A Modern Family: Livingston High Alum Reaches Success As Writer, Producer

By Marilyn Joyce Lehren

With five primetime Emmys, “Modern Family” writer and executive producer Danny Zuker might just be the most awarded entertainer to come out of Livingston High School.

And that’s saying something.

It seems every graduating class from Livingston High School has at least one alumnus who becomes someone famous. In the arts, “it’s weird and amazing the number of people who come from here,” Zuker said of TV stars like Jason Alexander (Steinfeld) and Chelsea Handler and writer Harlan Coben.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, Zuker, the hilarious Hall of Fame inductee from the LHS Class of 1982, shared the limelight with three other LHS alumns who have made their marks in the fields of education, business and science: Ronnie Spring (LHS ’89), Jodie M. Gunzberg (LHS ’92) and Dr. Martha Vincent (LHS ’71).

It’s become the gift of the Livingston Education Foundation (LEF) to honor these esteemed grads, who in return, spend time in classrooms with current students to talk about their careers and how Livingston prepared them for their futures.

“Being here is kind of like time travel for me,” Zuker said, recalling his teen years on the LHS stage, running for SGA office, attempting comedy, and playing classical bass in the orchestra.

During the evening gala, the Livingston Education Foundation (LEF) bestowed Leadership in Educational Achievement and Dedication awards to retired educators Ken Losi, a longtime biology teacher who was instrumental in establishing Livingston’s alternative high school; and John Rowley, a teacher, principal when Heritage opened 51 years ago, and former mayor in Livingston. Many educators, past and present, including Former Superintendent Bob Grady who credited Rowley as his mentor, were on hand to salute their colleagues.

Bringing these respected teachers and alumns back to Livingston helps the LEF support innovations in teaching at Livingston Public Schools, with funds raised over recent years going toward improving technology in classrooms and school gardens.

Losi taught more than 6,000 students during his career in Livingston Public Schools, among them the honoree Dr. Vincent, who has enjoyed a meaningful career in biotechnology and research. “It’s important to do something big in life,” she said.

Speaking to students in AP Economics, “Don’t confuse money with success and fulfillment,” said Gunzberg, global head of commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices, “Whatever you think of success and fulfillment has to come from within.”

Sharing jokes, memories and show biz tips, Zuker told a group of LHS students interested in the creative arts, including theatre, TV production, improv and writing, “If I can impart anything on you, please realize that ‘It’s possible, not impossible.’ This is your time to have those wild dreams. Whatever you want to pursue is there.”

Each honoree credited their educations in Livingston for their success. “I didn’t have favorite classes; I had favorite teachers and they made a difference,” said Spring, a high school administrator and member of the Livingston Board of Education. “You should each know there is a vast difference between other schools and this high school.”

“My experience at Livingston High School still helps me to think and learn. It provided an environment where you can ask questions, where you can create, and you can make mistakes,” Gunzberg said.

“Take the tools you learn here,” she said, “to give you the inspiration to hopefully help others and to continue to learn and grow.”

• See related article: Livingston Alumni Return To High School
• See related article: Livington HS Grad Works On Kung Fu Panda 3: Report
• See related article: ‘Despicable Me’ Actor Visits Former Kindergarten Teacher in Livingston

Photo courtesy of Marilyn Joyce Lehren

Pictured above: From left, educator Ronnie Spring, Danny Zuker, executive producer of ABC’s Modern Family, Jodie M. Gunzberg, global head of commodities at S&P Dow Jones Indices, and Martha Vincent, biotechnologist.

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