April 24. 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 FLOW Area Evangelista plans to retire from principal’s post by Frank J. McMahon Indian Hills High School Principal Albert Evangelista, who has served the regional high school district for 41 years, has announced his retirement as of July 1. Evangelista has served as a building principal, associate principal, head teacher, industrial technology teacher, class advisor, and radio station advisor. According to the board of education, during his career he has “displayed an unselfish commitment to our children; exemplifying the ideals of professionalism and the standard of excellence.” “The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District Board of Education, together with its citizens, wishes to acknowledge exemplary service that Albert Evangelista has provided our children,” the school board stated when accepting the principal’s retirement with regret. Evangelista explained his decision to retire, saying, “My decision to retire is easy. Life is short, time is fleeting, and after 41 years of service to our district in various capacities, all of which have been an extremely rewarding experience, it is time to relax and spend more time with my family. I will, of course, stay involved in my community activities, and continue to use my skills and talents to make our society a better place to work and live. The friendships and acquaintances that I have made during my time serving the Ramapo Indian Hills district and our three communities has truly been a pleasure. I will miss working with our excellent staff, motivated students, and supportive parents.” Evangelista received his undergraduate degree from Albert Evangelista Glassboro State College/Rowan University and his graduate degree from William Paterson University. He attended Montclair State University for Cooperative Industrial Technical Education Coordinator’s certification. He attended the Harvard University Graduate School Principal’s Leadership Institute in 2001, and attended the PSA/FEA/Seton Hall Superintendent’s Leadership Institute in 2007. Inducted into the prestigious Headmaster’s Association in 2010, he also received the Bergen County School Counselor’s Association Principal of the Year award in 2012. Evangelista reinstituted the Indian Hills High School Marching Band after a 20-year absence and, over the years, he interviewed and hired teachers, coaches, assistant principals, and athletic directors. He championed the improvement of the High School Proficiency Test and other test scores annually in concert with the school’s teaching staff, and he provided administrative support to all of the school’s clubs and activities, such as the award-winning Academic Decathlon, Mock Trial, and DECA teams. Evangelista also provided administrative support and advice to the school’s teaching and guidance staff in their respective disciplines. He revamped the district’s freshman orientation and transition program in cooperation with Ramapo High School Principal Dr. Louis Moore, and instituted after-school extended library hours three days per week. Evangelista also worked closely with supervisors to enhance the quality of teacher observations and evaluations, provide official Bergen County voting machines for (continued on page 23)