Roosevelt School Principal Retiring After 40 Years in Education

The fact that 456 elementary school students kept a celebration honoring their principal who is retiring after 40 years in education a secret from him is a testament to how much the students adored Anthony Vouvalides.

Vouvalides began his career in education at Roosevelt Elementary School in River Edge in 1972 where he spent 13 years as a fifth and sixth grade Social Studies teacher and, with the exception of three years split between Montvale and Oradell, spent the remainder of his tenure as principal of Roosevelt. 

Under the direction of Music teacher Frank Perrone, and with the creative genius of their teachers who wrote the original lyrics and scripted the choreography to each song performed, the students sang their hearts out for Vouvalides. 

As a parting gift, the PTO presented Vouvalides with a framed picture containing all of the students signatures. 

Vouvalides said that he was completely taken by surprise by the ceremony and found it to be very emotional.

"This affirms why I came into education," Vouvalides said. "Kids are our future and to be a part of theirs is a very special privilege."

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