Who will make up the Class of 2017 for the prestigious Johnston High School Athletic Hall of Fame?

That’s a question the nine-member selection committee will answer once they’ve closely examined nominations received by the group, which seeks to acknowledge and honor the contributions of athletes who have participated in Rhode Island Interscholastic League sports since the school’s inception in 1960.

Chairman James “Jim” Hopkins noted, “The Athletic Hall of Fame also wants to preserve the traditions of these fine athletes for all time and to create memories that the community of Johnston can be proud of.”

The Athletic Hall of Fame, which was founded back in 2011 by the late Gary V. Mazzie, a one-time teacher, coach and athletic director, is now administered by Hopkins, Dave Taborelli, Richard Hagopian, Ed Skovron, Dennis Quaranta, Janet Zucchi, Joe Acciardo, Brian Iafrate and Michael Iafrate.

Hopkins announced that people can submit nominations for one of three categories, athlete, coach and contributor, providing they meet the necessary requirements. The deadline for all submissions is March 31.

Under the Athlete Category, a candidate must have graduated from Johnston High School and played in a sport as a member of an RIIL team. Exceptions may be made for students from other schools who played his or her entire high school career for JHS.

Being a first team All-State athlete is an automatic qualifier, as long as citizenship does not disqualify the candidate. There is a waiting period for five years before a candidate can be elected to the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Consideration will also be given for the following achievements: second team All-State, All-League and participation in multiple sports, other noteworthy accomplishments and captain. Hopkins said the athlete’s entire body of work would be reviewed and discussed by the selection committee.

Under the Coaches Category, a nominee could have received recognition as Coach of the Year by the RI Interscholastic League or a coaches association, winning a state championship, longevity, contributions to the athletic department and school and other awards or achievements.

The third category is for a person who has made many outstanding and important contributions to JHS athletes.

The criteria is for non-athletes who made significant contributions to the athletic programs at JHS, such as newspaper writers, public school employees, townspeople and students who made major contributions but did not play a sport.

A letter should also accompany each nomination in all three categories. All submissions must be sent to Keith Cory, Athletic Director, c/o Johnston High School, 345 Cherry Hill Road, Johnston, 02919. The induction ceremony and dinner will be held in October.

The Hall of Fame Committee also announced that the annual Gary V. Mazzie Memorial Golf Tournament, which helps subsidize the annual induction ceremony and awards will be held on Monday, June 19, at Glocester Country Club. To reserve a playing spot or foursome, write to James Hopkins, c/o 1 Cedar Grove Drive, Greenville, RI 02828.