Past & Current Honoree Bios
Dr. Noah Chivian
Class of 1952
Endodontist and teacher of dentistry at Newark Beth Israel Hospital and Rutgers University
After graduating from Weequahic, Dr. Noah Chivian attended Franklin and Marshall College, and received his dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He subsequently received his certificate in Endodontics from Temple University School of Dentistry.
Recognition that he has received includes being a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a Fellow of the American and International Colleges of Dentistry and the American Association of Endodontists. Dr. Chivian received the Alumni Award of Merit from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the Edgar D. Coolidge Award from the American Association of Endodontists.
In addition to maintaining a private practice limited to Endodontics in West Orange, NJ, Dr. Chivian is an attending in Endodontics in the Dept. of Dentistry at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He is also an Adjunct Professor Endodontics at both the Univ. of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the NJ Dental School (UMDNJ).
Dr. Chivian is a Past President of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and the American Assoc. of endodontists Foundation. He presently serves on the Board of the Essex County Dental Society Education Foundation.
He has contributed to 14 dental textbooks and his numerous papers have appeared in many endodontic journals. Dr. Chivian was a member of the Editorial Board of Dental Traumatology for 20 years and presently serves on several editorial boards for the journal. The Video Corp. of America produced several of his teaching tapes. Dr. Chivian presented “How to Have a Positive Endodontic Experience” as an Alpha Omega Webcast in 2002 and it is archived on their website.
Dr. Chivian has conducted lectures, seminars and webcasts on all phases of endodontics at universities and dental meetings throughout North and South America, Germany, Greece, France, Holland, Israel, Japan and Switzerland.
In a lifetime spanning 84 years, Hal’s personal and professional accomplishments were bountiful. A leader, visionary, humanitarian, and mentor, he was passionate about his family, the law, and volunteer endeavors. And he cared for people who lacked the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives resulting from inequality and intolerance. After a lifetime of giving, Hal died in December 2019.
Hal was born in Newark, raised in the Weequahic section, attended Weequahic High School, which he described as "one of the best times in my life." His love for his high school inspired him later in life to provide opportunity for the current students at his alma mater as the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Weequahic High School Alumni Association in 1997. This was an achievement of which he was most proud. In 1956, Hal graduated from the University of Wisconsin, and upon returning home, he received a law degree from Rutgers University in 1959.
He practiced law for 59 years, first at Braff, Harris and Sukoneck, and then as Counsel to Margulies Wind. He was a well-respected litigator and mediator. In addition, he taught at Rutgers Law School in Newark, at the University of San Diego, and at Peking University in Beijing, China. Earlier in his career, he was active in the civil rights movement and was Counsel for the Congress of Racial Equality. In the American Inns of Court, an organization dedicated to teaching ethics to young lawyers, Hal established a network of 23 Inns in New Jersey, was the national Vice President, and received the organization’s highest award, which was presented to him in the U.S. Supreme Court. And for 20 years, Hal and his wife, Elaine, were master teachers for PAIRS, a marriage education course.
Hal was a kind, generous, thoughtful and dynamic individual, always available to help those in need. He was a 'doer,' not afraid to take on challenging situations, and always addressed difficult issues creatively with enthusiasm and optimism. As a mentor, advisor and friend, he impacted the lives of others in so many wonderful and meaningful ways.
Hal had varied interests, including community theater, movies, opera, religion, justice, politics - and the New York Mets. He and Elaine were married for 30 amazing years and he was the loving father and grandfather to six children and twelve grandchildren.
In regards to the Weequahic High School Alumni Association, he once stated “If we improve the life of even one kid, who without our help would not have been able to fulfill a dream, it is as though we saved the universe.” As for life in general, Hal would declare “make the world a better place, that is your responsibility.” And that he did.
Dr. Robert Dubman
Class of 1952
Pioneer developer in bringing affordable and accessible dental care to middle and low-income New Jerseyites
Dr. Robert Dubman was a pioneer developer in bringing affordable and accessible dental care to middle and low-income New Jerseyites who would otherwise not have been able have their dental needs met.
During his 49 years of practicing dentistry, Bob at first provided five dental centers dispersed throughout New Jersey to develop a model that would meet the needs for affordability and access. In doing so, Bob provided employment for hundreds of dentists, dental hygienists and administrative staff.
Even with these centers, Bob recognized that only a fraction of the population of New Jersey could be serviced. To expand, Bob applied to the New Jersey Department of Insurance for a license to develop low cost dental insurance plans for individuals and employer-provided dental benefits (it took two years and was no easy task being granted the license).
Being able offer dental insurance was the opener to soliciting other dentists throughout the state to participate in the model established by Bob. Eventually, Bob was able to garner 1200 other dental offices to satisfy the needs for affordability and access for thousands of New Jersey families.
Those efforts were not without opposition from many in the dental community. When personally challenged, Bob responded by simply questioning how many of their private patient families could not afford major dental care, including orthodontics for their children.
In short, Bob created places to provide health care services to thousands of an underserved population.
Bob’s accomplishment was recognized in an article “Cost Containment in Prepaid Dentistry" published by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, March, 1984. He is also the author of a book, “Ain’t We Got Fun,” which is in the Library of Congress.
Subsequent to retirement, and having enough of shoveling snow, Bob left the Garden State and, along with a host of other WHS alumni, moved to Florida where he entered a new phase of sharing by entertaining residents of senior communities with history lectures and comedic performances.
During his 49 years of practicing dentistry, Bob at first provided five dental centers dispersed throughout New Jersey to develop a model that would meet the needs for affordability and access. In doing so, Bob provided employment for hundreds of dentists, dental hygienists and administrative staff.
Even with these centers, Bob recognized that only a fraction of the population of New Jersey could be serviced. To expand, Bob applied to the New Jersey Department of Insurance for a license to develop low cost dental insurance plans for individuals and employer-provided dental benefits (it took two years and was no easy task being granted the license).
Being able offer dental insurance was the opener to soliciting other dentists throughout the state to participate in the model established by Bob. Eventually, Bob was able to garner 1200 other dental offices to satisfy the needs for affordability and access for thousands of New Jersey families.
Those efforts were not without opposition from many in the dental community. When personally challenged, Bob responded by simply questioning how many of their private patient families could not afford major dental care, including orthodontics for their children.
In short, Bob created places to provide health care services to thousands of an underserved population.
Bob’s accomplishment was recognized in an article “Cost Containment in Prepaid Dentistry" published by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, March, 1984. He is also the author of a book, “Ain’t We Got Fun,” which is in the Library of Congress.
Subsequent to retirement, and having enough of shoveling snow, Bob left the Garden State and, along with a host of other WHS alumni, moved to Florida where he entered a new phase of sharing by entertaining residents of senior communities with history lectures and comedic performances.
Joanne (affectionally known as “Red”) was born and raised in Newark, NJ. She graduated from Peshine Avenue School and then headed to Weequahic High School. While in Weequahic, she participated in the high school’s drill team and she was a majorette in the South Ward’s Aquarius Drill Team.
After high school, Joanne went to work for the City of Newark. She later worked at Beth Israel Hospital. She returned to work for the City under Mayor Baraka’s administration as a Code Enforcement Officer. She was diligent and became known for enforcing the rules, regulations and codes for the residents of the City. Joanne had a reputation for getting things done and many residents grew to love and respect her for the dedication she gave to her job.
After high school, Joanne became known as the “Mother of Weequahic High School” due to the host of fundraisers and events she held to support the school’s sports teams with supplies, equipment and uniforms. Whenever the school had a need, Joanne was right there to advocate and raise money, including door knocking on the local area businesses. She was a strong believer in education and her passion for the high school drove her to go above and beyond to ensure that students had what they needed.
Joanne had a large circle of friends. She loved to dance and have a good time. Her laughter and sense of human were contagious. She had a full personality and a sympathetic heart that made her concerned about the well-being of everyone.
When she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she still continued in her role of savior, coach, role model and protector who took care of everyone in the community.
Joanne married the love of her life, Clive Edwards, in 2019. When she passed, she also left behind her daughter, Ivory, and a granddaughter, the loves and pride of her life, and a void in the community.
The name Lester Fein is synonymous with the word champion in the state of New Jersey.
From 1941 through 1967, Fein coached championship basketball and/or volleyball teams at four high schools, 3 in New York and Weequahic, as well as at a U.S. military air base.
His most successful year was the 1966-67 season, when his Weequahic basketball team went
undefeated (26-0) on their way to capturing the New Jersey State Championship. Weequahic was named the No. 1 high school team in the United States and Coach Fein was honored as USA Coach of the Year.
Fein is celebrated most for his incredible 12 years of coaching success at Weequahic where he was both Chairman of the Athletic Department and Athletic Director. Between 1955 and 1967, his Weequahic basketball teams won three State championships – 1962, 1966, 1967; seven
State sectional titles – 1958-60, 1962, 1964, 1966, 1967; three Essex County titles – 1962, 1966, 1967; and eight Newark City League titles – 1956-59, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967. Fein’s success in New Jersey high school basketball registered a 210-69 won-loss record, a .753 winning percentage!
Following successful college basketball careers, five of his high school players went on to play in the National Basketball Association. In all, more than 50 of his players were recipients of basketball scholarships to major universities. After leaving Weequahic, he and his wife, Cecile, owned one of the most successful Weight Watchers franchises in New Jersey.
In 1968, Fein answered a U.S. State Department request to coach, teach and counsel basketball in the State of Israel. The four-month undertaking, headquartered at the Wingate Institute for Physical Education in Netanya, took him throughout the country and led to a lifetime commitment to supporting Wingate’s programs and activities; in particular, the campus’ Nat Holman School for Coaches. He served many years on the Board of Maccabi USA/Sports For Israel. Fein was author of the articles in the Athlete Journal: The Tall & Short of It; Third Quarter - One To Go; and Everyone Can Play Volleyball.
Among the many honors he received, his alma mater, New York University (MA in I941), bestowed its
prestigious Arch Award for Leadership upon Fein, and, in 1988, he was one of the original inductees to the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame, which, in his honor, created the Les Fein Scholarship which was received by 2004 WHS grad, Tahri Marshall. Most recently, Fein received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and was inducted into the JCC MetroWest (NJ) Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 1941, Fein coached basketball at Riverdale Country School, where his youngsters were Private School League Champions. In 1942, he led Woodridge High to the Catskill Mountain League title and Interstate Sectional Championship. Coach Fein entered the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942 and guided the Lakeland AAF Florida team to the Third Air Force Championship. Following World War II, 1946-49, Fein led Fallsburgh Central High to the Basketball Interstate Sectionals three successive seasons, and four successive State Volleyball Championships. Fallsburgh volleyballers were undefeated all four years!
Les passed away in 2007. He was married to Cecile for 63 years. Their two children are, Stephanie, of North Caldwell, and Kenneth, of Monroe, Conn., They have three grandchildren, Jennifer Rebecca Fein, Danielle Lauren Fein, and David Hunter Fein. To his family, Les was the perfect tango partner, a voracious reader, a dapper dresser, a wonderful listener.
"He was just a good soul, a good person with a good heart who wanted to do things the right way and who appre- ciated others who did," said his daughter, Stephanie. "It was never just winning for the sake of winning It was
always for the pride in doing it well." He stressed that relationships were the key to winning in basketball. "That's how his life was," said his son, Kenneth Fein, "He had many dear relationships."
Les was the Honorary Chair of the alumni scholarship fund and was always generous in supporting our projects. In his memory, the Fein family and the Alumni Association have established the Les and Ceil Fein Endowment Fund.
President/Founder of the Weequahic Park Sports Authority
Douglas Freeman is a Newark Citizen Stakeholder who is committed to serving the 44th District of Newark, NJ with a hands-on approach in developing, administering, and enhancing proposed activities for South Ward residents.
With over 10 years in the telecommunication industry, Douglas Freeman has accumulated experience in public service, networking, communications and serving on task forces. He also served as a union delegate for three years. His experiences in the telecommunication industry paved the way for him to become the owner and founder of a Newark-based independent communication and insurance brokerage company.
Additionally, Douglas Freeman proudly enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserves to serve and protect his country.
As a proud Newark, resident for over 20 years, Douglas Freeman has motivated, inspired, and encouraged his community through collaboration and volunteering efforts. His passion to enhance the community has become a lifetime goal that will follow him throughout his journey in public service.
Doug currently serves as director of the Weequahic Park Sports Authority, located in Weequahic Park, which brings numerous program activities to children and adults. The WPSA sponsors baseball, basketball and football camps and trips to professional sports events, a summer program for young people, an annual Kite Event, a beautification program by planting tulips annually and focusing on keeping the park clean, a Fishing Derby in coordination with the County of Essex, among other things.
Doug and his wife Joy are the proud parents of son Jaylin and daughter Brionna.
Marcia Freedman was an American-Israeli woman’s rights and peace and justice activist. Born in the U.S., Freedman, along with her then husband Bill Freedman (’55) and their daughter Jenny, emigrated to Israel in 1967. After an academic career during the early 1970’s, she was a co-founder and leader in the feminist movement there. In 1973, she was elected to the Knesset and served until 1977. During her tenure, she advocated for women’s issues, feminist reform and the rights of Palestinian citizens in Israel. As a result of her work, the Youth Ministry’s budget for girls in distress was significantly increased. Marcia opened the first battered women’s shelter, helped create a network of support and services for women, and introduced legislation that led to the reform of Israel’s highly restrictive abortion law. She co-founded the Women’s Party in 1977. She also co-founded and helped run the Kol Ha-Isha Women’s Center in Haifa and was a member of and advocate for recognition and legitimacy of the Israeli LGBTQ community.
Marcia returned to the U.S. in 1981 and settled in the California Bay Area, where she published her memoir, ‘Exile in the Promised Land’ in 1990. She helped create the Women’s Computer Literacy Project and was the Director of Marketing for the American Society on Aging, where she established the Lesbian and Gay Aging Issues Network. She again returned to Israel for extended stays from 1997 to 2002, helping to co-found the Community School for Women, which offered courses in Women’s studies and employment skills to underserved women.
In 2002, she co-founded Brid Tzedek v’Shalom, a nonprofit grass-roots organization that supported the establishment of a Palestinian state and served as its president.
More recently, she was a member of Ashby Village (a community center for the elderly) serving on its Board of Directors, and she was a co-founder of Elder Action, a political group within the organization. She contributed her activist energies and visionary and thoughtful leadership to equity, diversity, inclusion and access to the Village.
Marcia was a funny, loving, warm, generous woman who loved food, wine, culture, shopping, shoes, the sun, and all things beautiful.
When Marcia passed in 2021, leaving behind her beloved daughter, Jenny, and ex-husband, Bill, women from all over acknowledged her life with an overwhelming outpouring of gratitude for her work.
First Principal of Weequahic
Max J. Herzberg was the first principal of Weequahic High School and served for 18 years. He retired in 1951 after 44 years in the Newark school system. Mr. Herzberg was a former president of the National Council of English Teachers.
Upon his retirement as director of publications, he received the council's W. Wilbur Hatfield Award for "long and distinguished service to the teaching of English in the United States." The award also praised him for "stimulation of higher standards in the production and use of books, magazines, radio, television and motion pictures."
Born in New York in 1886, Mr. Herzberg lived near Red Hook, Brooklyn, in his boyhood and used to recall that he had been a member of a tough waterfront gang specializing in slingshot warfare. He later attended Newark public schools and completed the standard four-year course at Columbia University in three years. He did post-graduate work at Columbia and NYU.
Mr. Herzberg joined the Newark schools staff in 1907 and became head of the English department at Central High School in 1912. As Weequahic's first principal, he used to observe that in 18 years he never asked for a single suspension or expulsion.
He was a former president of the Newark Schoolmen's Club and a member of many educational organizations. He was former president of the Stephen Crane
Association and was a member of the Listentome Literary Club of the Oranges.
In his other career, Mr. Herzberg joined the staff of the Newark Evening News in 1913 as a book reviewer and became literary editor in 1920. He held that position at his death and had edited the newspaper's Sunday Book Page since its inception in 1947. He estimated that he had written 5,000 book reviews and handled copy on more than 20,000 reviews.
Mr. Herzberg's own career as an author began in 1914 with his first textbook, "A New Style Book of Business English." He wrote or edited numerous other texts and books, ranging from a collection of Mark Twain's works to a textbook on Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" complete with historical background.
Other works included a poetry anthology entitled "Off to Arcady," a biographical and critical introduction to Stephen Crane's "Red Badge of Courage" and a collection of American prose and poetry called "This Is America." Mr. Herzberg was a member of the dictionary staff of G. & C. Merriam-Webster and editor of its leaflet, Word Study, sent several times a year to English teachers.
Mr. Herzberg died in January 1958. At that time he was survived by two sons, Richard and Donald, and a brother, Gustave.
Max J. Herzberg was the first principal of Weequahic High School and served for 18 years. He retired in 1951 after 44 years in the Newark school system. Mr. Herzberg was a former president of the National Council of English Teachers.
Upon his retirement as director of publications, he received the council's W. Wilbur Hatfield Award for "long and distinguished service to the teaching of English in the United States." The award also praised him for "stimulation of higher standards in the production and use of books, magazines, radio, television and motion pictures."
Born in New York in 1886, Mr. Herzberg lived near Red Hook, Brooklyn, in his boyhood and used to recall that he had been a member of a tough waterfront gang specializing in slingshot warfare. He later attended Newark public schools and completed the standard four-year course at Columbia University in three years. He did post-graduate work at Columbia and NYU.
Mr. Herzberg joined the Newark schools staff in 1907 and became head of the English department at Central High School in 1912. As Weequahic's first principal, he used to observe that in 18 years he never asked for a single suspension or expulsion.
He was a former president of the Newark Schoolmen's Club and a member of many educational organizations. He was former president of the Stephen Crane
Association and was a member of the Listentome Literary Club of the Oranges.
In his other career, Mr. Herzberg joined the staff of the Newark Evening News in 1913 as a book reviewer and became literary editor in 1920. He held that position at his death and had edited the newspaper's Sunday Book Page since its inception in 1947. He estimated that he had written 5,000 book reviews and handled copy on more than 20,000 reviews.
Mr. Herzberg's own career as an author began in 1914 with his first textbook, "A New Style Book of Business English." He wrote or edited numerous other texts and books, ranging from a collection of Mark Twain's works to a textbook on Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" complete with historical background.
Other works included a poetry anthology entitled "Off to Arcady," a biographical and critical introduction to Stephen Crane's "Red Badge of Courage" and a collection of American prose and poetry called "This Is America." Mr. Herzberg was a member of the dictionary staff of G. & C. Merriam-Webster and editor of its leaflet, Word Study, sent several times a year to English teachers.
Mr. Herzberg died in January 1958. At that time he was survived by two sons, Richard and Donald, and a brother, Gustave.
Two themes have run strongly and concurrently through the life and careers of attorney Lawrence (Larry) Lerner. Even as he was building a pre-eminent intellectual law practice in NJ, he applied his talents to the inter-relationship between social justice needs and the rule of law. In the 1960’s, he represented dozens of pro bono racial discrimination cases and led a coalition of groups fighting for justice in housing and employment in NJ. Simultaneously, he successfully pursued cases before the NJ Supreme Court that reapportioned NJ on “one man, one vote.” He was also able to obtain an injunction to remove the liquor license of a famous national organization that discriminated on the basis of race.
Larry is a graduate of the Newark College of Engineering with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and he also has a law degree from Georgetown University. He is a member of the Bar of NJ, Pennsylvania and Virginia and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. The firm he founded, Lerner & David, in Cranford, NJ has over 60 attorneys and represents major companies around the world.
Starting in 1979, he devoted much of his energies to a concern for social justice in the Soviet Union. This entailed multiple trips to the Soviet Union to visit with Refuseniks and ex-prisoners of conscience. He helped found an organization that filed legal actions for political prisoners based on Soviet treaty obligations and the Constitution of the Soviet Union.
In 1996, after an unsuccessful campaign for the House of Representatives, Larry retired from the practice of law and devoted his activities to organizations whose purposes he could support. He maintained his interest in the former Soviet Union and after a few years as an officer, he became the President of the Union of Council for Soviet Jews (UCSJ) in the former Soviet Union. Today, this organization concentrates on fighting antisemitism and xenophobia, and promotes rights and the rule of law in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It has set up a religious freedom roundtable in the Ukraine, coordinating the activities of over 50 human rights organizations in the country.
In 1989, he became a member of the Board of the Education Fund for Israeli Civil Rights and Peace, the forerunner of MeretzUSA, a supporter of the Meretz party in Israel.
While in Weequahic High School, Larry was a member of the HaShomer HaTsair youth organization, and a supporter of the Meretz Party in Israel. In this organization, he found a home for his views that Israel and the Palestinian Authority should settle their differences by sitting side-by-side with secure borders. He served as President of MeretzUSA for many years and represented it at the World Zionist Congress for 15 years.
Larry continues his work for the UCSJ which has offices in Lviv and Washington, DC. The UCSJ is presently raising funds for food and providing medical supplies for those in need in Ukraine.
Larry and his wife, Beverly Rothstein Lerner, reside in Providence, NJ. They have four children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Cynthia Holiday, singer and songwriter, is a real crowd-pleaser and her renditions of straight-ahead jazz, blues and pop standards are full of swing, improvisation and soul. Singing live before an audience is clearly where she feels most comfortable, demonstrating a fantastic stage presence.
Cynthia says, “I love the up-and-close feeling of performing in small, intimate venues like SMOKE or Showmans Jazz Club in NYC. I also enjoy the thrill of performing for an audience of 10,000+ at outdoor events like the Harlem Jazz & Blues Festival, or the Hartford Jazz Festival.” Following the performance in Hartford, the Hartford Courier music reviewer said “She may have been unfamiliar to the audience, but Holiday quickly won over the crowd with her blues-soaked swing and charming banter.”
Cynthia’s gifted vocals and natural inclination for jazz is attributed to her upbringing in Newark, NJ, where music filled her home on any given day. Her stepfather, trumpeter Calvin Hughes, was a band leader who performed with such greats as Count Basie, Clark Terry and Big Maybelle.
As a child, Cynthia was a dancer, studying for years with the Garden State Ballet Company. She also taught dance while in college. Singing was her true love and she began studying classical voice with Jacklyn Snyder in NYC. Eventually, she switched to the jazz vocal program at the Newark School of the Arts, with Inez McClendon. She also took private voice lessons with many others including Duke Anderson, Jim Carson and the late Rita DaCosta Turrentine. She considers the late bassist, Earl May, to be an important mentor as she began sitting in at jam sessions.
In 2008, Cynthia’s debut CD “All the Way” was released. It was produced by John Snyder and Eulis Cathey. On it, she performed with a number of notable musicians and she put her own personal touch on the CD’s standards, blues and several originals. She co-wrote two of the songs with Radam Schwartz, “I Like What I See” and “You’ve Got a Job To Do.” When asked which were her favorites, she says “My Little Rainbow” and “Samba de Amore,” both of which showcase her musical versatility.
Sheila Anderson, host of WBGO’s Jazz88 program said that “Cynthia seeks to continue the tradition of jazz women who sing the blues, a style that is becoming a lost art…(when I listen to her) I hear the humor of Helen Humes, the soul of Ernestine Anderson, the warm timber of Nancy Wilson and the storytelling of Marlene Shaw, but make no mistake, what you hear is pure Cynthia Holiday.” WBGO Jazz88 Host, Sheila Anderson.
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Birdland, Smoke and the Iridium Jazz Clubs, NYC
Cecil’s and Trumpet’s Jazz Clubs, Montclair, NJ
Blues Alley Jazz Club, Washington, DC
Shanghai Jazz Club, Madison, NJ
Hartford Jazz Festival, Hartford, CT
The Apollo, Central Park, Riverside Arts & Music and Fort Green Jazz Festivals, NYC
Harlem Chamber of Commerce Concert (opened for Gloria Lynn), NYC
Helen Hayes Performing Arts Concert (opened for Cissy Houston), NYC
International Women in Jazz Concert, NYC
Newark Symphony Hall (opened for Roy Ayers and performed with Rhoda Scott)
Jazz Arts Project, Red Bank, NJ
Osaka Asian Dreams Concert with TS Monk Septet, Japan, 2013
Moscow Tour with Oleg Butman, Russia, 2013
NTAC Private Party, Antigua, BWI, 2012
Siberia Tour, Russia, 2011
Valentine’s Day Performance, St. Maarten, 2009
DISCOGRAPHY
“All the Way” featuring the Cedar Walton Trio (available on Amazon and Itunes)
“I Like What I See” recorded live at Birdland, NYC (available on CD Baby)
Born in Newark, NJ to Russian immigrants, Ben was a 1942 graduate of Weequahic High School where he was elected Senior Class President. He then graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, with his time there interrupted by service in the Army. While at UNC, he served as Hillel President and used this position to lead an interfaith group to push the school to hold its first concert for an integrated audience in UNC’s history, hosting the noted African-American soprano, Dorothy Maynor.
