After 20 years at J-DHS, Principal Paul Gasparini will be retiring at the end of this year and taking a position as the principal of Christian Brothers Academy. Assistant Principal David Nylen and Secretary Theresa Flint weighed in on Gasparini’s impact as the beloved principal of J-DHS.
Assistant Principal Nylen
What do you admire most about Mr. Gasparini?
A lot of things. Mr. Gasparini is the only boss I’ve ever worked for. He’s patient, he listens, and he is very thoughtful in his approach. He ends up making good decisions because he listens to all the possibilities before he makes a decision.
What do you believe is Mr. Gasparini’s biggest achievement at J-DHS? What legacy has he left on the school?
He’s been here a long time. And for all the time he’s been here, I think he has a very positive reputation among the students, staff, and community. I think that’s the legacy he’s left.
What is your favorite personal memory with Mr. Gasparini?
That’s a tough one. Honestly, I’d say offhand – every morning he’s in the hallway fist-bumping students. He’s just very positive, and his presence in the morning [is my favorite memory].
Secretary Flint
What do you admire most about Mr. Gasparini?
I think most is his down-to-earth personality and the fact that you’ll hear him singing from time to time. He’s very relaxed and he enjoys what he does daily.
What do you believe is Mr. Gasparini’s biggest achievement at J-DHS? What legacy has he left on the school?
I think the fact that he left a legacy is really impactful. Kids really like him here. I’ve only been here since September, so I’ve only known him that long, but it seems the kids are really going to miss him, and so is the staff.
What is your favorite personal memory with Mr. Gasparini?
It’s almost daily. All of a sudden I’ll hear this [funny screaming sound] from inside his office. I’m like, ‘you alright?’ and he goes, ‘yeah, I’m fine.’ Those moments when he humanizes himself. It’s great to have that as a boss – to have somebody that’s a human, acts that way, and asks that we do the same. We’re human beings too. Having those moments, being okay with it, having fun with it…is what I enjoy most about working with him.
