In the 228 years since it became its own entity, New Jersey has been called home by some of the most influential people in America’s history. From Athletes like Yogi Berra and Shaquille O’Neal, to entertainers like Meryl Streep and Jerry Lewis, and even innovators like Thomas Edison and Les Paul; At one point or another, the Garden State allowed them to thrive and progress to do great things.
Over a decade ago, the New Jersey State Legislature signed a law that gave birth to the New Jersey Hall of Fame, which honors important individuals year after year. In fact, New Jersey is one of only six states that has an official state hall of fame that recognizes its distinguished citizens. This year, the annual ceremony was held at the Asbury Park Convention Hall.
“The [New Jersey] Hall of Fame’s mission is to celebrate the state of New Jersey, to honor our legends, and to inspire the children of New Jersey by offering them positive role models,” said New Jersey Hall of Fame Foundation president Steven Edwards. He went on to say that “we do that in a variety of ways: Induction ceremonies, the mobile museum, and educational plans.”
2015’s induction ceremony took place on Thursday, April 8 with host Joe Piscopo’s unique rendition of Sinatra’s “New York, New York” – probably retitled “N.J., N.J.” – as the lyrics “I wanna wake up in a city that doesn’t sleep” became “I wanna wake up in a city where the diners never close.”
The Latest NJ Hall of Fame Class
This year’s inductees included writer James Fenimore Cooper; philanthropists and pioneers William Fox, Bernard Marcus, and Lewis Katz; performers Jon Stewart and Kool & the Gang; public servants Jack H. Jacobs and Frank Lautenberg; sports stars Derek Jeter, Christie Rampone, and Dick Vitale; and unsung hero Carla Harris. The ceremony also featured special tributes for recently deceased Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, who died in September, and singer Ben E. King, who died last May.
Additionally, as is annual tradition, the New Jersey Hall of Fame awarded the Arête Scholarship to two high school seniors who are active in and out of school and are role models in their respective communities.
This year marks New Jersey’s 8th Hall of Fame induction ceremony, honoring individuals who have influenced people not just in the state or the country, but around the world as well. The awards given out this year – and every other induction night – speak volumes of the remarkable characters, talents, reputations, and significance of the state’s most eminent citizens. “It’s the greatest honor anyone can achieve anywhere, anyplace, anytime,” proclaimed one of Kool & the Gang’s founding members, George Brown.
Below, you’ll find a photo gallery of images taken during the event.
All Photos: © Patrick Lombardi / Best of NJ
