High school students on a field trip to the New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream Meadowlands got a surprise visit with actor Paul Rudd.
Passaic native and new inductee, Rudd was at NJHOF’s learning center to film his acceptance remarks for the 16th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony broadcast next month.
Rudd chatted with students from Union High School and their teacher Nicholas Ferroni, and then posed for a picture.
Read more: Paul Rudd, Meryl Streep, Phil Simms Among Latest NJ Hall of Fame Inductees
“What could make our field trip to the @newjerseyhalloffame Entertainment and Learning Center even better?” Ferroni said in an Instagram post after the encounter. “How about 2024 inductee, Paul Rudd, surprising my students?! And seriously, he really doesn’t age.”
Field Trips to New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream
The New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream Meadowlands offers field trip opportunities for Garden State students of all grade levels.
The New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream is an interactive educational experience that aims for fun engagement. It also strives to offer the next generation the opportunity to discover heroes who inspire them to overcome adversity on the path to greatness.
“Immersive attractions include the Fly Me To The Moon flight simulator, a Late-Night Jersey TV Studio where students can interview inductees, an inspiring 15-minute film in The Jersey Pride Theater, and a holographic Karaoke Stage with performances by Gloria Gaynor, Frankie Valli, and Wyclef Jean, among other notable New Jerseyans,” the NJHOF said.
Explore opportunities at the NJ Hall of Fame, or email Ali Genova, Director of Educational Programming, at Alexandra@njhalloffame.org.
Induction Ceremony
Rudd is among the 18 inductees being honored at the 16th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 13. This year’s ceremony will be a pre-taped television special on location at the 10,000-square-foot New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream and other Hall of Fame satellite exhibits.
The Ceremony will also be aired beginning Nov. 13 on Fox 5 My9 and social media. There will be dozens of inductee events open to the public throughout the year on inductee birthdays.
Among the inductees is three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep, who spent her teenage years in Bernardsville and earlier years in Basking Ridge. Streep was nominated for an Oscar 21 times, a record that still stands.
In the Meadowlands region, Passaic native and Emmy-nominated actor Paul Rudd is being inducted, along with former NY Giants Quarterback Phil Simms, Audible founder Donald Katz from Newark, and Father Edwin D. Leahy, also from Newark.
Homecoming Days
Often in conjunction with inductee birthdays, “Homecoming Days” provide inductees and guests an opportunity to visit and engage. For those inductees who have passed on, there will be Remembrance Events with inductee representatives.
“We have piloted these events with Joetta Clark Diggs, Eric LeGrand, and, most recently, Gloria Gaynor,” notes Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “The response has been very rewarding for our guests, as they get a chance to meet our inductees, ask questions, and find inspiration for their lives.”
About the New Jersey Hall of Fame
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 induction ceremonies for more than 240 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame.
Through the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream and its many satellite sites, the NJHOF endeavors to present the public, especially students, 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, including Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org
