Freehold H.S. Hall of Fame chair says tradition is just beginning

Thank you for the extensive coverage provided by the News Transcript, and especially reporter Clare Celano, for our second annual Freehold High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Reading the article, I felt like I was reliving our joyous celebration of the accomplishments of some of our school's most notable graduates.

When there is so much negative publicity about our schools, it is gratifying to read how graduates of this small-town high school have gone on to positively influence the world through their talents in so many diverse fields of endeavor. Happily, this is only the second of many more celebrations of excellence of Freehold High School's graduates.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that an integral part of our evening's festivities is the induction of staff members into our Quarter Century Club. These staff members have dedicated at least 25 years of their career to Freehold High School. In an age of job hopping, it is truly amazing to think that these individuals have served our students and school community for so long.

This year's honorees were the following: Mary Pearle Button, who taught English and served as department chairperson for a total of 40 years; Joseph Reilly, art teacher and director/set and costume designer, 47 years; Joyce Bowen, administrative secretary, 37 years; Peggy Mack-evich, secretary, 35 years; Cal Dean Wilson, teacher, coach, athletic director, 32 years; Hattie Tyler, custodian, 28 years; Rick Lyster, special education teacher, coach, 25 years; Jack Kuhnert, mathematics teacher, coach, 27 years; Jack DeValue, mathematics, computer science teacher, 35 years; Ron Bright, English teacher, 34 years; Carol Lifland, Life Sciences teacher, 25 years; Peggy Farrell, school nurse, 26 years; and Sylvia Holmes, physical education-health teacher, 30 years.

Collectively, these outstanding professionals represent 421 years devoted to Freehold High School! One would be hard-pressed to put a value on their knowledge and expertise.

Thank you to all the community members and local leaders who purchased ads in our program and who attended the ceremony; your support is priceless.

Lastly, the evening would not have been so successful without the undying support of our principal (and fellow FHS graduate) Linda Jewell. Without her, our Hall of Fame would still be a pipe dream.

Sue Shrott

FHS '72

FHS Hall of Fame

Committee Chairperson

Freehold Borough