Fox Cities News

On April 17, 2025, Oshkosh North High School inducted David Anania, a 1988 alumnus, into its Alumni Hall of Fame. The ceremony recognized Mr. Anania's achievements alongside the school’s spring student academic award recipients.

Each spring, the Oshkosh North Hall of Fame committee chooses a distinguished graduate as its inductee. The award emphasizes dedication and integrity in the recipient's professional work and contributions to the Oshkosh community.

David Anania, who has been a musician for over 35 years and currently serves as director of artist relations for Gretsch Drums, was acknowledged for his achievements in music performance and composition.

Oshkosh North junior Lacey D. highlighted Mr. Anania’s career as a drummer, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Noteworthy experiences in his career include his time with the Blue Man Group and performing for Queen Elizabeth II during The Royal Variety Performance.

“This is extremely surreal for me,” Anania said during his award acceptance speech. “To be up here on the stage today is something I never dreamed was possible. I remember the Hall of Fame ceremony when I was going to school here. Back then, a dear friend of mine and I performed a drum duet for that ceremony. To come full circle and be up here on this stage accepting this unbelievable honor means the world to me.”

Anania credited his family and friends for his success, citing their support as pivotal to his career in the arts.

Rebecca Grill, Oshkosh City Manager, presented Anania with a proclamation from Mayor Matt Mugeraur, naming April 17, 2025, "David Anania Day in the City of Oshkosh".

Following this, Anania performed a drum medley, including pieces such as "Learn to Fly" by the Foo Fighters and "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins. His performance concluded with a medley of his own compositions.

Principal Michelle Last closed the ceremony, praising Anania and urging students, “You never know where the melody of life will lead you. Set your sights on ambitious scores, practice diligently, challenge your creative limits, and make every note in your life’s song count.”

After the event, Anania joined a luncheon planned by students in Ms. Fortner's Culinary Arts class. He also addressed Oshkosh North's band and choir classes, answering questions and discussing his music career.

Returning to his alma mater for the first time since graduation, Anania expressed his delight: “I haven’t been back inside this building since the day I graduated. It feels incredibly special to be back.” His former teachers David Berndt and Robin Oxley attended, and Anania acknowledged their positive influence.

“The faculty was always supportive and inspired me to do things that I didn’t think I could do. That was huge for me,” Anania stated. “To have people support you and see something within you that you need in order to push yourself to reach your goals - it’s so valuable.”

Asked what messages he hoped to impart to students, Anania advised: “Follow your passion. Stay true to it. It may not always be easy - and it may not look the way that you pictured it to be - but you are going in the right direction. You will get to where you want to go, you just have to believe it. As long as it brings you joy, do it.”

David Anania's achievements and contributions continue to serve as an inspiration to the Oshkosh North community.