The long-awaited ceremony will reunite Lindenโs athletic legends, city and school leaders, and the community to celebrate a proud legacy of Tiger excellence
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- The wait is finally over. After more than a decade, Linden High School is bringing back one of its proudest athletic traditions -- the Linden High School Athletic Hall of Fame -- with a grand induction ceremony set for Thur., Nov. 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the John T Gregorio Center.
It will mark the first Hall of Fame celebration in 13 years, honoring a new generation of Linden legends whose excellence, leadership, and community impact have defined Tiger athletics.
โThis event has been years in the making,โ said Athletic Director Mike Firestone, who also chairs the Hall of Fame Committee. โTo bring this ceremony back to life, to see proud families, former teammates, and community members gather once again to honor Lindenโs best, means everything. Itโs about recognizing our history, inspiring our student-athletes, and celebrating the pride and unity that define Linden.โ
The ceremony will celebrate six standout athletes, two legendary coaches, two sports contributors, one civic leader, and four unforgettable championship teams, including:
Athletes: Aaron Howard, Mica Jonathan Petit-Homme, Deon Candia, Desmond Wade, Otis Livingston II, and Roy Mickens
Coaches: James โBuckyโ McDonald and Cherie Pizzano-Wehrhahn
Sports Contributors: Laurence โLJโ McGhee and Dr. Kathleen Starling
Civic Leader: Senator Nicholas P. Scutari
Teams: The 1961 Cross Country team, the 1982 Boys Basketball team, the 1985 Football team, and the 2014 Football team
Firestone, who has led the Linden athletics program since 2022, said restoring the Hall of Fame was one of his earliest goals as athletic director. โThis initiative is about more than recognition,โ he said. โItโs about honoring our history and ensuring the people who built our athletic tradition are never forgotten. I love this city and this community. I just want to do whatโs right for Linden to honor its greatness, its people, and the legacy that continues to shape who we are.โ
The evening will also include a Moment of Silence honoring former inductees and beloved Linden figures who have passed away, ensuring their legacy remains a lasting part of Lindenโs proud athletic story.
The event will be attended by Mayor Derek Armstead, Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins, members of the Linden Board of Education, district administrators, and community leaders, all coming together to celebrate the spirit of excellence that continues to define Linden athletics.