Heroic Navy SEAL Among Watchung Hills' Hall of Fame Inductees

Watchung Hills Regional High School’s sixth annual Hall of Fame induction will take place in the evening of May 10, starting at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center of the school. The public is cordially invited to attend the induction ceremony and the reception that follows.

The eight inductees, selected from nominations made by members of the community, represent a variety of professions. Some of the honorees have graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School and attained distinction in their fields. Others have served the school with dedication as teachers, coaches, board of education members. Others have devoted extraordinary talent and time to their communities.

The 2013 selections to the Hall of Fame are as follows:

Joseph Battiato: Teacher of English, Advanced Placement coordinator, Teacher of the Year (1995); nominated for “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” 30 times in 35 years of teaching.

Tina Cecala: For 13 of her 33 years of service she served as girls’ head swimming coach and was named “one of the Top Six coaches in the history of high school girls’ swimming”; honored for distinguished service by statewide and national coaching associations.

Dr. Tom DiGanci: Served Watchung Hills Regional for 33 out of his 40-year career; started as social studies teacher, coach, and then principal; was the model for all who follow.

Matthew G. Kantor: Class of 2008 member; trained rigorously as a Navy SEAL, was deployed to Afghanistan, where the Long Hill native sacrificed his own life to save his comrades-in-arms.

Christopher Kratt: Class of 1988,renowned worldwide for producing award-winning educational programs centering on wild animals, conservation and bio-diversity.

Martin Kratt: Class of 1984, along with brother Chris, writes, researches and  produces TV programs  about wildlife  that are enjoyed worldwide—“Kratt’s Creatures,” “Zoboomafoo,” “Wild Kratts,” etc.

Robert M. Oppenheim: Post college “Princeton-in-Asia” program created intense, lifelong interest in South Korea; now serves as director of the Center for East Asian Studies at the University of Texas, where he also teaches on topics relating to Korea.

Lawrence von Beidel: Twenty-year teacher and chairman of Hills Art Department; used innovative techniques.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame Induction cover the ceremony and the buffet reception which follows, and help defray part of the cost of the permanent plaques which are displayed in  the main entry hall. Tickets are $25 and they may be purchased in the Main Office of the high school or at the door on the evening of the event.

The Hall of Fame was initiated in 2008 as part of the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of the opening of Watchung Hills Regional High School. It was viewed as a timely way to celebrate those who have served or brought honor to the school through their efforts and achievements.  Hall of Fame members are selected from among nominations made by the public. The names of nominees that are not selected for a specified year are retained for future consideration.  

Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2014 Hall of Fame. Nomination forms will be available at the induction event and also at the Main Office of the high school.

All questions relating to the event may be addressed to Vice Principal Terrence MacConnell, at (908) 647-4800, ext. 6975.