STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Two Staten Island community leaders were honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, a prestigious national award recognizing outstanding service, philanthropy and commitment to cultural heritage.
Elissa Montanti and Alfred (Fred) C. Cerullo III were named among the Class of 2026 and recognized May 16 during a formal gala in the historic Great Hall on Ellis Island.
The medal, considered one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, is officially recognized by both houses of Congress and entered annually into the Congressional Record. Past recipients include U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates, business leaders and cultural icons.
Presented each year on Ellis Island — the entry point for more than 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954 — the award honors individuals who embody the American ideals of diversity, patriotism and service.
Miss Liberty, the boat that transported guests to Ellis Island (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
Montanti, founder and executive director of the Global Medical Relief Fund, and Cerullo, president and CEO of the Grand Central Partnership, were recognized for their commitment to philanthropy, civic leadership and improving the lives of others.
Ellis Island Honors Society Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy said the honorees reflect the legacy of immigrants who helped shape the nation. “The individuals we honored represent the very best of that legacy — people whose achievements have inspired others through hard work, courage and service,” he said.
Alfred (Fred) C. Cerullo III and Elissa Montanti pose prior to receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
Montanti called the experience “a night never to be forgotten,” describing the ceremony and fireworks over New York Harbor as deeply meaningful.
“I received this honor with immense pride in the Great Hall, where my grandparents first set foot in America more than 100 years ago,” she said. “To stand among such distinguished honorees is truly humbling.”
Elissa Montanti and Alfred (Fred) C. Cerullo III received the prestigious the 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
Cerullo also described the recognition as both “an honor and humbling,” noting the opportunity to celebrate alongside family, colleagues and fellow Staten Islander Montanti.
“It was an overwhelming weekend celebrating the contributions of so many incredible people,” he said. “A night my family and I will never forget.”
Elissa Montanti is highlighted on the big screen as she was about to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
Elissa Montanti walks the red carpet after receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
A Fireworks show unfolded as guests returned from Ellis Island. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
A magnificent Fireworks Show was on display in New York Harbor as guests returned from Ellis Island. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
Alfred (Fred) Cerullo III after he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award (Courtesy/Alfred (Fred) C. Cerullo III)Staten Island Advance
From the left, Joe Yannaco, Elizabeth Bruno, Elizabeth Bruno, Alfred (Fred) C. Cerullo III, an honoree, Rita Kornfeld, Elissa Montanti, an honoree, Scott and Victoria Cerullo, and Dr. Jim Bruno (Courtesy/Alfred (Fred) C. Cerullo III)Staten Island Advance
The ceremony took place in the Great Hall — formerly the Registry Room — where millions of immigrants were once processed, underscoring the award’s connection to the nation’s immigrant history.
The historic Great Hall, formerly known as the Registry Room, the “vaulted heart” of the Ellis Island Immigration Building situated on the second floor, where millions of immigrants were processed. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance
A birds eye view of New York Harbor as seen from Miss Liberty, the ferry that transported guests to Ellis Island. (Courtesy/Elissa Montanti)Staten Island Advance