Ben received his JD from Rutgers University-Newark Law School, attending school at night, while serving during the day as Assistant Director of the Newark Housing Authority, working to improve the quality and availability of the City’s affordable housing.
Ben went on to work with his father-in-law, Cecil Lurie (founder of Atlas Steel products which later became Benco). He remained active in legal work as an expert witness, mediator and arbitrator.
Aside from his family, his greatest joy was his community work and for it he received numerous awards. He was past Chairman of the Maplewood Economic Commission leading efforts to reinvigorate Springfield Avenue. As a founder of the Society of Musical Arts, he helped bring outstanding live classical performances to local venues. He was an active member of CRIA (Council of Religion and International Affairs, later named the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs). With his wife, Ruth, he established the UNC-Hillel Ruth and Benjamin Perlmutter Foundation for Ethics in Our Time, dedicated to bringing to campus outstanding, internationally recognized thinkers on the topic of ethics and Judaism. He served for many years on the Board of the Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research at Hebrew University and he and Ruth contributed an important microscope to them--key to conducting specialized research.
Ben was especially dedicated to the Metrowest Jewish Community. Early on, he received the Julius and Bessie Cohen Award, recognizing young UJA leaders and their potential. He went on to become President of the Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) and remained an active Board member for decades. There he began the Scholarship Fund, which, to date, has provided over $3.1 million in interest-free scholarship loans. He was also a dedicated member of the Board of Hebrew Free Loan of NJ, the same organization that decades before provided a loan that helped his father start his small business when he arrived in this country. Ben served for many years on the Executive Committee of the Jewish Community Federation of Metrowest NJ.
In his retirement, he took every class offered by Seton Hall University’s Department of Jewish Christian Studies, enjoying rigorous conversations with its Rabbis, Priests and his fellow classmates. He also took many art classes, studying painting and drawing.
Ben was married for 68 years to Ruth Lurie Perlmutter. They had two daughters, Amy and Risa Goldstein, and two grandchildren.
Cynthia G. Pierre, Ph.D., is currently serving her second stint as Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Since 1965, the EEOC has been the leading federal law enforcement agency dedicated to preventing and remedying employment discrimination and advancing equal opportunity for all in the workplace. She also was the Chief Operating Officer for the EEOC during the Obama administration. Her total federal career has spanned 37 years including eight years as Regional Director and National Enforcement Director for the U.S. Department of Education's Office (DOE) for Civil Rights (OCR). At OCR she oversaw the enforcement activities of the four-state Atlanta Region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee) to ensure equal access to education for all regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age or disability.
Before joining the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights, Cynthia was Field Management Programs Director, for the EEOC where she monitored and evaluated the performance of EEOC’s 51 field offices to ensure effective implementation of agency programs, policies and procedures to combat discrimination in the workforce. She was first appointed a senior executive in the federal service in 1998, serving as EEOC District Director in Birmingham, AL.
Prior to joining the federal government, Cynthia worked for six years in international development for a nonprofit, travelling extensively in West Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Dr. Pierre is also an Adjunct Professor at The University of Maryland Global Campus and Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University where she teaches online courses on leadership, intercultural communications, and diversity and inclusion.
Cynthia was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban studies. While at Penn, she was a junior year exchange student at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. She later obtained a Master’s degree in administration from Antioch University, and a Ph.D. in public administration from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. She also has completed the Senior Managers in Government Certificate Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the Leadership for a Democratic Society Program at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA.
Before joining the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights, Cynthia was Field Management Programs Director, for the EEOC where she monitored and evaluated the performance of EEOC’s 51 field offices to ensure effective implementation of agency programs, policies and procedures to combat discrimination in the workforce. She was first appointed a senior executive in the federal service in 1998, serving as EEOC District Director in Birmingham, AL.
Prior to joining the federal government, Cynthia worked for six years in international development for a nonprofit, travelling extensively in West Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Dr. Pierre is also an Adjunct Professor at The University of Maryland Global Campus and Professorial Lecturer at The George Washington University where she teaches online courses on leadership, intercultural communications, and diversity and inclusion.
Cynthia was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban studies. While at Penn, she was a junior year exchange student at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. She later obtained a Master’s degree in administration from Antioch University, and a Ph.D. in public administration from the George Washington University in Washington, DC. She also has completed the Senior Managers in Government Certificate Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the Leadership for a Democratic Society Program at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA.
Darryl Rochester graduated from Weequahic High School in 1971 after having grown up on Johnson Avenue among a close-knit extended family and large circle of lifelong friends. Building on his foundation as a student in Kay Payne’s Dance Studio, Darryl’s love for the arts bloomed into his first career when he auditioned and was accepted in the famed Alvin Ailey Dance troupe. Unfortunately, Darryl soon suffered an injury which would bring an end to his dance career.
Darryl continued to embrace his artistic side by enrolling in the Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture and Christine Valmy Beauty School in New York, receiving certifications from them both. With these certifications and the influences of his late mother Mabel and her dear friends, including Emily Miles "the grand dame of black style in Newark”, Darryl began taking the tri-state area fashion scene by storm. He was tapped by the legendary Al Murphy (who was obsessed with Emily Miles) to choreograph funky dance-theater pieces for Murphy’s highly extravagant fashion shows. Darryl and his dear friends, fashion designer Jaime McDonald and model Tommy Garrett, participated in these epic shows, as did such legends as Iman, Pat Cleveland, and Beverly Johnson, the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. Around this time, Darryl opened his first salon in his family home on Keer Avenue. There, Darryl styled many of New Jersey’s hottest models and celebrities including Beverly Johnson, Pat Cleveland and one of his best friends, the groundbreaking Tracy “Africa'' Norman. He also styled participants of the legendary New York Ball culture and over the years was a premier stylist at Bamberger’s, the famous Soul Scissors Salon, and Avalon Day Spa in Greenwich Village.
Darryl was central to the theatrical environment of this era. Most notable was his association with the Club Le Jock, located on Halsey Street in Newark, an LGBTQ space that spawned the theatrical environment for the expression of free Black subjectivity and a precursor for similar cultural spaces throughout the tri-state area. Darryl's contributions to the LGBTQ community and cultural scene have been recorded in the Rutgers University Queer Newark annals. He later became a fixture at such legendary clubs as Zanzibar, Studio 54, The Garage, and The Loft.
Although Darryl did not have children of his own, he took great delight in being everyone’s Uncle Darryl; his many friends and clients were like his family. As a rite of passage, Uncle Darryl enjoyed taking his nieces clubbing to New York and New Jersey hot spots...after their hair and makeup were sufficiently snatched enough to make him proud. And while he also never married, his longtime relationship with Calvin Cleveland brought love and light to his life.
Darryl enjoyed traveling to places as far as Amsterdam; however, nothing could compare to his love for Martha’s Vineyard, where he traveled annually with his sister, Sandra and dear friend from Weequahic, Yvonne. He spent many a sunrise doing yoga on the Inkwell Beach and many lazy afternoons people watching in the front yard.
Darryl passed away on December 8, 2020, leaving behind a host of family, friends, classmates, and clients to dance on with the spirit he left behind.
Darryl continued to embrace his artistic side by enrolling in the Wilfred Academy of Hair and Beauty Culture and Christine Valmy Beauty School in New York, receiving certifications from them both. With these certifications and the influences of his late mother Mabel and her dear friends, including Emily Miles "the grand dame of black style in Newark”, Darryl began taking the tri-state area fashion scene by storm. He was tapped by the legendary Al Murphy (who was obsessed with Emily Miles) to choreograph funky dance-theater pieces for Murphy’s highly extravagant fashion shows. Darryl and his dear friends, fashion designer Jaime McDonald and model Tommy Garrett, participated in these epic shows, as did such legends as Iman, Pat Cleveland, and Beverly Johnson, the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. Around this time, Darryl opened his first salon in his family home on Keer Avenue. There, Darryl styled many of New Jersey’s hottest models and celebrities including Beverly Johnson, Pat Cleveland and one of his best friends, the groundbreaking Tracy “Africa'' Norman. He also styled participants of the legendary New York Ball culture and over the years was a premier stylist at Bamberger’s, the famous Soul Scissors Salon, and Avalon Day Spa in Greenwich Village.
Darryl was central to the theatrical environment of this era. Most notable was his association with the Club Le Jock, located on Halsey Street in Newark, an LGBTQ space that spawned the theatrical environment for the expression of free Black subjectivity and a precursor for similar cultural spaces throughout the tri-state area. Darryl's contributions to the LGBTQ community and cultural scene have been recorded in the Rutgers University Queer Newark annals. He later became a fixture at such legendary clubs as Zanzibar, Studio 54, The Garage, and The Loft.
Although Darryl did not have children of his own, he took great delight in being everyone’s Uncle Darryl; his many friends and clients were like his family. As a rite of passage, Uncle Darryl enjoyed taking his nieces clubbing to New York and New Jersey hot spots...after their hair and makeup were sufficiently snatched enough to make him proud. And while he also never married, his longtime relationship with Calvin Cleveland brought love and light to his life.
Darryl enjoyed traveling to places as far as Amsterdam; however, nothing could compare to his love for Martha’s Vineyard, where he traveled annually with his sister, Sandra and dear friend from Weequahic, Yvonne. He spent many a sunrise doing yoga on the Inkwell Beach and many lazy afternoons people watching in the front yard.
Darryl passed away on December 8, 2020, leaving behind a host of family, friends, classmates, and clients to dance on with the spirit he left behind.
Evora A. Thomas was admitted to practice law in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia and is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center (JD ’77) and Princeton University (BA’74) where she was recruited during the first year it became co-ed. She spent more than 40 years in promoting, providing, and supporting the delivery of legal aid in civil cases to those unable to afford a lawyer. As a licensed attorney herself, the passion of this mission became the over-arching motivation of her legal career. In 2022, she retired from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) in Washington, D.C. after nearly two decades of engagement with legal services providers nationally.
Prior to joining LSC, Evora served as Executive Director & General Counsel of Peninsula Legal Aid Center, Inc. in Hampton, Virginia; and as a Staff Attorney with the Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc., and with Essex-Newark Legal Services, Inc. Ms. Thomas was also appointed as the first Black and first female Presiding Judge of the Municipal Court of East Orange, New Jersey in 1983. Over the years, she has served as a board member for numerous non-profit organizations, including the Legal Services Corporation of Virginia, Peninsula Aids Foundation, Newark Recycling, TriCorp, Inc., and the Concerned Black Alumni of Princeton (CBAP), in addition to the Dreyfuss Bank, formerly headquartered in East Orange, New Jersey. She has also been a frequent trainer on non-profit board governance, leadership, and client engagement at national conferences, at grantee program events and at LSC.
Throughout her adult life, Evora has been actively engaged in ministry and currently serves at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. In retirement, she looks forward to being more involved in support of the ministry within the local community, along with writing, and spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
Hilda Lutzke, Faculty
38 years teaching English
Born and raised in Newark, Hilda Lutzke knew she wanted to be a high school English teacher. She received a BA from Montclair Teachers College (now Montclair State University) and later received an MA in Education from NYU. On February 1st, 1937, Hilda at age 23, began teaching English at Weequahic High School, where she remained until her retirement in 1975.
She knew her students were bright and her goal was to help them express themselves well. She focused on grammar, sentence structure, and expanding their vocabulary. She tested them on their reading and gave frequent writing assignments.
“I wanted my students to speak articulately and write effectively, and I worked toward those goals until the
day I retired,” Ms. Lutzke commented. But beyond the academics, Hilda always had an interest in her students’ well being and their futures. She was happy to help them with their decisions regarding college or other plans for after graduation. Over the years, she has also enjoyed staying in touch with former students and reconnecting with others she has met locally or during past winters in Florida.
During her career, Ms. Lutzke was a founding member of the Newark Teachers Union. She also served as President of the American Jewish Congress’ Greater Newark Women’s Division, and as a member of its National Governing Council.
Her late husband, Maurice, was Vice Principal and then Principal of Hawthorne Avenue School. She has two children, Eleanor (class of June ’59) and Arthur (class of June ’63) and two grand- daughters, Jessica and Melissa.
38 years teaching English
Born and raised in Newark, Hilda Lutzke knew she wanted to be a high school English teacher. She received a BA from Montclair Teachers College (now Montclair State University) and later received an MA in Education from NYU. On February 1st, 1937, Hilda at age 23, began teaching English at Weequahic High School, where she remained until her retirement in 1975.
She knew her students were bright and her goal was to help them express themselves well. She focused on grammar, sentence structure, and expanding their vocabulary. She tested them on their reading and gave frequent writing assignments.
“I wanted my students to speak articulately and write effectively, and I worked toward those goals until the
day I retired,” Ms. Lutzke commented. But beyond the academics, Hilda always had an interest in her students’ well being and their futures. She was happy to help them with their decisions regarding college or other plans for after graduation. Over the years, she has also enjoyed staying in touch with former students and reconnecting with others she has met locally or during past winters in Florida.
During her career, Ms. Lutzke was a founding member of the Newark Teachers Union. She also served as President of the American Jewish Congress’ Greater Newark Women’s Division, and as a member of its National Governing Council.
Her late husband, Maurice, was Vice Principal and then Principal of Hawthorne Avenue School. She has two children, Eleanor (class of June ’59) and Arthur (class of June ’63) and two grand- daughters, Jessica and Melissa.
Victor Parsonnet
Class of June 1941
Pioneer in Cardiology
An accomplished surgeon and researcher, Dr. Victor Parsonnet has demonstrated a lifetime of commitment and service to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine and surgery. Although he has gained international renown for his work with pacemakers, he also pioneered many cardiovascular procedures in
N.J., such as the first total esophagectomy, the first aortocoronary-bypass operation and the first kidney and heart transplantations.
Other contributions included the establishment of the first in-hospital emergency page system, now used universally as Code Blue or similar pages, the earliest demonstration that remote radiofrequency cardiac monitoring was feasible, now used in monitored critical care areas worldwide.
Among his many scientific contributions was the implantation of the first permanent transvenous pacemaker, a procedure now used in almost every pacemaker implantation throughout the world. He also implanted the first nuclear pacemakers in the United States and later pioneered the use of the lithium battery pacemaker, now used in virtually every pacemaker and defibrillator implanted today.
He is past Director of Surgery, a position he held for 34 years, and he founded the hospital’s Pacemaker Center in 1966 and remains its Director. He is Director of Surgical Research at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, as well as Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
Dr. Parsonnet has earned numerous awards and honors, and has served in various capacities, from founding member, trustee, to president, in many professional organizations and societies. He has been selected as “Outstanding Physician” of the year, received the “Pioneer in Pacing” award; and in 1996, The American Heart Association selected him to receive their “Heart of Gold Award.” This year they awarded him their 2008 Visionary Award that will henceforth bear his name for future awardees.
He has been a member of 13 editorial boards of cardiovascular journals, and holds five patents. As a recognized expert in his field, he has also published more than 600 articles, authored five books and 86 book chapters, produced 24 medical tapes and 20 teaching films, created 36 exhibits, and conducted more than 700 meetings, lectures, and presentations during his career.
Dr. Parsonnet attended Cornell University and the New York University College of Medicine where he received his medical degree. He completed his internship in surgery at Boston Beth Israel Hospital, and residencies in Pathology at Bellevue Hospital and Grasslands Hospital, and in surgery at the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. He completed fellowship training in vascular surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York and in cardiovascular surgery with Drs. Michael DeBakey and Denton Cooley at Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston. He served in the USNR during World War II, and the USAF during the Korean Conflict from 1952-54.
Through his avocational interest in music he became Board Chairman of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, a position he has held since 1991. Earlier this year he was named Chairman Emeritus of the orchestra, and recently was their honoree at the 2008 opening night ceremonies, receiving the first Leadership Award that will bear his name for future awardees.
Dr. Parsonnet lives in Oldwick, N.J. with his wife, Jane. His first wife, Dr. Mia Parsonnet, also a physician, died in 2002. They have three children; one of whom, Julie, is Associate Professors of Medicine and Dean of Education at Stanford Medical School, Jeff is Associate Professor of Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School, and Brian is an engineer in business in Fort Collins, CO. They have five grandchildren, but now together with Jane they have six children, ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Dr. Robert Lowenstein, Faculty
Distinguished Educator
By Dave Lieberfarb, WHS 1965
Thirty-one years after retiring as chairman of Weequahic’s foreign language department, Dr. Robert Lowenstein turned 101 in July 2008. Dr. Lowenstein taught at the high school during its early years before World War II, in the post-war era after serving overseas, and in the post-riots era after fighting his own battle against McCarthy-era political persecution. He and his wife, Zelda, who died three years ago, also raised three Weequahic alumni: Amy Lowenstein, 1962; Martha Lowenstein Rennie, 1964; and James (Jim) Lowenstein, 1965.
The centenarian has also maintained a 60-year relationship with one of Weequahic’s most famous alumni, Philip Roth, whom he met when the future author was in his freshman homeroom. A published poet and author himself, Dr.
Lowenstein was a model for a character in one of Roth’s novels, “I Married a Communist.” Dr. Lowenstein’s works have been published in a variety of poetry magazines. His daughter Martha recalled that when she and her siblings were young, their father also wrote a couple of plays and stories for children. She related attending a performance of “Petey and the Pogo Stick,” a dramatization of one of his stories.
Robert Lowenstein was born July 13, 1907, the fifth of six children, including two others who reached the century mark. He rattled off the names of his siblings: Ida, Eleanor, Aaron, Evelyn and Regina (Jean). Eleanor lived to 102; Evelyn to 100. Their mother reached age 92, and her mother made it to 95.
He graduated from South Side High School and received a degree in English from Rutgers in 1928. He earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania, then spent a year in France, where he taught in a boys’ secondary school where they trained to be elementary school teachers. Back in America, he went to Johns Hopkins University, where he earned a Ph.D. in French literature, writing his doctoral thesis on Voltaire.
Dr. Lowenstein’s first teaching job was in Trenton at Central High School where he taught French and Italian. “After a few years, I came to Newark,” he said, “because the pay was better, it was my hometown, and I could live in my parents’ house.” He spent time at South Side, teaching French, Spanish, and Latin, then Barringer, “to replace a retiring Italian teacher,” before coming to Weequahic.
During his first stint at Weequahic, he married the former Zelda Lewis on July 11, 1941. He joined the Army Air Corps and was sent overseas just before the birth of his first child, Amy, whom he didn’t get to see until he returned from 16 months in North Africa, Italy, and Yugoslavia, where he picked up a working knowledge of Serbo-Croatian.
Despite being a decorated World War II vet, Dr. Lowenstein ran afoul of the political persecution that took place during the Cold War. One of three Newark teachers fired in 1955, he fought it out in the courts. He was represented by distinguished Newark Judge John Bigelow and attorney Morton Stavis, who subsequently was one of the founders of the Center for Constitutional Rights. “When the case was finally decided in my favor, the opinion was written by a judge who had been a classmate of mine at Rutgers,” Dr. Lowenstein recalled. “Everything worked out fine.” Daughter Martha learned when she went to college that her father’s fame preceded her. “I didn’t realize that you were somewhat of a cause celebre,” she said. “When I got to [the University of] Wisconsin, some of the graduate history students wanted to interview me because I was your daughter.”
Reinstated with back pay in 1961, he went to Barringer as language department chairman. “I was very happy at Barringer teaching Italian,” he said. But his final transfer was to Weequahic in 1967, when there were no longer any young Lowensteins in the school. Although he gave up mowing his lawn and shoveling snow a couple of years ago, Dr. Lowenstein still stays active by taking several walks a day. Shirley Seltzer, widow of former Weequahic Math teacher Morton Seltzer, relates that “whenever I drop by to visit him, he has always ‘just returned from a walk.’” On the phone, he will give her advice for dressing for the weather conditions!
Dr. Lowenstein continues to write poetry and takes great pleasure in rereading his favorite writers, Montaigne and Dante. At the age of 101, family, friends, the natural world, reading and writing remain central to him. The French have a word for it - engagé.
Former Essence magazine staffer Benilde Little is one of a new wave of successful African American female authors whose novels are earning legions of devoted fans. Her smart, attractive, overachiever protagonists are outwardly successful, but struggle with self-doubt, invisible class barriers, and heartache. Little has been compared favorably with notable writers of American fiction such as Edith Wharton and Terry McMillan.
Little is the best-selling author of Good Hair. The novel fictionalized the class issues Little had encountered both at Howard and in the world of professional, urban African Americans. The title referred to a trait that was essential for membership in the upper echelons of the African American social order, hair that didn't need to undergo lengthy chemical treatments to
become straight. Using whites as an example of beauty, the characters in Good Hair also judged their peers by the shade of their skin.
The main character of the novel, Alice Andrews, is an African American woman from Newark who earns a scholarship to a prestigious women's college in New England. Good Hair follows Andrews' life as she struggles for acceptance among her elite classmates and, after graduation, in her professional and social life in Manhattan.
Selected as one of the ten best books of 1996 by The Los Angeles Times, Good Hair spent six months at number one on the Blackboard Bestseller list. Little was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for her work and was awarded Best New Author by the Go On Girl Book Club, a nationwide reading group. James McBride, author of The Color of Water, called the book “an important book to read for anyone who has ever been in love…a superb debut.”
Little’s follow-up novel, The Itch, was published in 1998. Set among the world that W.E.B. DuBois called, “The Talented Tenth,” she examined the privileged lives of the black elite in Manhattan and Los Angeles, and their struggle to find a sense of purpose amidst overwhelming material success.
Benilde’s critically acclaimed third novel, Acting Out, asked the question of how someone maintains their course when their world is turned upside down unexpectedly. Her latest novel, Who Does She Think She Is? was published in 2005.
Little was formerly a senior editor at Essence and a contributing editor at Heart and Soul. She has been a reporter for People, The Cleveland Plain Dealer and The Star-Ledger and has written for In-Style, Allure and other publications. She graduated from Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and also attended graduate school at Northwestern University.
Little was born in 1958 and grew up in a modest, integrated neighborhood in Newark. Her mother had dropped out of high school, became a nurse's aide, and then served as president of the Parent-Teacher Association at her daughter's school. Little's father worked at General Motors as a materials coordinator and was active in community and civic organizations as well. Her parents provided her with music lessons and nice clothes and strongly encouraged her to excel in school.
The 1967 riots in Newark irrevocably changed Little's neighborhood. Many of the white families moved away, as did some of the established African American households. The Littles, however, refused to move.
Newcomers to the neighborhood, many of them from a riot-torn area of Newark known as the Central Ward, viewed middle-class families like the Littles with suspicion. Little, an overachieving student, was often ridiculed by her fellow African American classmates. "I was the rich kid," Little recalled in an interview with Pamela Newkirk in the Washington Post. On several occasions, she was attacked on her way home from school.
At Howard University, she met many wealthy students who had several generations of Howard alumni in their family. For the first time in her life, she was asked what her grandfather had done for a living. Little became acutely aware that there was a type of caste system among African Americans. Because she had her own apartment and car, she was considered part of the elite. These were some of the personal experiences that have become themes in her writing.
Benilde Little lives with her husband Clifford Virgin and their two children, Baldwin and Ford, in Montclair.
Al Attles has witnessed it all during his lengthy NBA legacy with the Warriors (now Golden State) as a player, coach and executive - the exciting wins, the disappointing losses and the magical 1974-75 World Championship season.
He has personal, first-hand accounts of Wilt Chamberlain’s intimidating presence, Nate Thurmond’s defensive prowess, Rick Barry’s offensive explosions, the exciting days of "Run-TMC" and the high-flying antics of two-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion Jason Richardson. Attles is one of only 5 players in Warriors history to have his jersey retired (#16) - and remains one of the most publicly recognizable sports figures in the area.
Beginning his 48th year with the Warriors organization, Attles’ current stint with the same team represents the second-longest streak in NBA history, trailing only Boston’s Red Auerbach, who was a member of the Celtics’ organization from 1950 until his passing in 2006.
The 71-year-old Attles joined the Warriors in 1960 (a 5th-round draft choice) and has since been affiliated with the club in one capacity or another, building a unique relationship based on commitment, loyalty and dedication. He has spent the last 21 years as assistant general manager with the Warriors, assisting the front office in a variety of ways, ranging from player personnel input to numerous speaking engagements. His endless contributions locally as a player, executive and civic leader resulted in his much-deserved induction into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1993.
