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NF Fund for Educational Excellence Announces $1M Gift
NRHS alumnus Dr. Edward C. Pasciuti, beloved teacher and counselor, includes gift in his estate for student enrichment
NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence (NR Fund) is proud to announce a significant legacy gift of $1M (market dependent) from New Rochelle High School alumnus and longtime high school counselor Dr. Edward C. Pasciuti.
Salutatorian of the Class of 1944 at New Rochelle High School, Dr. Pasciuti earned a degree at Princeton University. He then returned to his alma mater, where he first worked as a history and math teacher, and then for 36 years as a guidance counselor. He counseled thousands of students throughout his career, and was a much loved and respected teacher and counselor. He is still in touch with many of his former students.
In recognition of his longstanding commitment to New Rochelle students, two spaces at New Rochelle High School will be named in his honor: The Pasciuti Center for College and Careers and The Pasciuti Center for Creative Arts.
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Said NR Fund co-Chair Jonathan Stark, “Given his long career in guidance, it is only fitting that the Center for College and Careers be named the Pasciuti Center for College and Careers. There, students at New Rochelle High School will find their post-high school pathways, and Dr. Pasciuti’s legacy will guide their way.”
Since Dr. Pasciuti’s parents Charles and Jeanette Pasciuti were also graduates of the high school (1917 and 1920) and appreciated the arts, a unique space in NRHS-Room 338-will be named The Pasciuti Center for Creative Arts. This Center will contain an electronic music lab and will serve as an intimate performance space for music and dramatic arts. A mural is planned to adorn one of the walls, highlighting the rich arts programs of New Rochelle High School.
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At a ceremony held on May 1, New Rochelle High School Principal Dr. Dagoberto Artiles expressed his appreciation for the meaningful gift. “This generous gesture from an alumnus is a beautiful expression of gratitude that is inspirational for our students.”
The City School District of New Rochelle Superintendent of Schools Dr. Corey W. Reynolds added, “Dr. Pasciuti is inspirational. His professional dedication to the development of New Rochelle High School students and to the New Rochelle community at large is legendary. Dr. Pasciuti's legacy gift will allow for enrichment opportunities for our students, and we are grateful to the NR Fund for accepting this gift on behalf of our students.”
Former Superintendent of Schools Linda Kelly explained, “This significant gift affirms that NRHS is a vibrant school community where people appreciate their roots, value their experiences, and believe in the power and importance of diversity.”
Friends and family gathered to celebrate Dr. Pasciuti who said, “This is a very nostalgic day for me. I am thrilled to see what kinds of things are being offered to students today, things that we dreamed of, on occasion, but never really saw coming to fruition because it was not yet possible.” During the ceremony, NRHS student and Poetry Club President Neiva Franco read an original poem, “We only have one…” and the NRHS Jazz Band provided festive entertainment under Director Chris Stelluti.
The New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence (www.nredfund.org) is a nonprofit organization that supports the New Rochelle public school system and its student body through advancing excellence and equity in its programs.
