Former teacher, coach, and administrator Thomas Buckheit inspired our school community with his 32 years of service, and now it's only appropriate that his name will inspire the Twin Towers auditorium.

Mr. Buckheit started his career with Middletown schools as an English teacher at Veraldi Junior High School (now Middletown High School) in the fall of 1963. From 1964 to 1968, he was the Modified Football coach and spent his final season coaching an undefeated team. Afterwards, he became the Assistant Principal, then Vice Principal in 1973, and finally Principal in 1989. Between 1995 and 2008, he served as a per diem Principal at Middletown High School, Twin Towers Middle School, and Chorley Elementary School, as well as Pine Bush High School.

Mr. Buckheit has been described as a steadfast leader and kindhearted mentor in equal measure, earning him the great respect of his colleagues and students alike. Many of those coworkers and students were in attendance at the May 7, 2026, Board of Education meeting, where a resolution was passed that the Twin Towers auditorium shall be henceforth known as the "Thomas Buckheit Auditorium" in his honor.