In the latter stages of the 1969-70 NBA campaign, Attles was named head coach of the Warriors, replacing George Lee after 52 games (spent the final two years of his playing career in 1969-70 and 1970-71 as a player/coach). His 30-game stint as head coach to end that season proved to be the start of the longest head coaching run in Warriors franchise history, a 13-plus-year tenure which produced, among other highlights, the lone NBA Championship in the club’s West Coast history (1974-75).
Under Attles' tutelage, Golden State captured the Pacific Division title during the 1974-75 championship season and defeated Seattle (4-2) and Chicago (4-3) en route to the NBA Finals, where the Warriors swept the Washington Bullets (4-0).
During his 13-year coaching run, Attles guided the Warriors to six playoff berths, two division titles and an overall 557-518 record, which ranks 18th on the NBA’s all-time coaches' winning list. One season after leading his team to the NBA title, he led them to a sparkling 59-23 record in 1975-76, the best mark in franchise history and the top record in the NBA that season.
Additionally, Golden State posted an all-time franchise record 11 consecutive wins during the 1971-72 campaign, Attles second full season at the helm. He also was named head coach of the Western Conference All-Star Team in both 1975 and 1976 and guided the Warriors to eight consecutive winning seasons during his first eight full seasons as head coach. Attles completed his coaching career in 1982-83 to become the Warriors GM, heading the team’s basketball operations for three years through 1986.
Attles originally joined the Warriors as a player when the franchise was located in Philadelphia, where he spent his rookie season with the team (1960-61) and one additional campaign before the team moved to San Francisco in 1962. One of the most aggressive and hard-nosed players in the league, Attles earned the unique nickname of “The Destroyer,” which appropriately described his mentality on the floor. During his 11-year NBA career, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 711 regular-season games and currently ranks fifth on the Warriors all-time games played list.
Furthermore, he was involved in one of the most memorable games in NBA history on March 2, 1962, when he and Wilt Chamberlain combined for 117 points against the New York Knicks, the most ever by a pair of players in league annals. In that game, Attles tallied 17 points (8-8 FG, 1-1 FT), while Chamberlain netted an all-time NBA record 100 points.
Al and his wife, Wilhelmina, reside in Oakland and have two adult children, Alvin III and Erica.
In 2006, Al hosted a scholarship fund raising dinner for the Alumni Association and more than $125,000 was raised for the Alvin Attles Endowment Fund.
Philip Roth
Class of January 1950
Pulitzer Prize Winning Author
Philip Roth has been a prolific and celebrated writer of novels and short stories since Goodbye, Columbus, his debut collection of short fiction, for which he won the National Book Award in 1959 when he was only 26 and which was later made into a film.
He used his experiences in growing up in the Weequahic section, and his days as a college student in Rutgers and Bucknell as material for many of his works. In Goodbye, Columbus, the story is of a poor young Jewish man from Rutgers-Newark, who has an affair with a wealthy young Jewish woman the suburbs.
Roth, a January 1950 graduate of Weequahic High School, was born in 1933 to Herman Roth, an insurance salesman, and the former Bess Finkel. His older brother, Sandy, was a 1946 Weequahic grad. His first wife, Margaret Martinson, was the inspiration for female characters in several of Roth's novels, including Lucy Nelson in When She Was Good, and Maureen Tarnopol in My Life As a Man. She died in a car crash in 1968. In 1990, he married his long-time companion, English actress Claire Bloom. They are no longer together.
At a special ceremony attended by Roth in 2006, a plaque was placed on his boyhood home on Summit Avenue. “Today, Newark is my Stockholm, and that plaque is my prize," he said, "I couldn’t be any more thrilled by any recognition accorded to me anywhere on earth”
Roth's themes involve Jewish-American identity, sex, shame and the role of the individual in contemporary society, and his novels are alternately bleak and hilarious. The controversy over the sexual frankness of his third novel, Portnoy's Complaint (1969), made Roth a literary celebrity, a role he reluctantly embraced and used as fodder for later books. The Portnoy novel, a psychiatrist- couch monologue by a young, insecure, and hilariously articulate Jewish man who describes his life, notably his possessive mother, his erotic fascination with blonde Gentile girls, and his masturbatory exploits, is Roth's most famous. It has been widely acclaimed a comic masterpiece.
His alter ego, Nathan Zuckerman, appears in several of his books: 1974's My Life as a Man, 1979's The Ghost Writer and 1983's The Anatomy Lesson. His character David Kepesh is the protagonist of The Breast (1972), The Professor of Desire (1977) and The Dying Animal (2001), and Roth has also used his own name as the main character in mostly autobiographical works, including The Facts (1988), Deception (1990) and Operation Shylock (1993). His 1970 comic novel Our Gang is a parody of the Nixon administration... The Plot Against America (2004) is an alternate history in which Charles Lindbergh defeats Franklin D. Roosevelt for the U.S. presidency and turns America into an isolationist bastion of anti-semitism.
Roth is inarguably the most decorated writer of his era. His many literary awards include the American Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award and the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for the 1997 work American Pastoral. In 2002, he was awarded the National Book Foundation's Award for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Most remarkably, several of his novels have either won or been named finalists for one or more of America's four most prestigious literary awards, a phenomenal achievement for a writer now entering his eigth decade.
Literary critic Harold Bloom has named him as one of the four major American novelists still at work, along with Thomas Pynchon, Don DeLillo, and Cormac McCarthy. In 2004, the Philip Roth Society announced the publication of the inaugural issue of the Philip Roth Studies journal.
Principal
Dynamic Leadership at Weequahic
Dynamic Leadership at Weequahic
Ron Stone believed “the best measure of success is not how high up the ladder of achievement one ascends, but how many others you help along the way.”
After six years as Principal of Weequahic High School, Ronald G. Stone, passed away suddenly on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at age 57. His passing was a great loss to the high school, the Weequahic community, and the city of Newark. Mr. Stone was a passionate, dedicated, and determined educator. He was an inspiration to his staff and students. He brought to the high school a fresh vision, a compelling agenda, and a strategy for success. He embraced Weequahic with energy and enthusiasm. His bold, dynamic and extraordinary leadership truly made a difference.
During his tenure, the school prospered for the first time in many years. This included creating an atmosphere for learning and success; instilling school pride; the renewal of the school's accreditation; improved test scores; an increase in students graduating and attending college; better facilities for the marching band and athletic teams; the renovation of Untermann Field; a state championship football team; the use of conflict resolution as an alternative to gang violence; and the establishment of a working partnership with the school's active alumni association.
Ron was born in Newark’s Central ward, the oldest son of the late Dr. Elayne D. Brodie, who encouraged him to excel in academics, music, and athletics. He spent his adolescent and teen years growing-up in the North Ward section of Newark, where he attended Summer Avenue Elementary, Broadway Junior High School, and Barringer High School. At Barringer he was First Chair trumpet, leader of the Blue Jackets Jazz Band, in addition to his pursuit of athletics.
He became a three-year varsity wrestler and a track and field athlete, under the guidance of Coach Tony Naporano, and the personal influence of Coach Frank Verducci. Winning both the City and the District Championships in the 157-pound weight class, he concluded his high school career undefeated in 1968.
He continued his education and graduated Kean College with a BA in Physical Education and an MA in Admini- stration and Supervision. At Kean he lettered in football as the starting fullback. He also began to play Lacrosse, and after two years, was named Captain of the Lacrosse team earning All Metropolitan honors as a Midfielder.
In 1974, Ron became a Physical Education teacher and coached in the Newark Public Schools. In early 1980 he started the first wrestling club for elementary youth at Franklin Elementary. He coached boy’s basketball at Peshine, Dayton Street and First Avenue schools. He influenced the lives of numerous young athletes. Prior to coming to Weequahic in 2002, Mr. Stone was Vice Principal at Dayton Street School and Avon Avenue School.
In 1993 at age 43 in pursuit of new challenges and to test his physical limits, Ron won the North American Power Lifting Championship, squatting 680 pounds, setting a State dead lift record of 710 pounds. He held a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and placed 10th in the New Jersey State Road Cycling Criterion Championship two summers ago.
A motivational speaker, Mr. Stone received numerous recognitions and awards - most recently, the Benedetto Croce Educator's Award. He was also inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame and made the keynote address.
Forever the optimist, Ron would affirm “there is a crisis in urban public schools, but I contend these institutions are indispensable. Public schools are vital to inner-city communities. The bottom line is that, even when there is little evidence of educational efficacy, urban public schools provide services that are desperately needed. Therefore, it’s up to us to change a culture of hopelessness to a culture of, WE will succeed, no matter what!”
Ron and Meg Charney Stone were married for 16 years. He had four sons, Bobby Jr., Ronnie, Jr., and twins Jesse and Jarret. His legacy and devotion to his family, his students, and his colleagues will live in our hearts forever!
He firmly believed that “through God, all things are possible.”
Sandra King
Class of 1965
Emmy-Winning News Reporter
Sandra King has been producing, directing and reporting award-winning news, documentaries and public affairs programs - first for WNET/13, later for New Jersey Network - for more than 30 years. Generally focused on issues of race, class and justice, her Emmy-nominated documentaries - aired on PBS stations across the country - include: Newark: The Slow Road Back; Prophet; The Writing on the Wall; This Little Light, and Newark Boys Chorus: ROOTS.
Sandy had covered legal and social justice issues for most of her long news career, before launching NJN’s Due Process, now in its 13th season. She writes, reports, produces, co-hosts and manages the unique weekly series - devoted exclusively to questions of justice and injustice.
A 1998-99 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University, her awards for journalism and film-making include: The American Film Institute’s Bennett Award for Best Locally Produced Documentary, The National Headliner Award, The American Women in Radio and TV’s Pinnacle Award, The New York Deadline Club's top honors (4 times), The Leigh Whipper Gold Award, the CPB’s Silver Medal, several Cine Golden Eagles, The NJ Broadcasters' Best of the Best Award (4 times), and honors at the Chicago, Athens, Philadelphia and Houston Film Festivals. She has also garnered 10 Emmy Awards and more than 75 nominations.
In addition to her work for public television, Sandy has lectured extensively on journalism, social history and public policy and for 15 years taught TV Journalism at Rutgers University in Newark. She also taught Writing and Documentary at Harvard following her stint as a Nieman fellow – the only New Jersey recipient of academia’s highest journalistic honor.
Among her numerous other honors, Sandy has been named Rutgers-Newark Alumna of the Year, North Jersey Press Club's Woman of the Year, NJ Citizen Action’s Media Person of the Year, a NOW "Reporter You Can Trust," and the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund's 2007 award recipient for Distinguished Service .
Sandy's passionate commitment to justice and political action began at Clinton Place Junior High - which she was asked to leave after organizing a protest against racist policies - and continued at Weequahic, an institution then in the throes of its own racial division and transition, where she skipped her junior year to graduate in three years.
From there, it was on to Bard College, where she studied religion and philosophy before running out of money, and Rutgers-Newark, where she graduated with a degree in sociology in 1969. She spent eight years with The Star-Ledger as an award-winning reporter, specializing in urban, race and gender issues, before making the transition to TV. Earlier this year, when Rutgers-Newark celebrated its Centennial, it profiled one student from each of its decades - selecting Sandy as its person of the 1960's.
Sandy remained in the Weeequahic section through the 1970's, but now calls the Forest Hill section of the North Ward home. As she told the Star-Ledger in an article last year, she has remained in Newark while others have fled because leaving would make her “part of the problem.” Much of her work has focused on the city, including a documentary that reflected on the 1967 Newark riots 20 years later, and a two-hour special last year that marked the 40th anniversary of the disorders. “I’ve always thought from the time that I was a pretty small kid that I was suppose to try to make a difference in this troubled place where I grew up,” she said.
As for hosting and producing a serious program in a sea of reality TV and entertainment posing as news, Sandy says it can be frustrating. "There is no commercial vehicle for doing what I do. Literally, it does not exist,” she says. “Due Process” is watched by about 200,000 people every month - a drop in the bucket compared with commercial hits - but Sandy says she doesn’t mind. “It may not be the biggest audience, but...you are reaching those people with something that may really matters to their lives, that may change the way they think.”
Class of June 1937
73 years as a journalist
Excerpts from an article by Steve Politi, Star-Ledger
Sid Dorfman left his house in the spring of 1935 with three nickels in his pocket - two for the round-trip ride on the No. 14 bus and one “just in case” - and set out looking for a job. He showed up at the downtown Newark offices of a struggling newspaper called The Morning Ledger and was hired to write high school results at 10 cents a column inch. He was 15.
Seventy-three years later, Dorfman is still a vital part of The Star-Ledger, and along the way his contributions have helped it grow into the biggest in New Jersey. Sid started his journalism career at 15 as a rewrite person in the sports department, writing high school games. In 1938, he formed Dorf Feature service, which eventually became one of the largest news bureaus in the country, serving The New York Times, Herald-Tribune, N.Y. Daily News, and other New York papers.
At age, 88, Sid is not in retirement mode. He still runs Dorf Feature Service in Mountainside, which supplies The Star-Ledger with high school and college sports coverage and town news. He also writes a weekly sports column. No one has worn more hats. Dorfman has covered golf, midget bike races, boxing and virtually every other sport as a reporter. He has designed the front page and the sports pages, lobbied to get more funeral homes to post obituaries in the newspaper and set up a system of bureaus that puts reporters closer to the suburban towns they cover. “No single person in the history of this paper meant as much to its success as Sid Dorfman,” said Jerry Izenberg, whom Dorfman helped hire as a sports columnist in 1962. “In a lot of ways, there would not be a Star-Ledger without him.”
He did everything in the early years. He was the first golf writer at the newspaper, even though he had never played or even watched the sport. He covered midget motorized bike races at the Velodrome in Nutley. He was the “Masked Lady,” picking horse races at the local tracks. He covered amateur boxing at the Newark Athletic Club. He worked as a copy editor on the sports desk, and there were nights when he not only put out the sports section but filled in on the news side, laying out the front page as well.
He was, in a word, indispensable. But he is best known for his bureau’s expansive coverage of high school sports. Few newspapers provide more scores, results and features about school athletes than The Star-Ledger. Boyd Sands, executive director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic
Athletic Association, said “Sid is behind it all. It’s thanks to Sid that so many of our student athletes are show- cased around the state and across the country.”
Dorfman introduced some features that are still among the most popular in the newspaper today. He started the Top 20 ranking for high school sports around the state, and started All-State teams, not just for football and boys basketball, but for girls sports as well - the first newspaper in the metropolitan area to do so. “When nobody paid attention to women’s athletics, Sid was on the case,” said Donald Newhouse, president of The Star-Ledger. "History has proven his instincts infallible.” and his biggest contribution may have come in another unfamiliar area: death notices.
"Sid is a special New Jersey treasure," said Jim Willse, editor of The Star-Ledger. "In addition to being a great columnist, he is a terrific editor, mentor and friend, and the best thing of all - he’s just warming up."
Throughout his career, Sid has been recognized for his work with many awards and honors. Some of them are as follows: Old Time Athletes Hall of Fame; Newark Athletic Hall of Fame; Sports Hall of Fame of NJ; NJ Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame; World Golf Hall of Fame (best column in U.S., one year only); Metro West Jewish Hall of Fame; NJ Sportswriters’ Association Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Life Member- ship; NJ Interscholastic Coaches Association Service Award; NJ Interscholastic Athletic Association Service Award; Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark Philip Dameo Memorial Award; First Fidelity Bank Humanitarian Award; Seton Hall University Larry Keefe Memorial Award; NJ Genesis Drug and Alcohol Program Humanitarian Award; Honorary Chairman: United Way, Mountainside, N.J.; Honorary Member, U.S. PGA and N.J. PGA; Life Member Golf Writers Association of America; B’nai B’rith International Civics Award, Springfield Lodge.
In 2002, Sid was selected as a "Distinguished Alumni" by the Weequahic High School Alumni Association.
Excerpts from an article by Steve Politi, Star-Ledger
Sid Dorfman left his house in the spring of 1935 with three nickels in his pocket - two for the round-trip ride on the No. 14 bus and one “just in case” - and set out looking for a job. He showed up at the downtown Newark offices of a struggling newspaper called The Morning Ledger and was hired to write high school results at 10 cents a column inch. He was 15.
Seventy-three years later, Dorfman is still a vital part of The Star-Ledger, and along the way his contributions have helped it grow into the biggest in New Jersey. Sid started his journalism career at 15 as a rewrite person in the sports department, writing high school games. In 1938, he formed Dorf Feature service, which eventually became one of the largest news bureaus in the country, serving The New York Times, Herald-Tribune, N.Y. Daily News, and other New York papers.
At age, 88, Sid is not in retirement mode. He still runs Dorf Feature Service in Mountainside, which supplies The Star-Ledger with high school and college sports coverage and town news. He also writes a weekly sports column. No one has worn more hats. Dorfman has covered golf, midget bike races, boxing and virtually every other sport as a reporter. He has designed the front page and the sports pages, lobbied to get more funeral homes to post obituaries in the newspaper and set up a system of bureaus that puts reporters closer to the suburban towns they cover. “No single person in the history of this paper meant as much to its success as Sid Dorfman,” said Jerry Izenberg, whom Dorfman helped hire as a sports columnist in 1962. “In a lot of ways, there would not be a Star-Ledger without him.”
He did everything in the early years. He was the first golf writer at the newspaper, even though he had never played or even watched the sport. He covered midget motorized bike races at the Velodrome in Nutley. He was the “Masked Lady,” picking horse races at the local tracks. He covered amateur boxing at the Newark Athletic Club. He worked as a copy editor on the sports desk, and there were nights when he not only put out the sports section but filled in on the news side, laying out the front page as well.
He was, in a word, indispensable. But he is best known for his bureau’s expansive coverage of high school sports. Few newspapers provide more scores, results and features about school athletes than The Star-Ledger. Boyd Sands, executive director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic
Athletic Association, said “Sid is behind it all. It’s thanks to Sid that so many of our student athletes are show- cased around the state and across the country.”
Dorfman introduced some features that are still among the most popular in the newspaper today. He started the Top 20 ranking for high school sports around the state, and started All-State teams, not just for football and boys basketball, but for girls sports as well - the first newspaper in the metropolitan area to do so. “When nobody paid attention to women’s athletics, Sid was on the case,” said Donald Newhouse, president of The Star-Ledger. "History has proven his instincts infallible.” and his biggest contribution may have come in another unfamiliar area: death notices.
"Sid is a special New Jersey treasure," said Jim Willse, editor of The Star-Ledger. "In addition to being a great columnist, he is a terrific editor, mentor and friend, and the best thing of all - he’s just warming up."
Throughout his career, Sid has been recognized for his work with many awards and honors. Some of them are as follows: Old Time Athletes Hall of Fame; Newark Athletic Hall of Fame; Sports Hall of Fame of NJ; NJ Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame; World Golf Hall of Fame (best column in U.S., one year only); Metro West Jewish Hall of Fame; NJ Sportswriters’ Association Distinguished Service Award and Honorary Life Member- ship; NJ Interscholastic Coaches Association Service Award; NJ Interscholastic Athletic Association Service Award; Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark Philip Dameo Memorial Award; First Fidelity Bank Humanitarian Award; Seton Hall University Larry Keefe Memorial Award; NJ Genesis Drug and Alcohol Program Humanitarian Award; Honorary Chairman: United Way, Mountainside, N.J.; Honorary Member, U.S. PGA and N.J. PGA; Life Member Golf Writers Association of America; B’nai B’rith International Civics Award, Springfield Lodge.
In 2002, Sid was selected as a "Distinguished Alumni" by the Weequahic High School Alumni Association.
Seymour ‘Swede’ Masin
Class of June 1938
Newark sports icon
By Matthew J . Dowling, Star-Ledger
The athletic accomplishments of Seymour 'Swede' Masin have long been elevated to legendary status in Newark sports lore and led novelist Philip Roth to base a character in a Pulitzer Prize- winning book on ‘‘The Swede.’’
The two Weequahic High School graduates never met before ‘‘American Pastoral’’ was published in 1997 since they attended the Newark school more than a decade apart. ‘‘Until he got the book, he didn’t believe it,’’ Swede’s daughter, Patty, said. ‘‘It was very exciting for him and for all of us.’’
Still, Swede took the unexpected fame with the same humility that marked his outstanding sports career as a young man some six decades earlier at Weequahic, where he starred in basketball, track and football. ‘‘He was a truly great high school and college athlete,’’ said Sid Dorfman, a Star-Ledger columnist who met regularly with Swede to talk sports. ‘‘You had to tell him how good he was because he wouldn’t. We had to drag it out of him.’’
Swede was named to the Star-Ledger's top 50 athletes of the century as well as the all-decade basketball team of the 1930s. He is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in Newark history. With little training in track and field at age 14, Swede put the 8-pound shot 57 feet, 6 inches - a record that stood for 45 years. As he matured, he became an imposing figure by the sports standards of the 1930s and 1940s at 6 feet, 1 inch tall and 200 pounds.
He continued to build his legacy when he attended Panzer College, which is now a part of Montclair State University. He captained the basketball, soccer and track teams at Panzer. Swede led the basketball team to a 44-victory streak (longest in the country at that time) including wins over powerhouse teams like New York University and Long Island University.
Jerry Izenberg, longtime Star-Ledger sports columnist, said New York teams suddenly began refusing to schedule games against the upstart Panzers. And Swede's prowess in track and field earned him a state shot put and discus championship and a silver medal in the discus at the Penn Relays. He was also a Coaches All-American Soccer Player. ‘‘For him to dominate in everything was amazing,’’ Izenberg said. ‘‘He was the guy that the entire city of Newark knew. He was so complete, he had the physical strength to match his talent.’’
Swede served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed on a minesweeper in the Mediterranean. When he returned from the war, he resumed his sports career by playing professional basketball for the Newark Bobcats in the American Basketball League, a precursor to the NBA.
His love of sports never waned during the 49 years he spent as a liquor salesman, primarily working for Gordon Bass and Co. in Union. Swede attended any community sporting event he could find and transferred his passion for athletics to his children.
‘Our whole social life was going to sporting events,’’ said Patty Masin, who was a physical education teacher
at Elizabeth High School. ‘‘He just loved sports and loved kids.’’
It wasn’t until Patty Masin uncovered a scrapbook documenting Swede’s achievements in high school and college that she understood the acclaim that followed his sports career. ‘‘He was just a powerful person, so loved and respected by everyone,’’ Patty Masin said.
‘‘I really treasured his friendship,’’ said Les Fein, who got to know Swede through their regular lunch meetings with Dorfman to talk sports. ‘‘He was an incredibly warm, soft and wonderful individual for his legendary prowess as a big strong man. He was like a gentle giant.’’
Swede had the opportunity to meet Roth when the author was a featured speaker at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center two years after ‘‘The Swede’’ character won Roth so much acclaim. ‘‘ You put me on the map,’’ Swede told Roth, according to an account published in The Star-Ledger at the time. ‘‘You put me on the map,’’ Roth replied. Most recently, his son, Bob, has written a book about his life.
In addition to Patty and Bob, Swede had another daughter Dale Raugas, a son Doug, and six grandchildren.
In his honor, after he passed away in 2006, the WHS Alumni Association established the Seymour "Swede" Masin Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Class of 1995
Alturrick Kenney is the current Surrogate of Essex County, NJ. In this elected role, he is the Administrative Judge and Constitutional Officer of the Surrogate's Court.
Alturrick is an experienced community leader who has always made it his mission to positively impact the citizens of the City of Newark, and the County of Essex, NJ. In his 20 + years as a public servant, he has served in many roles, including Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark, member of the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board, Manager for Port Activities and Business Development for the City of Newark, and Chair of the Port Oversight Committee.
Alturrick Kenney is the current Surrogate of Essex County, NJ. In this elected role, he is the Administrative Judge and Constitutional Officer of the Surrogate's Court.
Alturrick is an experienced community leader who has always made it his mission to positively impact the citizens of the City of Newark, and the County of Essex, NJ. In his 20 + years as a public servant, he has served in many roles, including Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark, member of the Newark Public Schools Advisory Board, Manager for Port Activities and Business Development for the City of Newark, and Chair of the Port Oversight Committee.
The Howard University graduate studied Political Management at George Washington University. He has received numerous awards including the Excellence in Business and Community Award from Project Re-Direct/ Youth & Family Services, the Newark NAACP Award for Community Service, and he’s been honored by the United Way of Metropolitan DC for his commitment to helping youth continue learning in afterschool programs.
Alturrick is the proud husband of a Rockstar, Jheryn Kenney, and the father of two beautiful children, 5 year old Yasmin and 2 year old Elijah.
Class of 1970
Antoinette (Toni) currently holds the position of Chief Education Officer for the City of Newark, NJ. She is a career educator who taught English, Theater and Creative Writing in the Newark public school system for over 30 years. She coached an award-winning speech team and directed over 30 musical and dramatic productions. She is also the Project Director of Stand & Deliver (a student public speaking and leadership program). Before retiring from the school district, she was a Coordinator at the Marion Bolden Student Center, developing a core of after-school classes and university partnerships.
