Vernon Board of Education seeks nominees for its Hall of Fame

Vernon - The Vernon Township Board of Education is seeking nominations for the 2007 Hall of Fame. Since the establishment of the Hall of Fame in 1996, twelve individuals have been enshrined, with the induction process taking place every other year. Over the years, a number of individuals have made tremendous contributions to the Vernon Township Public Schools and to the children of Vernon Township. The Hall of Fame affords the Board of Education and the educational community an opportunity to recognize such outstanding individuals. Those inducted in 1997 were Beatrice Potter Masker, an educator for 40 years; Howard Luther Masker, a Vernon educator for 54 years; George F. Ziegler, the first full-time Vernon superintendent; and Gary G. Gardner, the first school resource officer and founder of the Vernon Township Police Athletic League. In 1999, former educator and 10-year member of the Board of Education, Colleen Begala was inducted along with Fran Boltz, a teaching staff member for 20 years, and Gary Sparta, the first certified physical education teacher and athletic director in Vernon. The 2001 inductees were Jean Sheldon Kraus, a school nurse for 20 years and the developer of the first health education program in Vernon Schools and George Iannacone, who guided the district through its transition from a K - 8 district to a K - 12 district as its superintendent for 13 years. In 2003, R. John Paskey was inducted after a 31-year career as a teacher and administrator. The 2005 inductees were Judith Hornstra, the first high school art teacher in the district and art department supervisor for 25 years, and Helen M. Simpkins, who taught social studies and was a district supervisor for 35 years. Eligible are individuals who have had a significant, positive impact on the quality of education in the school district, thereby improving the quality of life for our children. This includes persons who are currently volunteering in a district school. Individuals may also be nominated posthumously. Persons who are currently employed by the school district and persons who currently are Board of Education members are not eligible. Those persons may be nominated two full years after their affiliation with the school district has ended. Organizations are not eligible for Hall of Fame nomination. Previously nominated individuals will be considered for selection provided that a new nomination form and letter are submitted on their behalf and they meet the eligibility criteria. Typewritten letters of nomination (500 words or less) describing the individual’s significant contributions must be sent to: Anthony J. Macerino, Superintendent of Schools, Vernon Township Board of Education, 539 Route 515, P.O. Box 99, Vernon, NJ, 07462. Persons or organizations interested in submitting a nomination must pick up a form at the above address before submitting a letter of nomination. Only the nomination form and the typewritten letter of nomination will be accepted for consideration. No additional materials are needed. Deadline for receipt of nominations is March 9.