2026 Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

In 2026, the Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Association continued its mission of preserving and celebrating the city’s rich athletic legacy through its Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony.

The ceremony honored Art Carrington, Jr., Jamil Jackson, Asad Abdul-Khaliq, Anthony “Tony” Mendes, Derrick “Poppy” Rolon, Naimah Smith, Lawrence Thomas, the 1970 Thomas Jefferson High School Football Team, and posthumous inductee James “Jimmy” Milazzo. The evening also recognized the 2026 scholarship recipients: Zaki Abdur-Rahman, Helena Lehman, Emely Serano, Layanee Abuhamoud, and Cristian Delgado.

More than an awards ceremony, the gathering reflected how deeply athletics are woven into Elizabeth’s civic identity. Generations of athletes, coaches, families, classmates, and supporters came together to honor achievement, perseverance, school pride, and the lasting influence of sports on the city’s young people.

Why This Moment Matters

The Elizabeth Athletic Hall of Fame Association is dedicated to honoring individuals and teams who have left a lasting mark on athletics in the City of Elizabeth. Through its annual recognition programs, scholarships, journals, and media archives, the organization helps preserve stories that connect Elizabeth’s past, present, and future.

As Elizabeth commemorates America’s 250th anniversary, moments like the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony serve as powerful reminders that history is not only found in landmarks and archives. It is also found in gymnasiums, stadiums, school teams, family celebrations, and the community members whose achievements continue to inspire the next generation.