Antoinette (Toni) currently holds the position of Chief Education Officer for the City of Newark, NJ. She is a career educator who taught English, Theater and Creative Writing in the Newark public school system for over 30 years. She coached an award-winning speech team and directed over 30 musical and dramatic productions. She is also the Project Director of Stand & Deliver (a student public speaking and leadership program). Before retiring from the school district, she was a Coordinator at the Marion Bolden Student Center, developing a core of after-school classes and university partnerships.
During her career, Toni was an active member, legislative representative and VP of the Newark Teachers Union. She has received numerous awards, including the Newark NAACP Freedom Fund Education Award, the NJ Governor’s Award in Arts Education and Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver’s Shirley Chisholm Education Award.
From 2011 to 2017, Toni was a member and then President of the Newark Board of Education and she played an integral part of the return to local control of the public school system to the City of Newark.
“My years at Weequahic greatly influenced my career choice. The late 1960’s was a turbulent time for the City and for Weequahic in particular. The school and the school system were forced, as was the City, to respond to the political demands of a changed demographic. Within a 2-year period, Weequahic became a primarily all-Black school. I observed and experienced the negative and positive impact of this phenomenon on my peers. It was within that environment, and as a result of the Honors English and the drama classes, and some excellent teachers, that I found my voice and my vocation—education.”
Toni is married to Essex County Freeholder Wayne Richardson. Together they have 5 children and 12 grandchildren.
Carrie Jackson
Class of 1968
Carrie is a New York based vocalist who rekindles thoughts of America's great jazz history through her music. Carrie has performed at many top jazz venues in the NY/NJ metropolitan area, and tours throughout the USA and abroad. She is a song stylist, artist, educator and producer.
Raised in Newark, she attended Peshine Ave School, Weequahic High School, and the Newark Community School of The Arts. She honed her many talents as an actress and dancer in the musical productions of “Ain’t Misbehavin” and “Nunsense” on Broadway, and she’s performed for live radio, television and jazz festivals.
She attributes her vocal abilities to her mentors, the great ladies of jazz, and, has incorporated elements of their styles into her performances and bringing joy and well-honed expertise on the stage with her. Her multifaceted style, which includes swing, jazz standards, the blues, ballads and Gospel, make her an engaging and entertaining stage presence.
Carrie has toured and performed throughout the USA and abroad, performed with many different groups, as well as her own, and has her own recording company CJayRecords. Her most recent CD is “A Tribute to Sarah Vaughn, Newark’s Own.” She has been described in Jazz Improv as:
“…an impressive vocalist and her voice swings with life, and she delivers deep soulful,
musical interpretations that are playful…
Carrie has many talents and is never afraid to use them.”
(Teacher and Coach, 1963 to 2003)
Coach Adams grew up in Savannah, Georgia. After graduating from high school he served in the US Military and then attended Florida A&M University, where he played football. In 1963, he was named Team Captain,made the Southern Interscholastic Athletic Conference First Team and was an All American Nominee.
Coach Adams signed with the professional football team, the Hamilton Tigercats in Canada. However, his football playing career ended with a serious leg injury. He came Newark and was offered a teaching and coaching position in the school district. Coach Adams was an Assistant Coach and then Head Coach at Weequahic High School. He built up a high school football program at Weequahic which was second to none. He was a great motivator, respected and admired by his players, students and the community.
In the early 1970’s, he, along with the Honorable Don Bradley and the late Judge Irvin Booker, incorporated features into the football program that were ahead of their time. He made history when he hired NJ’s first female, on the field, Assistant Football Coach. Because of their success, the WHS football program was featured in both the NY Times and the Newark Star Ledger, and many schools modeled their programs after what was established at Weequahic.
Coach Adams was also the visionary and founder of “The Soul Bowl,” the annual Thanksgiving Game between Weequahic and Malcolm X Shabazz (formerly South Side) high schools, which draws thousands of alumni every year
Coach Adams retired in 2002, but he remained a role model for many students for whom he was a coach, father, teacher and mentor.
Class of June 1946
David grew up in the Weequahic community of Newark, NJ. After earning a B.A. from Lafayette College (PA) and a J.D. at Harvard Law School, he served in the Army.
When David he returned to NJ, he founded his law firm, Schechner & Targan, He was Village Attorney for South Orange, Essex County’s Representative on the NJ Bar’s Ethics Committee, Board President of Orange Memorial Hospital, President of Oheb Shalom and a lawyer for the United Synagogue. When the NJ Office of the Federal Public Defender was established in 1973, David became a participating attorney, continuing his work from the 1950s on behalf of defendants who could not afford a lawyer.
Counselor Schechner was a lawyer’s lawyer and mentor to many. As a proud member of the ACLU for 65 years, he took on many civil rights cases and a third of his legal cases were pro bono, many of which included cases involving children with special needs and the right to protest.
David Schechner was an active and industrious student and alumnus of Weequahic. During high school, he was a member of the Student Council, Outdoor Patrol and Sagamores, Math and Contemporary Clubs. He served as a Trustee on the Board of the WHS Alumni Association for many years and was an active member of the Scholarship Committee. He was also featured in 'The Heart of Stone' documentar.
Schechner was a champion of the WHSAA's mission, assisting with fundraising efforts and providing legal guidance. David Schechner also served as the Chair of his own class of 1956 reunions for many years.
“He is a talker and needs no questioning before he speaks”
(Quote under David Schechner’s name in June 1946 WHS Yearbook)
“He is a talker and needs no questioning before he speaks”
(Quote under David Schechner’s name in June 1946 WHS Yearbook)
Class of June 959
Eleanor spent her entire life fighting for social justice. As a graduate student at the University of Michigan, she was very involved in improving the status of women on campus, including access to University athletic facilities. During that time, she became a part time consultant to the Federal government for affirmative action on college campuses.
Eleanor spent her entire life fighting for social justice. As a graduate student at the University of Michigan, she was very involved in improving the status of women on campus, including access to University athletic facilities. During that time, she became a part time consultant to the Federal government for affirmative action on college campuses.
After graduation, Eleanor became the first executive director of the Ralph Nader-supported NJ Public Research Interest Group (NJPIRG). The organization's activities ranged from testing NJ streams under the then new federal Clean Water Act, to investigating the composition of the NJ Blue Cross Board of Directors. In response to this work, the state changed the Board's composition to include more women and minorities.
In 1973, Eleanor worked for Brendan Byrne's gubernatorial campaign and transition team. She became NJ Assistant Commissioner of Insurance for Consumer Services, and supervised consumer complaints and consumer related hearings. The Department levied more fines against insurance carriers in the next four years than it had in the previous 50 years combined.
After receiving her law degree, Eleanor entered private practice in Princeton. In 1991, she moved to Washington DC, working with Nader as director of the government purchasing project. She also served as director of the American Association of Legal Publishers, fighting West Publishing's copyright control of legal citations.
In 2000, she returned to New Jersey and resumed practicing law, with a focus on consumer fraud.
Eleanor received a BA from Sarah Lawrence College, and an MA in human development from Harvard, a Doctorate in psychology and education from the University of Michigan and later, a law degree from Seton Hall Law School.
Eleanor passed away in November 2010, after a long battle against ovarian cancer.
Class of 1956
After graduating from Weequahic High School, Eli attended Temple University, graduating in 1959 with an accounting major.
Eli worked as a Certified Public Accountant for several major accounting firms (J.H. Cohn & Co, Richard Eisner & Co, and EisnerAmper, LLP) before establishing his own practice in 2014. During his career, he provided financial expertise, conducted forensic audits and served as an expert witness in a number of legal trials.
He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, NJ Society of CPAs and the NY Society of CPAs.
Eli serves as Chairman of The Jaqua Foundation, a private not-for-profit charitable and philanthropic organization, which has provided grants over the past 35 years to Weequahic High School, the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, the NJ Tap Ensemble, St. Barnabas Medical Center and the Animal Medical Center of NYC, as well as to many colleges and universities. The Foundation also supports the NJ Performing Arts Center and the NJ Symphony. He has serves on numerous boards that focus on the arts and issues related to children’s education and social development.
Eli married to Barbara Schapiro Hoffman in 1972 and they have 5 children and 10 grandchildren.
After graduating from Weequahic High School, Eli attended Temple University, graduating in 1959 with an accounting major.
Eli worked as a Certified Public Accountant for several major accounting firms (J.H. Cohn & Co, Richard Eisner & Co, and EisnerAmper, LLP) before establishing his own practice in 2014. During his career, he provided financial expertise, conducted forensic audits and served as an expert witness in a number of legal trials.
He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, NJ Society of CPAs and the NY Society of CPAs.
Eli serves as Chairman of The Jaqua Foundation, a private not-for-profit charitable and philanthropic organization, which has provided grants over the past 35 years to Weequahic High School, the Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, the NJ Tap Ensemble, St. Barnabas Medical Center and the Animal Medical Center of NYC, as well as to many colleges and universities. The Foundation also supports the NJ Performing Arts Center and the NJ Symphony. He has serves on numerous boards that focus on the arts and issues related to children’s education and social development.
Eli married to Barbara Schapiro Hoffman in 1972 and they have 5 children and 10 grandchildren.
Class of 1972
After graduating Weequahic, Dr. Tyson earned a BS in 1977 in General Biology from Cook College, Rutgers New Brunswick. He discovered a passion for biomedical research during his college years and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Zoology, specializing in developmental genetics and cell biology from the Rutgers Graduate School. He moved on to postdoctoral training in Genetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in NY and developed experience and expertise in molecular genetics and protein biochemistry.
Dr. Tyson held research positions at Duke U. Cancer Center, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/National Institutes of Health and the Saccomanno Cancer Research Institute. He has made solid research contributions in the area of ovarian cancer.
For the past 21 years, Dr. Tyson has been a Program Director, Division of Extramural Research and Training at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. He has developed Federally funded research projects addressing health disparities and environmental issues in underserved communities. This work has taken him all over the world as a lecturer and researcher. He also leads several research efforts related to the health risks associated with e-cigarettes and vaping.
Dr. Tyson is married to Barbara Weathers and they live in NC along with their beagle, Oliver. He is a father of two and a grandfather. Dr. Tyson sings with his a capella church choir, is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, and has been a Boy Scout Troop Leader for over 15 years. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his scientific and community contributions.
Class of 1971
Hisani is an experienced artist, onstage and backstage. During her senior year at Seton Hall University, she wrote the book and lyrics for her first musical, Different Kinda Blue, in which she also performed and served as choreographer. After graduating with a BS in Political Science, she moved to NYC, worked at the Dance Theater of Harlem and continued to write and co-produce two more musicals. In 2015 she received her MA in Media Studies from the New School in NYC.
Hisani spent 11 years as an Adjunct Professor at Bloomfield College in the Creative Arts and Technology Division. She has conducted screenwriting workshops at film festivals and adapted two books into screenplays. Throughout her career, Hisani has been an active participant in writers workshops and other artistic endeavors. She wrote feature articles for local magazines and a monthly column for an entrepreneurial newspaper.
Her documentary, The Vanishing Black Male, has been seen in film festivals around the country and won the Broader Vision award from the Garden State film festival. One of her screenplays placed as a finalist in Director Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Screen Writer’s Competition.
In addition to her book, Do I Have to be a Starving Artist in the 21st Century?, Hisani wrote and produced a documentary on the history of African Americans in New Brunswick, NJ (The Roaring Whisper). She curated an exhibit on the history of African Americans in NJ’s film industry and she spent six years as an Associate Programmer with NJPAC producing community performances for international artists such as Hugh Masekela, Paquito D’ Rivera, Babatunje Olatunji, and others.
Hisani currently has a short documentary premiering on YouTube (It’s Time) that explores the journey of adult children who have parents with dementia, she recently released a new book (Be Epic), and is in the process of developing financing for a movie to be shot in Newark called POPCORN!
Hisani is an experienced artist, onstage and backstage. During her senior year at Seton Hall University, she wrote the book and lyrics for her first musical, Different Kinda Blue, in which she also performed and served as choreographer. After graduating with a BS in Political Science, she moved to NYC, worked at the Dance Theater of Harlem and continued to write and co-produce two more musicals. In 2015 she received her MA in Media Studies from the New School in NYC.
Hisani spent 11 years as an Adjunct Professor at Bloomfield College in the Creative Arts and Technology Division. She has conducted screenwriting workshops at film festivals and adapted two books into screenplays. Throughout her career, Hisani has been an active participant in writers workshops and other artistic endeavors. She wrote feature articles for local magazines and a monthly column for an entrepreneurial newspaper.
Her documentary, The Vanishing Black Male, has been seen in film festivals around the country and won the Broader Vision award from the Garden State film festival. One of her screenplays placed as a finalist in Director Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Screen Writer’s Competition.
In addition to her book, Do I Have to be a Starving Artist in the 21st Century?, Hisani wrote and produced a documentary on the history of African Americans in New Brunswick, NJ (The Roaring Whisper). She curated an exhibit on the history of African Americans in NJ’s film industry and she spent six years as an Associate Programmer with NJPAC producing community performances for international artists such as Hugh Masekela, Paquito D’ Rivera, Babatunje Olatunji, and others.
Hisani currently has a short documentary premiering on YouTube (It’s Time) that explores the journey of adult children who have parents with dementia, she recently released a new book (Be Epic), and is in the process of developing financing for a movie to be shot in Newark called POPCORN!
Class of June 1961
Dr. James Oliver Horton was born in Newark, NJ, and after graduating from Weequahic, attended the U. of Buffalo. He then joined the US Air Force and while in service, earned his M.S. degree from the U. of Hawaii. He then earned his Pd.D. in History from Brandeis. Dr. Horton taught at the U. of Michigan and then went to George Washington University, where he became the Benjamin Banneker Professor of American Studies and History.
Dr. Horton was a pioneer in the study of 19th century Black communities and he directed the African American Communities Project at the Smithsonian. He was a Sr. Fulbright Professor at the Univ. of Munich (Germany) and held the John Adams Distinguished Fulbright Chair at the U. of Leiden (the Netherlands). Dr. Horton lectured throughout the US, Europe and Asia. In 1991, he assisted the German government in developing American studies programs in the former East Germany.
He taught many summer seminars in history for elementary and secondary school teachers, both locally and nationally, and in 1994-95 he served as Sr. Historical Advisor to the Director of the National Park Service. Dr. Horton also advised museums in US and abroad, among them the Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Ohio), the National Civil Rights Museum (TN), Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello. Dr. Horton was a historical consultant to and guest on numerous historical documentaries, among them ‘The History Channel,’, and “Great Minds in American History.’
Dr. Horton published 10 books on African American History, many with his wife, Dr. Lois E. Horton, among them, Black Bostonians and In Hope of Liberty, as well as on general African American History, including Hard Road to Freedom, Slavery and Public History, and Slavery and the Making of America (the companion book to a PBS series). In 2004-05 he was the President of the Organization of American Historians, the largest national organization for scholars and teachers of American History.
James Oliver Horton died in 2017 and is survived by his wife, Lois E. Horton.
Paul Tractenberg
Dr. James Oliver Horton was born in Newark, NJ, and after graduating from Weequahic, attended the U. of Buffalo. He then joined the US Air Force and while in service, earned his M.S. degree from the U. of Hawaii. He then earned his Pd.D. in History from Brandeis. Dr. Horton taught at the U. of Michigan and then went to George Washington University, where he became the Benjamin Banneker Professor of American Studies and History.
Dr. Horton was a pioneer in the study of 19th century Black communities and he directed the African American Communities Project at the Smithsonian. He was a Sr. Fulbright Professor at the Univ. of Munich (Germany) and held the John Adams Distinguished Fulbright Chair at the U. of Leiden (the Netherlands). Dr. Horton lectured throughout the US, Europe and Asia. In 1991, he assisted the German government in developing American studies programs in the former East Germany.
He taught many summer seminars in history for elementary and secondary school teachers, both locally and nationally, and in 1994-95 he served as Sr. Historical Advisor to the Director of the National Park Service. Dr. Horton also advised museums in US and abroad, among them the Underground Railroad Freedom Center (Ohio), the National Civil Rights Museum (TN), Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello. Dr. Horton was a historical consultant to and guest on numerous historical documentaries, among them ‘The History Channel,’, and “Great Minds in American History.’
Dr. Horton published 10 books on African American History, many with his wife, Dr. Lois E. Horton, among them, Black Bostonians and In Hope of Liberty, as well as on general African American History, including Hard Road to Freedom, Slavery and Public History, and Slavery and the Making of America (the companion book to a PBS series). In 2004-05 he was the President of the Organization of American Historians, the largest national organization for scholars and teachers of American History.
James Oliver Horton died in 2017 and is survived by his wife, Lois E. Horton.
Paul Tractenberg
Class of June 1956
Paul graduated from Weequahic as co-valedictorian, president of the OBA student government and an all-state baseball pitcher. He was a recipient of a National Merit Scholarship (as a member of the inaugural class) and a National General Motors scholarship, among others.
He went on to graduate with academic distinction from Wesleyan University in 1960 and from the University of Michigan Law School in 1963. After a year’s post-graduate fellowship in Amsterdam, he was associated with two prominent NYC law firms. In between, he served as associate general counsel of the Peace Corps and as senior counsel of the Governor’s Commissioner to Review NY State’s Human Rights Laws.
In 1970, he accepted a faculty position at Rutgers Law School-Newark, then known as the “People’s Electric Law School” because of its singular commitment to using law to advance social justice and equality.
In 2016, he retired from full-time law teaching as the Board of Governors’ Distinguished Service Professor and Alfred C. Clapp, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law, but he continues to work on a number of professional projects.
Paul’s long tenure at Rutgers Law was a coming home to Newark, where he had been born, raised and public school-educated. His experiences at Weequahic, led him to specialize in education law and policy, and to become a leading advocate for urban students. In 1973, with a Ford Foundation grant he established and directed the Education Law Center, which not only has been the lawyer for New Jersey’s 300,000 urban students in the landmark Abbott v. Burke litigation, but is today the nation’s most prominent public interest law firm representing students and parents. The Abbott case has generated literally tens of billions of dollars of extra state education aid for Newark and other NJ urban school districts.
In 2000, Paul established and directed the Institute on Education Law and Policy at Rutgers-Newark, which tackled many of the education issues addressed in his advocacy efforts from an action research perspective. As a lawyer and children’s advocate, he has focused on equalizing the funding of education and integrating the schools of New Jersey, and he and his team of young researchers are currently completing a book on school integration for Columbia University’s Teachers College Press.
During his spare time, Professor Tractenberg travels and relaxes with his wife Neimah and tries to spoil his four young grandchildren. For many years, he was a devoted road cyclist until an accident this past fall caused him to put his cycling on hold.
Sadie Z. Rous
(Teacher, 1934 to 1967)
My mother, Sadie Z. Rous, taught at Weequahic High School from 1933 until her early death at the age of 55. She was born in Newark and lived in Newark for her entire life. When I was about eight, we moved from the Clinton Hill section of Newark to Hansbury Ave. I attended Chancellor and then Weequahic before I graduated and left Newark to go to college.
Outside of her immediate family and sisters, Newark and Weequahic were the great loves of my mother’s life. Her social life centered on her colleagues--almost all of her closest friends also taught at Weequahic. Their lunch together in the 3rd floor teachers’ room was one of the high points of her day. We heard a great deal over dinner about their political and other discussions as well as about their families. I called many of them Aunt.
My mother always liked her students. Year after year, the members of her homeroom filled our conversation. She spent a great of time helping those who needed it, both academically and personally. Her students obviously returned her affections. After the riots in Newark in 1967, two of her male students came up to her and said they didn’t think it was safe for her to walk home alone at the end of the day. They took it upon themselves to accompany her and waited until she was safely in our house.
My mother taught social studies, which gave her the opportunity to educate her classes about current events as well American history. She always assumed her students were capable of reading their textbooks and the newspaper. She listened respectfully to their views and engaged them in discussion if they disagreed. I can still remember once when she discussed unions in class. She was very critical of the Teamsters for their corruption and violence. A student raised his hand to say that she didn’t understand what the union meant to their members and their families. His family was one. He said that his father had never made an adequate living, felt safe against the violence that periodically broke out in his neighborhood until he joined the Teamsters. My mother said it was a real eye opener to her.
Sadie Rous would be immensely pleased with this induction into the Weequahic High School Alumni Association Hall of Distinction, as am I and the nieces she was closest to.
Barbara (Rous) Harris – WHS, 1959
Steven Dinetz
Paul graduated from Weequahic as co-valedictorian, president of the OBA student government and an all-state baseball pitcher. He was a recipient of a National Merit Scholarship (as a member of the inaugural class) and a National General Motors scholarship, among others.
He went on to graduate with academic distinction from Wesleyan University in 1960 and from the University of Michigan Law School in 1963. After a year’s post-graduate fellowship in Amsterdam, he was associated with two prominent NYC law firms. In between, he served as associate general counsel of the Peace Corps and as senior counsel of the Governor’s Commissioner to Review NY State’s Human Rights Laws.
In 1970, he accepted a faculty position at Rutgers Law School-Newark, then known as the “People’s Electric Law School” because of its singular commitment to using law to advance social justice and equality.
In 2016, he retired from full-time law teaching as the Board of Governors’ Distinguished Service Professor and Alfred C. Clapp, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law, but he continues to work on a number of professional projects.
Paul’s long tenure at Rutgers Law was a coming home to Newark, where he had been born, raised and public school-educated. His experiences at Weequahic, led him to specialize in education law and policy, and to become a leading advocate for urban students. In 1973, with a Ford Foundation grant he established and directed the Education Law Center, which not only has been the lawyer for New Jersey’s 300,000 urban students in the landmark Abbott v. Burke litigation, but is today the nation’s most prominent public interest law firm representing students and parents. The Abbott case has generated literally tens of billions of dollars of extra state education aid for Newark and other NJ urban school districts.
In 2000, Paul established and directed the Institute on Education Law and Policy at Rutgers-Newark, which tackled many of the education issues addressed in his advocacy efforts from an action research perspective. As a lawyer and children’s advocate, he has focused on equalizing the funding of education and integrating the schools of New Jersey, and he and his team of young researchers are currently completing a book on school integration for Columbia University’s Teachers College Press.
During his spare time, Professor Tractenberg travels and relaxes with his wife Neimah and tries to spoil his four young grandchildren. For many years, he was a devoted road cyclist until an accident this past fall caused him to put his cycling on hold.
Sadie Z. Rous
(Teacher, 1934 to 1967)
My mother, Sadie Z. Rous, taught at Weequahic High School from 1933 until her early death at the age of 55. She was born in Newark and lived in Newark for her entire life. When I was about eight, we moved from the Clinton Hill section of Newark to Hansbury Ave. I attended Chancellor and then Weequahic before I graduated and left Newark to go to college.
Outside of her immediate family and sisters, Newark and Weequahic were the great loves of my mother’s life. Her social life centered on her colleagues--almost all of her closest friends also taught at Weequahic. Their lunch together in the 3rd floor teachers’ room was one of the high points of her day. We heard a great deal over dinner about their political and other discussions as well as about their families. I called many of them Aunt.
My mother always liked her students. Year after year, the members of her homeroom filled our conversation. She spent a great of time helping those who needed it, both academically and personally. Her students obviously returned her affections. After the riots in Newark in 1967, two of her male students came up to her and said they didn’t think it was safe for her to walk home alone at the end of the day. They took it upon themselves to accompany her and waited until she was safely in our house.
My mother taught social studies, which gave her the opportunity to educate her classes about current events as well American history. She always assumed her students were capable of reading their textbooks and the newspaper. She listened respectfully to their views and engaged them in discussion if they disagreed. I can still remember once when she discussed unions in class. She was very critical of the Teamsters for their corruption and violence. A student raised his hand to say that she didn’t understand what the union meant to their members and their families. His family was one. He said that his father had never made an adequate living, felt safe against the violence that periodically broke out in his neighborhood until he joined the Teamsters. My mother said it was a real eye opener to her.
Sadie Rous would be immensely pleased with this induction into the Weequahic High School Alumni Association Hall of Distinction, as am I and the nieces she was closest to.
Barbara (Rous) Harris – WHS, 1959
Steven Dinetz
Class of 1965
Beginning in 1963, while still in high school, Steve worked after school in advertising agencies in Newark and New York City, ultimately becoming a Copy and Account Executive. In 1975, he became a Sales Executive at WOR / WXLO-FM Radio in NYC.
