New Jersey Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations for “Unsung Hero” Award

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., April 03, 2017 -- The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) invites New Jersey residents to nominate local heroes for the 2016 Unsung Hero Award. The Unsung Hero Award recognizes game-changers in the state of New Jersey that are not typically recognized for their work in bettering our great state. Nominations can be made at https://njhalloffame.org/nominate-an-unsung-hero/ through April 16, 2017, with the Unsung Hero announced publicly on April 30^th.

“There are so many inspirational individuals in our State that don’t seem to receive the recognition they deserve. The Unsung Hero Award was established as a way for these difference-makers to be recognized publically, and to establish their rightful place among the state’s most celebrated celebrities,” said Bart Oates, NJHOF Board Member.

The Unsung Hero Award was developed in 2009 to recognize a true American hero, Lieutenant Brian Brennan. Lt. Brennan, along with three other soldiers and a civilian, were the victims of two improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. Although he suffered from life-threatening injuries, Lt. Brennan miraculously awoke from his coma and has made an incredible recovery. The 2009 Unsung Hero award was presented to Lt. Brennan by General David T. Petraeus, a moment no-one in the audience will ever forget. The award has since recognized major influencers such as paralyzed former Rutgers football star Eric LeGrand and Expect to Win author Carla Harris.

The Unsung Hero Award will be presented at the formal induction ceremony on May 7, 2017 by Unsung Heroes Lt. Brian Brennan and Eric LeGrand. Tickets for the event are on sale now at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00005250DD658D66.

About the New Jersey Hall of Fame

The New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) is a non-profit organization with two boards working collaboratively – the NJHOF Board of Commissioners and the NJHOF Foundation Board of Trustees. The NJHOF honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, more than 100 notable individuals and groups have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The NJ Hall of Fame endeavors to present school children with significant role models to show that they can and should strive for excellence. Outreach through the New Jersey Hall of Fame Mobile Museum and the NJHOF Curriculum Guide for educators focuses on the importance of voting, the qualities of effective leadership, and inductee research. For more information on the NJHOF, its mission and inductees, go to www.njhalloffame.org. To view past induction ceremonies, visit the NJ Hall of Fame YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/NJHoF. 

Contact: Emaleigh Kaithern, (609) 827-3935, [email protected]