WPCNR WHITE PLAINS VOICE. September 16, 2004: A parent with first hand experience with the White Plains High School Athletic Program, comments on the Board of Education decision not to rescind Mario Scarano's retirement. Here is his letter:

Dear Mr. Bailey,

In reading your coverage on the ousting of the athletic director Mr. Mario Scarano at our White Plains High School. I'm compelled to comment on the leadership of our very own Board of Education decision-making policies, or lack of, and the one and only published comment-opinion of one of your readers.

"CAUSE & EFFECT"

Leadership has a very qualitative and quantitative predisposition intrinsically native to the gifted personality of those who are fortunate to possess or are born with such wisdom and vision.  Such a gift is bestowed on such a person unconditionally for the soul purpose to unconditionally have a cause and effect on humanity.  Hopefully, to be used for the better of all mankind unselfishly for all to share, embrace and embellish.

Mario Scarano possessed that soul purpose unconditionally, unselfishly to share, embrace and embellish our children and youth with in each and every athletic program at the White Plains High School.

Mr. Scarano's leadership, the staff of coaches, assistants, parents and youth he so effectively touched left a profound positive impact on all.  Profoundness achieved through the cause and effect I personally admired through the direct impact the “White Plains Wrestling Team” has had on my own son in just two short years under the leadership of Mr. Mario Scarano and the athletic staff at “our” White Plains High School!

In just four or five (six)short years Mr. Scarano with the assistance of concerned motivated parents like the O’Keefe family and others, resurrected the White Plains Wrestling team after a long absence from the athletic program at the high school.

In just four or five short years the wrestling program has developed, cultivated, influenced and shaped the character and values of our children to become the leaders of the future.  I have had the honorable experience to stand side by side with Mr. Scarano, to stand side by side with the coaches, parents and each and every child who benefited phenomenally through the leadership of the White Plains Wrestling Team. 

When I read comments dismissing the values of any athletic program insinuating athletic programs are insignificant to the intellectual educational development of an individual, I have to dismiss such comments as ignorance and arrogance. 

Intellectual achievement is based on leadership, the influence such leadership has on formulating role models, character and values instilled through those who are gifted as teachers, parents, scholars, and yes “Athletic Directors”!

My child has excelled in just two short years; his greatest leaps are intellectually through maturity as a direct result of the exposure and leadership of every individual leader on the White Plains Wrestling Team!  Those leaders are every single teammate, coach, parent, competitor and event that has given him the exposure to diversity, cultures, social involvement and the understanding and respect for humanity. 

Unique into itself, athletic programs foster and cultivate the diversity of all mankind coming together collectively! Understanding the values and differences of all working together not just to participate in the sport but to participate in the social activity of achievement, partnership, admiration, respect, and leadership. 

Hundreds and thousands of our children have passed through the athletic programs at our White Plains High School to become outstanding community citizens, contributing parents, teachers, professionals, leaders through the White Plains Public High School and its athletic programs. 

We have lost one of our most effective leaders, Mr. Mario Scarano.  I thank Mario for having the opportunity to stand side by side with him, for having the opportunity to stand side by side with my son, teammates; parents, families and youth who have had the wonderful opportunity to see the success the White Plains Athletic Programs have had on our children.

What ever is the cause and effect of Mr. Scarano’s departure, I could only hope that the BOE moving forward for the future puts the interest of our children and students first and politics last!  I’m personally disappointed that the BOE could not recognize the necessity and value of a wonderful devoted leader in our school system and retain such leadership!

I thank you Mario and the entire athletic staff at the White Plains High School for enriching the lives of so many!

“Tiger Pride”

The Albanese Family
Ellen, Kristoff, GianCarlo, Carl

P.S. Apparently once again, the BOE disgracefully puts its own personal political agenda before the needs and necessity of our children and leadership!

Two strikes and your out, BOE, not three! Stop playing politics with the values of correctness and integrity.