Bernards High Seeks Nominees for New Wall of Honor

After more than 100 years of history, Bernards High School is planning to install a Wall of Honor, perhaps accompanied by a sculpture, that will honor "exemplary citizens that serve as role models for all members of the Bernards High School community."

"It's a tremendous project," said Bernards High Principal Scott Neigel.

The project still is in the planning stages. Neigel said that a sculpture, possibly a tree with branches reaching out to different areas of achievement, is being considered for the wall that is near the community room at the high school.

Sources of funding also still are being explored, Neigel said on Thursday.

But the principal was definite in giving credit to the initiative to the Bernards High student council. Neigel noted that Council President Leon Da Silva and Vice-president Eric Oringer had written the criteria and have done much of the work so far.

The council initiated the idea for a wall to honor the achievements of past Bernards graduates and contributors during the spring of 2012, according to the Somerset Hills school website. By the start of 2013, a committee had been formed to create the Wall of Honor, and the Somerset Hills Board of Education announced the project earlier this year.

Neigel said that the nominees do not need to be graduate of Bernards High. However, they must have graduated from high school at least 10 years ago, and must have made a "significant contribution to Bernards High."

This will be different from the school's athletic Hall of Fame, he said. Achievements in many areas will be recognized, Neigel said.

The deadline for nominations is Aug. 15. The nomination form is online on the Somerset Hills School District website. The nomination form also can be printed out from online and submitted to the high school.

The selection committee for the consists of district administrators, teachers, student council advisor and officers, Board of Education members, and distinguished members of the community. This committee will receive and review the nominations and decide on the members of each induction class, the website said. Inductees then will be invited to join the committee in inducting the future Wall of Honor classes.

To be eligible for the wall, he or she must have graduated at least 10 years ago and made significant contributions to his or her field, the website said. That includes areas such as but not limited to arts, business, education, government and politics, law, philanthropy, or science and medicine.

People who have greatly contributed to the Bernards High School community will be eligible for induction, as well. For either category, posthumous nominations are acceptable.

Those who feel they know someone who fits the criteria and is worthy of receiving the honor should submit nominations now, or before Aug. 15, the website said.

"Inductees to the Wall of Honor will be people we can all be proud of and strive to emulate. With over 100 years of rich history and tradition, the Bernards High School Wall of Honor will celebrate the achievements and contributions of graduates and members of our great high school community," according to information on the website.