WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. November 18, 2004: They came from his past, they came from his family, there was a “who’s who” from White Plains and New Rochelle on hand in force to show how much they loved him for what he had done for them along the way — Mario Scarano — the most respected Athletic Director (now former) in Westchester County whom the White Plains Board of Education sent packing in August.
Teachers and Administrators from White Plains were asked to stand in the proceedings at the Davenport last night, and all gave Mr. Scarano a standing ovation. It appeared to be about 3/4 of the crowd (150) were Mr. Scarano’s staff and associates from White Plains who turned out for him. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
MARIO SCARANO ADDRESSES HIS “FRIENDS AND FAMILY” THURSDAY NIGHT. Photo by Denise Tomici
Mr. Scarano is so respected that he already has two offers from a school district and a college for full-time employment after his severance from White Plains in August. Last night was his night to remember. The elegant Davenport Club on New Rochelle Harbor was host to over 200 persons at Mario Scarano’s Retirement Dinner Thursday evening.
THIS IS YOUR LIFE, MARIO SCARANO: Highlight gift of the evening was this collage created by Barbara and Jim Falk that showed “Mr A.D.” down through the years: From his days as quarterback and baseball player for New Rochelle to his days as A.D. in White Plains. Photo by WPCNR Sports.
Former White Plains Superintendent of Schools Saul Yanofsky described Mr. Scarano as a person who “had tremendous respect from the people in the School District,” that what he admired most about Mr. Scarano was “his energy and commitment,” who devoted “huge amounts of time” to the district. He praised “Mr. A.D.” as a man who would always “do what’s right for the kids,” and “do what’s right for the coaches. Mario was there. And we all applaud that.”
At an evening which had a sense of joy and love, made poignant by a sweet melancholy, the big elegant room poured out admiration among Tiger-striped baloons anchored by Tiger bobble-head dolls. The giant of White Plains High School and New Rochelle athletics was honored, fondly remembered, and saluted. The affair was planned by Dave Bergen, Carmen Class, Jody Cole, Debbie Donahoe, John Locascio, Sue Magnotta, Janet Scarano, Lisa Sherman, and Denise Tomici.
There was no member of the White Plains Board of Education present, because those of the Board who wished to come were told they were not welcome. The Superintendent of Schools for White Plains, Timothy Connors expressed an interest in attending, but he, too, was told he was not welcome.
A proclamation from Mayor Joseph Delfino, (who could not be present in that he was traveling in Japan, and no city hall representative stood in for the Mayor), was read proclaiming November 18, Mario Scarano Day.
Serena Russell, formerly of the Board of Education, praised him for his work in making the Loucks Games a success “with dedication and class,” and said he was too young to retire.
Mr. Paglieri of New Rochelle, told of how Mr. Scarano “brought passion to every work day, that he felt children were the most important.”
A Night of Scarano Stories.
Paglieri told the funniest Scarano story of the night about how when Mr. Scarano’s Issaacs team was trailing 7-6 with time running out against an arch-rival, he sent in three straight plays deep in their own territory that lost 9 yards. On 4th down, with time running out, he did not send in a play and told the runner to tell the QB to call whatever play he wanted. As luck would have it, a double reverse and Statue of Liberty play scored the winning touchdown. Mr. Scarano asked the quarterback why did you call that play. The QB said the score was 7-6 and 7 plus 6 was 15, so he called play 15. Paglieri said Mr. Scarano told the quarterback 7 and 6 was 13 not 15. The quarterback said, “If I was as smart as you coach, we would have lost the game.”
That brought down the house.
A long lineup of personalities saluted Mr. Scarano in personal, entertaining anecdotes of Scarano exploits through the years. from the winning play in an Issaacs football game to his fishing exploits to make-believe telegrams.
Keep Reaching.
Harry Jefferson, the White Plains football great, said Mr. Scarano was a “reach out,” specialist. Jefferson said he brought the philosophy that encouraged White Plains coaches “to reach out and not settle for second best. To reach out and push athletes to high levels. To reach out to pride to build new fields at White Plains High School…he could reach out to address a high level of respect those he’s working with. He’s the hardest driving man in our area. He was able to grasp the concept of reaching out and share it with others.”
