Morristown Natives Enter High School Wall of Fame

Five notable Morristown natives were recognized on Friday as Morristown High School’s Heritage Club hosted its 17th annual Heritage Day celebration.

“It’s a privilege to honor some of our past (graduates),” said Principal Ethel Minchello. “The students do the research about these people, they select them and then they honor them.”

Here’s a look at those that were honored and presented with a plaque.

Inducted into the MHS Teachers’ Corner:

• James Monahan, Class of ‘64, Teacher of Industrial Arts 1995-2007 (presented by Sophomore Shane Tierney)

MHS Wall of Fame Inductees:

• Paul “Mint” Miller, Class of ‘51—ascribed the virtue of Dedication (presented by Sophomore Christine O’Kane)
• Elizabeth Link Dibble, Class of ‘75—ascribed the virtue of Peace (presented by Sophomore Christine O’Kane)
• William Treanor, Class of ‘75—ascribed the virtue of Ambition (presented by Sophomore Camille Bourland)
• David Lubar, Class of ‘72—ascribed the virtue of Humor (presented by Sophomore Camille Bourland)

“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my high school after all these years. I’m deeply honored,” said Link Dibble. “It’s wonderful to be back in Morristown. I haven’t been back in more than 10 years now. It’s great to see the school and see some old friends … Since the time I’ve graduated, (the school) has changed tremendously and Morristown has changed. I’ve traveled all over the world and I still identify myself as a Jersey girl.”

Treanor and Lubar were not able to attend, but Treanor’s mother was present

“He’s a neat son, he’s always been since the beginning,” said Margaret “Peggy” Treanor.

“I’m proud and honored to receive this recognition. It’s an honor that I will cherish forever,” said Miller, 78. I’m a happy colonial.”

“Morristown has a lot of history and a lot of traditions, so we want the students to be apart of (that history),” said David Perry, who has been inducted into the wall of fame already and was there to support his old friend Miller. “We grew up together. We played a lot of sports. Now we play golf together.”

“The Heritage Club is sponsored by Alumni Association," said Daniel Myers class of ‘50, who is also one of the founders of Heritage Day. He explained that the alumni association nominates members and the Heritage Club reviews the nominees before making its selection.

Morris School Board Member Ann Rhines marked her 50th year in the school district last year, between her years as a teacher and a board member.

“I’m always impressed with the ceremony and I’m impressed with the graduates and the wonderful things they’ve done with their lives,” said Rhines. “I look at the students and how interested they area and how they listen so well. I try to go to this Heritage Club Day every year because it makes me so proud of our school district.”

This is the fourth time that Board member Leonard Posey has attended Heritage Day.

“Even though I’m not a graduate of the high school or a native of Morristown, I appreciate the fine legacy and what this high school has produced in this society, community and in this state,” he said. “I took today off to be able to attend. I’m always amazed when I hear these contributions that Morristown HS graduates have made to society, both here in the U.S. and, as we heard today, (internationally).”

The MHS Wind Ensemble performed a few musical selections during the celebration. Lauren Shoen is the advisor for the Heritage Club and the club’s members introduced the inductees. Sophomore Cody Heaton welcomed the crowd, followed by the National Anthem, which was sung by Junior Katherine Merwin.

MHS’ Alma Mater was sung by the school’s vocal quartet. The celebration was followed by a reception in the school’s cafeteria.