Francesca Tambone-Puzio has a singular ability to recognize and foster other people’s gifts. At the age of 16, Francesca emigrated from Italy with her parents, Michael and Rosa, her siblings Gregorio, Lucia, and Annamaria. She quickly learned English while studying at Pascack Hills HS. She continued her education at Seton Hall University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in PreMed Biology/Modern Languages and two Master’s degrees: one in Education and another in Catholic School Leadership and Administration. She spent 29 years in various posts at Bergen Catholic, including Assistant Principal of Academics, Director of the Office for International Students, Guidance Counselor, World Language Chair, moderator of the World Language Honor Societies, Student Government Moderator, Drama Moderator, teacher, coach, and developer of the SHIELD Student Leadership Program. She helped develop the Action Student Leadership Workshop for the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in North and South America, and examined China’s education system on a College Board trip to Beijing. Francesca earned the Archdiocese of Newark’s Outstanding Educator Award and Service to Youth Ministry Award. She was BC’s Teacher of the Year, and had a Crusader yearbook Francesca Tambone-Puzio dedicated to her. Francesca is currently Academic Dean at the Academy of the Holy Angels and has been married to John Puzio, Inducted 2020 fellow BC Hall of Famer, for 27 happy years. Live Jesus in our hearts… forever.