Beginning in 1963, while still in high school, Steve worked after school in advertising agencies in Newark and New York City, ultimately becoming a Copy and Account Executive. In 1975, he became a Sales Executive at WOR / WXLO-FM Radio in NYC.
Steve has owned and operated radio and outdoor assets throughout the United States, France, Germany and Poland.
In 1993, not only did he meet Lauri in Sacramento, CA, but he founded The Chancellor Broadcasting Corp., which he led to a successful initial public offering in 1996.
Several years later, Chancellor and two other media companies that Steve led, merged and became a major part of what is known today as iHeart Media, Inc.
Currently, Steve and Lauri are Trustees of The Chancellor Foundation, a philanthropic organization founded in 1998, which is focused on the continuing education of students from single parent households.
Steve, Lauri and daughter Marissa live in San Francisco, northern Nevada and Dallas.
Class of January 1955
After graduating from Weequahic, Warren went on to earn a BA and an MA in History from New York University. He spent his life as a historian, teacher, and author.
Warren retired as President of MDM Technologies (a direct mail company), he was a history instructor at the Newark College of Engineering, Executive Director of the Newark Committee on Full Employment, and a visiting Professor of Newark History at Rutgers-Newark.
He has held elected positions as Chairman of the West Orange County and the NJ State Democratic Committees. In addition, he served on the boards of multiple agencies, including the YIVO Institute for Jewish History, the NJ Historical Society, the NJ Jewish Historical Society, a member of the Newark Congress of Racial Equality and he was Chairman of the Newark Archive Project. Warren also has the distinction being the Co-Founder and a board member of the Newark History Society.
Warren has authored numerous articles about Newark and politics for the NJ Italian Tribune, the NJ Jewish News and the Newark History Society, and he is the author of the book Nazis in Newark.
Wilfredo Nieves
After graduating from Weequahic, Warren went on to earn a BA and an MA in History from New York University. He spent his life as a historian, teacher, and author.
Warren retired as President of MDM Technologies (a direct mail company), he was a history instructor at the Newark College of Engineering, Executive Director of the Newark Committee on Full Employment, and a visiting Professor of Newark History at Rutgers-Newark.
He has held elected positions as Chairman of the West Orange County and the NJ State Democratic Committees. In addition, he served on the boards of multiple agencies, including the YIVO Institute for Jewish History, the NJ Historical Society, the NJ Jewish Historical Society, a member of the Newark Congress of Racial Equality and he was Chairman of the Newark Archive Project. Warren also has the distinction being the Co-Founder and a board member of the Newark History Society.
Warren has authored numerous articles about Newark and politics for the NJ Italian Tribune, the NJ Jewish News and the Newark History Society, and he is the author of the book Nazis in Newark.
Wilfredo Nieves
Class of 1966
Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, President Emeritus of Capital Community College, retired after 18 years of service as a community college president in Connecticut, eight of them at Capital.
Dr. Nieves has served on the boards of the National Coalition of Advocates for Students, the Middlesex United Way, Capital Workforce Partners, the Community Renewal Team, the Hartford Stage, Leadership Greater Hartford, Latino Community Services, the Village for Family and Children and the Bradley Home. He also serves as a Director for Liberty Bank and its Foundation, a Corporator for Hartford Hospital and Middlesex Health, and he is a Past President of the Middletown Rotary Club. He was recognized by the Middlesex United Way and awarded its highest and most prestigious volunteer award, the Community Service Award.
Having a passion for education, Dr. Nieves has served as Chair of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, been a Commissioner for the New England Commission on Higher Education and has served as an evaluator for it as well as for the Commission on Higher Education for the Middle States Association. He has been a Director on the Board of the American Association of Community Colleges and has chaired the Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, the Committee on Directors and Membership Services and the Committee on Program Initiatives and Workforce Training.
Wilfredo Nieves received his Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University, and he holds an MA degree (Guidance) and a Master of Education degree in Applied Human Development from Columbia University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Kean University-NJ.
Wilfredo is married to Iris Rivas-Nieves and they have two sons.
Sheila Y. Oliver
Dr. Wilfredo Nieves, President Emeritus of Capital Community College, retired after 18 years of service as a community college president in Connecticut, eight of them at Capital.
Dr. Nieves has served on the boards of the National Coalition of Advocates for Students, the Middlesex United Way, Capital Workforce Partners, the Community Renewal Team, the Hartford Stage, Leadership Greater Hartford, Latino Community Services, the Village for Family and Children and the Bradley Home. He also serves as a Director for Liberty Bank and its Foundation, a Corporator for Hartford Hospital and Middlesex Health, and he is a Past President of the Middletown Rotary Club. He was recognized by the Middlesex United Way and awarded its highest and most prestigious volunteer award, the Community Service Award.
Having a passion for education, Dr. Nieves has served as Chair of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, been a Commissioner for the New England Commission on Higher Education and has served as an evaluator for it as well as for the Commission on Higher Education for the Middle States Association. He has been a Director on the Board of the American Association of Community Colleges and has chaired the Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity, the Committee on Directors and Membership Services and the Committee on Program Initiatives and Workforce Training.
Wilfredo Nieves received his Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University, and he holds an MA degree (Guidance) and a Master of Education degree in Applied Human Development from Columbia University. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Kean University-NJ.
Wilfredo is married to Iris Rivas-Nieves and they have two sons.
Sheila Y. Oliver
Class of 1970
Sheila Oliver became New Jersey’s 2nd Lieutenant Governor in January of 2016. She is the first woman of color to serve in statewide elected office in NJ history. She was also appointed Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs by Governor Phil Murphy.
Lt. Governor Oliver is a native of Newark. After Weequahic, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Lincoln University (PA). She also holds an M.S. from Columbia University (NY) and has received honorary doctorates from Lincoln, Montclair State, Berkeley and Essex County Colleges.
She began her career in public service as Director of the office of Youth Services and Special Projects for Newark. Later she became the Development Director for the Newark Literacy Campaign, as well as the Coordinator of Career Guidance in the EOF Program at Caldwell College. Lt.Gov. Oliver has served on the board of numerous non-profit and social services organizations, including the East Orange General Hospital Board of Trustees, the United Way, the Newark Coalition for Neighborhoods, the Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, the NAACP and the Urban League.
First elected to the NJ General Assembly in 2003, Lt. Gov. Oliver became the Speaker in 2010, the second African-American female in the country to lead a State legislative house. She was Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, and served as a member on many committees dealing with children, education, economics, and equal opportunity.
Lt.Gov. Oliver has received numerous awards and accolades from organizations across the country acknowledging her lifelong public service and advocacy for women’s equality and social justice.
Stanley Markowitz
Sheila Oliver became New Jersey’s 2nd Lieutenant Governor in January of 2016. She is the first woman of color to serve in statewide elected office in NJ history. She was also appointed Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs by Governor Phil Murphy.
Lt. Governor Oliver is a native of Newark. After Weequahic, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Lincoln University (PA). She also holds an M.S. from Columbia University (NY) and has received honorary doctorates from Lincoln, Montclair State, Berkeley and Essex County Colleges.
She began her career in public service as Director of the office of Youth Services and Special Projects for Newark. Later she became the Development Director for the Newark Literacy Campaign, as well as the Coordinator of Career Guidance in the EOF Program at Caldwell College. Lt.Gov. Oliver has served on the board of numerous non-profit and social services organizations, including the East Orange General Hospital Board of Trustees, the United Way, the Newark Coalition for Neighborhoods, the Women’s Political Caucus of NJ, the NAACP and the Urban League.
First elected to the NJ General Assembly in 2003, Lt. Gov. Oliver became the Speaker in 2010, the second African-American female in the country to lead a State legislative house. She was Chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, and served as a member on many committees dealing with children, education, economics, and equal opportunity.
Lt.Gov. Oliver has received numerous awards and accolades from organizations across the country acknowledging her lifelong public service and advocacy for women’s equality and social justice.
Stanley Markowitz
Class of June 1955
After Weequahic, Stan earned his BA at Rutgers-Newark. From there, he went on to graduate work at the University of Maryland-College Park.
As a teacher at Howard University, Stanley learned more fully the richer and truer history of the US and passed that on to his students. After three years at Howard, he became a professor at Essex Community College in Baltimore County where he taught for 28 years, served as chair of the faculty senate, chaired a committee on increasing student retention and became chair of the Affirmative Action Committee. Over the course of his career, he also taught classes at the Pentagon, the Jessup Correctional Facility and was an adjunct professor at the Maryland Institute of Art.
During the 80s and 90s, Stan was involved in work against housing discrimination, he chronicled the story of the steelworkers union in Baltimore, highlighting how life was for women and Blacks working in the steel industry. He became involved in wide ranging issues such as the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign and the Central America Solidarity Committee. Stannd used community organizing as a tactic to drive social change, focusing on economic challenges such as development, gentrification and predatory lending. From these efforts, Stan led training workshops for aspiring leaders of community organizations in Hungary and Romania.
Stan was passionate about standing up against racism in the US and, with his wife, formed Paso Training and Consulting, to help individuals understand the historical impact of racism on current issues of injustice. They also co-founded Baltimore Racial Justice Action, which continues their work today.
Nathan Weiss
After Weequahic, Stan earned his BA at Rutgers-Newark. From there, he went on to graduate work at the University of Maryland-College Park.
As a teacher at Howard University, Stanley learned more fully the richer and truer history of the US and passed that on to his students. After three years at Howard, he became a professor at Essex Community College in Baltimore County where he taught for 28 years, served as chair of the faculty senate, chaired a committee on increasing student retention and became chair of the Affirmative Action Committee. Over the course of his career, he also taught classes at the Pentagon, the Jessup Correctional Facility and was an adjunct professor at the Maryland Institute of Art.
During the 80s and 90s, Stan was involved in work against housing discrimination, he chronicled the story of the steelworkers union in Baltimore, highlighting how life was for women and Blacks working in the steel industry. He became involved in wide ranging issues such as the Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign and the Central America Solidarity Committee. Stannd used community organizing as a tactic to drive social change, focusing on economic challenges such as development, gentrification and predatory lending. From these efforts, Stan led training workshops for aspiring leaders of community organizations in Hungary and Romania.
Stan was passionate about standing up against racism in the US and, with his wife, formed Paso Training and Consulting, to help individuals understand the historical impact of racism on current issues of injustice. They also co-founded Baltimore Racial Justice Action, which continues their work today.
Nathan Weiss
Class of 1940
Nathan Weiss was a proud graduate of Weequahic and excelled both in academics and in sports. He went on to receive a BA from Montclair State College, after serving three years with the U.S. Army Air Force and an MA from Rutgers University. Dr. Weiss began his career as an educator (in his perspective, the highest of callings) at Fallsburgh High School (NY); and while there, he earned a PhD in government from New York University.
In 1961, he joined the Newark State College Department of History and Social Sciences; six years later, he became a full professor and department chair. In 1969, he became President and continued to teach until 1999, ten years after his retirement.
During his tenure, the college was transformed from a teachers college to a multi-purpose institution, becoming the second largest state college in NJ. He committed himself to the college’s growth and development through the creation of numerous academic programs, including in the fields of health and technology fields and graduate studies. Dr. Weiss presided over the name change from Newark State College to Kean College of NJ, and the purchase of the Pingry School which became an integral academic and performance center on campus. On the State level, he was a moving force in the pursuit and development of legislation and governance structue that enabled the state colleges to become more independent and responsible for their own visions and destinies.
Dr. Weiss was inducted in the Montclair State College Athletic Hall of Fame. As football was one of his lpassions, as President of Kean, he inspired the creation of its football program and was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Kean, Montclair State, and Jersey City State. The University also recognized his contributions in 1998 by naming its graduate division the “Nathan Weiss Graduate College.”
Nathan Weiss was a proud graduate of Weequahic and excelled both in academics and in sports. He went on to receive a BA from Montclair State College, after serving three years with the U.S. Army Air Force and an MA from Rutgers University. Dr. Weiss began his career as an educator (in his perspective, the highest of callings) at Fallsburgh High School (NY); and while there, he earned a PhD in government from New York University.
In 1961, he joined the Newark State College Department of History and Social Sciences; six years later, he became a full professor and department chair. In 1969, he became President and continued to teach until 1999, ten years after his retirement.
During his tenure, the college was transformed from a teachers college to a multi-purpose institution, becoming the second largest state college in NJ. He committed himself to the college’s growth and development through the creation of numerous academic programs, including in the fields of health and technology fields and graduate studies. Dr. Weiss presided over the name change from Newark State College to Kean College of NJ, and the purchase of the Pingry School which became an integral academic and performance center on campus. On the State level, he was a moving force in the pursuit and development of legislation and governance structue that enabled the state colleges to become more independent and responsible for their own visions and destinies.
Dr. Weiss was inducted in the Montclair State College Athletic Hall of Fame. As football was one of his lpassions, as President of Kean, he inspired the creation of its football program and was inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the recipient of honorary doctorate degrees from Kean, Montclair State, and Jersey City State. The University also recognized his contributions in 1998 by naming its graduate division the “Nathan Weiss Graduate College.”
Dr. Weiss was a frequent speaker throughout New Jersey, served as a member and leader of numerous organizations, and was an author of books and articles related to governance, politics, the most tumultuous years in higher education and finally a personal life memoir entitled “The Streets of Newark to the Halls of Academia, An American Story.”
He has been described as a “man for all seasons” as he clearly understood the words of Kipling:
“…we must “walk with crowds nor lose virtue, and talk with Kings, nor lose the common touch.”
Jacob C. Toporek
Class of 1963
When Jac graduated from Weequahic, he went on to earn his BA degree from Rutgers-Newark, his J.D. from NY Law School in 1970, and an L.L.M. in International Studies, NYU School of Law in 1974.
Jac began his creeer as Appointments to the Hon. Brendan Byrne, Governor of NJ., responsible for directing and coordinating the process of gubernatorial appointments to all the State boards and commissions. In 1982, he became Commissioner of the NJ Victims of Crime Compensaton, overseeing the agency and presiding over appeals.
In 2007, Jac became Executive Director of the NJ State Association of Jewish Federations, where he served as a liaison between the State Federations and affiliated agencies. In this position, he served as government affairs and advocacy director for NJ State Jewish Federations and affiliated agencies on behalf of Jewish community concerns at the state and federal level and coordinator of networking and collaboration with faith-based and specific issue interests.
Jac has been a member of the Advisory Committee on Non-Public Pub Schools, the NJ-Israel Commission (founding member), Advocacy Committee, NJ Center of for Non-Profits, NJ SHARES, Interfaith Advisory Council and numerous other organizations.
Jac is also the founder of the weekly WHS Note which reaches thousands of WHS alumni and as leader of the Class of 1963 has donated thousands of dollars to the WHSAA Scholarship Program.
When Jac graduated from Weequahic, he went on to earn his BA degree from Rutgers-Newark, his J.D. from NY Law School in 1970, and an L.L.M. in International Studies, NYU School of Law in 1974.
Jac began his creeer as Appointments to the Hon. Brendan Byrne, Governor of NJ., responsible for directing and coordinating the process of gubernatorial appointments to all the State boards and commissions. In 1982, he became Commissioner of the NJ Victims of Crime Compensaton, overseeing the agency and presiding over appeals.
In 2007, Jac became Executive Director of the NJ State Association of Jewish Federations, where he served as a liaison between the State Federations and affiliated agencies. In this position, he served as government affairs and advocacy director for NJ State Jewish Federations and affiliated agencies on behalf of Jewish community concerns at the state and federal level and coordinator of networking and collaboration with faith-based and specific issue interests.
Jac has been a member of the Advisory Committee on Non-Public Pub Schools, the NJ-Israel Commission (founding member), Advocacy Committee, NJ Center of for Non-Profits, NJ SHARES, Interfaith Advisory Council and numerous other organizations.
Jac is also the founder of the weekly WHS Note which reaches thousands of WHS alumni and as leader of the Class of 1963 has donated thousands of dollars to the WHSAA Scholarship Program.
Spanning 55 years, Phil Yourish has served the greater Newark community as an educator, nonprofit administrator, consultant, and volunteer.
“When it comes to career choices, I have been an extremely fortunate person. I can genuinely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed all the work experiences in which I have participated - and that they closely reflect my beliefs and values about life. And most of all, they have provided me with the wonderful opportunity to help other people. From leading an award-winning alternative high school for high-risk youth - to running a city-wide literacy program - to directing my high school’s alumni association, my work has been my passion! Moreover, an outstanding organization depends upon the collective ideas, skills, and talents of dedicated individuals - and throughout my career in several different settings, I have been privileged to have worked with many remarkable people.”
Phil, who was born at the “Beth,” grew up in Newark and graduated from Weequahic High School in 1964. He has a BA degree from Paterson State College and an MA degree in Urban and Community Education from Montclair State College. Starting his career as a social studies teacher at West Kinney Jr. High School, he has served as the director of four nonprofit organizations through seven decades.
For ten years in the 70s and 80s, Phil headed Independence High School, an alternative secondary school in Newark for high-risk youth that was selected as a national exemplary youth demonstration project by the U.S. Department of Labor. He states that this was his “dream come true job and it consumed me in so many wonderful ways.” After leaving the alternative school in 1988, Phil established his own firm, Consultants for Non-Profits, that allowed him to utilize his experience and skills in providing technical assistance to more than 20 other community-based organizations. During this time, he also worked with Accountants for the Public Interest - NJ and was the founding administrator for a substance abuse treatment center in Pennsylvania.
Although his work takes up most of his time, he has always found moments to do something unusual and exciting. Over the years, he has taken a few trips in his motorhome with his dogs, Ms. Beaujangles and Lady Red, traveling from coast to coast to explore the scenic, cultural, and historical landscape of America. In the early 90s, Phil went on the most fascinating journey of his life - a five-month sojourn to Nepal, India and Thailand to be part of a group that was teaching sustainable farming techniques. This trip was also highlighted by trekking for 19 days in the Himalayas, a one-week white water rafting excursion, living in an international community, and staying in the ashram of a famous spiritual leader. On his return, he was a member of a group of 17 from the Bread and Puppet Circus that went on an amazing road trip from Vermont to Nicaragua in a refurbished school bus to deliver the bus to a performing arts group as a part of a sister-city exchange program.
In 1995 when he became the Executive Director of the Newark Literacy Campaign (NLC), located at The Newark Public Library, Phil brought new life and vision to a program that had been struggling to survive. On being at NLC, he states, “how amazing it was to work in such a historic and beautiful building five days a week helping adults and children improve their reading skills.” When he left in 2000, he took on the reigns of a unique project managing a research team investigating the building of an alternative wastewater system for a women’s conference center in Ohio.
One year later, Phil’s life came full circle when he returned to the high school of his youth to help launch the Weequahic High School Alumni Association, where he served as its founding Executive Director for 13 years. He describes this experience as “unfinished business that was much better the second time around as an adult." Under his tenure, the organization flourished, raising over a million dollars for college scholarships and student activities as it became one of the largest, most active, and successful urban alumni groups in New Jersey.
On the volunteer front, Phil served as an elected Model Cities representative in Newark in the early 70s, and on the board of trustees of numerous community organizations including Newark Landmarks, the Newark Public Schools Historical Preservation Committee, the Cornucopia Network of New Jersey, the Northeast Earth Coalition, and The Jewish Museum of New Jersey, located at Congregation Ahavas Sholom, Newark’s oldest, continuously active synagogue. In 2016, he headed a group that created the exhibit, “The Synagogues of Newark,” for the 350th Anniversary of the city.
When Phil reflects upon his professional career, he doesn’t think he would do it any differently. “My work has always been a large part of my life. It gives me value as a human being. I have truly enjoyed assisting nonprofit organizations to evolve and build a solid foundation for success. Each organization presents a different challenge within a new set of circumstances. That’s what makes it interesting and exciting. It’s very rewarding to be able to contribute. I appreciate the opportunities I have had. They have enriched my life.
Now recently retired, what's next for Phil? "Rest, relaxation, reflection, renewal - and a few more challenging adventures."
“When it comes to career choices, I have been an extremely fortunate person. I can genuinely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed all the work experiences in which I have participated - and that they closely reflect my beliefs and values about life. And most of all, they have provided me with the wonderful opportunity to help other people. From leading an award-winning alternative high school for high-risk youth - to running a city-wide literacy program - to directing my high school’s alumni association, my work has been my passion! Moreover, an outstanding organization depends upon the collective ideas, skills, and talents of dedicated individuals - and throughout my career in several different settings, I have been privileged to have worked with many remarkable people.”
Phil, who was born at the “Beth,” grew up in Newark and graduated from Weequahic High School in 1964. He has a BA degree from Paterson State College and an MA degree in Urban and Community Education from Montclair State College. Starting his career as a social studies teacher at West Kinney Jr. High School, he has served as the director of four nonprofit organizations through seven decades.
For ten years in the 70s and 80s, Phil headed Independence High School, an alternative secondary school in Newark for high-risk youth that was selected as a national exemplary youth demonstration project by the U.S. Department of Labor. He states that this was his “dream come true job and it consumed me in so many wonderful ways.” After leaving the alternative school in 1988, Phil established his own firm, Consultants for Non-Profits, that allowed him to utilize his experience and skills in providing technical assistance to more than 20 other community-based organizations. During this time, he also worked with Accountants for the Public Interest - NJ and was the founding administrator for a substance abuse treatment center in Pennsylvania.
Although his work takes up most of his time, he has always found moments to do something unusual and exciting. Over the years, he has taken a few trips in his motorhome with his dogs, Ms. Beaujangles and Lady Red, traveling from coast to coast to explore the scenic, cultural, and historical landscape of America. In the early 90s, Phil went on the most fascinating journey of his life - a five-month sojourn to Nepal, India and Thailand to be part of a group that was teaching sustainable farming techniques. This trip was also highlighted by trekking for 19 days in the Himalayas, a one-week white water rafting excursion, living in an international community, and staying in the ashram of a famous spiritual leader. On his return, he was a member of a group of 17 from the Bread and Puppet Circus that went on an amazing road trip from Vermont to Nicaragua in a refurbished school bus to deliver the bus to a performing arts group as a part of a sister-city exchange program.
In 1995 when he became the Executive Director of the Newark Literacy Campaign (NLC), located at The Newark Public Library, Phil brought new life and vision to a program that had been struggling to survive. On being at NLC, he states, “how amazing it was to work in such a historic and beautiful building five days a week helping adults and children improve their reading skills.” When he left in 2000, he took on the reigns of a unique project managing a research team investigating the building of an alternative wastewater system for a women’s conference center in Ohio.
One year later, Phil’s life came full circle when he returned to the high school of his youth to help launch the Weequahic High School Alumni Association, where he served as its founding Executive Director for 13 years. He describes this experience as “unfinished business that was much better the second time around as an adult." Under his tenure, the organization flourished, raising over a million dollars for college scholarships and student activities as it became one of the largest, most active, and successful urban alumni groups in New Jersey.
On the volunteer front, Phil served as an elected Model Cities representative in Newark in the early 70s, and on the board of trustees of numerous community organizations including Newark Landmarks, the Newark Public Schools Historical Preservation Committee, the Cornucopia Network of New Jersey, the Northeast Earth Coalition, and The Jewish Museum of New Jersey, located at Congregation Ahavas Sholom, Newark’s oldest, continuously active synagogue. In 2016, he headed a group that created the exhibit, “The Synagogues of Newark,” for the 350th Anniversary of the city.
When Phil reflects upon his professional career, he doesn’t think he would do it any differently. “My work has always been a large part of my life. It gives me value as a human being. I have truly enjoyed assisting nonprofit organizations to evolve and build a solid foundation for success. Each organization presents a different challenge within a new set of circumstances. That’s what makes it interesting and exciting. It’s very rewarding to be able to contribute. I appreciate the opportunities I have had. They have enriched my life.
Now recently retired, what's next for Phil? "Rest, relaxation, reflection, renewal - and a few more challenging adventures."
Anthony Timmons
Class of 1980
Education & Community Service
Anthony is a business and technology teacher in the Newark Public School system. After Weequahic, he graduated from Essex County College and Kean University. He has taught at Weequahic, Malcolm X. Shabazz and West Side high schools.
Before becoming a teacher, Anthony served as a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the United States Navy aboard the USS Independence CV-62 aircraft carrier. After leaving the Navy, Anthony became a Senior Programmer Analyst at American International Group Insurance (AIG) Company. While working at AIG, he volunteered to coach football in Newark Pop Warner Baseball league and the Southward Golden Bears – this was the beginning of his coaching career and the end of his’ wanting to play again’ career.
During a span of close to 35 years, he has coached grammar school and high school youth from both Newark and Hillside, serving as a Head Football Coach, Basketball Coach, Softball Coach, Commissioner, Organization President and a Duty Commissioner for the Newark Pop Warner Football league and Cheer program. Coaching led Anthony to becoming involved in a host of community activities. He has served as President of the Weequahic High school PTA and he’s been recognized by the State of New Jersey, County of Essex, and the City of Newark for his leadership and activism. He was also named Coach of the Year twice in Newark’s Pop Warner League.
