Podiatrist Dr. Robert Gallucci is putting his best foot forward for Johnston High School. A JHS graduate, Gallucci was the first person to purchase a brick for the school’s proposed Athletic Walk of Fame.

“I will do anything I can to help that project. Gary Mazzie is doing a remarkable job. That school has come a long, long way from almost not being accredited years ago,” said Gallucci, a one-time Panther football and track star. “Gary is doing a great job in promoting our Hall of Fame. I’m definitely in; this is a great project and everyone needs to get on board.”

To date, 17 alumni have purchased a brick for the ambitious project undertaken by Mazzie, the JHS co-director of athletics. Mazzie and his fellow co-director Edward DiSimone are hoping the Walk of Fame will produce enough revenue for the school’s first-ever Hall of Fame Induction Dinner in October.

“We hope to sell 300 bricks at $50 per brick. That money will not only fund this year’s induction dinner but also produce a Walk of Fame at the entrance to the Edward L. DiSimone Gymnasium,” Mazzie said.

The sale of bricks, however, is not limited to alumni.

“While it’s going to be a Walk of Fame, some people, I’m told, are going to purchase a brick in memory of a loved one,” he said.

Cranston-based Spaulding Brick will engrave each of the bricks.

“The memorial brick fundraiser is progressing nicely,” said Mazzie. “I received two more orders earlier this week. There have also been many requests for order forms and we have promises. The deadline of Aug. 1 is still months away and is probably the reason that many orders have not yet been received.”

Gallucci is hopeful that the high school will meet, and possibly exceed, their goal.

“Today I’m issuing a challenge to any and all former Johnston High grads and athletes,” Gallucci said. “I’m challenging everyone and anyone with a tie to Johnston High School to jump on board and make this an overwhelming success. I really want this program to fly.”

The 1981 JHS grad graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1985, played football for former Panthers coach Tony Centore and starred in track for Coach Alan McGillivray, who is a member of the JHS Hall of Fame committee.

“I needed someplace to put my feet,” Gallucci joked of his reason for buying a brick. “I’m proud of my school. The brick Walk of Fame is a great program. Let’s all join together and make it work.”

While he was at Johnston High School, Gallucci starred as an offensive end and defensive back in football, but his best sport, he said, was track. The former Panther pole-vaulter had a personal best of 14 feet, 3 inches.

Anyone who’d like to purchase a brick should contact either Mazzie or DiSimone at JHS 233-1920 ext. 2122 or Gallucci at 742-6333.