proof of her heart of gold.

SIDEBAR: Since September 11th, I have had the opportunity to meet many teachers and educators across America, and 90% fit the same mold ... they give and give to their communities for little pay; hoping to make the world a better place.

Anyway, as I spoke with Cindy, I could hear excitement in her voice.  I assumed it was about our upcoming 35th-year high school reunion. As I listened I realized that she was calling to inform me that I had been nominated and inducted into the Oak Park & River Forest High School "Tradition of Excellence" Hall of Honor. I was shocked! I believe I said, "Are you kidding me?????" about five or six times.

On November 6th and 7th I will join the ranks of fellow alumni; Ernest Hemingway (Pulitzer Prize winning author,) Ray Kroc (creator of McDonalds Corporation,) 1991's Miss America - Marjorie Vincent, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (actress,) Dan Castelaneta (actor/voice of Homer Simpson,) Paul Broucek (Music Director-Newline Cinema) and about 50 others, whose photo's hang in the front lobby of the 140-year old high school. I am thrilled that the "Tradition of Excellence" standard's of excellence have been lowered in my case! I'm sure Hemingway will be spinning in his grave when I'm introduced.

When I reflect on what I have really achieved in life, I realize I have never really done anything on my own. I have always been surrounded by incredible supporters, great people, and great friends and family, plus four of the best, supportive loving-daughters any man could ever hope for.

I have been doing a lot of reflecting these days and I remember in high school I had awesome team-mates over the four years. I was elected class president sophomore year and I served on the student counsel junior and senior years. My very first band, Jade 50's, was made up of classmates, all of whom went on to much bigger and better things, but they helped shape my life.

My teachers and coaches at OPRFHS were outstanding; pushing, testing and guiding me into life after high school. I'm sure I am one of only a few graduates who has more that 3 of his high school teachers on "speed-dial" on my cell phone!

I have met and befriended hundreds of Firefighters, Police Officers and Armed Forces members. Since 2001, a lot of the accolades I have received are because of their heroic deeds. All I really do is use my guitar; the only weapon I know how to use, and support the great efforts of our Troops and First Responders. So, you can bet that when I'm asked to speak on the night of November 6th to friends, family and faculty; and to the student body of OPRFHS on the 7th, I am gonna speak about all the great people, throughout my life that have inspired me, pushed me, taught me, and loved me ... and I'm gonna name names!

Thank you Oak Park & River Forest High School. I still bleed Orange and Blue and I am very proud of where I come from.

 PRESS RELEASE:
Oak Park & River Forest High School - Oak Park, IL


     

On November 6, 2008, Joe Cantafio, an Oak Park & River Forest High School Graduate-Class of '73, will be awarded the schools' highest honor - the Tradition of Excellence Award.

On Friday, November 7, 2008, Joe Cantafio will address and perform for the entire student body of Oak Park & River Forest High School.

Joe Cantafio was the leader and lead singer of JADE 50's, the band that debuted at OPRF's "Fifties Day" on May 11, 1973, and began touring America the following year. At age 22, Joe became the youngest Music Director of Dick Clark's live Good Ol' Rock & Roll Show, performing with the likes of Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Rick Springfield, Three Dog Night, The Beach Boy and Wolfman Jack.

Since Joe began working in the "voice over" business in 1980, his voice has been a staple on American TV and radio commercials singing the praises of Shasta Cola, McDonalds, Betty Crocker, Huffy Bikes, Chilli's and New Balance Shoes, to name a few.

Music has always been his way of helping others. The original JADE 50's members perform at an annual benefit concert for the Gary Olson Scholarship, annually awarding an OPRF graduating senior a scholarship. Joe- co-founded this particular program in honor of his friend, teacher and coach, the late Gary Olson.

After the September 11th attacks, Joe wrote and performed a one man show titled "Let Freedom Sing" and adopted a New York Firehouse, bringing those FDNY Firefighters on a one-year U.S. fundraising tour. The tour stopped at OPRFHS in April, 2002.

In 2004 Joe's band, The 101st Rock Division, entertained American and Coalition Troops serving in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. His Forgotten Heroes Foundation which Joe co-founded; produces entertainment for U.S. Veterans in VA Hospitals and on U.S. Military bases on the frontline, around the world, and across America.

Most recently, he has been named Acting-Director of the National Veteran Museum, expected to open in Texas in 2010.

Wherever he has gone, Joe has never forgotten and remains very proud of his Oak Park roots.