Mayor for a Day? Students at All Saints Academy Learn What it Takes to Run a Town

“It’s not an easy job, but it’s the best job I’ve ever had,” said Mayor James Barberio, addressing seventh and eighth graders at All Saints Academy on Baldwin Road.

The Mayor was one of many guests at the school’s Career Fair on March 30, which hosted firefighters, physicians, engineers and artists among other professionals. Many of those demonstrating were parents of ASA students, putting on something like a living, breathing show and tell.

Principal Judith Berg addressed the students and exhibitors, saying, “It’s great to expose the children to members of the community and show them all of the opportunities that are out there for them.”

For nearly two hours, students from kindergarten through eighth grade milled about the gymnasium, visiting tables covered in colorful poster boards and cool gadgets. Dr. AnnMarie VanHoven allowed students to try out her stethoscope and ogle 3D images of the heart and lungs on her laptop. Photographer Elaine Brango was busy capturing impromptu photo-ops while artist Reenie Young let students tap into their creative sides with a painting station.

Favorites quickly became evident, as Paterson Firefighter Jerry Behnke managed a winding line of eager kids as they waited to suit up in full fire gear. Donning heavy helmets and breathing masks, Behnke demonstrated how he climbs out of windows and repels buildings as a part of the rescue team.

Just down the hall from the gym, Mayor Barberio was busy fielding serious questions like, “Mets or Yankees?” and “What’s your favorite restaurant?” in the school library. He shared his own inspirational story of becoming Mayor of Parsippany and all of the difficult responsibilities that come with it. He gave them words of encouragement and told them, “Even though I lost in the 2005 Primary election, I never gave up.”

Some more serious questions did arise, like one seventh-grade girl’s question regarding Governor Christie’s education budget, in which Mayor Barberio gladly shared his opinions, stating, “I believe that some of the things going on have to be done, but I would hope to negotiate better with the unions.”

The students were very engaged and seemed quickly influenced by their visitors. One second-grader was overheard exclaiming that the engineer told him he had to be really good at math, so he was going to work very, very hard on his math homework.

Organizer and teacher Julie Montesano was grateful for the willing participants and great displays. “This is such a good experience for kids of all ages and a great opportunity to get the parents involved in their children’s futures,” she said.

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