High schools – and communities, for that matter – that do have long histories tend to take them for granted,” Coyne said. High schools that don’t have much history to celebrate need to celebrate what little they do have. “But then when you think about it, maybe it’s not so surprising after all. Ellen Karcher (front row, second from right). Attending the event were state Assemblyman Michael Panter (back row, l) and state Sen. PHOTOS BY MARK LAMHUT Inductees and honored guests at the inaugural Freehold High School Hall of Fame ceremony display state proclamations honoring them. He said Freehold High School is the oldest high school in the region and it would seem logical that it would also have the oldest hall of fame. Carol McKee – and Jewell.Ĭoyne began his remarks by asking, “Why did this take so long?” He introduced Borough Council members in attendance and recognized Free-hold Regional High School District Board of Education member Bunny Hammer, of the borough, and Councilman Kevin Coyne, the town’s historian.Įrndl acknowledged the contributions of the school’s three immediate past principals – Charles “Chief” H. Jewell (class of 1968) took over as principal of the school in September.Įrndl said the inductees are Freehold graduates who have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields, have proven to be positive role models to current high school students and have given back to their community. Lillie Hendry The hall of fame project, which initially began two years ago under the guidance of teacher Sue Schrott, moved quickly when Linda C. Erndl, a 1969 graduate, has been teaching at the high school for 33 years. Master of ceremonies Peter Erndl welcomed the guests and honorees. George Beverly Winston, a teacher and minister Gilday Freeman, funeral director Harry Silvert, furniture store owner and philanthropist and graduates who are United States military veterans.

In addition to Wilson and Spring-steen, the other living inductees were Lillie Louise Ham Hendry, a community leader and retired guidance supervisor at the high school, and Jasper White, a restaurant owner and cookbook author.Īdele Springsteen accepted the honor on behalf of her son. More than 200 guests came to honor the first group of inductees. The Freehold Gardens hotel, Free-hold Township, hosted the first Freehold High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 6. Michael Wilson Freehold Borough Mayor Michael Wilson and rock superstar Bruce Springsteen have a lot more in common now than just being boyhood pals in the borough – they are now both members of the Freehold High School Hall of Fame.

Freehold township high school teachers