Our Founder: Ed Acciardi   Ed Acciardi has served 35 honorable years in the Hackensack High School system. He has been well admired and respected amongst fellow colleagues, students, their families and the community.

Born in New York City in May 1935, the first 29 years of his life were spent in West New York, New Jersey attending St. Joseph's grammar and high schools. Following high school, Ed joined the US Army and the Korean War where he served as a medic from 1955-1957. Following his honorable discharge from the armed services, Ed attended St. Peter's College where he majored in Psychology with minors in English, Philosophy and Theology. He then continued to earn a Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from New York University then worked the following year as a social worker and rehabilitative counselor. It was in 1962 that Ed became a teacher at Hackensack High School in the Social Studies Department. When an opportunity opened in the Guidance Department his path was set until his retirement in June 1999. Ed's dream is now beginning to be fulfilled in establishing the Hackensack High School Blue and Gold Scholarship Fund. It is in this way Ed feels he can continue to give and give back to those students who deserve a chance at their future through the distribution of this scholarship. 'I feel very positive because so many former students are in a position to help us in realizing our goal to provide school assistance to those are in need. I find it insightful seeing so many graduates, young adults, become pillars of society. Having met many for lunch and dinner since my retirement knowing their own successes are beyond any expectation is rewarding. Their advances to name a few include positions and careers in medicine, sales, industry, media, science, technology, education, but most importantly as a success as a family, as parents and proud single adults. To see the members of the Hackensack Blue and Gold Scholarship Fund bond and be concerned to see that those still at Hackensack High School SUCCEED is so wonderful. They care and they are involved.'