In 2006, as Assistant Football Coach, he was an integral part of the Weequahic Indians first State title win. That same year, as Assistant Basketball Coach, he helped lead the Girls team to a berth in the Essex County and State Basketball tournaments.
Anthony was also instrumental in the Girls team getting to the Super Essex County (SEC) Girls Basketball tournament. As Head Softball Coach for Weequahic from 2006 to 2016, his players made the all-SEC Independence Division First team four times, the All-SEC Independence Division Second team 7 times, and the All-SEC Independence Division Honorable Mention team 4 times. From 2017 to date, his players made the All-SEC Freedom Division First team 7 times, the All-SEC Freedom Division Second team 9 times and the All-SEC Freedom Division Honorable Mention team 5 times.
In 2018, Anthony was appointed to the City of Newark Planning Board and the Newark Environmental Commission by Newark Mayor Baraka and he was reappointed to both positions in 2022.
Anthony became the first Muslim Chaplain at Newark Beth Israel Hospital and he has always been very involved in civic issues. As a result of his work, he’s received numerous awards and has received several Resolutions from the State, the County, the City and other organizations for leadership and community service.
He has three children Quadriah, Tahirah, and Shaheed, a host of grandchildren and one great-grandchild who are the lights of his life.
Dr. Harold Weintraub
Class of 1963
Science & Medicine
Dr. Harold Weintraub, known to everyone as Hal, wanted to know.
Born in Newark, NJ, Hal’s life revolved around sports, including basketball, an activity he would continue to particularly relish throughout his adult life. Harold was also a pitcher for an all-city high school baseball team, and a football fullback.
Hal attended Harvard College, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in 1967. He then proceeded to the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in 1972. Hal performed his Ph.D. dissertation research in the laboratory of Howard Holtzer, studying red blood cell development and production (erythropoiesis) in chicken embryos. His early work contributed significantly to the fields of developmental and cellular biology, yielding numerous peer-reviewed publications and setting the stage for the next chapter in his research.
He also studied in Cambridge, England, doing a post-doctoral fellowship in the labs of Sydney Brenner and Francis Crick. Returning to the United States, he was an assistant professor at Princeton from 1973-77. In 1978, he joined the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (the “Hutch”), an affiliate of the University of Washington in Seattle. He became a founding member of the Basic Sciences Division and a professor of genetics. He remained at the Hutch until he passed away in 1995 from an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Hal was the author of more than 130 scientific articles, most of which were published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals, including the “Big 3” publications (Cell, Science and Nature). He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and served as editorial advisor for numerous journals.
Hal was an innovator who made significant contributions in the field of biological science. He left behind his beloved wife, Nancy, and two sons, Adam and Josh.
“He Wanted to Know”
is how his family, friends and colleagues remember him.
Melvin (Mel) grew up in Newark, NJ and after graduating from Weequahic High School, attended the Newark College of Engineering (now known as NJIT). His college was interrupted by World War II. Mel attended the US Navy Reserve Midshipman’s School at Cornell University and became a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the US Navy, serving as a Skipper on a Landing Craft Tank.
After the war, Mel attended Brooklyn Collegiate Polytechnic University (part of NYU’s School of Engineering and Science) where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering. He became an instructor at the Newark College of Engineering where he taught chemical engineering plant design for 20 years.
Mel was President and Chief Engineer at Reach Associates, Inc. a firm he founded in 1971, where he continued working until he passed away at the age of 100.
Mel was also associated with the national chemical engineering organization, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), and co-founded a chapter in Newark. He received the highest honor the organization bestows on a member when he was elected as a Fellow of the AIChE, an honor given to only about 1% of the membership. The rank of Fellow recognizes achievements and contributions to the field of chemical engineering. Mel was a Fellow for over 25 years.
He loved camping and was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America serving as a Troop Leader in South Orange for many years.
Mel was married to the love his life, Sylvia, for 68 years until she passed away. He was a devoted family man who was much loved by his son Andrew, daughter Mindy, many nieces, nephews, family, friends and business associates.
(Deceased) After graduating from Weequahic High School in 1939, Herbert Wolkstein served in the Army Air Corps, European Theater, during World War II.
After returning home, Herbert received his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree from the Newark College of Engineering and began his professional career as an electrical engineer in the microwave tube division of the RCA Corporation.
Over the next 34 years at RCA, Herbert rose to become the Head of Space and Electronic Counter Measures Operations at the David Sarnoff Research Center in Princeton, N.J. During his tenure at RCA, he was awarded 25 patents in the electron-tube and solid-state fields; he authored 44 technical papers; and, he contributed to the development of numerous communications satellites.
In 1982, Herbert was awarded the RCA Laboratories Outstanding Achievement Award for his work in developing RCA communication satellites. In 1983, he received RCA Corporation's highest honor, the “David Sarnoff Research Award” for outstanding technical achievement.
Following the acquisition of RCA by General Electric in 1987, Herbert worked as a worldwide independent consultant in the aerospace and defense electronics industry until 2014. He was regarded as one of the world's leading experts in traveling wave tubes and satellite communications. He consulted for Lockheed Martin, Hughes Aircraft, Marconi, Orbital Sciences, NASA, Telefunken, and many more technical corporations and organizations. He also held top-secret clearance at the Pentagon.
Herbert resided in Livingston NJ until his passing in 2017. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Eckel Wolkstein. He is survived by his daughter, Marianne, and sons, William and John; daughter-in-law, Amy, and grandsons, Eric, Jordan, and Zachary.
After returning home, Herbert received his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering Degree from the Newark College of Engineering and began his professional career as an electrical engineer in the microwave tube division of the RCA Corporation.
Over the next 34 years at RCA, Herbert rose to become the Head of Space and Electronic Counter Measures Operations at the David Sarnoff Research Center in Princeton, N.J. During his tenure at RCA, he was awarded 25 patents in the electron-tube and solid-state fields; he authored 44 technical papers; and, he contributed to the development of numerous communications satellites.
In 1982, Herbert was awarded the RCA Laboratories Outstanding Achievement Award for his work in developing RCA communication satellites. In 1983, he received RCA Corporation's highest honor, the “David Sarnoff Research Award” for outstanding technical achievement.
Following the acquisition of RCA by General Electric in 1987, Herbert worked as a worldwide independent consultant in the aerospace and defense electronics industry until 2014. He was regarded as one of the world's leading experts in traveling wave tubes and satellite communications. He consulted for Lockheed Martin, Hughes Aircraft, Marconi, Orbital Sciences, NASA, Telefunken, and many more technical corporations and organizations. He also held top-secret clearance at the Pentagon.
Herbert resided in Livingston NJ until his passing in 2017. He was predeceased by his wife, Doris Eckel Wolkstein. He is survived by his daughter, Marianne, and sons, William and John; daughter-in-law, Amy, and grandsons, Eric, Jordan, and Zachary.
(Deceased) Milton Perlmutter graduated in the January 1945 class of Weequahic High School. He was described in his yearbook, “As one of those mild and modest fellows, whose presence is always felt because of the well-meaning, sentient quality of his speech. A spark of what makes him amiable and pleasing.” In his too short life, he continued to maintain these qualities.
First and foremost, Milton was the most loving and caring husband and father. In his business career he went on to become President and chief executive officer of Supermarkets General Corporation which included Pathmark and ShopRite supermarkets, Rickel Home Centers, Steinbachs, Hochschild-Kohn department stores and Value House Catalog stores.
He was an active leader in food industry and community affairs. He served as President of the Food Marketing Institute. In the community he served as President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun currently located in Short Hills.
Milton was enthusiastic and devoted in his support of the State of Israel. In a thank you letter to him, Prime Minister Menahem Begin describes Milton as a “successful and respected leader in the American business community with a strong commitment to his people.” It goes on to say, “It is because of men like Milton Perlmutter that Israel has been able to lay the foundation for its economic development[.]“
Milton devoted his support both in secondary and higher education. He served as a trustee on the boards of the Pingry School and Rutgers University. His keen mind, exceptional executive ability and broad range of interests enabled him to serve on the boards of major food and utility companies.
The qualities which generated the respect and affection felt for Milton were perhaps best expressed by Rabbi Ely Pilchik in his eulogy: “Whatever Milton touched, he illuminated. Whomever Milton touched, he lifted up up.”
Dr. Naomi Adjei
Class of 2007
Public School Educator. Resident physician at Yale New Haven Hospital and WHS Alumni Scholarship recipient.
Dr. Naomi Adjei was born and raised in Tema, Ghana. She moved to the United States in 2005 and joined Weequahic High School as a sophomore. She later graduated as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2007. Naomi was part of the Cross Country and Track and Field Team, Yearbook Club, and National Honor Society. While at Weequahic High School, she participated in the Talent Search Summer Enrichment Program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where she met Ms. Giannelli Lynch (now Mrs. Aldo) who has remained a blessing to Naomi in her pursuit of higher education.
Naomi obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Human Biology, Health and Society with a concentration in Global Health at Cornell University (Class of 2011). After graduation, Naomi moved to Baltimore as an Amgen Fellow. She taught 7th and 8th grade Science and Health at Hazelwood Middle School in the Baltimore City Public School System as part of Teach for America.
While in Baltimore, Naomi coached ten of her students to prepare independent research projects for the Morgan State University Annual STEM Competition in March 2012 and 2013 where students won first and second place junior team awards, and a meritorious achievement award from the United States Public Health Service.
Naomi was also awarded the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teaching Finalist (2013) and Maryland Governor’s Volunteer Service Award (2012); and was nominated for the New Teacher of the Year award in the school system. During that time, Naomi obtained her Masters of Education from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education.
After her commitment to Teach for America, Naomi pursued medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. While in medical school, she developed a passion for addressing health equity and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly children and women. As such, she pursued a Masters of Public Health in Health Policy with a focus on Maternal and Child Health, as well as Public Health Leadership at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Her passion for population health led her, with the support of physicians and medical students, to initiate a comprehensive sexual health education program to address teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in Central Falls, RI. She also worked with a team at the Hawaii Department of Health to evaluate a teen dating violence prevention campaign. Naomi received the United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Award in 2018.
Naomi is now in her third year of residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she cares for pregnant women and provides surgical care from women with reproductive health disorders including abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, infertility, and gynecologic cancer.
Naomi is honored to be a Weequahic High School Alumni Association Hall of Distinction Inductee. Naomi credits her success at Weequahic to the support and generosity of many of her teachers and administrators, including Mr. Healy, Mr. Young, Mrs. Haden, Ms. Bogan, Mrs. Mrs. Lorquet, Mr. Cherian, Ms. Tamarkin, Ms. Daley, Ms. Springer, Mrs. Stackhouse, Ms. Findley, Coach Zahir, and Mrs. Robinson.
Lynda Arnold-Davis was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey.
She was known for always helping people and taking care of children which led her into nursing. She is a graduate of class of 1971 of Weequahic High School. While attending Essex County College, Lynda worked as a pediatric nursing assistant at United Hospital in Newark and upon graduating in 1973, she continued as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal unit.
Relocating to Jacksonville, Florida,1974, Lynda was the first Black American Registered Nurse to work Neonatal ICU; she was quickly promoted to the head nurse position.
Returning to Newark in 1982 Lynda rejoined the staff at United Hospital where she worked as a staff nurse and nurse manager. Her talents were again recognized and Lynda was the first black director of Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, a division of United Hospital in 1996. During her tenure at United, Lynda continued her education and obtained her BSN from Jersey City State College in 1994.
Lynda was the Drug and Alcohol Coordinator for the County of Essex. She was responsible for monitoring all substance abuse treatment and prevention programs in the county and is certified as a Chemical Dependency Associate. In addiction, Lynda was the Patient Care Coordinator at University Hospital in Newark where she had responsibility for all nursing and administrative activities on weekends and evenings. In 2006 Lynda obtained her ANA certification in Nursing Administration.
2009 was a challenging year for Lynda. She survived colon rectal cancer and completed her Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University.
Lynda is currently the Director of Family Health Services of University Hospital and is matriculating her doctoral degree from Felician University.
Lynda is a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church where she serves on the Sick and Shut in Committee and sings in the Voices of the Mount Choir. She is the past President of Concerned Black Nurse of Newark, life time member of National Black Nurse Association, the immediate past president of Region 3 New Jersey State Nurses Association, and a member of American Nurses Association.
Lynda has received numerous awards and citations, such as Concerned Black Nurses of Newark Nurse of the Year, Nurse Recognition Award from the NJ League of Nurses, and The March of Dimes Nurse Leader of the Year.
Lynda resides in Hillside, NJ with her husband Jim Davis. She has two daughters Monshuan and Anntrunette, one son-in-law Shawn, and one grandson Messiah.
After graduation from Weequahic, Ed attended Seton Hall University and Rutgers-Newark where he received his B.S. in Economics and Marketing in 1957. He returned to Seton Hall in 1959 where he completed the graduate program in business administration.
Ed served in the United States Army in Korea. He was Honorably Discharged in 1955 after serving with distinction.
Ed worked in a number of businesses from 1957 up through 2007. He began his business career doing marketing and research analysis work. Eventually, he established a number of companies that centered on the home building business and manufacturing. In 2007, after selling his business interests, he still remained active as a consultant.
He has always been involved in a number of charitable activities. In 1971, he became general chairman of the United Jewish Appeal of Western Union County. Ed was instrumental in establishing the MOM2MOM program, a 24/7 Helpline for Special Needs Mothers, and Vets4Warriors Helpline for veterans who are suicidal, both at Rutgers University. Ed also worked with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, advising them on cost-cutting measures and serving on the University President’s Advisory Committee.
In 1976, Ed, along with his wife, Sue, started the Valerie Fund, in memory of their daughter, Valerie. The Valerie Fund is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization that provides financial support for the comprehensive healthcare of children with cancer and blood disorders. Today, the Valerie Fund sponsors seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers in hospitals in NY and NJ, and they operate Camp Happy Times, a free overnight camp for children with cancer. He still serves as a member of the Valerie Fund Board and Board of Advisors.
In 2004, Ed and Sue renovated and redesigned the ICU Waiting room at Overlook Hospital, in Summit NJ. The room is now called the Stacy Goldstein ICU Room, in memory of another daughter. Ed and Sue sponsored an educational conference on Breast Cancer Awareness in, and in 2009 they dedicated the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ.
Ed has been a recipient of numerous awards as a result of his advocacy work. In 2016, he was elected to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis National Jefferson Award for Public Service, the NJ Monthly “Seeds of Hope” Award, the NJ Governor Jefferson Award for Public Service and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ Medal for Distinguished Leadership.
Ed has also served on a number of other Boards including Temple Sholom, and the Jewish Federation, both in Plainfield, NJ.
Ed served in the United States Army in Korea. He was Honorably Discharged in 1955 after serving with distinction.
Ed worked in a number of businesses from 1957 up through 2007. He began his business career doing marketing and research analysis work. Eventually, he established a number of companies that centered on the home building business and manufacturing. In 2007, after selling his business interests, he still remained active as a consultant.
He has always been involved in a number of charitable activities. In 1971, he became general chairman of the United Jewish Appeal of Western Union County. Ed was instrumental in establishing the MOM2MOM program, a 24/7 Helpline for Special Needs Mothers, and Vets4Warriors Helpline for veterans who are suicidal, both at Rutgers University. Ed also worked with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, advising them on cost-cutting measures and serving on the University President’s Advisory Committee.
In 1976, Ed, along with his wife, Sue, started the Valerie Fund, in memory of their daughter, Valerie. The Valerie Fund is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization that provides financial support for the comprehensive healthcare of children with cancer and blood disorders. Today, the Valerie Fund sponsors seven Valerie Fund Children’s Centers in hospitals in NY and NJ, and they operate Camp Happy Times, a free overnight camp for children with cancer. He still serves as a member of the Valerie Fund Board and Board of Advisors.
In 2004, Ed and Sue renovated and redesigned the ICU Waiting room at Overlook Hospital, in Summit NJ. The room is now called the Stacy Goldstein ICU Room, in memory of another daughter. Ed and Sue sponsored an educational conference on Breast Cancer Awareness in, and in 2009 they dedicated the Stacy Goldstein Breast Cancer Center at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ.
Ed has been a recipient of numerous awards as a result of his advocacy work. In 2016, he was elected to the New Jersey Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis National Jefferson Award for Public Service, the NJ Monthly “Seeds of Hope” Award, the NJ Governor Jefferson Award for Public Service and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ Medal for Distinguished Leadership.
Ed has also served on a number of other Boards including Temple Sholom, and the Jewish Federation, both in Plainfield, NJ.
When Miriam graduated from Weequahic , she was awarded the prestigious Louis Bamberger Award. After Weequahic, Miriam attended Rutgers-Newark, and earned her Law Degree from Rutgers Law School in 1966. She was one of four women in the graduating class, graduating cum laude. In her continuing education, she also attended The Hague Academy of International Law in the Netherlands.
Miriam served as an assistant US Attorney in Newark from 1967 to 1982 in Newark. She also served as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender, and an Assistant Deputy Public Advocate, as well as a partner in her private practice law firm of Span and Gomperts in Westfield, NJ.
In 1984, she was appointed to the NJ Superior Court as a Judge in 1984. She presided over cases in the Civil, Criminal, and Chancery trial divisions in Union County, NJ, until 2013.
Miriam’s was highly regarded as a fair and extremely knowledgeable lawyer and judge. One of the highlights of her career was in 1982 when she defended a domestic violence survivor in one of the first cases to use the ‘battered woman’ defense. She also served on a number of other precedent setting cases during her long tenure in the legal profession. Miriam was raised in a family that placed great emphasis on education and service. It was no surprise that she carried those beliefs into her professional life.
Miriam retired when her son fell ill so she could care for him. After his death, she became active with a number of social service organizations. She is a literacy volunteer, active with the Westfield Foundation, has served on the Overlook Hospital Advisory Board, and was a docent at the Holocaust Museum.
Miriam is married to real estate attorney Gerald Span and they have a daughter, Jenny.
(Deceased). Dr. Stanley S. Herr was a lawyer whose career of crusades for the mentally disabled altered the legal landscape from schools to death row. After Weequahic High School, he graduated from Yale College and Yale Law School, and later earned a doctorate in law from Oxford University.
Dr. Herr argued several noted cases on the civil rights of the disabled, among them the one that led to the closing of the infamous Willowbrook Developmental Center on Staten Island in 1987. He also helped establish the federal law requiring appropriate public education for disabled children.
During the Clinton administration, he was a Kennedy Public Policy Fellow at the White House, advising on disability and homelessness issues. In 1983, he became a law professor at the University of Maryland teaching civil rights, human rights, and clinical legal education. From 1998-99, Dr.Herr served as the President of the American Association on Mental Retardation (now known as the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities).
One of his earliest jobs was with the National Office of Legal Aid and Defenders Association, where he was a lead lawyer in three important cases. The first, Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, established “the constitutional right to a free and appropriate public education for children with all types and severities of disabilities.”
Congress and the Supreme Court cited the landmark Mills case as providing the legal and political road map for the 1975 National Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now known as IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that required special education for every child regardless of impairment. At a Senate hearing on reauthorizing the law in 1997, Dr. Herr said, ''The regimes of segregation and exclusion for children with disabilities rivaled the worst abuses and humiliations of Jim Crow schooling that once beset African-Americans.''
Dr. Herr argued several noted cases on the civil rights of the disabled, among them the one that led to the closing of the infamous Willowbrook Developmental Center on Staten Island in 1987. He also helped establish the federal law requiring appropriate public education for disabled children.
During the Clinton administration, he was a Kennedy Public Policy Fellow at the White House, advising on disability and homelessness issues. In 1983, he became a law professor at the University of Maryland teaching civil rights, human rights, and clinical legal education. From 1998-99, Dr.Herr served as the President of the American Association on Mental Retardation (now known as the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities).
One of his earliest jobs was with the National Office of Legal Aid and Defenders Association, where he was a lead lawyer in three important cases. The first, Mills vs. Board of Education of the District of Columbia, established “the constitutional right to a free and appropriate public education for children with all types and severities of disabilities.”
Congress and the Supreme Court cited the landmark Mills case as providing the legal and political road map for the 1975 National Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now known as IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) that required special education for every child regardless of impairment. At a Senate hearing on reauthorizing the law in 1997, Dr. Herr said, ''The regimes of segregation and exclusion for children with disabilities rivaled the worst abuses and humiliations of Jim Crow schooling that once beset African-Americans.''
Dr. Herr’s involvement in two subsequent cases (one in Alabama in 1972, the other in New York in1973) ultimately resulted in the closing of warehouse-like institutions for the mentally ill in a number of states. In addition, Dr.Herr submitted a brief which was cited by the Supreme Court in abolishing the death penalty for those with intellectual disabilities. His victory in a 1989legal battle caused Maryland to bar the execution of criminals identified as mentally retarded, only the second state to do so.
Dr. Stanley Sholom Herr died at 56 from adrenal carcinoma, a rare cancer, on September 24, 2001. In addition to his wife of 22 years, Raquel Schuster, he is survived by three children - David Herr and twin daughters, Deborah Herr Richter and Ilana Herr - as well as a sister, Judith Herr, also a WHS alumna.
Margery Tabankin has had a 50-year career in Public Service. Her experiences span executive leadership roles in government, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and public policy. Whether as advocate, activist, policy analyst, organizer or documentary film producer, social justice has been the consistent through line of her work.
Focus areas: Income Inequality, Democratic Values, Racial Justice, Civil Rights & Liberties, Environmental Quality, Peace and Co-existence, International Human Rights, Women's Rights and connecting Arts, Entertainment and Politics.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
MARGERY TABANKIN & ASSOCIATES: 1987 to 2014 Santa Monica, CA. President of Margery Tabankin & Associates - A boutique consulting firm advising high net worth clients on philanthropy, public policy and political participation. Clients included (among others) as follows:
THE STREISAND FOUNDATION and Ms. Streisand personally from 1987 to 2014: Grant making focus: Environmental Quality, Civic Engagement, Women's Rights, Income Inequality, Civil Rights and Peace and Co-existence.
THE RIGHTEOUS PERSON'S FOUNDATION. 1994 to 2014. (Named in honor of the non-Jews that saved Jews during the Holocaust). A new foundation created by Mr. Spielberg to disperse his profits from the film Schindler's List. Grant making focus: Contemporary Jewish Life, Holocaust Remembrance, and Civil and Human Rights.
THE ABRAMS-MCGRATH FAMILY FOUNDATION & Mr. Abrams and Ms. McGrath personally. A new foundation created by writer, director, producer JJ Abrams & wife and business partner Katie McGrath.
Program emphasis: Civic participation and voting rights, income inequality, children's rights, investigative journalism, civil rights and bridging the racial divide.
CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER (CSMC): 2014 to present
Strategic advisor to the hospital's Women's Heart Center and the Woman’s Heart Alliance. The Women’s Heart Center provides cutting edge healthcare to women with heart disease, develops innovative research leading to new treatments, trains Cardiology Fellows and runs citywide education programs.
THE HOLLYWOOD WOMEN'S POLITICAL COMMITTEE: 1988 to 1994 - Los Angeles, CA. Executive Director of the Hollywood Women's Political Committee (HWPC) a Political Action Committee (PAC) and its sister nonprofit organization, the Hollywood Policy Center. Priority issues: Income Inequality, Human Rights, Reproductive Choice, Campaign Finance Reform, Environmental Quality, Civil Rights and International Human Rights.
THE ARCA FOUNDATION: 1981 to 1987 - Washington, DC.
Executive Director of the Arca Foundation, a private foundation.
Foundation grants focused on Democratic Values & Citizen Engagement, Environmental Quality, Civil Rights, International Human Rights and organizing at risk communities to empower poor and working Americans.
VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA (VISTA): 1977 to 1981 - Washington, DC. Appointed by President Carter, Director of VISTA & National Service Learning Programs. Led federal anti-poverty program with an annual budget of $60 million supporting 5,000 VISTA volunteers. Volunteers committed to a full year of service in underserved communities in all 50 states.
THE YOUTH PROJECT: 1972 to 1976 - Washington, DC. Executive Director, The Youth Project, an organization dedicated to funding young organizers in communities throughout the United States working to create social change.
NATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION: 1971 to 1972 - Washington, DC.
First female elected President of the National Student Association, an organization composed of student government leaders from colleges and universities throughout the U.S. Primary focus: Ending the United States participation in the Vietnam War.
