Future Teacher an Example to Students

Editor's note: The following was written by Lauren Fazzio.

With the Hanover Park Regional High School District's recent designation as a National School of Character, Hanover Park High School chose to recognize students who embody the school's definition of character.

James Gallo, now a senior at Hanover Park High, looks forward to living away from home and enjoy the “college experience.”  Son of Ernest and Susan Gallo of Florham Park, James Gallo will be part of Montclair State University’s five-year teaching certification program starting this fall. He will graduate college with a master’s degree and a certification as a middle school special education teacher.

Gallo says that his experience as part of Hanover Park’s new Tomorrow’s Teachers class solidified his decision to teach. “It gave me a better outlook on what to expect when going into that field,” he said.

As part of the class, Gallo completed 30 minutes of field experience every day for four weeks, then student-taught for six weeks, all with middle school children at the P.G. Chambers School in Cedar Knolls. “I loved the kids,” he said. “I could see myself doing that.”

The qualities Gallo needs to work in this field are the same qualities his teachers have observed in class. “His manner is calm, patient, and understanding,” said Nadine Siciliano, Gallo’s English teacher. “His sense of humor also contributes to his ability to connect with people in and out of the classroom.”

Elizabeth Ditchek, Gallo's math teacher, has seen his maturity and his work ethic. As a student in her precalculus class, Gallo “took initiative” and “challenged himself,” Ditchek said. “He has worked harder than any other student this year to be successful.”

Gallo's strong character has always set him apart from others. “He is adored by students and faculty alike,” Ditchek said, “as he is polite and considerate with everyone.”

Outside the classroom, Gallo participates in Key Club and Future Business Leaders of America. He also played on the Hanover Park boys’ soccer team for all four years, and for three of them he played on varsity. This year, as a senior, he served as captain. 

When he is not buzzing around the hive, he is volunteering at the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter because he “loves animals.”

Gallo thanked his parents for their support and motivation throughout his time in high school. “They always come to my soccer games and support me,” he said.  And when he gets “lazy” they tell him to keep going.

In Gallo’s eyes, a person with character “cares about the environment he or she lives in and the friends and family around them,” he said. “They do things that are caring and they respect the people around them.”