Teacher Wills $1M Gift To Bergen County High School

Genevieve Via Cava was dedicated to her students like few teachers are. And thanks to a $1 million gift, that dedication will continue for decades after her death.

Via Cava, a retired Dumont special education teacher, left $1 million to the Dumont Public School District after she passed away in 2011.

In two school years, an annual $25,000 scholarship for a special education student will be awarded using the money, as stipulated in Via Cava's will. The scholarship will go to a Child Study Team student who needs financial assistance continuing their education.

The money will be placed into an account where it will earn interest, Superintendent Emanuele Triggiano said.

"I am a little surprised by the amount she left us, but we're happy we could share with our students," Triggiano said.

Via Cava began working for the district in 1945. She worked at two middle schools from 1969 to 1986 as a learning disability specialist. From 1986 to 1990 she worked at Dumont High School. She had no children.

James Kennedy, Via Cava's friend and former student, told NorthJersey.com that she would help former students in their 20s and 30s find jobs in the area. She also became friendly with students' parents and would refer them to after-school group where they could receive extra instruction.

"She was well-known and well-liked, a wonderful woman," Triggiano said of Via Cava. "She loved the kids she taught and the town of Dumont and this was her way of giving back."

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