As we approach the New Year, we have exciting changes here at Becton Regional. One of them is our new Principal James Bononno, who has been a dedicated member of the Wildcat Community since 1991. Mr. Bononno graduated from William Paterson University, Clemson University in South Carolina, and then went on to the U.S. Sports Academy in Alabama. He began his teaching career at Becton as a history teacher, and he also served as the Freshman and Sophomore Class Advisors, as well as the Student Council Advisor. He began his coaching career as a JV Baseball Coach, then moved on to football, eventually becoming Head Football Coach in 1993.
He led the football team to numerous League and State Championships, continuing the tradition of excellence. Mr. Bononno was named Coach of the Year by the League, County, and State, as well as the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. He was the President of the Bergen County Football Association, the Chairman of the Bergen County Football All-Star Game, and a member of the Executive Committee of the State All-Star Game. Mr. Bononno went on to become the Head Girls Track Coach and, later, the Head Boys Track Coach.
In addition, he was also the Director of Athletics and the Supervisor of Health and Physical Education for 11 years. Mr. Bononno brought many county events to Becton in this capacity, including the Boys and Girls Basketball County Jamboree, State Final basketball games, and the District 15 Wrestling Tournament. He also served as Vice President of the Bergen County Athletic Directors Association for two years before becoming President for two more. He was named NJIC Athletic Director of the Year near the end of his time as an Athletic Director. His Becton colleagues named him BEA Teacher of the Year in 2014. Mr. Bononno was appointed Assistant Principal in 2019 and since then has focused on developing new programs for the district, such as the Wellness Program and Summer Experience. He believes in finding holistic ways to assist Becton Regional students. Recognizing that student wellness is at the forefront of student behavior, he seeks solutions that produce the best results.
Now, in December of 2023, he has earned the title of Principal. He is excited to serve the Becton Community in a different capacity, but still maintaining the same enthusiasm. Having worn so many hats, he feels prepared and ready to take on his new role. According to Mr. Bononno, growth and innovation is fueled by passion and enthusiasm, he validates, “After spending my entire career at Becton, I feel that I am a product of this vision and look to pay it forward.”
Mr. Bononno is eager to work alongside Becton students and staff to continue the growth of our district, “I very much enjoy being around people and hope that my thirty-plus years in this community will continue to cultivate a positive culture at Becton Regional High School.”
Supervisor of Personnel, Student Life, Social Studies at Henry P. Becton Regional High School, Jonna Calvanico, shares how Principal Bononno is best suited for the role. She affirms that qualities that are essential to this position, and that he has, are a “strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.” She added, “He understands the teachers and their needs while also recognizing the many changing needs of our students. I have known Mr. Bononno for more than 30 years. I know he always has the students’ best interests at heart and wants to make Becton the best school it can be. He is also a thoughtful and reflective person. He’s an avid reader and often finds inspiration in his readings which he applies to his life and his profession. Mr. Bononno will be a great principal. He is deeply knowledgeable about our school and its communities, and I’m excited to be working with him in this new role.”
With Mr. Bononno’s leadership, we can expect some shifts in the upcoming years– investing in programs that will be effective for the 21st century, while keeping our rigorous work ethic and wildcat pride. Mr. Bononno concludes, “I am honored and blessed to be surrounded by so many hardworking, well-intentioned colleagues and I look forward to what the future brings!”
Thank you and congratulations to Principal Mr. Bononno in his new position, and for his commitment to ensuring a top-quality, well-rounded education for our BRHS students!
