The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY – Former Peru School Principal Chris Mazzella is the latest member of the Peru Central School Hall of Fame. He was inducted on June 10 in conjunction with National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

High School Principal Matt Berry summarized why Mazzella was being honored and referred to Chris as his basketball coach, physics teacher, mentor, and great friend.

In brief remarks, Chris Mazzella expressed his appreciation stating he was more accustomed to celebrating kids and focusing on them. He first thanked his wife Ann, who helped him raise five kids, saying, “This is her award as well.” He also thanked Peru Central’s current and former staff members, saying, “I was blessed to be part of a Peru community that thrived supporting students.”

Directing his remarks to parents and National Honor Society students, Mazzella said, “I tried to carry this with me all the time: Leave it better than you found it. Whatever challenges are put in front of you, don’t quit…There are people who aren’t going to get on board with your vision or mission. They’re not going to be great teammates… If you stick to the moral groundings you learned here (integrity, leadership and scholarship)…, you’ll be fine. But continue to remember always: Leave everything that you start better than you found it.”

Here are some of Chris Mazzella’s achievements.

Physics teacher 1991-2003.

Middle School Principal (2003-2006), High School Principal (2007-2019), (Middle School and High School Principal for a period beginning 2012).

During his tenure: Graduation rates improved by 16%. New programs were embraced or expanded, such as the Positive School Environment Team (PSET), Project-Based Learning (PBL), Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment Program courses, and technology programs. BOCES enrollment increased, and Peru qualified for the College Board Advanced Placement Honor Roll in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

And More:

Basketball Coach: Sectional Championship in 2002 and CVAC Champions in 2003. Sectional Finalists in 2000 and 2003, CVAC Sectional and BCANY Coach of the Year in 2003.

In 1993, started a youth basketball program for grades 3-8 and continued coaching the youth until 2013.

Started the Big Blue Basketball Camp in 1993 which continues today.

Founding General Manager of the Lake Champlain Lakers AAU Basketball Club in 1993.

Volunteered at St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen and the North Country Mission of Hope, and served as a United Way Board Member and serves as a Chairperson.

Chris Mazzella’s devotion to young people continues. Currently, he is the Program Director and STEM Coordinator for Brilliant Pathways, an organization that helps underserved schools and students become college- and career-ready.