Bronze Bengal Dedicated to BHS Alumnus to be Unveiled Friday

A 250-pound, six foot-long bronze Bengal tiger dedicated in memory of a beloved Bloomfield High School alumnus will be unveiled Friday at the school.

The statue is in the honor of Herbert "Herb" Miller, a graduate of the Class of 1954, and well-known football, basketball and baseball star. Miller, who attended Fairview Elementary School and Bloomfield Junior High, served as vice president of the class of '54.

Miller then served in the U.S. Army and earned a degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, spending his career with Schering Pharmaceutical Corp. In 1998, a spinal surgery injury left him parazlyed from the waist down, though Miller maintained his characteristic upbeat outlook on life. He died Dec. 3, 2010.

The Bengal, named "Victory," was purchased through $7,000 in donations raised by Miller's classmate, Walt Murphy, and longtime friends.

"Myself and many of my classmates felt that this outstanding alumnus should be honored and it was decided that a replica statue of the Bengal tiger with a plaque honoring Herb Miller would be the appropriate tribute," said Murphy in a press release.

The Bloomfield Educational Foundation will host the statue unveiling Friday at 4:30 p.m. at the Bloomfield High School main entrance. The public is welcome to attend.

Click here to read more about Miller.