Anna Newhoff
NCR Reporter
The newest members of the West Nassau High School Hall of Fame class of 2025 were inducted Friday night before the Warriors’ homecoming football game.
This year’s honorees are David Crosby, Raymond Fachko and Russell Palmer Jr.
Crosby was the first member of the class of 2025. He graduated from Callahan High School in 1965. For more than 30 years, Crosby was heavily involved with the WNHS softball program, where he served the team and played a crucial role in its success. He began assisting the team in the early 2000s, and the school’s softball field was dedicated to Crosby in 2017.
Crosby also maintained the football field and the softball field. He was assisted by WNHS alumnus Staten Dempsey, who he mentored on and off the field.
His award was received by his family.
Fachko graduated from WNHS in 1976. During his time at the Callahan schools, Fachko was a notable basketball player. After graduating, he turned his focus toward business. He began working at Brandies Ace Hardware, eventually elevating to co-owner of the store. He retired from the store after Brandies Ace Hardware shutdown in 2023.
Throughout his years, Fachko always supported the Callahan schools and community, serving as a volunteer basketball coach at Callahan Middle School for some time. He received the award surrounded by his wife and family.
The final member to be awarded this honor graduated from WNHS in 1989. Palmer was an exceptional basketball player, lettering for all three years of high school. He helped lead the Warriors to the 1989 regional championship before continuing his career at the College of Charleston, where he guided the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
After college, he went on to become a successful businessman and community leader.
Palmer accepted the honor with his family by his side.
All three men were selected because they embody the Warrior spirit, leaving a lasting legacy in West Nassau history.