St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, held its annual Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor Awards Dinner in Piazza di Roma, Aberdeen, March 4.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees included: the 1988 Girls Tennis Team, SJVHS Baseball Coach Mike Morgan, and Scott Fitzgerald of the Cass of 1978.
The Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 1994, recognizes the achievements of alumni and coaches who excelled in their chosen events as well as those who have gone on to attain honor or fame during their post high school career.
This year’s Hall of Honor inductee, Brian Muscarella, also from the Class of 1978, has dedicated his life to helping others who have been afflicted with a disability. He suffered a rare spinal stroke that rendered him paralyzed six years ago.
The Hall of Honor was established to recognize the achievements of alumni and staff whom have excelled in their professional and Christian Service accomplishments during and after their time at SJVHS.
This year’s inductee into the Wall of Excellence was William “Butch” VanPelt, who has been the school’s official photographer for more than 25 years. He has spent countless hours taking pictures of athletes. When he is not at an athletic event, he is very involved in the Holmdel Kiwanis Club, flying planes and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. VanPelt is also in the Hall of Honor for his dedication and service to SJVHS.
To be inducted into the Wall of Excellence an alumni must be inducted in either the Hall of Fame or Hall of Honor first. The Wall of Excellence award is given to inductees that have continued to exemplify the school motto of “Knowledge, Commitment, Involvement.”
SJVHS “Mother of the Lancers” Marianite of Holy Cross Sister Bernadette Larson received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of dedication to the students. Sister Bernadette has been on the school staff since the doors opened in 1969. She has served in various positions including dean of students, bookkeeper, guidance counselor, and to her current position as student information systems manager.
Sister Bernadette is a member of the Marianites of Holy Cross, which is an international Catholic congregation founded in 1838 by Basil Anthony Marie Moreau. In 2016, Sister Bernadette celebrated her 60th anniversary in religious life.