Olympian And Author Announced As 2023 Columbia Hall Of Fame Inductees In Maplewood

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Many successful individuals have graduated from the South Orange-Maplewood schools, from musicians like Lauryn Hill to federal and state judges. Each year, a few are added to Columbia High School's Hall of Fame.

This year's Columbia High School Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Friday, June 2 in the CHS Auditorium, with two assembly programs. They'll run from 9:13-10:13 a.m. and 10:17-11:17 a.m.

Organizers noted, "Many CHS graduates have gone on, and continue to go on to do great things in the world — from doctors, to lawyers, to activists, actors, athletes, artists, musicians, producers, designers, the list goes on!"

In the mid-1980s, the CHS Hall of Fame Committee was established as part of Student Council, to recognize the vast accomplishments of its graduates.

In 1985, the Hall of Fame inducted its first two alumni — Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Amalya Kearse and actor Roy Scheider.

Since then, every year, the committee has inducted anywhere from one to four former students who demonstrated academic excellence during their time at CHS, and went on to "influence the world around them in positively meaningful ways."

Friday, they'll induct Hazel Clark '95, an Olympic medalist, coach, and entrepreneur, and Michael Jeffries '98, a sociologist, author, and professor.

Organizers said, "This special event is open to all CHS students, faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Education."

Find out more about Columbia High School here.