Dr. Paul Guzzone, Wantagh Senior High School’s principal, struck gold this following Nobel peace prize ceremony, being one of the two principals in New York chosen to go to Sweden, and one of ten principals in the United States. “My boss actually encouraged me to apply.” Dr. Guzzone states, “I had no intention of being chosen when I applied” but luck hits us at the most unexpected time as he packed his bags and headed over to meet and discover so many people and educational activities that he hadn’t really thought about before.
The first thing he noticed upon landing was the scenery although he didn’t get to enjoy too much of it he admits, as the list of things to do had already begun. He gathered along with many other principals of different schools as they talked about their schooling systems and students within them; “Of course I talked about how awesome you guys [Wantagh students] are.” Guzzone reminisces on the moment. He not only got to hear about other schools, but he also got to witness them, as he had an exclusive tour of one of the Sweden schools while he was there. The differences were astonishing to him. “One thing that was different was that there were no bell schedules”. He also goes on to explain that instead of having well rounded schools like America different schools hone in on a specific area of studies. Some of the things he sees there he hopes to slowly adapt them into our normal school culture.
One of the best things about this visit in Dr.Guzzone’s opinion is meeting past nobel peace prize winners, he was inspired by these people and in awe of their acheivements and insights. In particular he was interested in Maria Ressa who won in 2021, and Leymah Gbowee who won in 2011. Maria Ressa even said something that stuck with him so much he had to bring it back with him. The quote in particular being “Journalism is the catalyst against terrosim and warfare.”
Overall, Dr.Guzonne would rate this trip highly, and it will forever be an experience to remember, and we as students and faculty of Wantagh should be proud of him for representing us in one of the biggest awards given each year.