EF alumni & friends accepting nominations for annual awards
The nomination deadline is April 30.
For the MVI
Elizabeth Forward Alumni & Friends Association is accepting nominations for nine awards – six Hall of Fame, two Educator Recognition and one Outstanding Young Alumni – to be bestowed as a part of the 2025 Elizabeth Forward High School Hall of Fame celebration Sept. 1920.
“Anyone may nominate candidates for consideration in these categories as long as the nominee meets the qualifications set up by the association,” said Dr. Kevin Ryan, alumni association vice president and co-chair of the Hall of Fame selection committee, said.“Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis and nominees not selected for this year will be considered in future years.”
The EFHS Hall of Fame was established in 1997. Over the past 27 years, 149 distinguished alumni who have made notable contributions in their chosen fields or to the community have been inducted into the Hall.
“These alumni severe as positive models for our young people,” Ryan said. “They have been very generous in giving back to our students. Some have returned to the high school to share their expertise and experiences. Others have created scholarships to financially assist our students who wish to continue their education beyond high school. We welcome these altruistic give backs.”
Hall of Fame candidates must be a graduate of either Elizabeth Forward or Elizabeth High School with at least 15 years having elapsed since their graduation. Nominees are evaluated and selected on the basis of their outstanding accomplishments since high school. Categories used in the selection process are the arts, business, education, government service, the sciences and sports. Others can be considered under special recognition for their community and leadership contributions.
This year, the association has added a new subcategory to the Hall of Fame selection process. If there are qualified candidates, one deceased alumnus/alumna who graduated 50 or more years ago will be chosen in addition to the five other Hall of Fame selections.
“The association wants to recognize the accomplishments of departed alumni who may not been familiar to our community because they passed more than 50 years ago, Ryan said. “We presently have four deceased individuals, the oldest of which graduated in 1929 who have been identified as deserving Hall of Fame consideration.”
Contact Ryan, EF Class of 1968, dentalpain@aol.com, for a Hall of Fame nomination form. The deadline to enter is April 30.
The Educator Recognition Award was established in 2001 to recognize dedicated educators, not necessarily EF alumni, for their position contributions to the Elizabeth Forward schools and its students. Forty-six individuals who have touched many lives during their devoted service in the district have been honored.
The only stipulation for this award is that the nominee must be a current of former professional staff member at EFSD. Mika Long, EF Class of 1971, chairs the Educator Recognition selection committee. For a nomination form, contact her at mikalong040@ gmail.com.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award was created in 2021 to celebrate our young alumni who done exceptional things since graduation. Nominees must have graduated less the 15 years ago and distinguished themselves through accomplishments post high school. Kelsey Meyers, EF Class of 2013, heads this award’s committee. Contact her for a nomination form at kcmeyers09@gmail.com.
Hall of Fame weekend events include a Friday morning interaction between high school students and Hall of Fame selections, Friday night football game where all honorees will be introduced pre-game on the field and Saturday afternoon banquet at the Georgetown Center.
Any questions can be directed to Ryan at 412-9530896.
