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2007 New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductees

2007 New Jersey Hall of Fame Inductees (Mouse over to view information)

In a press conference held on October 25, 2007 by Governor Jon Corzine, the governor released the names of the 2007 Inaugural Class of Inductees in the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Those citizens who have made significant contributions to enhance the image of the State of New Jersey were broken down into five categories: Members of the Arts and Entertainment world; Enterprise, Historical, General, and Sports industries.

“It’s not like a weak list” Governor Corzine laughingly commented from the podium, referring to the Hall of Fame’s First Inaugural Class which includes the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Frank Sinatra and Meryl Streep, who were selected in the category of Arts and Entertainment.

In the category of sports, such notable figures include Yogi Berra, Bill Bradley, and Vince Lombardi, who, the governor noted, were selected for their character and leadership skills. He referred to the quote by Yogi Berra, “If you come to a fork in the road, take it,” encouraging the youth of today to “focus on the positive and aspire to be on the (Hall of Fame) list of tomorrow.”

The governor went on to announce the new inductees who epitomized outstanding achievement in the Enterprise category to include scientists, those in the medical field, business leaders, inventors, and philanthropists such as Buzz Aldrin, Malcolm Forbes, and Robert Wood Johnson II.

In announcing the deceased New Jerseyans who were chosen to represent the category of Historical inductees in no particular category, Governor Corzine noted the outstanding contributions of Albert Einstein, Clara Barton, and Thomas Edison.

In the General category that includes educators, military leaders, writers, poets, scholars, religious leaders, politicians and civil servants, the names of Harriet Tubman, General Norman Schwarzkop, Jr., and Toni Morrison, were representative of the “quality of our community at large” as quoted by Governor Corzine. He went on to conclude, “these inductees reflect the future of our government and the State of New Jersey.”

In recognizing the various members of the Voting Academy and the process involved in obtaining the final list of inductees, Board Member Chairman, Bart S. Oates, also former center for the NJ Giants 1986 and 1990 Super Bowl Champions, took the podium. New Jersey’s most prominent individuals and organizations were recognized as promoting the Hall of Fame as sponsors and donors and in the selection of the nominees. Over 30,000 votes (both on-line and by ballot) were tabulated by the consulting firm of J.H. Cohn, L.L.P.

It was announced by Don Jay Smith, Director of Communications, the Induction Ceremony for the 2007 New Jersey Hall of Fame would take place on Sunday, May 4, 2008, in a star-studded gala affair. Future announcements and progress in the proposed state-of-the-art museum to house the New Jersey Hall of Fame will be posted on the website, www.njhalloffame.com.

Senator Joseph Kyrillos (R-13th) of Middletown addressed the audience stating that “New Jersey needs an uplift—people are tough on us and we’re tough on ourselves. We need to point out our attributes, our great geographical location, and the knowledge that New Jersey is filled with talented and smart people.”

As part of the Mission Statement for the New Jersey Hall of Fame which states “the New Jersey Hall of Fame wishes to send a message to children that they can and should strive for excellence in and endeavor of their choosing,” a large group of students from Washington Township schools in Gloucester County were in attendance at the governor’s press conference and were introduced to the general public.

“We have so many talented and educated people in our Garden State and The New Jersey Hall of Fame will provide inspiration for all our young people” stated Joyce Powell, President of the (NJEA) New Jersey Education Association, who announced the two winners of the Essay Contest and who were being recognized for their achievements.

Brendon Cedeno, a 9th grader from Memorial High School in West New York, wrote an essay about nominating his brother, George, a Marine Helicopter Pilot, for the Hall of Fame. Brendon wrote about his brother, “He’s not a celebrity—he’s an average person who keeps people safe.” Jessica Cutler, a 8th grader from Millstone Middle School in Monmouth County, wrote about her grandmother, Rita Palumbo, whose bravery in the loss of her husband, 8-year old son, and sister in a fire, and who is now recuperating from cancer, chemotherapy and a broken hip, signifies Rita’s faith in God, her outlook of looking at life through a new perspective. Jessica cites her grandmother’s philosophy as “life is all about playing out her hand with kindness and generosity.”

How better to “Celebrate the Garden State” with recognition of its most celebrated citizens and those out of the ordinary such as Brendon’s brother and Jessica’s grandmother and offer them as role models to the future generations in this proud State of New Jersey.

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