BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — There will be a West Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame after all.
The West Milford Board of Education revisited and approved the creation of the hall of fame at the Oct. 18 meeting.
The resolution was originally presented for approval at the Sept. 27 school board meeting, but was tabled, despite the fact that all trustees present at the meeting were in agreement that a hall of fame was “a great idea.” The delay was due to several trustees wanting to first look into whether “more inclusive” options were obtainable - ones that would recognize academic and artistic achievements as well as athletic ones. Following additional discussion after the vote to table the resolution in September, several members of the school board voiced regret that the approval would have to wait until the next school board meeting in October.
About the hall of fame
West Milford’s Athletic Director Joseph Trentacosta, along with former Athletic Director Tim Gillen, had presented the idea for the athletic hall of fame to the school board’s Education Committee at its Sept. 14 meeting. The impetus behind the proposal as stated in the resolution is “…to honor excellence in those who generated greater visibility for the high school, its academics, and who maintained pride in the athletic traditions of the community and inspired others through outstanding athletic achievements…”; and “…in recognition of the need to perpetuate the memory of those exceptional people who brought honor to West Milford High School and who can serve as role models for present and future generations…”Getting in
The West Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame will be governed by an Executive Committee comprised of at least five voting members who will meet bi-annually to select inductees based on the criteria specified in the by-laws. Nominations will be open to all male and female athletes, coaches, and special contributors, living or deceased, who have distinguished themselves in interscholastic athletic competition as part of a West Milford High School team. Inductees or inductee representatives will be honored at an induction ceremony determined by the Executive Committee. Upon the approval of the new organization, the committee will meet as soon as possible to establish the framework to organize and govern the hall of fame, as well as the rules for inducting each of the outstanding athletes, coaches, teams, and special contributors to be honored. Candidates nominated for consideration would need to have graduated West Milford High School at least 10 years prior to their nomination.No financial obligation to taxpayers
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alex Anemone said at the September meeting that the hall of fame would be no financial burden or obligation to the district or taxpayers, as it would be completely funded by the organization/committee itself through fundraising events. He said that the hall of fame committee would hold meetings at the high school, but would not be a budget line item, and would not otherwise use any public money.Better late...
Last week, Trustee Teresa Dwyer said she spoke to West Milford High School Principal Paul Gorski about recognition for excellence and achievements in academics and the arts. She said she was happy to report that Gorski has already been working on a way to honor past academians over the years.Board President Jim Foody asked Director of Education Daniel Novak to oversee that the academics recognition piece gets prepared and presented soon, and also requested that Novak consult with Gorski on it, monitoring progress and offering his assistance to ensure it gets done as soon as possible. Novak said that other school districts have alumni associations that encompass both an “Athletic Hall of Fame” specifically for athletics, and an “Excellence Hall of Fame” that serves to recognize other exceptional achievements. He said the creation of the Athletic Hall of Fame is a great first step toward bigger and better things to come.
“We should have done this last month, and I’ll gladly vote for this," said Trustee Steve Drew, who had made the motion to table the resolution last month. "It will bring distinction to the district and some of our alums who have done such a great job; it’s such a fantastic idea. I’m glad they’re able to come together to do this. I do want to see recognition for academics, but I certainly don’t want to delay the recognition of other deserving students in West Milford. I appreciate the people who put this together, the proposal, and the effort they put into it so far.”
Drew, Dwyer, Foody, Glenn Huber and Marilyn Schultz unanimously approved the creation of the Athletic Hall of Fame with a 5-0 vote. Trustees Greg Bailey, Jamie Devor, Debbie O’Brien, and Rodney Robbins were absent from the meeting.
What do you think about the school board's decision to move forward with an athletic hall of fame? Also, who do you think should be inducted into the hall of fame? Share your ideas. Go to westmilfordmessenger.com and tell us.