BY JOHANA RELLESIVA

Bear Facts

Those who are acquainted with him call him the "Energizer Bunny."

He is known for his passion, devotion, his energy, and the time he puts into helping the school.

Because of all his admirable qualities, the 2007-08 Bergenfield High School Teacher of the Year Award has been given to Spanish teacher Joseph Suarez.

"I am humbled and elated to be able to have been recognized by my own colleagues, who have seen my interest, dedication, and commitment to try to help our students," said Suarez.

In order to pick the Teacher of the Year, all the departments were asked to nominate a candidate. The candidates were then reviewed and voted upon by a committee consisting of teachers, administrators and community members.

The selection was based on who had the best credentials for the position.

"We look for someone whose commitment and dedication goes above and beyond the norm, who puts in the extra time and energy, and who is very dedicated to making the high school experience that much better," said BHS Principal Hank Sinatra,

"Mr. Suarez fits all these qualifications," he said.

Colleagues also agree that Suarez is worthy of the award, and feel that it is overdue.

"It’s about time, said Nancy Scicchitano, supervisor of modern languages. "He does so much for the school and the students, but he never expects anything back."

"Just the fact that he can put a smile on someone’s face makes him happy," said Scicchitano.

His dedication stands out in the eyes of other faculty members as well.

"He works from early in the morning to late at night, and even on Saturdays," said James Fasano, assistant principal. "He is really a student advocate."

Not only does the committee and faculty believe he deserves the award, but his students and other students in the school think the same.

"Even though I’m not his student and he doesn’t really know who I am, he still takes the time to greet me and say ‘Morning, how are you?’ or ‘Nice shirt,’" said a male junior.

Throughout his days in Bergenfield, he has contributed heavily to the overall school spirit.

Suarez not only teaches five Spanish classes, but he also coordinates the Renaissance program and assemblies held in the school. He helps with the language clubs; and he trains and coaches students in sports.

He is part of multiple committees, including the tardy policy and the midterm examination committees.

His education paved the way for his successful teaching career.

He attained his bachelor of science degree in science, with a minor in marketing, at Fairleigh Dickinson

University. He did his graduate work at New York University, William Paterson University and Edison College.

"I have always wanted to be become a teacher," Suarez said. "In the many careers that I have had in the past, I was always given the opportunity to teach, whether it was human relations, marketing a product, translating a product."

"I have always had the capability to interact with people," he said.

With such contagious enthusiasm, he looks to spend many more years at the school.

"Because of his immense energy," Scicchitano said, "our nickname for him is the bunny rabbit because he reminds us of the ‘Energizer" rabbit. His battery never ever stops; he just keeps going and going."

"The whole department and I’m sure the whole school, is proud of him."