Andrew Denicola represents and presents David Rosenthal, music teacher, mentor, and beacon of inspiration, who touched the lives of countless students through his passion for music and dedication to musical education, with the New Jersey Hall of Fame Educator of the Year Award.
Filmed largely at the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream in East Rutherford, and hosted by Actor Danny DeVito, the program promises an unforgettable show of Jersey pride, grit, and humor. Actress Meryl Streep, Actor Paul Rudd, former NY Giants Quarterback Phil Simms, and Singer-Songwriter Lesley Gore* are among the highly anticipated Class of 2024 inductees.
Viewers can look forward to iconic moments, such as Actress and Singer Cher presenting the award to her dear friend, Meryl Streep, and Figure Skater Scott Hamilton presenting the award to fellow Olympian Dick Button. The show will include classic Jersey scenes, such as DeVito rolling up his sleeves with inductee and Founder of Jersey Mike’s Peter Cancro to make a sandwich that, according to DeVito, “tastes like home.”
Inductees now have a permanent home at the NJHOF at American Dream, America’s first Entertainment and Learning Center, which opened in June. Rudd, Streep, and other 2024 Inductees visited the site earlier this year to film their ceremony segments.
The 10,000-square-foot center includes state-of-the-art exhibits that showcase the best of the Garden State, such as a karaoke stage where visitors can sing alongside holograms of musicians like Gloria Gaynor and Wyclef Jean and a Late Night Jersey TV Studio where participants can interview holograms of Jon Bon Jovi, Danny DeVito, Connie Chung, Jason Alexander, and other renowned New Jerseyans.
The NJHOF combines education and entertainment to provide unparalleled inspiration. By honoring trailblazers from every walk of life, whether the arts, sports, public service, or science, the organization encourages citizens to reach their highest potential.
“My dreams were born in New Jersey, and my imagination was nurtured in her public schools, and for that, I am very grateful,” said Streep.
“What ultimately made me successful wasn’t my God-given talent. It was my grit, desire, and unwavering dedication to never accept failure, which was honed on the running pitches of North Brunswick,” said Soccer Player Tim Howard.
In addition to highlighting New Jersey icons, the NJHOF celebrates those who’ve profoundly impacted their communities through the Everyday Heroes campaign and the Unsung Heroes category. Additionally, the NJHOF offers field trips and scholarships to New Jersey students who are chasing their dreams with dedication and perseverance. Scholarship recipients will be recognized during the ceremony.
“This is an annual opportunity to celebrate New Jersey’s best and brightest, both past and present,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
As DeVito put it, “You’re not going to want to miss this.”