YOUTH CITIZENSHIP FUND: 1970 to 1971 - Washington, DC. Staff at the Youth Citizenship Fund (a project of Common Cause). Worked on successful national campaign to lower the legal voting age from 21 to 18 by passing the Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the Constitution.
INDUSTRIAL AREAS FOUNDATION (IAF): 1969 to 1970 - Chicago, IL. Fellow at the Industrial Areas Foundation. Established by Saul Alinsky, America's most recognized community organizer. IAF was a full-time school with rigorous curriculum in the practice, methodology and sociology of organizing people to collectively leverage their power.
CURRENTLY:
Retirement with part-time consulting, 2015 to present, with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for both their local and national work on Women's Cardiovascular Disease.
HUMAN RIGHTS DELEGATIONS:
1982 to present. Participated in delegations to: Vietnam, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Cuba and Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER:
"Village by Village," a 1972 documentary showing life in Vietnam during its War with America. "Heart Strings," Peter, Paul & Mary in Central America, the trio's journey to Central America. "We Are Wisconsin," illuminating a major statewide struggle between Republican state lawmakers and a growing discontented population.
CIVIC AWARDS:
Citizenship Award: Conference of Mayors 1978. Philanthropist of the Year: Midwest Academy 1984. Activist Award: Constitutional Rights Center CA 1989. Lifetime Achievement Award: American Civil Liberties Union Los Angeles, CA 1998. Citizen Activist Award: Consumer Rights Foundation 2010.
EDUCATION:
Weequahic High School, Newark, NJ - Class of 1965. University of Wisconsin, Bachelor's Degree Political Science 1969. Fellowship: Institute of Politics, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University 1990
Honorary Doctorate of Letters, Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Deborah Kim Thompson-Gaddy, affectionately called Kim, is a fourth generation Newarker who attended Newark Public Schools. During her time at Weequahic she was involved in the Orange and Brown Association, was elected as the Freshman and Sophomore Class representative, and served as the Junior and Senior Class President.
Kim was also a member of the National Honors Society, Yearbook club, and played on the softball, basketball and bowling teams. In her junior year, she was the only Newark resident to make the
all-state bowling team for New Jersey.
Kim attended Rutgers-New Brunswick and continued her activism. She was an editor of the student publication “Black Voice/Carta Boricua” and was an active member of the Black Student Union.
After college, Kim returned to Newark to fight against educational and environmental injustices. She became involved in local elections and became an Essex County Committeewoman for the South Ward under Mayor Sharpe James. Her knowledge, commitment and skills allowed her to become the first employee to work for three different City Council members and eventually she became the first female Chief of Staff for the Newark Municipal Council.
As a parent, Kim understood the importance of parental support in the schools and she served as the Treasurer and President of the Harriet Tubman School PTA, and she was also elected as the Vice President and President of the Weequahic PTA.
Kim was a volunteer Double Dutch Coach at the Boys and Girls Club in the South Ward when a tragic shooting took the life of her niece, also a Weequahic graduate. This event, spurred Kim to run for the Newark School Board to address the connection between violence and students dropping out. She served two terms on the Board, in 1992 and again in 2016.
Kim’s motto is “If It Is To Be, It's Up To Me.” For the past 20 years, she has worked as an Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action. She is a local, statewide and national leader on environmental issues. Kim led the fight for Newark to establish an Environmental Commission and served as the first chair for seven years. She has been appointed by 5 different Governors to serve as a member of the NJ Environmental Justice Advisory Council where she’s the current Vice Chair.
Kim has been the recipient of many awards, some of which include: 100 People of Newark; the Region 2 Environmental Community Service Award; the NJ Department of Environment 2020 Richard J. Sullivan Award; the 2020 Housing and Community Development, Advocacy and Organizing Award; and the 2021 UUFaithAction NJ, Environmental Justice Award. Kim also was a Co-Founding Co-President of the WHS Alumni Association.
Faheem Ellis was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He graduated from Weequahic High School in 1996. Faheem was part of the Football Team, Basketball Team, Baseball and Bowling Team.
Due to his love of athletics, he went on to obtain a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Physical Education K-12 from Florida Memorial University, in Miami Florida (Class of 2001). Mr. Ellis became a proud Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Gamma Chapter in Spring of 1997. His leadership capabilities began to emerge and become evident when he was announced as the President of Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Gamma Chapter. Under his leadership the Kappa Gamma Chapter was recognized as the Undergraduate Chapter of the Year in the State of Florida (2000).
Faheem returned to Weequahic High School in 2001 as a teacher of Physical Education and Health (six years). Moreover, he coached football and basketball, winning championships in both sports. He continued coaching and led the Hawthorne Avenue Elementary Boys Basketball team to a City Championship in 2005.
While working full time and coaching, he began his graduate studies at Kean University where he later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership(2006).
In 2006, Ronald Stone, the Weequahic High School Principal, promoted Faheem to Dean of Students, where he developed school initiatives that improved school climate and culture and increased positive student/ teacher relationships that assisted in an increase of student achievement.
Faheem embarked on his first administrative role as a Athletic Director at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, NJ. During his tenure as Athletic Director the athletes improved academic performance, increased student attendance, doubled the percentage of athletes going to college and won five State Basketball Championships in four years. The high school was the first high school in the history of Newark to win both girls and Boys State Championships in the same year, occurring in 2010.
He also served on the Executive committee for the Super Essex Conference where he wrote the Bylaws and created the code of conduct for spectators that is currently posted in every high school athletic venue in Essex County. In 2008, suburban high schools refused to come to Newark to play athletic events due to the violence in the city. Ellis was cited in the Star Ledger and honored at the time by Mayor Cory Booker for standing up for the City of Newark and not allowing the suburban schools to opt out of their contractual obligation to play Athletic events in the city.
In 2011, Faheem was promoted to Vice Principal at Malcolm X Shabazz High School. He took on the task of reforming the school culture at Shabazz High School as the Administrator in charge of Discipline. He assisted in the turnaround of the school that resulted in lower suspension, increased test scores and higher student achievement. Faheem was featured in the Star Ledger and on NBC for role in the turnaround model at Malcolm X Shabazz (2012-2013).
As a result of his success at Shabazz, Faheem was named Principal at Weequahic High School in 2013. He was the youngest Principal in the school's history. He exemplified positive, professional leadership that made a difference in the lives of the students, staff and community. He focused on student success and led the implementation of new programs and best practices for teaching and learning.
Faheem built positive relationships with all stakeholders and created a school mantra, “One Family, One School, One Community, Striving for Excellence” where students, teachers, administrators and the community rallied around the school’s legacy and tradition to exemplify academic excellence and exceed goals and expectations. The school enrollment increased by 30%, there was an increase in student attendance, decrease in discipline infractions and test scores increased by 10%.
Faheem represents the future of educational leadership in Newark. Over the years, he has gained expertise in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment - and is able to create a school environment where students can thrive. Furthermore, he is respected by his peers for his tenacity, confidence, and passion.
Faheem is honored to be a Weequahic High School Alumni Association Hall of Distinction Inductee. He credits his success at Weequahic and in his professional life to the support, that felt like family, he received from many of his coaches, teachers and administrators - including Mr. Young, Mrs. Haden, Ms. Findley, Coach Bernie Adams, Coach Frank Gavin, Coach Bo Porter, Dr. Kirk Morton, Ms. Shirley Lucas, and Ms. Lorraine White.
Due to his love of athletics, he went on to obtain a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Physical Education K-12 from Florida Memorial University, in Miami Florida (Class of 2001). Mr. Ellis became a proud Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Gamma Chapter in Spring of 1997. His leadership capabilities began to emerge and become evident when he was announced as the President of Omega Psi Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Gamma Chapter. Under his leadership the Kappa Gamma Chapter was recognized as the Undergraduate Chapter of the Year in the State of Florida (2000).
Faheem returned to Weequahic High School in 2001 as a teacher of Physical Education and Health (six years). Moreover, he coached football and basketball, winning championships in both sports. He continued coaching and led the Hawthorne Avenue Elementary Boys Basketball team to a City Championship in 2005.
While working full time and coaching, he began his graduate studies at Kean University where he later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership(2006).
In 2006, Ronald Stone, the Weequahic High School Principal, promoted Faheem to Dean of Students, where he developed school initiatives that improved school climate and culture and increased positive student/ teacher relationships that assisted in an increase of student achievement.
Faheem embarked on his first administrative role as a Athletic Director at Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark, NJ. During his tenure as Athletic Director the athletes improved academic performance, increased student attendance, doubled the percentage of athletes going to college and won five State Basketball Championships in four years. The high school was the first high school in the history of Newark to win both girls and Boys State Championships in the same year, occurring in 2010.
He also served on the Executive committee for the Super Essex Conference where he wrote the Bylaws and created the code of conduct for spectators that is currently posted in every high school athletic venue in Essex County. In 2008, suburban high schools refused to come to Newark to play athletic events due to the violence in the city. Ellis was cited in the Star Ledger and honored at the time by Mayor Cory Booker for standing up for the City of Newark and not allowing the suburban schools to opt out of their contractual obligation to play Athletic events in the city.
In 2011, Faheem was promoted to Vice Principal at Malcolm X Shabazz High School. He took on the task of reforming the school culture at Shabazz High School as the Administrator in charge of Discipline. He assisted in the turnaround of the school that resulted in lower suspension, increased test scores and higher student achievement. Faheem was featured in the Star Ledger and on NBC for role in the turnaround model at Malcolm X Shabazz (2012-2013).
As a result of his success at Shabazz, Faheem was named Principal at Weequahic High School in 2013. He was the youngest Principal in the school's history. He exemplified positive, professional leadership that made a difference in the lives of the students, staff and community. He focused on student success and led the implementation of new programs and best practices for teaching and learning.
Faheem built positive relationships with all stakeholders and created a school mantra, “One Family, One School, One Community, Striving for Excellence” where students, teachers, administrators and the community rallied around the school’s legacy and tradition to exemplify academic excellence and exceed goals and expectations. The school enrollment increased by 30%, there was an increase in student attendance, decrease in discipline infractions and test scores increased by 10%.
Faheem represents the future of educational leadership in Newark. Over the years, he has gained expertise in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment - and is able to create a school environment where students can thrive. Furthermore, he is respected by his peers for his tenacity, confidence, and passion.
Faheem is honored to be a Weequahic High School Alumni Association Hall of Distinction Inductee. He credits his success at Weequahic and in his professional life to the support, that felt like family, he received from many of his coaches, teachers and administrators - including Mr. Young, Mrs. Haden, Ms. Findley, Coach Bernie Adams, Coach Frank Gavin, Coach Bo Porter, Dr. Kirk Morton, Ms. Shirley Lucas, and Ms. Lorraine White.
Marshall was born in Newark, NJ in 1950. After graduating from Weequahic in 1969, he left Newark to advance his education at Kansas Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in History, with a minor in Secondary Education. He was on both the Dean’s and President’s Lists for academic achievement. He continued his education at Wichita State University, earning a Master’s Degree in Urban Affairs.
He began his career as Property Manager for the Kansas City, Missouri, developing and implementing programs to rehabilitate and revitalize housing and communities with a budget of ten million dollars.
He met and married Lauren Alexander there—they married and raised four children--Aisha, Tahirah, Jamilah and Jamal.
Marshall was as kind as he was strong. He loved his family, and he supported them at each high school and college event. He attended church with his family, first at Franklin St. John and then Third Presbyterian Church. He always went wherever his wife Lauren was preaching. He was her biggest supporter and cheerleader.
Marshall’s first passion after Lauren and his children was Newark and urban development--changing both for the better. It has been said that Marshall actually had five children, if you include Newark. He truly believed that all urban cities could evolve and prosper with new life. In 1987, Mayor Sharpe James contacted Marshall about returning home and helping to renew his city. Marshall's love for Newark had never waned, and he enthusiastically returned home with his family.
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Marshall’s initial position was Manager of Property Development. He was then elevated to Director of Neighborhood Services where he oversaw six departments. He worked as Executive Director of Newark Workforce Investment and Director of Redevelopment. He also served as a board member on the Newark Central Planning Board. He taught history at Essex County College and was the Vice President of Assurance Commercial Realty. Marshall loved the City of Newark and he loved the people in it. He was proud to be a part of the reimagining and redevelopment of his birthplace and home.
If Marshall could help someone--with a word or deed--he was there offering a helping hand. The amount of housing, property, programing, funding, and initiatives that Marshall created, managed, developed, or otherwise acted on is great in number and importance, but what will be most remembered is that he was a man who lived much of his life for others, who lived each day with integrity and honor, who provided for, protected, and loved his family.
The Weequahic High Schol Alumni Association also had the distinct honor of having Marshall serve as a Board member for a number of years where he helped raise scholarships and provide other resources to the students.
Marshall passed away in November of 2023.
Arnold Kantrowitz was born on Nov. 26, 1940, in Newark, NJ.
Arnold graduated from Weequahic High School and was accepted by Columbia and Princeton. But he recalled later that, being both gay and Jewish, he didn’t enroll in either school because he lacked self-confidence.
“I felt ‘other,’” he said in an interview with the Queer Newark Oral History Project in 2015. “I felt different from what my parents wanted me to be.” “My mother even took me to a doctor,” he added. “He didn’t think I was gay, he thought that I was sensitive. And I was! Both!”
Arnold graduated from Rutgers University-Newark with a bachelor’s degree in 1961 and earned a Master’s in 1963 from New York University, both in English literature. He also completed his preparation for a doctoral degree at NYU.
His first teaching job was at the State University of New York at Cortland, from 1963 to 1965. He taught from 1965 until he retired in 2006 at the City University’s College of Staten Island, where he introduced one of the earliest gay studies courses. He was named chairman of the English department in 1999.
A professor, author and activist, he fought against discrimination because of sexual orientation and for fairness from the media.
The modern-day gay rights movement was ignited in mid-1969 by the uprising provoked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, which led to the founding several months later of the Gay Activists Alliance. Mr. Kantrowitz became the organization’s vice president in 1970, which was also the year he came to grips with his own homosexuality.
His memoir, “Under the Rainbow: Growing Up Gay” (1977), exposed to a wide audience the difficulties he and his gay contemporaries faced in the 1950s and ’60s and recalled how he had confronted them — including two suicide attempts. The book also chronicled historical events in the movement, including what was called the first Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day Parade, held in New York City in 1970.
In 1985, he was a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (now known as GLAAD), which was established to counter negative media coverage generated by the AIDS crisis. He was also a leading proponent of the work of Walt Whitman and the author of a biography of Whitman that was published in 2005 as part of the series “Gay and Lesbian Writers.”
Arnie Kantrowitz, died from complications of Covid-19 in 2022, leaving his life partner, Dr. Larry Mass, his brother, Barry Kantrowitz, and extended families of relatives, students and LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in mourning and gratitude for his spirit, courage and creativity.
Condensed from NYT Obituary 12/2022
During her years at Weequahic, Patricia was a member of the Honor Society and was very active in the Band, Dance and Modeling clubs. She had a lot of school spirit and was popular and well-liked by her classmates for her kind and welcoming demeanor.
When Patricia graduated, she went to work for IBM and then for the Post Office where she stayed for over 30 years. In the meantime, she married and began to raise a family. She stayed in Newark and became a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church (Irvington), then Clearview Baptist Church (Newark) and then, with her husband, Pastor Richard Brown, Jr., joined him in leading Bethsaida and then Gravel Hill Missionary churches (Newark).
As part of her journey, Patricia became a community supporter. She uplifted many people, especially young mothers, by providing them with resources (from her own pocket), referrals, counseling and emotional support. Patricia was a faith-based person and her work was a lifeline to many who needed help, especially dedicating much of her time providing comfort and prayer to grieving families. She never turned anyone away and did her work quietly and without fanfare. In her spare time, Patricia painted. While she never had a formal exhibit, the work she left to family and friends became a testimony to her legacy of giving.
Patricia raised two sons and a daughter in Newark, a city she poured her heart into. She passed in 2023, leaving many with positive memories of her kindness.
After attending Peshine Ave school and then Weequahic High School, where he was Class President each year, Arthur attended and graduated as Class Marshall from Syracuse University in 1953.
Arthur then entered the family insurance business and over a 65-year career built it into one of the largest and respected insurance organizations in New Jersey.
Professionally, he was a Chartered Life Underwriter and President of the Newark Chapter in1960. He lectured extensively on Insurance planning for the American College of Life Underwriters and Rutgers University. He is a former member of the American Assn of Pension Actuaries and life member of the million dollar round table for 31 consecutive years.
At the community level, he has been quite active in a wide range of charitable efforts. He is one of the few people to have been elected Chairman of two MetroWest agencies, The Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center and the Jewish Community Housing Corporation of which he was the founding Chair. He was twice chairman of the Federation-wide committee on the aging. He chaired the 1978 and 1980 delegation to the White House Conference on the Aging. He was the founding, and for 24 years, Chair of the Hebrew Free Loan of New Jersey. He was a commissioner of the New Jersey State board of Human Services and member of the board of the Valerie Fund for treatment of Child Oncology. He has served on every Agency Board in MetroWest
In 2023 Arthur received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the Rabbinic College of America.
Arthur married Judi Ruback in 1957 and after her passing in 2006 he married Cynthia Hollander. He has four children, Marjorie and Tom Gart and Michael and June Schechner, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Fully retired from business he and Cynthia spend winters in Florida and summers in New Jersey enjoying fishing, poker and golf and pursuing a wide range of charitable and social activities.
Raymond B. Drake was born on January 16, 1932 in Newark City Hospital. His family lived in sub-poverty conditions in the top floor of a three-story building in a four-room cold water flat in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark. The family moved to Shephard Avenue when Ray was six. He attended Maple Avenue School and was the chief of the Safety Patrol boys in the 8th grade. That was the beginning of his early achieving efforts and leadership! Ray then attended Weequahic HS beginning at the Annex. He enjoyed Latin with “Doc” Lowenstein as the teacher. Weequahic High School primarily had a college preparatory curriculum to prepare the students to further their education and enter professional and business fields. There had been only one college graduate among the families and friends of the Drake family.
In his sophomore year, Drake and his friend, Herb Samuels, joined Junior Achievement (JA) at their center on Halsey Street. Junior Achievement is a worldwide global non-profit youth organization founded in 1919 which works with local businesses, schools and organizations to deliver work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential.
Drake was appointed as a delegate from the Newark center to attend a national convention of Junior Achievement companies (NAJAC) held at Bowling Green University in Ohio. He was elected Vice President and further demonstrated his leadership the following summer by organizing the NAJAC convention in Dearborn, Michigan. He subsequently became the National President of Graduate Achievement and chief counsellor to NAJAC.
Drake’s undergraduate time at Newark College of Arts and Sciences continued his quest for leadership among his peers with serving as Vice President of the Freshman and Sophomore classes, President of the Junior Class and President of the Student council. He was a writer for the student newspaper and eventually Associate Editor. In 1953, at a convention in Philadelphia of Tau Delta Phi, he was awarded a trophy for Outstanding Consul (President). In 1954, he was selected to Who’s Who in American Colleges.
Drake attended Rutgers Law School and joined Phi Delta Phi. He served as rushing chairman and later as President. During his last year at Rutgers, Drake took a course in Practical Legal and Senator Wesley Lance of Hunterdon County offered him a clerkship to commence in the summer of 1957.
He subsequently enlisted in the 63rd Signal Battalion and spent 6 months at Fort Dix on active duty. Drake was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of staff sgt (E6).
Senator Lance was active in his elected position and in his law practice which was divided into the areas of real estate, municipal law, school law and the settlement of estates. The Senator and his secretary mentored Drake first in the handling of real estate matters including title searching and in the matters of local government. The Senator was a Republican and encouraged Drake to get active in politics. Drake was a resident of the Town of Clinton and was elected to the Town Council for a 3-year term. He served as President of the Board of Health and a chairman of roads. This experience provided an inside view of the operations of small government.
Volunteering and community service were the avocations of the Drake household. He had three decades association with the Hunterdon Medical Center(HMC) starting with being a chairman of the Clinton Town Annual Fund Drive for the HMC in 1960 and then the 10 Municipality Coordinator for the HMC fund drive. He was selected as a trustee of the hospital and then trustee of the Hunterdon Health Services Corporation. When the HMC Foundaton was organized in 1984, Drake became a trustee and Vice President. The following year he was selected to be a Director of the Mid-Jersey Health Corporation.
In addition to politics Drake was active in service clubs and organizations. He was elected as President for the North Hunterdon Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Hunterdon Bar Association. He served for 8 years on the Board of Consultors of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust section of the NJ Bar Association. For 12 years, he was a director of the Advisory Board of the First National Bank of Central Jersey. Drake was an instructor for the Hunterdon County Adult Education Program for Real Estate, Wills and Probate, and Zoning and Planning. The NJ Planners Association used Drake as an instructor to new members of Boards of Adjustment.
Of the 26 municipalities in Hunterdon County, Drake represented 8 municipal clients as Township attorney or Planning Board or Board of Adjustment. He served for over 20 years, and he represented the Lebanon Township Planning Board for over 30 years. Drake was the Clinton Township attorney and helped author the first zoning ordinance for the township. His experiences in these representations honed his skills so that he was recognized as a competent, knowledgeable attorney in the field of zoning and planning law. Developers, builders, businesses and commercial enterprises employed the legal services of Drake for the matters in the Townships he did not represent. Applying the accumulated knowledge, Drake was the owner of several major subdivisions he processed.
The county freeholders created the position of attorney for the Hunterdon County Welfare Board when the volume of cases increased in the county and Drake was appointed as the first attorney for the position. He served for over 30 years representing the Board in enforcing support orders, establishing paternity of children born to unmarried applicants for welfare and occasionally fraud cases.
In 1999, the Hunterdon County Bar Association nominated Drake for the Professional Lawyer of the year award and the NJ Commission on Professionalism in Law awarded him the honor. It is given to those attorneys who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to professionalism throughout their career in law. The award was presented at a symposium held in the NJ Law Center in New Brunswick.
Drake was a member of the NJ Bar and had been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He was also a member of the NJ Municipal Attorneys Association and the NJ Association of Welfare Board Attorneys.
Ray’s wife Beverly was a secretary to the Vice President of McGraw-Hill Book company, Albert Mitchell, and a second secretary to Harold McGraw, Jr., at the time of her marriage to Ray. They had three children, Ray, Jr., Tim and Alison.
Dr. Warren Melamed, Weequahic 63’ has been an active supporter and donor to WHSAA for many years. The former CEO of Monarch Dental in Dallas TX and Embassy Dental in Nashville, TN, spent more than 4 decades practicing dentistry and developing multi-specialty dental group practices.
After graduating from Meharry School of Dentistry in 1972, he completed a dental internship and then worked as a staff dentist at Mathew Walker Health Center and subsequently established a thriving private practice in Nashville.
In 1981 Dr. Melamed moved to Dallas, Tx. where he founded what became Monarch Dental Associates. This began the entrepreneurial phase, he stopped practicing in 1987, focused on his career as owner and CEO, and grew, over 13 years, from a single office 5 doctor group practice into a 15 location, 50 dentist, 350 support staff, multi-specialty dental group practice serving over 50,000 patients a year.
In 1995, Dr. Melamed joined with TA Associates of Boston to found Monarch Dental Corp. as Chairman, CEO, and CDO. He led an IPO in 1997, trading on the NASDAQ. At the end of 2000, he retired from the day-to-day activity of the company and stayed on as Chairman until Monarch’s sale in 2003.
In 2005, Warren founded Embassy Dental in Nashville, where moved to in 2008. In Nashville, he repeated his entrepreneurial success building Embassy Dental into a 7 location, 12 dentist, 85 support staff, multi-specialty Group Dental Practice, serving over 15,000 patients per year. Embassy Dental was sold to Marquees Dental Partners in 2015.
While living in Nashville, he enjoyed the families of his 2 sons, including the birth of 3 grandsons. His son Dan, graduated Meharry in 2008 and joined him in the business as a staff dentist and his other son Rick worked in management. It was one his greatest joys to have his sons working with him daily.
Embassy Dental was the primary corporate sponsor of Nashville Cares, an organization that supports people living with AIDS and was recognized in 2015 for their contributions and corporate excellence.
Warren Melamed was a recognized community member in Nashville, TN., who served not only by providing top-notch dental care to Embassy patients, but also by supporting many charities and causes. Throughout his career, Dr. Melamed has maintained a focus on helping others make the most of life through optimizing oral health. Such a dedication led him to lead several educational presentations and serves CEO and President of Oral Health Management.
Warren attended Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry which is a historical private Black medical and dental school in Nashville, TN. Warren is a member of the Royal Society, major donor, and sponsor of the college for many years establishing a scholarship program dedicated to rewarding Excellence in Dentistry.
