Kingston High School is shining a light on one of its own, Eli B. Basch, a Class of 1966 graduate who went from the football field and track team to military service, law school and a long career serving the Hudson Valley.
The school featured Basch in its Sunday with Alumni spotlight, calling attention to his years as a Kingston Tiger and the path that followed.
During his time at Kingston High, Basch competed in football and track, experiences the school said helped build the discipline, resilience and teamwork that shaped his life.
After graduating, Basch earned his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany in 1970.
That same year, he entered the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and served until 1976, including active duty from 1970 to 1972.
In the school’s post, Basch said he was grateful for his military service and for the GI Bill, which helped him move on to law school.
He later attended Western New England School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1976, then returned home to Kingston to build a career that would keep him deeply connected to the community that raised him.
From Kingston athlete to community leader
Basch has spent more than four decades advocating for injured people and their families throughout the Hudson Valley.
His work has covered car accidents, tractor-trailer crashes, construction incidents, medical negligence and other serious personal injury cases.
Over the course of his career, he has achieved more than 250 trial verdicts and over 10,000 settlements, becoming one of the most accomplished personal injury attorneys in the region.
The Kingston High School post noted that he has represented more injury victims in trials than any other personal injury attorney in the history of Ulster County.
Basch’s legal work has earned him major recognition as well. He has been named a Super Lawyer of Upstate New York and has been included among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in New York State since 2007.
He has also served on the Governor’s Screening Committee for Judicial Appointments and the Committee on Professional Standards in the Third Judicial Department.
Outside the courtroom, Basch has remained closely tied to Kingston.
He lives just a short distance from his office and continues to give back through community involvement, including work with the New Paltz College Council, where he serves as chair, along with Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley and Friends of Historic District, where he serves as a tour guide in the Rondout and Stockade Districts.
The school’s tribute said Basch exemplifies what it means to be a Kingston Tiger, describing him as dedicated, resilient and committed.
That message clearly resonated with the community.
The comments underneath the post quickly filled with praise from friends, classmates and local residents who remembered Basch not just as a successful attorney, but as a generous and grounded person who has stayed true to his roots.
One person wrote, “The best lawyer in Kingston.”
Another said, “KHS has produced many fine graduates over the years. I have no problem stating that Eli epitomizes the finest qualities a person can have and makes KHS proud.”
Others praised both his character and service. One comment read, “Eli is an amazing person.” Another said, “Eli is a true professional and a fine community member.”
Another supporter wrote, “Thank you for your service in so many ways.”
The reaction showed just how much respect Basch has earned over the years, not only for his work in law, but for the way he has stayed connected to Kingston and given back to the place he still calls home.
“I am grateful to have served our country and received the GI Bill, which provided me with the opportunity to attend law school.”
From his days as a Kingston High School athlete to his years of military service, legal work and community involvement, Basch’s story has become a point of pride for the school and the city around it.
