Mr. Muzio is a respected friend to staff and students alike! He has been a Director of Guidance like no other. In an interview with Mr. Muzio, he talked about how he loves the variety of his job and how he never really knows what is going to happen. The beloved Guidance Director has been in Wantagh for 35 years, graduating from Hofstra University. As he worked with talented and diverse counselors over the years, he built them into a well knit, accomplished team. Mr. Muzio shared that his greatest achievement has been that, “I work with very talented and caring counselors and FACS teachers. If I did anything to bring us together and bring out the best in each of them, I am proud of that.” He shared a special message had a message for Wantagh High School family, which was, “Cherish your time here, it’s a wonderful place.” Mr. Muzio expressed that after his retirement he is going to keep busy, as he and his wife are looking forward to taking a trip in September. He also mentioned, “Everytime I pass a student in the hallway and they say hello, it gives me a lift.”
This really shows the amount of love and aspiration he had for his job and all students. Over the course of his career, Mr. Muzio was not only the Director of Guidance, but he was also the wrestling coach from 1992 to 2006. Winning the County Championship in 2005 was a great memory for him, but he has continued to make more memories every day. Mr. Muzio also stated, “I’ve always loved listening and talking to kids, and I still do.” His Guidance Counselors have shared messages about their amazing leader.
Ms. Cinnamo: “Mr. Muzio is a steady force in the guidance office. He always makes himself available for students, families and school staff. He truly cares about the well being of our students, and Wantagh High School will not be the same without him.”
Ms. Malafis: “I feel lucky that my career choice led to working side by side with Frank Muzio. No one is more genuine, sincere, or compassionate than him. We will all miss his support, his sense of humor, and his leadership, but his legacy will live on.”
Mr. Nyberg: “Mr. Muzio will be remembered not only for what he’s done, but for how he’s done it. As a counselor, coach and director of guidance, he always knew when to push, when to listen, and when a little well-timed humor was exactly what was needed. Mr. Muzio’s thoughtfulness and genuine care made people feel comfortable being themselves, and his wit kept things grounded and human. He will be missed.”
Ms. Prestianni: “Every student at Wantagh High School has benefitted from Mr. Muzio’s remarkable character, wisdom and kindness. He never put limits on any ideas or efforts and his support has been invaluable. He will be missed!”
Ms. Swanson: “As the Director of Guidance for the district, Mr. Muzio is technically an administrator but he still always thinks like a counselor. He enjoys working with students and it shows in everything he does. He is empathetic, sympathetic, patient, understanding, and encouraging. He believes in his staff and encourages us to be the best counselors we can be. He is a role model for students and staff alike – there is only one Mr. Muzio and he will be missed!”
As Mr. Muzio departs, his students and fellow staff members wish him the best for his retirement, as he had such a strong impact on all of them and helped shaped countless teenagers and peers in their experiences at Wantagh High School.