The Peru Gazette

Fallen Hero – Sherman Amos Sorrell
Sherman graduated from Peru High School in 1960. Sherman was a four year starter in wrestling, went undefeated his senior year and captured a Sectional Championship. Sherman joined the Army upon graduation and reached the level of Staff Sergeant. Sherman’s tour of duty in Viet Nam started on June 30, 1967. He was assigned as a Cannon Fire Direction Specialist to the HHB, 7th BN, 13th ARTILLERY, 41st, ARTY GROUP, I FIELD FORCE, USARV. Sherman was listed as a ground causality due to gun or small arms fire on December 15, 1967 in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam.

Fallen Hero – Arthur Raymond Duprey
Art was a 1966 graduate of Peru High School. Art was a three sport athlete; awarded varsity letters in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Upon graduation Art joined the United States Marine Corps were he reached the level of Corporal, with an MOS of 3516 Automotive Mechanic. Art’s tour of duty in Viet Nam started on November 24, 1967 and was assigned to H& CO, 3RD BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF. Art died on August 16, 1968, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam resulting from fragmentation wounds to the head and body from hostile mortar fire while in a defensive position.

Harlen Rock
Harlan, a 1957 Graduate had a passion for basketball. His accurate two handed set shot was deadly from the floor and the free throw line. He led the team in his senior year with a free throw percentage of 75.9 (66 for 87) and averaged 12.2 points per game as Peru won the league title with a 19-1 record. He was a guard on the varsity for all four years of his high school career. Harland was also an outstanding baseball player for Peru. The highlight of his junior year was a towering 350 foot home run. He helped lead Peru to the League Championship in his senior year as he batted .419 and had a 6-0 record as a starting pitcher. Furthermore, he threw a no-hitter against Northwood on May 7, 1957. Harlan played four years as a forward on the varsity soccer team and also competed on the track team in running events.

Kathleen Twining Mion
Kathy is a 1984 graduate and four sport varsity award winner. A forward in soccer, Kathy was an offensive threat every time she touched the ball. Her scoring prowess resulted in her being named a 1983 Division I All-Star. A co-captain in volleyball, Kathy excelled offensively and defensively. She led the team in hits and kills. As a center forward in basketball, Kathy had a knack for getting open. Amazing hands and a soft touch off the glass she was a leading scorer. A fearless rebounder, she led her team as captain on both ends of the court. In softball, she was known for her excellent glove work at 1st base. Offensively, she was a long ball threat at any time. A four sport all-star, Kathy’s teams won four sectional and four CVAC titles.

Matt Berry
“Athlete” is defined as a person who is skilled in exercises, sports or games requiring physical strength, agility and/or stamina. Matt possesses all these qualities and more. As a team captain Matt was known for his tenacity and enthusiasm. Matt excelled in football, basketball and track as well as academically. A three year starter in football, he was a two time CVAC All-star as a linebacker and tight end and 3rd team all-state as a linebacker. A varsity track athlete as a sophomore and junior was a CVAC and sectional champion in the high jump at 6’4” and in shot put with a heave of 53’9”, his ACL tear ended his track career.

Nicole “Nicky” Duprey
Nicky graduated in 1995 and was a five year varsity letter winner in two sports and a four year letter winner in another for a combined 14 varsity letters! Nicky played soccer for five years and was captain for three of these years. She was a Division I All-Stars four consecutive years from 1992-1995. Nicky played volleyball for four years and captained the team for three of them. In those three years the team compiled an amazing 44 and 5 record with two section titles and one CVAC championship. Nicky’s varsity softball career at Peru spanned five years, the final two of which she was elected captain. In 1993 she was named both outstanding offensive player of the year and outstanding defensive player of the year by her teammates. In 1995 she was voted the team’s most valuable player. Nicky was a two time CVAC softball all-star as well. Her five year career batting average was a stunning .540. Nicky’s leadership abilities were also on display in the classroom. She was part of eight NYSHPSAA Scholar athlete teams during her athletic career. She was also a member of the 1993 New York State Scholar athlete champion team with a combined academic average of 93 for softball.

Peter Forrence
Peter was an outstanding athlete during his four years at Peru from 1967 to 1971. He was a four year varsity participant in four sports; football in the fall, Basketball in the winter and Baseball and Track & Field in the spring. Peter was named to numerous league all-star teams throughout his athletic career and was voted a co-captain of the 1971 varsity football team. Peter was an exemplary student-athlete at Peru as he attained a grade point average sufficient to gain him admission to Princeton University where he graduated in 1975.