Dennis DeCarlo Memorial Scholarship
Donation protected
The Pompton Lakes community lost a beloved member of its community, Art-Woodshop teacher, Mr. Dennis DeCarlo. The staff of Pompton Lakes High School is establishing a scholarship in Mr. DeCarlo's memory. All funds raised here will go directly to fund the scholarship in hopes that it can be given out on a yearly basis.
Mr. Dennis DeCarlo started his teaching career at Pompton Lakes High School at the start of the 2012-2013 school year. He brought years of experience as an expert cabinet maker, furniture restorer, and artist with him to PLHS. Upon his arrival, the woodshop had seen better days, with outdated equipment, limited supplies, and dwindling interest from the student body. During his eight years of teaching, Mr. DeCarlo was able to take the school’s woodworking program to new heights. He campaigned tirelessly for funds to buy new equipment and supplies, he found strengths in students that not every teacher could see, he found ways to help students use those skills to excel in life. One of his most profound effects came from his involvement in the IATSE New York Stagehands Apprentice Program. This program gave many of his students a pathway to a career with the Local One Stagehands Union.
Very quickly, Mr. DeCarlo’s classes became some of the most popular at the school, in part because of the incredible artwork they created, but more importantly, because students flocked to this genuinely warm, caring, and humble educator. He had such care and love for his students that many of them affectionately referred to him as "Dad".
In 2016, Mr. DeCarlo was selected as the Pompton Lakes High School Teacher of the Year. At the time, high school principal Dr. Przybylinski wrote, “Mr. DeCarlo has taken the woodworking program to
unfathomable heights. Under his tenure, the shop has become a second home to a diverse range of students.”
Mr. DeCarlo’s craftsmanship and skill in transforming a seemingly unremarkable piece of wood into a beautiful work of art are exactly what he was able to do with his students. Like all great teachers, he saw the unique gifts in each student and, as an expert craftsman, was able to mold and shape each student into a true work of art.
Mr. DeCarlo's love for teaching, love of art, and most importantly his love for his students will not be forgotten. Mr. DeCarlo's impact will be felt by his former students for a lifetime and beyond for his gentle nature and the remarkable difference he made in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Once all of the funds have collected, the funds will be placed into an account to be distributed to students over the coming years. This account will be managed by Mrs. Pat Hollenstein, secretary to Dr. Vincent Przybylinski.
Mr. Dennis DeCarlo started his teaching career at Pompton Lakes High School at the start of the 2012-2013 school year. He brought years of experience as an expert cabinet maker, furniture restorer, and artist with him to PLHS. Upon his arrival, the woodshop had seen better days, with outdated equipment, limited supplies, and dwindling interest from the student body. During his eight years of teaching, Mr. DeCarlo was able to take the school’s woodworking program to new heights. He campaigned tirelessly for funds to buy new equipment and supplies, he found strengths in students that not every teacher could see, he found ways to help students use those skills to excel in life. One of his most profound effects came from his involvement in the IATSE New York Stagehands Apprentice Program. This program gave many of his students a pathway to a career with the Local One Stagehands Union.
Very quickly, Mr. DeCarlo’s classes became some of the most popular at the school, in part because of the incredible artwork they created, but more importantly, because students flocked to this genuinely warm, caring, and humble educator. He had such care and love for his students that many of them affectionately referred to him as "Dad".
In 2016, Mr. DeCarlo was selected as the Pompton Lakes High School Teacher of the Year. At the time, high school principal Dr. Przybylinski wrote, “Mr. DeCarlo has taken the woodworking program to
unfathomable heights. Under his tenure, the shop has become a second home to a diverse range of students.”
Mr. DeCarlo’s craftsmanship and skill in transforming a seemingly unremarkable piece of wood into a beautiful work of art are exactly what he was able to do with his students. Like all great teachers, he saw the unique gifts in each student and, as an expert craftsman, was able to mold and shape each student into a true work of art.
Mr. DeCarlo's love for teaching, love of art, and most importantly his love for his students will not be forgotten. Mr. DeCarlo's impact will be felt by his former students for a lifetime and beyond for his gentle nature and the remarkable difference he made in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Once all of the funds have collected, the funds will be placed into an account to be distributed to students over the coming years. This account will be managed by Mrs. Pat Hollenstein, secretary to Dr. Vincent Przybylinski.
Fundraising team: Organizers (2)
Matthew Foley
Organizer
Pompton Lakes, NJ
Pat Hollenstein
Beneficiary
Helen DeCarlo
Team member
