(NEWARK, NJ) -- The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) has announced its 14th class of inductees, once again highlighting some of the state's best and brightest. The inductees showcase the wide-ranging talent of the Garden State, from former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski to comedian Chelsea Handler. The list includes drummer Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band fame.
The 14th Annual Induction Ceremony will be broadcast on My9NJ and on NJ PBS, radio and prominent social media platforms, making the event widely available to the public. This year's ceremony will be virtual, but NJHOF officials look forward to holding a live ceremony in 2023.
"New Jersey is never at a loss for heroes and role models for coming generations," says Jon F. Hanson, chairman of the NJHOF. "We are honored to celebrate the lives and contributions of these notable New Jersey luminaries throughout the state, at our terminals and Parkway service areas, and next year at our Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream."
The 12 inductees in the five categories were chosen out of 50 nominees after a public vote.
Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted 12 ceremonies for more than 180 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. The NJHOF endeavors to present school children with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors, like Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Class of 2022 is:
PERFORMING ARTS - Chelsea Handler, Livingston, Award-winning comedian, television host, best-selling author and advocate
Max Weinberg, Newark, drummer and television personality
ARTS & LETTERS - Margaret Bourke-White*, Bound Brook, photographer and documentary photographer
Walter Dean Myers*, Jersey City, writer of children's books and young adult literature
SPORTS - Ron Jaworski**, Voorhees, former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and National Football League (NFL) analyst
Heather O'Reilly, East Brunswick, professional soccer player and three-time Olympic medalist
ENTERPRISE - Ralph Izzo, Cranbury, businessman and former nuclear physicist
Dr. Roy Vagelos, Westfield, physician and business executive
The Unanue Family, Alpine, Ridgefield Park, founder of Goya Foods
PUBLIC SERVICE - Governor Richard J. Hughes*, Florence Township, lawyer, politician, and judge
Dorothea Dix, Trenton*, Nurse and advocate for mentally ill
UNSUNG HEROES - NJ Medal of Honor Recipients
*Being honored posthumously.
**Previous inductee, but being formally inducted this year.