The Mount Markham Central School District is proud to announce that one of its
distinguished alumni will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2025. This honoree
embodies the sense of personal commitment and community spirit that we hope
our current students strive to achieve.
The Hall of Fame Award was instituted in the 1994-95 school year as part of the
25th anniversary celebration of the merger of the Bridgewater, Leonardsville and
West Winfield Central Schools - creating the Mount Markham Central School
District. The award honors graduates from our schools who have distinguished
themselves in a specific field of endeavor, in civic affairs, in humanitarian affairs
or in activities that merit special recognition. Congratulations to our newest inductee!
Richard Waite, Class of 1984
During his time as a student in the Mt. Markham School District, Richard was a dedicated three-sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and football, where he served as team captain for all three sports. His hard work and commitment to his football team helped lead the Mustangs to an undefeated season and a Sectional Championship in 1983. Richard also participated in Student Council and served as the President of the Varsity Club. He graduated from the Herkimer BOCES Building Construction program, which inspired him to become a Navy Seabee with the U.S. Naval Construction Force and pursue a career in trades.
After graduation, Richard enlisted in the Navy and served as a Navy Seabee from 1984 to 2005. He was active in the Naval Reserves during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002, contributing to the nation's defense. With over 20 years of dedicated service, Richard became a highly decorated member of the U.S. Naval Construction Force, exemplifying unwavering commitment, expertise, and leadership in various operational environments, which earned him numerous accredited awards and medals. After his active-duty service, Richard moved back to West Winfield with his high school sweetheart, where they raised their three daughters.
While serving in the Navy, Richard also worked for Standard Heating, Cooling, and Insulating, specializing in operations, installations, and quality consultation on insulation needs for residential and commercial projects. With over three decades of dedicated experience, he played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the company. Richard's journey with Standard began in September 1991 as an installer, he quickly advanced to sales in 1993, transitioned to a sales representative, and ultimately became General Manager in 2010. In February 2020, Richard seized the opportunity to purchase the company and became the co-owner and Chief Operating Officer. However, the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 presented unprecedented challenges, leading to a significant downturn in operations and necessitating tough decisions, including laying off 90% of the workforce. Despite these challenges, Richard was proud that 100% of his staff returned upon reopening, a testament to his resilient team and cohesive company culture. Richard remained steadfast in steering Standard toward continued success, leveraging the strengthened foundation and talented team to capitalize on new opportunities and navigate future challenges with resilience and agility.
Beyond his professional role, Richard contributed to the community by coaching JV and pop-warner football before becoming the varsity football coach for Mount Markham High School from 2000 to 2010. As head football coach, he became a positive role model for his players, their families, and the community.
Richard’s contributions to the community also included coaching little league softball for six years and being an active member of the Optimist Club, VFW, American Legion, and serving on the finance committee for St. Joseph The Worker Catholic church. Not only was he a positive role model for his three daughters, but he also mentored the youth of the West Winfield community.
Richard continues to serve as Co-Owner of Standard Heating, Cooling, and Insulating and resides in West Winfield with his wife, Jill. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his three grandchildren and making a difference in the community. He has participated in SITRIN 19th Celebrity Wheelchair Classic and was chosen to be on the Celebrity Cruisers team which raises funds for STARS (Success Through Adaptive Recreation Sports), a program to provide sporting opportunities for people with physical disabilities and new sports equipment to help offset the costs of training for the STARS athletes. Recently, Richard and his team at Standard partnered with the Utica Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers bunk beds to children and families in need, ensuring no child sleeps on the floor. Through this collaboration, Richard and his team cover the cost of every monthly community Bed Build in 2025, providing vital resources and volunteer support to help SHP achieve its mission. Richard has consistently demonstrated honesty, integrity, kindness, and responsibility. Richard has earned the respect of his peers, friends, colleagues, and strangers and continues to be a pillar of the community and an exemplary graduate of the Mt. Markham School district.