Watchung Hills Principal, Teacher Top Hall of Fame Class

The Watchung Hills Hall of Fame committee has announced its 2013 honorees, persons who have served or brought honor to the high school through their efforts or achievements. They will be honored at a ceremony to be held on May 10 in the school’s Performing Arts Center.

Those named for the honor are:

• Joseph Battiato, English teacher, Advanced Placement Director at Watchung Hills, active in developing High School Proficiency Test;
• Tina Cecala, Health and Phys Ed Department member, developed fitness education curriculum, named one of the “Top Six” coaches in the history of High School Girls Swimming, with record-breaking teams;
• Dr. Tom DiGanci, Watchung Hills Regional H.S. principal, social studies teacher, wrestling coach;
• Matthew Kantor, All County fencing team, cross country track team, enlisted in U.S. Navy, completed BUDS/Seal school, recipient of numerous medals, lost his life in Afghanistan in service to his country;
• Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt, brothers whose educational television programs and films about wildlife and animals are aired on National Geographic Channel and PBS;
• Robert M. Oppenheim, socio-cultural anthropologist, expert in South Korean studies, now Associate Professor in Department of Asian Studies and Director of the Center for East Asian Studies at U. of Texas;
• Lawrence von Beidel, Fine arts teacher and Department Chairman from 1962-1982, exhibited at Montclair Museum of Art.

The Hall of Fame was initiated in 2008 as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of Watchung Hills Regional High School. Nominations are made by the public and acted upon by the Hall of Fame Committee. Names of nominees not selected for a particular year are retained for future consideration. Those selected are honored with a plaque which will be on permanent display in the school’s main lobby, and commemorated in a booklet

Further information about the Hall of Fame induction ceremony and the reception which follows will be forthcoming.