BTHS committee looks for a few good grads

Public invited
to submit names
for ‘Wall of Fame’
BY KARL VILACOBA
Staff Writer

KARL VILACOBA Brick Township High School Assistant Principal Bill Kleissler stands before the future site of the Wall of Fame.

BRICK — Cooperstown and center hall will soon have a common look.

A committee of faculty members at Brick Township High School are working on creating a hall of fame-style exhibit near the building’s main entrance. The goal of the "Wall of Fame" project is to create pride in the school’s tradition, display positive role models to the student body and honor those who have contributed to the school’s legacy, according to BTHS Assistant Principal William Kleissler.

The wall will replace the old "Wall of Honor" exhibit, located on the curved exterior of the main auditorium. The framed photos and exhibits on the current Wall of Honor will be removed, with the exception of the plaque honoring Bart Brooks, the school’s principal from 1967-91. Small plaques featuring inductees’ likenesses will wrap around the top of the new Wall of Fame.

The public can nominate any candidate for consideration by the 12-member selection committee. A nominee must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• a BTHS graduate of at least 10 years with a distinguished record of excellence in academics or extracurricular activities;

• a former staff member who exhibited leadership, character and accomplishment throughout his or her career;

• someone who achieved notable accomplishments after graduation;

• someone, not necessarily a graduate, who has offered loyal service or support to BTHS.

Kleissler said the committee will probably choose an inaugural group of about a half-dozen inductees, and add more through the years if the program is successful.

"We’ve kind of left it open because we don’t know what we’re going to receive," he said.

Creation of the wall will be funded by program advertisements and ticket sales at a future banquet, he said. The induction ceremony will be held sometime in May.

Those interested in nominating someone for the Wall of Fame can find a nomination form on the Brick School District Web site, http://btsdmail.brick.k12.nj.us, or call the BTHS office at (732) 262-2500. The deadline for a submission is Feb. 15.