By Miriam Gold and Michael Gold
Photo by Donna Mueller
Joe Palumbo has shown that it is possible to be a high school principal, a sunny optimist, and a vigilant leader who’s up to date on fundamental economic and social trends and has prepared his students for the best future they can get – all combined in one person.
The principal of Pleasantville High School (PHS) for the last 10 years, Palumbo possesses a ready smile that could light up a moonless midnight at a deserted train station.
To help provide the students with the necessary skills to succeed after high school, Palumbo has introduced various programs to allow them to “chase their dreams,” he said.
PHS’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) program offers four years of computer science courses, including advanced computer science principles, advanced placement computer science and cybersecurity, in addition to computer science essentials.
The high school is collaborating with Syracuse University on teaching a science research elective course. Students in their sophomore year get to choose the topic they wish to study independently over a three-year period, from the subject areas of biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, mathematics, and the social sciences.
They work with research scientists and industry professionals specializing in the student’s chosen field of research. The students are required to make use of existing online research in the field. They must maintain a portfolio of their work, for evaluation by an assigned mentor. Students can earn up to 12 college credits and three Regents credits.
In terms of the humanities, Syracuse is partnering with PHS to teach African American studies, and Women and Gender Studies. Called Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA), PHS educators who wish to teach the courses must complete a summer training institute at Syracuse to comply with SUPA’s instructional standards and become university adjunct professors in the process. PHS currently has three teachers who have obtained SUPA certification. Students completing SUPA courses can get college credit.
PHS also works with Mercy University and Westchester Community College (WCC) to provide students a plethora of math classes, from pre-Calculus to AP Statistics, which earn them college credits at WCC.
Students who want to pursue a vocational career can enroll in the career and technical education programs at the Southern Westchester BOCES (Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) Career Services in Valhalla. They attend academic classes for half the day at PHS, then go to Valhalla to obtain training in their chosen field of study, including everything from automotive technology, interior design, computer information systems, and commercial art to construction, plumbing, nursing, cosmetology, and culinary arts.
To help aid seniors make the transition from PHS to college or a vocational career, the school has set up an internship program that runs from mid-May to mid-June. Students can elect to work for a business, or corporation, or local government, such as doing clerical work at a law office, assist at an auto body shop, or even go on an overseas business trip with their parents. Or, they can choose to pursue an independent study project, such as learning a second language.
“One student restored a boat, with an expert,” Palumbo said. Another student organized a fund-raising event for the performing arts. A third helped renovate the locker rooms at Parkway Field.
“Our top priority is making sure they (the students) have access to all the opportunities,” Palumbo said, explaining his educational philosophy.
“I always encourage them to remain life-long learners. This allows you to remain current. Students will have many different jobs over their 30-year careers. If you don’t remain curious, you’ll fall behind. We don’t want kids to be stuck in one mindset as the world evolves.”
Palumbo also emphasizes that students need to “take stock of what’s important to them and pursue that relentlessly. Think about what gets you the most excited and follow that.”
Palumbo, an educator for more than 20 years, with stints as an assistant principal in Connecticut and a social studies teacher in Brewster, said he tells students to remember the words carved in stone at the school’s entrance, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” Also, he advised: “Take real pride in what you do, carve out the time to give back and light up the world with kindness.”
Miriam Gold is a Pleasantville High School senior. Michael Gold is a Pleasantville-based writer.
“Aidan Canfield will be graduating from Pleasantville High School and will continue his education at Bucknell University. Bucknell is a perfect fit where he will challenge himself academically and athletically. Aidan played football and wrestled for the Pleasantville Panthers throughout high school. He was awarded “All Section” for three years, won the section title his junior and senior years and placed in the New York state competition. Aidan will wrestle for the Bisons and plans to continue his passion for playing the guitar and fishing while he is in college. Pleasantville High School has prepared him well for this new and exciting chapter in his life.”
“A lover of music since birth, Ryan enjoys songwriting, playing the guitar, piano, saxophone, ukulele and the occasional kalimba solo. He ran outdoor track and cross country for the Panther and was named “All Westchester County” in 2019. He is also passionate about the visual arts. When not filming and editing humorous YouTube and TikTok video, he can be found at Rockwood Hall photographing his friends. Ryan sang in the Razor’s Edge acapella group and appeared earlier this year as King Triton in “The Little Mermaid.” This year’s Pleasantville High School’s salutatorian, Ryan plans to attend Wesleyan University this fall.”
“To know Lauren is to love Lauren. With a zest for life, Lauren is a special girl who works tirelessly to excel academically and in sports. As a captain of her soccer team, she helped lead her team to a state championship this year. As a two-time captain for lacrosse, she has demonstrated great leadership and resilience over the last few years. In addition, as vice president of youth group, she donates much of her time to community service. More importantly, she exemplifies all that is good in a person and friends are essential to her. Lauren will play lacrosse at the College of the Holy Cross in the fall.”
“Ben has made the most of his experience at Pleasantville High School. In addition to enjoying his studies, Ben has been a member of the track team and Pioneer Sports League. He has also been actively involved with the garden club and peer to peer club. Outside of school, Ben is an avid hiker. Great friends and great memories have been made at Pleasantville High School.”
“Norah is a caring and gentle soul. She is competitive yet sympathetic. Norah is reflective and amusing. Norah is the voice of reason in our large, chaotic Irish family. Norah has always chosen to do things in life not because they are easy, but because they are hard. We love you and as you begin the next chapter of your life in Loyola, Maryland, remember “we busted out of class, had to get away from these fools…” Go Greyhounds! Congratulations Norah!”
“Meg is an amazing girl with a heart of gold. She is a hard worker, diligent, patient, funny, thoughtful, honest, quirky, compassionate, kind and optimistic. Her smile lights up a room and she has an infectious laugh. She loves music, theater and people! She is loud and excitable. Her voice can fill a room and melt your heart. She is a good friend and dependable. She is fair, true, generous and empathetic. She is someone you like to be around. The present may be on pause but the future looks bright for this senior.”
“Sean is kind and rarely complains. He is a hard worker when he cares about what he is working on. He is ‘loyal, kind and true’ to his friends and family. His favorite sports are football and lacrosse. This year, he was the captain of the Pleasantville varsity football team but what he enjoys most is playing the game of lacrosse which unfortunately could not happen this season. He will be attending Mount Saint Mary College in the fall and is looking forward to brighter days and playing on their lacrosse team. Go Pleasantville Panthers! Go MSMC Knights!”
“One of Molly’s greatest accomplishments at Pleasantville High School was to be selected to represent her school and participate in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership program where she attended conference at Adelphi University and Loyola University in Chicago. In school, Molly was the captain of cross country and track and field. She participated in various clubs such as “Familiar Faces” and “Echo” that allowed her to be an active member of her community. Outside of school, Molly has studied acting for 13 years, and in her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends. Molly is very excited to attend Skidmore College where she plans to pursue a double major of acting and marketing.”