Outgoing School Chief Named Citizen of the Year

The New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA) named Dr. Joseph Ricca, the superintendent of the East Hanover Township School District, their 2013 Citizen of the Year.

In Ricca's four years as superintendent in East Hanover, the NJPA President Sean Evers said, he has "made significant contributions to the ideals of mental health and social welfare" among the students. 

Ricca said he was humbled and appreciative of the honor, and was quick to credit the Board of Education and administrative team with the "access to support and positive programming" in the district, especially for the "bullying prevention and intervention programs."

Such programs, Evers said, "have sent a strong and vital message to the community that psychologists and psychology are necessary components to alleviating bullying."

"I truly look upon this honor as recognition of our overall community’s effort to support our children. It was such a nice surprise and I am greatly humbled," Ricca said.

As the 2013 Citizen of the Year, Ricca is invited to attend the NJPA's conference and awards luncheon in November to formally receive his award.

The NJPA's mission is to promote the role mental health plays in social welfare and positive development in New Jersey schools.

"As I prepare to make the transition to New York, this was a wonderful honor to receive," Ricca said.

Ricca will leave the district next month to become the superintendent of schools in the Elmsford Union Free School District in New York.