Bloomfield Superintendent, High School Student Earn Awards

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield’s school superintendent and a local high school student recently earned a place in the spotlight.

The New Jersey Association of Educational Leaders (NJAEL) presented Bloomfield Public School Superintendent Sal Goncalves with a 2026 Educational Leader of the Year award at its 2026 ceremony.

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Here’s what earned Goncalves a nod, the NJAEL said:

“A distinguished educator and 50-year veteran of the Bloomfield district, Mr. Goncalves began his career as an elementary teacher in 1976. He ascended through leadership roles as an elementary and middle school principal before being appointed superintendent in 2013. His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including being named the 2021-2022 Essex County Superintendent of the Year and receiving an honorary doctorate from Montclair State University in 2025 for his commitment to educational partnerships.”

“Recognized as a local hero for his steady leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Goncalves has focused on fiscal independence, curricular innovation and fostering a positive culture through modern initiatives like district-wide podcasting,” the NJAEL said. “Having dedicated his entire professional life to the children of his hometown, his career represents a rare achievement in an era of constantly shifting positions and leadership.”

SENIOR EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP

The NJAEL also awarded eight Senior Excellence in Leadership scholarships to outstanding high school students from across the state, including a Bloomfield High School student: Sarah Grace Acosta.

According to the NJAEL, Acostsa is a “dedicated artist and mentor who fosters inclusive creative spaces for her peers while preparing for a career in visual and digital arts.”

The competitive awards recognize graduating seniors who demonstrate strong character, initiative, and clear academic and career goals.

Other scholarship recipients included:

• Erik Argandona – Pompton Lakes High School: A resilient student leader heading to Princeton University who has organized large-scale service initiatives for hurricane relief and veteran support.
• Adriana Dolinski – Sparta High School: A standout multi-sport captain and DECA leader who will study marketing at the University of Pittsburgh to prepare for a career in business leadership.
• Leah Fox – Pascack Valley High School: Founder of the "Baking for Bergen" club, she has institutionalized community service through outreach to local first responders and seniors.
• Vincent Giacchi – Pope John High School: An Eagle Scout and varsity football captain who will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to pursue a service-oriented career in maritime security.
• Kennadi Kuzowsky – Cinnaminson High School: An advocate who raised over $6,000 for cancer research and aims to become a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner.
• Massimo Randazzo – Ramsey High School: Student government president and editor who will study public health at George Washington University to advocate for healthcare policy and affordability.
• Peyton Triano – Kinnelon High School: A gifted journalist and congressional intern heading to Seton Hall University with the long-term goal of founding a community-based nonprofit.

Each recipient received a comprehensive prize package including a $2,500 cash scholarship, a new laptop, and payment for their first-semester college textbooks.

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