Jefferson’s last comment to Mr. Scarano was “May you keep reaching.”
Mr. Scarano’s nephew Athletic Director of Mahopac, shared a number of stories about growing up with Mr. Scarano, all of which showed the close family ethic that shaped Mr. Scarano’s life. “Whatever I am, it came from my uncle,” he said.
John Donahoe, got the second biggest laugh of the night, warning White Plains officials and teachers in a humorous manner that the White Plains Board of Edcuation as an “Express Retirement System,” referring to Mr. Scarano’s abrupt and untidy departure in August when the Board of Education refused to give back Mr. Scarano his job as Athletic Director after they had split the position.
Donahoe, who is on the Parent Athletic Advisory Committee, which he praised Mr. Scarano for founding at White Plains, said the new Athletic Director (six candidates are under consideration) would have “a lot of pressure on them.” Referencing Interim Athletic Director Nick Panaro, (in the audience), Donohoe said, “if you do just half of what Mario’s done. I’ll be happy.”
Jody Cole, lacrosse coach at the high school, representing the teachers of White Plains, said, “Mario made sure we had the best possible situation for our teachers, a wonderful situation for us. His influence will be felt for many years.”
John Locascio presented a touching Power Point presentation of Mr. Scarano’s life, supplemented by just so appropriate music, “The Times of Your Life,” and “Gone Fishin.”
“There was the right way, the wrong way, and the S-c-a-r-a-n-o way.”
Mr. Scarano’s daughter said it perhaps best in saluting her father’s style as he and his wife, his sisters, brothers-in-law, and former teachers of his own youth looked on. She said her father admonished her and her sister and brother with the Scarano Way.
She said that the Scarano way was S for “Spirit,” C for Commitment, A for Accountability, R for Responsibility, A for Accomplishments, and N for No and O for Optimism. The last “O” was particularly appropriate for Optimism was very appropriate. There were no tears from Mr. Scarano this evening, but well-wishes for all, and in talking about his future his eyes were looking ahead, which is perhaps one of his greatest strengths.
It’s Not Good-Bye, just thank you.
When Mr. Scarano took the stand at the end of the evening no one wanted to end, he thanked the 200 strong in the room by name as he picked them out one-by-one. He did not talk about himself or his accomplishments. He did not talk about philosophies, though he did say he found smiling went a long way, and thought everyone should smile more at others.
Instead, Mr. Scarano thanked the guests for all they had done for him, and what a pleasure and a privilege it had been for him to know them, work with them, and all they had done to allow him to help the White Plains School District. He praised Mr. Acocella from New Rochelle who taught Mr. Scarano when he was in the eighth grade, calling him his mentor. He poured out his appreciation for what people had done for him.
He singled out Dan Woodard, as his first new friend in White Plains, saying there “was no classier man anywhere.” He praised Harry Jefferson as “Mr. White Plains,” and thanked him for helping him get things started in White Plains athletic rennaissance six years ago. He urged all to support the new White Plains football stadium (pushing for White Plains even after he’s gone). He thanked Lynn Kahn, his predecessor, for encouraging him to apply for the White Plains A.D. position seven years ago.
He thanked the Education House staff, the high school staff. And, you know, he meant every word.
The future.
Talking to WPCNR after the affair. Mr. Scarano, the last man left on the dance floor, was looking to the next inning of his life. He told WPCNR,
“I just want to thank all the people of White Plains, as well as New Rochelle for making this night so very special for me. While at White Plains the last six years have been probably the most wonderful and rewarding years of my professional career. I met so many wonderful people in White Plains. The parents were wonderful. My staff was wonderful. My support staff was wonderful. The kids were out of this world. It was a joy coming to work every day. I’m going to miss that. It’s time to move on and do other things. I look so forward to coming back to White Plains and saying hello to all my friends.”
Right now I’m taking my time in thinking about it. My wife recruited me and brought me back into the (trophy) business, where I’ve been working with her. We have some plans to expand the business a little bit. Then we’ll see what happens. I’ve had some offers, but right now, I’m going to sit back and relax and decide what I’m going to do. Staying home and doing the laundry and washing the dishes and making the salad is not that bad.”
