By Kathy Brown.
Turn on Unexplained and Unexplored on Sunday nights at 10:00 p.m. on the Science Channel and you will see Justin Fornal (HKHS ’96) and Emiliano Ruprah try to solve history’s greatest mysteries. “It is very exciting to be working with Science Channel and Discovery Channel on this most recent project,” said Justin. “They have been wonderful.”
Justin got his start taking broadcasting classes with Connie Bombaci at Haddam Killingworth High School in the ’90s. “The classes were wonderful for both my creative development and production skill set,” said Justin. “I produced a four part surrealistic novella called Shorty the Blimp.” He also recalls producing “A Ballet of the Macabre which was banned from TV 17 for its controversial content” for Halloween.
“[Justin] was a student any teacher is proud to say that he was one of theirs,” said Connie Bombaci. “He was always seeking to learn more and try new things in every aspect of television production. His goal was to perfectly implement every new skill.” She went on to say, “He was filled with great excitement about getting a new project completed and was extremely creative, always trying new things. His success is not a real surprise because of his hard work, desire to go beyond the limits of the studio, and positive approach to every challenge.” 
“I am truly honored that he was one of my most accomplished students who evolved more into an intern – a mature, collaborative, and diligent producer,” continued Connie. “He is indeed an incredible person who exemplifies great work with a caring heart.”
Justin remembers his years at H-K fondly. “I loved any class that had to do with history, AP History with Mr. Traester, British Literature with Mrs. Miles.” He also has some advice for students: “I encourage all students to make sure you read material and don’t use Cliff Notes. You’re only cheating yourself out of a valuable experience. Later in life you will wish you had time to dive into the Classics.” When asked about his least favorite class, he answered, “All my teachers were great, but math has always been an uncomfortable subject for me. My brain doesn’t really do numbers very well.”
It’s clear though, that his brain does history and science very well. According to Justin, he and his cohost Emiliano use “both ancient maps and cutting edge technology such as LiDAR drones, side scan SONAR, and ground penetrating radar to search for lost cities, artifacts, and human remains” on his new show.
After H-K, Justin headed to University of Pittsburgh to study film and history. He went on to lead expeditions to “document vanishing cultural traditions and rare textiles.” He has written and produced for VICE, National Geographic, and Anthony Bourdain, as well as giving academic lectures, and writing. He lived in the Bronx for about 20 years, but recently moved to Yonkers to buy a house. He loves coming back to Killingworth “to walk in the woods and make birch beer with my dad,” he said. “We tap the birch trees on his property and make our brew using the sap in place of water.”
At HKHS, Justin swam on the swim team, under Coach Carla Reilly. He is listed on the All State Boys Swim banner from 1995 hung by the HKHS pool for the 100 Fly. He remembers his time on the swim team. “I swam for the HK team which is something I have always carried with me,” said Justin. “Every year I try to do at least one historic first swim. It started with the Bronx River and most recently was a circumnavigational swim around Islay Scotland through the north Atlantic. It was a 100 mile swim we did in 8 days.” For more information, see this link. His next swim will be in the Canadian Arctic for a Polar Bear conservation group. He is in training for that now.
In 2018, Justin was listed as the third “Most Adventurous Person” in the world by Men’s Journal.
And yet, Justin seems pretty down to earth. “I loved high school for the fashion as much as the academia and athletics,” he said. “It was always fun wearing suits and homburgs to school, and bringing in the occasional walking stick.” On his walk down memory lane, he recalled “one Halloween myself and my friend Jeff Leaf Liebowitz brought chainsaws to the school dance. We were revving them up in the parking lot after the dance. The state trooper showed up and we sped away and hid behind the church on 81.” He also remembers ordinary things. “It was always energizing to drive to school bumping old school funk music and just come in all charged up for the day,” recalled Justin. “My girlfriend had moved to HK from Meriden and had the largest and most ornate hairstyle in the school.”
Tune in to the Science Channel on Sundays at 10:00 p.m. if you want to see more of Justin!
Photos provided by Justin Fornal. Photo of swim banner by Lynne Flint.