After retiring in 2015, Warren and his wife Alice, split their time between Longboat Key, FL and recently moved to Chagrin Falls, OH., where he enjoys golf and his wife’s 2 young granddaughters.
After graduating from Meharry School of Dentistry in 1972, he completed a dental internship and then worked as a staff dentist at Mathew Walker Health Center and subsequently established a thriving private practice in Nashville.
In 1981 Dr. Melamed moved to Dallas, Tx. where he founded what became Monarch Dental Associates. This began the entrepreneurial phase, he stopped practicing in 1987, focused on his career as owner and CEO, and grew, over 13 years, from a single office 5 doctor group practice into a 15 location, 50 dentist, 350 support staff, multi-specialty dental group practice serving over 50,000 patients a year.
In 1995, Dr. Melamed joined with TA Associates of Boston to found Monarch Dental Corp. as Chairman, CEO, and CDO. He led an IPO in 1997, trading on the NASDAQ. At the end of 2000, he retired from the day-to-day activity of the company and stayed on as Chairman until Monarch’s sale in 2003.
In 2005, Warren founded Embassy Dental in Nashville, where moved to in 2008. In Nashville, he repeated his entrepreneurial success building Embassy Dental into a 7 location, 12 dentist, 85 support staff, multi-specialty Group Dental Practice, serving over 15,000 patients per year. Embassy Dental was sold to Marquees Dental Partners in 2015.
While living in Nashville, he enjoyed the families of his 2 sons, including the birth of 3 grandsons. His son Dan, graduated Meharry in 2008 and joined him in the business as a staff dentist and his other son Rick worked in management. It was one his greatest joys to have his sons working with him daily.
Embassy Dental was the primary corporate sponsor of Nashville Cares, an organization that supports people living with AIDS and was recognized in 2015 for their contributions and corporate excellence.
Warren Melamed was a recognized community member in Nashville, TN., who served not only by providing top-notch dental care to Embassy patients, but also by supporting many charities and causes. Throughout his career, Dr. Melamed has maintained a focus on helping others make the most of life through optimizing oral health. Such a dedication led him to lead several educational presentations and serves CEO and President of Oral Health Management.
Warren attended Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry which is a historical private Black medical and dental school in Nashville, TN. Warren is a member of the Royal Society, major donor, and sponsor of the college for many years establishing a scholarship program dedicated to rewarding Excellence in Dentistry.
After retiring in 2015, Warren and his wife Alice, split their time between Longboat Key, FL and recently moved to Chagrin Falls, OH., where he enjoys golf and his wife’s 2 young granddaughters.
Leon J. (Lee) Osterweil graduated from Weequahic in January 1961 and went on to attend Princeton. There, in 1962, he learned to program a computer, a step that shaped the rest of his life. Lee graduated from Princeton with an AB in Mathematics in 1965, then got his MS and PhD, also in Mathematics, from the University of Maryland. But his passion increasingly was for computers and programming. After getting his PhD in 1971 he became the third faculty member in the newly formed Computer Science Department at the University of Colorado Boulder. Some of his research on how to detect errors in programs, still underpins efforts to make computer systems safer and more reliable. Lee became Chair of Computer Science at CU in 1982, and founded CU’s undergraduate program in Computer Science. He moved to the University of California Irvine, then to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he served as Dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, supervising nine Departments, including Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Computer Science.
Lee continued to do innovative Computer Science research, publishing hundreds of papers, addressing such issues as how to understand and systematically improve processes such as elections, and heart surgery. He acquired tens of millions of dollars in research funding for this work. Lee has given research talks on all six inhabited continents, and has trained about 20 PhD students, who have been producing students of their own, giving him hundreds of PhD descendants all over the world, who are Department Chairs, Deans, and winners of major awards. Lee was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his research, as well as Lifetime Achievement Awards for Education, and for Service, all from the leading international Computer Science professional society.
Lee has lived in Silver Spring MD, Boulder CO, Newport Beach CA, Seattle WA, Amherst MA, and London UK, with extended visits in Paris, Sydney and Melbourne. Visiting research colleagues and attending international meetings has taken him all over the world. He has floated down the Nile, the Yangtze, and the Amazon rivers; hammered on the Berlin Wall, walked on the Great Wall of China, and stood in awe at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem; gone on safari in Africa; seen the Taj Mahal; flown over Africa’s Victoria Falls; floated on the Dead Sea; seen the midnight sun in Norway; and stood at the southernmost points of Africa, India, and mainland Australia. He has liaised with kangaroos, emus, and koalas in Australia; with elephants, hippos, gnus, and lions in Africa; with yaks in Tibet; and with puffins in the Shetland Islands.
Lee is the proud father of Eric, a Professor of Computer Science at George Mason University, and Emily, a Professor at Harvard Medical School who heads a research lab at Boston Childrens Hospital. Each has given him an adored grandchild. Through his second marriage to Lori Clarke, an internationally prominent Computer Scientist, and his soulmate, he also has an additional three step-children and three step-grandchildren. Lee and Lori are both retired now, and live in a lovely house that borders a beautiful Cape Cod salt marsh where they watch egrets, ospreys, and herons from their deck, and watch the tides come and go each day. Their world-travel days are over now, and they are glad that they were able to enjoy them while younger and more vigorous.
Looking back, Lee attributes his success in large part to a lot of hard work and dogged determination. He thinks he made a lot of mistakes, but got a few things right too. He also sees that he benefitted from a lot luck, the four-letter word to which many successful people don’t like to give credit. Having lost his parents while still in school, he was lucky to get some good advice from friends. Lee thinks he was lucky to have met Lori Clarke, the love of his life, lucky to have caught the computer wave very early on, and lucky that his gamble on computers provided a good career path. And Leon Osterweil knows that he was lucky to have gotten a strong start on his education and his career from his years at Weequahic High School.
Komozi Woodard
Class of 1967
Educator, author, lecturer
After graduating from Dickinson College with his Bachelors of Arts degree, Woodard went on to earn his Master’s and PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.
He became involved in the civil rights movement and became a Black power activist. Woodard went on to become a journalist, economic advisor, urban planner and community developer in Newark. Woodard began teaching in 1968 when he established Newark’s Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Liberation School. With Jeanne Theoharis and Robyn Spencer-Antoine, he curated Conversations in Black Freedom Studies at the Schomburg in Harlem, New York.
Woodard held the Esther Raushenbush Professorship in History at Sarah Lawrence College; served on the Board of Directors of the Urban History Association; edited newspapers and cultural journals as well as Black Power & Black Arts Movement archives; directed an international news service and a radio news program; curated library, museum and college programs; and published news and scholarly articles as well as seven books, including these: A Nation within a Nation: Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones) and Black Power Politics; The Making of the New Ark; The Black Power Movement: Amiri Baraka from Black Arts to Black Radicalism, Freedom North, Groundwork and Want to Start a Revolution: Radical Women in the Black Freedom Struggle?, and Black Power 50.
Woodard is currently a Professor of History, Public Policy and Africana Studies at Sarah Lawrence College.
Sister Joan Najeeullah is a native of Newark, NJ, who became a practicing Muslim in her high school years at Weequahic. She holds a BA in Computer Science from Kean University.
Sister Joan is engaged in various civic organizations: she’s a member of the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus, New Jersey Muslim Voters for Progress, and the Muslim League of Voters. She serves on the Board of the non-profit organization ‘People Helping People in Need,’ which includes planning and organizing youth activities and job coaching for individuals with disabilities. For many years, Sister Joan has actively served in numerous community and civic activities, interacting with and benefiting both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Sis. Joan is a long-standing member of Masjidullah-Plainfield, NJ, and has served as the chair of its Youth Committee planning events and collaborating with the sisters of Masjidullah. She loves spending special time with family, her trusted companions "Sisters in Harmony" and the community of Imam W.D. Mohammad (RA) at Masjid events.
Sister Joan retired from work with the State of NJ and now runs her own business, “Najee Products and Services, LLC,” which includes event planning, business consulting and product marketing. She has a passion for coordinating events and public relations.
She embraced the opportunity to work with The Muslim Journal's Managing Editor in preserving the legacy of this historic weekly publication, and she served as the National Chair of “A Time To Be Grateful” (ATTBG) Annual Fundraiser for over 14 years. She is now on the Executive Board of The Muslim Journal as Special Events Coordinator.
Sister Joan is married to Mahdee Najeeullah, and they share three children Waladeen, Kamal and Aisha, for whom she is thankful to Allah (swt) for their professional successes and their overall goodwill.
Sister Joan is engaged in various civic organizations: she’s a member of the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus, New Jersey Muslim Voters for Progress, and the Muslim League of Voters. She serves on the Board of the non-profit organization ‘People Helping People in Need,’ which includes planning and organizing youth activities and job coaching for individuals with disabilities. For many years, Sister Joan has actively served in numerous community and civic activities, interacting with and benefiting both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Sis. Joan is a long-standing member of Masjidullah-Plainfield, NJ, and has served as the chair of its Youth Committee planning events and collaborating with the sisters of Masjidullah. She loves spending special time with family, her trusted companions "Sisters in Harmony" and the community of Imam W.D. Mohammad (RA) at Masjid events.
Sister Joan retired from work with the State of NJ and now runs her own business, “Najee Products and Services, LLC,” which includes event planning, business consulting and product marketing. She has a passion for coordinating events and public relations.
She embraced the opportunity to work with The Muslim Journal's Managing Editor in preserving the legacy of this historic weekly publication, and she served as the National Chair of “A Time To Be Grateful” (ATTBG) Annual Fundraiser for over 14 years. She is now on the Executive Board of The Muslim Journal as Special Events Coordinator.
Sister Joan is married to Mahdee Najeeullah, and they share three children Waladeen, Kamal and Aisha, for whom she is thankful to Allah (swt) for their professional successes and their overall goodwill.
Irwin Lee Brody
Class of 1944
Inventory and leader in telephone communications for the hearing impaired
Irwin Lee Brody was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1926, son of Harry and Anna Brody. He was born deaf.
From ages five to 15, Lee attended the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) in St. Louis. He paid close attention to his teachers and studied hard. He learned to listen, read and speak, all without sign language.
Lee went home on holidays to visit his parents and two sisters only once or twice a year. In 1938, the Newark Star Ledger ran a photo of him titled “Youthful Traveler. “And a youthful traveler, indeed, is Irwin Lee Brody,” the caption read. “Irwin, who is seven, returned to his Newark home last night from St. Louis — alone, marking the fifth time he has made a solo journey either to or from the mid-western city.”
Afterwards, Lee attended Weequahic High School. From early on, he tinkered with technology. His first invention, as a teenager, was an alarm clock rigged to shine a bright light in his face to wake him up in the morning.
He then returned to St. Louis to enroll in Washington University, among the first students with severe hearing loss ever accepted there. A year later, he transferred to Rutgers University, again among the few deaf students ever admitted there, and graduated with a degree in psychology.
In 1951, he married Aileen Roslyn Sheft. Together, living first in the Bronx and then Fair Lawn, New Jersey, they had two children, Robert and Linda, and later, four grandchildren.
In 1969, Lee began to apply his mechanical ingenuity to be of service to the deaf community. He focused on teletypewriters, or TTYs, devices long popular in newspapers, the military and on Wall Street. Only 600 TTYs were then in use nationwide.
He devised specially constructed modems so that TTYs could be adapted to operate over ordinary phone lines. With a closet in his house serving as his office, he set about collecting, storing, refurbishing and distributing the TTYs to anyone suffering from hearing loss. They could then dial up anyone else to type messages on scrolling paper and hold a conversation.
In due course, Lee Brody helped establish a network that enabled deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans to communicate by phone with one another and everyone else for the first time. The TTYs spread throughout New Jersey and New York, then nationally. By 1977, 35,000 TTYs were being used across the country. They materialized in homes, schools, hospitals, libraries, airports, local police precincts, fire and ambulance stations, federal agencies, the U.S. Senate, even the White House.
People with hearing impairments thereby gained access to a large-scale lifeline to communicate independently — and instantly — over any distance. They could “hear” — and in turn, make themselves heard.
Lee Brody proved to be a pioneer in communications technology among the deaf community. It hailed him as a hero and honored him with awards. Bell Telephone accepted him to the Telephone Pioneers of America, only the 29th member since Alexander Graham Bell in 1911. He once received a letter of congratulations on his accomplishments from President Ronald Reagan.
Lee Brody died in 1997. The Stevens Institute of Technology held a memorial service for him, drawing 500 people to pay tribute. Gallaudet University, in D.C., a college for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, named a scholarship after him. Every two years, the Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inc. gives an individual the I. Lee Brody Lifetime Achievement Award.
Over the last 15 years, his son Bob has written essays paying tribute to his father. Those pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and elsewhere.
From ages five to 15, Lee attended the Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) in St. Louis. He paid close attention to his teachers and studied hard. He learned to listen, read and speak, all without sign language.
Lee went home on holidays to visit his parents and two sisters only once or twice a year. In 1938, the Newark Star Ledger ran a photo of him titled “Youthful Traveler. “And a youthful traveler, indeed, is Irwin Lee Brody,” the caption read. “Irwin, who is seven, returned to his Newark home last night from St. Louis — alone, marking the fifth time he has made a solo journey either to or from the mid-western city.”
Afterwards, Lee attended Weequahic High School. From early on, he tinkered with technology. His first invention, as a teenager, was an alarm clock rigged to shine a bright light in his face to wake him up in the morning.
He then returned to St. Louis to enroll in Washington University, among the first students with severe hearing loss ever accepted there. A year later, he transferred to Rutgers University, again among the few deaf students ever admitted there, and graduated with a degree in psychology.
In 1951, he married Aileen Roslyn Sheft. Together, living first in the Bronx and then Fair Lawn, New Jersey, they had two children, Robert and Linda, and later, four grandchildren.
In 1969, Lee began to apply his mechanical ingenuity to be of service to the deaf community. He focused on teletypewriters, or TTYs, devices long popular in newspapers, the military and on Wall Street. Only 600 TTYs were then in use nationwide.
He devised specially constructed modems so that TTYs could be adapted to operate over ordinary phone lines. With a closet in his house serving as his office, he set about collecting, storing, refurbishing and distributing the TTYs to anyone suffering from hearing loss. They could then dial up anyone else to type messages on scrolling paper and hold a conversation.
In due course, Lee Brody helped establish a network that enabled deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans to communicate by phone with one another and everyone else for the first time. The TTYs spread throughout New Jersey and New York, then nationally. By 1977, 35,000 TTYs were being used across the country. They materialized in homes, schools, hospitals, libraries, airports, local police precincts, fire and ambulance stations, federal agencies, the U.S. Senate, even the White House.
People with hearing impairments thereby gained access to a large-scale lifeline to communicate independently — and instantly — over any distance. They could “hear” — and in turn, make themselves heard.
Lee Brody proved to be a pioneer in communications technology among the deaf community. It hailed him as a hero and honored him with awards. Bell Telephone accepted him to the Telephone Pioneers of America, only the 29th member since Alexander Graham Bell in 1911. He once received a letter of congratulations on his accomplishments from President Ronald Reagan.
Lee Brody died in 1997. The Stevens Institute of Technology held a memorial service for him, drawing 500 people to pay tribute. Gallaudet University, in D.C., a college for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, named a scholarship after him. Every two years, the Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inc. gives an individual the I. Lee Brody Lifetime Achievement Award.
Over the last 15 years, his son Bob has written essays paying tribute to his father. Those pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The New York Times and elsewhere.
Sherry B. Ortner (WHS Class of '58) is Distinguished Research Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She received her A.B. from Bryn Mawr College and her M.A. and PhD. From the University of Chicago.
She has done extensive research with the Sherpa people of Nepal, and her final book on the Sherpas, Life and Death on Mt. Everest: Sherpas and Himalayan Mountaineering, was awarded the J.I. Staley Prize for Best Book in Anthropology (2004). She has published 10 other books, including New Jersey Dreaming: Capital, Culture.
Sherry has also conducted several major research projects in the US, including a study of her high school graduating class (The Class of ’58), a study of the world of independent film, and, most recently, a study of an activist film production company.
In addition to her ethnographic work, Sherry publishes regularly in the areas of social, cultural and feminist theory.
She has done extensive research with the Sherpa people of Nepal, and her final book on the Sherpas, Life and Death on Mt. Everest: Sherpas and Himalayan Mountaineering, was awarded the J.I. Staley Prize for Best Book in Anthropology (2004). She has published 10 other books, including New Jersey Dreaming: Capital, Culture.
Sherry has also conducted several major research projects in the US, including a study of her high school graduating class (The Class of ’58), a study of the world of independent film, and, most recently, a study of an activist film production company.
In addition to her ethnographic work, Sherry publishes regularly in the areas of social, cultural and feminist theory.
Jerome Noel "Jerry" Waldor was born on 21 Sep 1927, the second son of Jack and Rose Waldor, in Newark, NJ. He grew up in Newark, attended Weequahic High School, class of 1945. In 1950, Jerry married neighbor and fellow Weequahic graduate, Rita Kaden, and eventually their family grew to three sons and eight grandchildren.
Jerry enlisted in the Navy V-5 program in 1945, but in 1946, while in pre-flight training, he received an appointment to West Point. Jerry loved West Point, and in 1950 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Rita and Jerry traveled to postings around the country, finally landing at the Royal Air Force Station, Sculthorpe, England in 1952. He served as a crewmember on the B-45 Tornado jet bomber, receiving training as a navigator-bombardier. He returned to McGuire Air Force Base, NJ, where he remained on active duty until 1954.
In 1954, Jerry was commissioned a captain in the Air Force Reserve. At McGuire, he was selected to command the newly-formed 5th Military Airlift Squadron in I960. He moved to the Pentagon, and then in 1978, he moved to the Defense Logistics Agency. In 1983, he was assigned to Air Force Logistics Command at Wright-Patterson AFB. He assumed a Tactical Air Command assignment in May 1985, where he remained until his retirement as major general in August 1987. During his service, he received many distinctions, including the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
Military service was a pivotal force in Jerry's life. Upon his retirement, a ceremony was held at Langley AFB and attended by family and friends. At the ceremony, he spoke about his 40-plus years in military service. With his usual humility and humor, he credited both the Air Force and his wife Rita for allowing him to serve. The military gave Jerry an enormous amount; he learned a clear sense of discipline, camaraderie, a focused sense of service, and leadership skills, all of which served him well throughout his life.
In civilian life, he settled in West Orange and then South Orange, NJ, not far from where he was born. He established an insurance agency in the late 1950s, the Brounell Kramer Waldor Kane Agency, later the Waldor Agency. Under his leadership, the agency grew into a significant presence in the metropolitan New Jersey business community. An active believer in education, he earned his CPCU designation in the early 1960s. He was joined in the business by two of his sons in the 1980s. Both sons appreciated his ability to listen, guide, offer advice, and let them make their own decisions and mistakes. By early 2004, the agency employed more than 40 people. The atmosphere, while productive and disciplined, remained warm and comfortable under Jerry's tutelage. In addition to running and growing a business, Jerry remained committed to serving his community.
Jerry's life was guided by the mantra of service: service to his community, his country, and fellow humanity. Jerry served as campaign chairman in the 1980s of the United Jewish Federation of Metrowest and as president in the early 1990s. His service to that community was, and remains, legendary. He was on numerous committees and boards throughout the Federation. As one fellow board member said, "Jerry was remarkable for his ability to inspire others through his own example of hard work and total dedication." In addition to his involvement with the Metrowest community,
He served on the boards of Cerebral Palsy of New Jersey, National Conference for Community and Justice, Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center, and New Jersey Y camps. His involvement in the campaign to build the West Point Jewish chapel is one his enduring legacies to West Point. The building which graces the Post is a testament to his hard work, which he shared with others.
Jerry was an avid tennis player. He played singles and doubles with competitive ferocity. He enjoyed the game and appreciated his rankings, marveling at how his ranking improved as his age bracket rose. He was ranked as high as third in the east in singles and ninth in father-son doubles. He played many other sports from his days at the Maple Avenue grammar school, Weequahic, West Point and beyond. Basketball and baseball were favorites.
He was never known to say "no." "Super" became his signature answer to the question of "how are you?" This was no stock answer; this was how he felt, and he accepted the ribbing he got for answering that way with his usual grace. His infectious enthusiasm for life made him beloved throughout his communities. At a recent dinner for the Friendship Circle, an organization devoted to helping disabled, handicapped children, which Jerry assisted in founding, the director said, "Jerry was an exceptional example for all of us. He was able to give 100 percent to his community, 100 percent to his business, and 100 percent to his family."
He was devoted to the ideal of community. One of his most important missions was building communities by bridging differences. People in conflict sought him out; not as a judge, but as someone who would listen, give a fair hearing, and offer sound, pragmatic advice. He stressed what we have in common, unlike those who stress our differences.
Morton Stevens was born in Newark, NJ, 1929. He graduated from the Juilliard School in 1950 and within a few years began working as an arranger/conductor for Sammy Davis Jr., touring around the world and performing in Las Vegas with the “Rat Pack”.
In the early 1960’s, he left Mr. Davis to pursue other opportunities and in 1965, he became the musical director for CBS West Coast. It was 1967 when Morton was approached by his friend Lenny Freeman (who often referred to Morty as a stone-cold genius) during their weekly poker game to compose a theme for his new show, Hawaii 5 0. The show and the theme were a huge success, earning Morton two Emmy awards (1970 and 1974). This was in addition to being nominated seven other times for his work on several episodes of the television programs Gunsmoke, The Man From Uncle, Dr Kildare and the theme for Police Woman.
Morton’s work also included scores for films and TV movies such as Wild and Wonderful, The Spy With A Face, Deadly Harvest, Cimarron Strip, The Strangers in 7A, She Waits, Coffee Tea or Me, The Horror at 37,000 Feet, The Disappearance of Flight 412, Storefront Lawyers, Code Name: Diamond Head, Time Travelers, the CBS Thursday Night Movie theme, several episodes of Gilligan's Island, Perry Mason and Matlock, among many others.
In 1977 he left CBS and continued composing music, creating such masterpieces for Arthur Hailey’s TV series Wheels, The One-Man Jury, Women in White, Masada, Apples Way, Matt Helm, The Great White, They Still Call Me Bruce, Act of Privacy, Backstairs at The Whitehouse, Manions of America, and the Jerry Lewis films -- Hardly Working, Slapstick of Another Kind, Smorgasbord and Cracking Up. In addition, he composed the original score for Alice in Wonderland 1985 alongside Steve Allen, who created the songs.
In 1988, he reconnected with Sammy Davis Jr and became the musical director for The Ultimate Tour featuring Sammy, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and—after Martin left - Liza Minnelli. The tour ended in 1990 and Morton went on to compose for Steven Spielberg’s Tiny Toon Adventures.
Morton Stevens had a life full of adventure, incredible success, fun and most importantly, love. He passed away of pancreatic cancer in Encino, California at the age of 62. He was survived by his beloved wife of 33 years - Annie, his daughter Lisa, son Mark and brother Abe Suckno.
Born in Newark, New Jersey on May 6, 1954, Wilbur, III, is the son of the late Wilbur Jr, and Sylvia Ross. He was educated in the Newark public school system and graduated from Weequahic in 1973. Sports were a big part of his early childhood. His father’s outstanding achievements as a world-renowned track coach led him to introduce sports to Wilber as a child. Wilbur played baseball, football and basketball, and, as a result, he developed a sense of team spirit and a sportsmanship, which carried him throughout his life.
Wilbur played varsity basketball during his four years of high school. He started at Seton Hall Preparatory, went to Lenox Preparatory and then spent his last two years at Weequahic High School. This is where he won City and County Titles in his junior year for Outstanding Player. As a senior, he won a State Title for the Group IV Championship. Wilbur was offered 250 scholarships; recruited by Dick Vitale; and, received a 4-year basketball scholarship to attend the University of Detroit where he graduated with a Degree in Education. His career options looked promising for an opportunity in the NBA. However, while attending Detroit, he was injured while playing which ended his opportunity to seek a career in the NBA.
Coming back to Newark, Wilbur was employed as an International Longshoreman and served on the ILA Board, Local 1233. He takes pride in representing others and focused on ensuring quality control efforts in the workplace. Another love of his life is being a father-- his children’s welfare means the world to him.
Because of his love for his children, he became involved in the issue of domestic violence. In 2006, he founded a non-profit organization called Men Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (MADV, Inc.). In 2009, he established partnerships for a national mentorship program for teens, ages 14-18. The MADV, Inc. group uses sports and play as an integral part of the program, and includes educators, college students/interns, clergy, athletes, law enforcement, the judicial system, law makers/government, retirees, medical professionals, celebrities, other non-profits as well as others who focus their undivided attention on domestic violence.
Educating the children of Newark and other communities is a first priority for Wilbur as he continues his work enriching youth for the future and developing positive family values.