Williamsville Wall of Fame inducts Dr. Raven Baxter, Williamsville North Class of 2010

Dr. Raven Baxter was inducted into the Williamsville Wall of Fame on Nov. 8, 2024, at a breakfast ceremony at the Country Club of Buffalo. She was one of 10 alumni honored in the 2024 class and was inducted in absentia.

Baxter graduated from Williamsville North High School in 2010. She was the first of three North inductees introduced that morning, alongside Jacob Brach, Class of 1972, and Dr. Joshua Lynch, Class of 2000.

Superintendent Dr. Darren Brown-Hall served as master of ceremonies. He introduced Baxter as "one of the great scientific minds of our generation."

Superintendent Dr. Darren Brown-Hall leads the 2024 induction breakfast as master of ceremonies. Photo: Williamsville Central School District

"Globally recognized for making science accessible and meaningful for all, she's an inspiring role model for aspiring scientists and educators, encouraging the pursuit of knowledge and discovery," he told the room. He cited her work with 3M and her honors from Forbes 30 Under 30, Fortune 40 Under 40 and the EBONY Power 100. He closed the introduction by welcoming "the newest Spartan to the Williamsville Wall of Fame."

That fall, public confidence in scientists remained below its level early in the pandemic. Six days after the ceremony, Pew Research Center reported that 76% of U.S. adults had at least a fair amount of confidence in scientists. That was up from 73% in October 2023 but below 87% in April 2020.

The Williamsville Education Foundation hosts the Wall of Fame every two years. Inductees represent the district's three high schools and its original high school, which dates to the early 20th century. According to the district, it showcases graduates "who have made significant contributions to their chosen profession and to their community." The event also raises money for grants to Williamsville teachers. Earlier inductees include former Hawaii governor Neil Abercrombie, inducted in 2000.

The 2024 class spanned music, sculpture, cooking, science, forestry, law enforcement, medicine and television. Each honoree receives a plaque, and matching plaques hang in their high school and the District Office. After the breakfast, inductees return to their schools for student assemblies.

"As new members of the Williamsville Wall of Fame, these 10 phenomenal individuals will continue to inspire the next generation to continue to lead the way," Brown-Hall said.

Baxter is a molecular biologist and science communicator who grew up in Buffalo. She went on to earn a Ph.D. at the University at Buffalo, studying science communication.

The Wall of Fame directory and the ceremony video are published by the Williamsville Central School District.