Post date: May 31, 2018 5:30:19 PM
Over the years Iona Prep has sent students into a variety of different fields, from politics to professional baseball. However, the most remarkable feat of the Prep is the number of alumni who end up returning to 255 Wilmot Road to teach the next generation of Iona Men. One such alumni is the new Dean of Freshmen, Mr. Scarella.
Ten years ago, Mr. Scarella roamed the same hallways and sat in the same seats that we do today. It's this experience and ability to imagine himself “in the shoes of an Iona student” that have made him so successful at the multitude of roles he performs on a daily basis. From being a health teacher to a track coach, and the Dean of Freshmen to the supervisor of the after-school cafe, Mr. Scarella is a vital part of the Iona community. He sees his career at the Prep as being long-term and full of opportunity.
“Iona Prep has been impactful on my life,” said Mr. Scarella. “I feel successful and comfortable here.” From the start of his freshman year, Mr. Scarella says that he immediately felt fond of the school. During his four year engagement at the Prep, he remembers looking up to Mr. Conroy, who inspired him to strive for success and to be passionate about his work every day during economics class. “Teachers like Mr. Conroy laid the foundation of ambition in my life,” said Mr. Scarella.
After his time at Iona, Mr. Scarella attended Manhattan College, which also happens to be Mr. Conroy’s alma mater, and earned a degree in science and psychology. From there, Mr. Scarella worked as a psychologist at a non-profit and as a school counselor at a Christian school in Albany, New York, before returning to the Prep.
During his time at the Prep, Mr. Scarella hopes that he can inspire students to pay goodness forward and to pursue whatever they may be interested in.
Mr. Scarella says the phrase that has encouraged him to work towards his dream is the same advice that he gives to students: “Do not take things for granted; realize the specialness in life, and give thanks to the people who help you along the way”.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Scarella spends a great deal of his time following athletic pursuits. In high school, he ran track and played football, and he is currently competing in races and triathlons across New York.
“Having a balance of mind and body is important to me,” said Mr. Scarella. “When my physical body is healthy and challenged, my mind can perform at its best.”
Mr. Scarella says his goal is to run the famous New York City Marathon and complete an Ironman.
--Hassane Fiteni