About the scholarship

Tom Barton served the town of Berkeley Heights, NJ as the Recreation Director for 18 years from 2002 to 2020.  After a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer Tom passed away on December 5th, 2021.

The Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission wanted to do something special on behalf of Tom and his family that would leave a lasting impact of his legacy.  The Recreation Commission worked with Governor Livingston High School, Assistant Principal Tara Oliveira, to form the Tom Barton Scholarship. Donations can be made through the Recreation Commission’s fundraising committee, Friends of Berkeley Heights Recreation Commission at https://friendsofbhrec.com/tom-barton-scholarship

During Tom’s tenure as Berkeley Heights Recreation Director, he touched the lives of so many through the various recreation programs. What better way to honor Tom and his family than with a Governor Livingston scholarship? The scholarship will be given annually to a GLHS student attending their senior year. 

Tom enjoyed participating in numerous GLHS events. He was an avid fan when his daughters participated in GL athletics. Allie played softball and field hockey and Andi played soccer and basketball. Tom Barton played a role in numerous GLHS events--from Project Graduation, time/score keeper for varsity wrestling matches, and working the Chain Gang at Varsity Football games. Tom was a fixture at GLHS cheering on and helping the same kids he watched grow up through Berkeley Heights Recreation.

We feel honoring Tom’s name through this scholarship will leave a lasting impression while making a difference in a student’s life as they move onto their next endeavor. Just like Tom did as our Recreation Director.