Sandy Creek Central School District • News • Class of 1964 Salutatorian joins the Sandy Creek Wall of Distinction as newest inductee

Class of 1964 Salutatorian joins the Sandy Creek Wall of Distinction as newest inductee

August 20th, 2024 by Jessica Sorell

SCCSD Superintendent, Kevin Seymour (left), awards the Wall of Distinction plaque to Joel Hastings (right).

Joel Hastings, the Salutatorian of Sandy Creek Central School's Class of 1964, was officially inducted into the district's Wall of Distinction. This honor, established by the districts Board of Education over a decade ago, celebrates alumni who have achieved significant success in their personal and professional lives.

The Wall of Distinction recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, distinction, and moral character, making them exemplary role models for current students. Candidates for this honor are carefully selected by an advisory committee based on these criteria.

District Superintendent Kevin Seymour, who delivered a moving speech during Hastings induction ceremony, highlighted why Hastings was the perfect choice for this years recognition. Joel truly embodies the spirit of what this recognition represents, Seymour remarked. He is a pillar of excellence for the community ’ both through the school and professionally.

Hastings has built an impressive legacy since his graduation from Sandy Creek. After earning a Cum Laude degree from Oberlin College, he began a remarkable career with Holstein-Friesian World Magazine. Over the course of 60 years in the media industry, Hastings worked closely with dairy farmers and their organizations both in the U.S. and internationally. Notably, he transitioned his company into the digital age, developing a fully digital product line at dairybusiness.com.

Reflecting on his career, Hastings shared, I started my job in publishing as a high school student and finished my career in the digital age as the host of a dairy industry podcast.
His dedication to the community extended beyond his professional endeavors, as he also served as president of both the SCCS Board of Education and the local town planning board.

Hastings induction holds special significance as it follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Maurice S. Prescott. Prescott was a 1910 graduate of Sandy Creek High School who was inducted into the Wall of Distinction in 2013.

My grandfathers plaque hangs in the halls of SCCS, and his other plaque hangs in my office back in California, Hastings shared during his speech. He was the founding publisher of Holstein-Friesian World, and I was happy to carry on that tradition.

For those who would like to nominate an individual for the Wall of Distinction, please visit the Sandy Creek Central School District Office or call 315-387-3445, ext. 1512.