WW-PS teacher is handy lifeline on 'Millionaire

John McNamara, the social studies supervisor at West Windsor Plainsboro High School, is recognized by his peers as a knowledgable man.

Now he has carved out another niche for himself: He has been the "lifeline" of choice for contestants on the show, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"

"I guess they think I'm smart," the Hillsborough resident said with a laugh.

McNamara recently assisted Jeffrey Field, a former Hightstown resident and the nephew of Walter Conner, a social studies teacher at West Windsor Plainsboro, during the Oct. 16 episode of the show.

"I have known Walter for a long time, and he's a really great guy and a good teacher," he said. "When he asked me if I'd be willing to be a lifeline for his nephew, I said sure."

Field won $10,000 on the show, thanks to McNamara's help as a "lifeline," a person a contestant can call for help on a question.

McNamara had been down this road before: He was the selected lifeline for a teacher who tried to compete on the evening version of "Millionaire" when Regis Philbin was the host.

"She never made it on the air," McNamara said. "She didn't get past the initial screening."

Field, on the other hand, passed the interview with the producers and was scheduled to appear on the show.

On the day of Field's taping, McNamara was called and informed that he was to remain by his work telephone from noon to 7 p.m. in the event his lifeline services would be needed.

"They give you very specific directions," said McNamara, who that noted he was instructed to wait a certain number of seconds before actually answering his phone.

Around 4:30 p.m., McNamara learned that he would, indeed, be used as a lifeline. When the phone rang at 5:30 p.m., "Millionaire" host Meredith Vieira was on the line.

The question that stumped Field was this: "The City of Pyongyang was the site of the peace settlement that ended which war?" There were four choices, including Grenada, Vietnam and the Korean War.

"I knew the answer was the Korean War," said McNamara. "I gave the answer, and Jeff asked me if I was sure. I told him I was extremely sure."

McNamara's confident response netted Field $10,000.

Unfortunately, McNamara was only available on that one question, and Field got the next question incorrect. Still, Conner would highly recommend McNamara as a lifeline to all who wants to use him.

"John has a lot of respect in the social studies community," he said. "He is extremely knowledgable."