WEST MILFORD - Two township residents were among six Butler High School graduates inducted into the school's Hall of Honor on Sept. 27 at the Barnyard and Carriage House in Totowa, the school announced.
Residents Ann Genader, class of 1950, and Mark Mickens, class of 1981, joined fellow allumni Christopher Finelli, class of 1991, Mike Fitzpatrick, class of 1978, and Stephen Mulligan, class of 1975, in receiving the honor at the ceremony.
A sixth honoree, Christopher Kreski, class of 1980, is deceased, according to the school.
According to the school, the criteria for consideration is that the nominees have distinguished themselves in their careers, given back to society, and upheld high standards and inspired others in the pursuit of excellence.
Before they had their own high schools, students from West Milford and seven other towns received their high school education at Butler.
Genader is a lifelong resident of West Milford and graduated from Butler High School.
Mickens and his wife of 34 years, Ruth Tonjann, Butler High School class of 1982, moved to West Milford and raised a family there.
Genader, a teacher for 43 years, journalist for more than 60 years, and lifelong musician, was recognized for achievements and service in those fields.
She was Passaic County Teacher of the Year in 1990 and was a candidate for state of New Jersey Teacher of the Year that same year.
She received a special citizen’s award from the Township of West Milford in 2013, and was honored with several proclamations by the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Mickens is an assistant varsity softball coach at West Milford High School, as well as a assistant football coach and wrestling coach at Butler High School.
He was named Morris County Assistant Football Coach of the year in both 2001 and 2002, Babe Ruth Middle Atlantic Softball Regional Coach of the Year in 2011, and inducted into the New Jersey Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2013.
He is also a successful businessman.