WILSON, Pa. — Wilson Area School Board and administrators on Monday bid a fond farewell to a retiring high school principal and a buildings and grounds supervisor.
Officials recognized Wilson Area High School Principal John Martuscelli and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Daniel Sigafoos for decades of service and contributions to the district.
“He was a mentor, guide and a steady presence. His influence shaped not only my career, but the careers of countless administrators and teachers across our district."Wilson Schools Act 93 President Michael Chromey
Martuscelli in July 2024 was appointed acting superintendent when Superintendent Douglas Wagner retired after two decades leading the district.
During that time, he continued to work as the principal of Wilson Area High School — a position he held since 1997.
Act 93 President Michael Chromey began the ceremony acknowledging Martuscelli, who he served with as an assistant principal for six years.
Chromey said that “from the very beginning, John was more than a principal.”
“He was a mentor, guide and a steady presence," Chromey said. "His influence shaped not only my career, but the careers of countless administrators and teachers across our district."
'Focused on individual students'
Chromey noted that Martuscelli “dedicated 29 years to Wilson Area High School, serving as assistant principal, principal and, most recently, as our acting superintendent.
“That level of commitment speaks volumes, but what truly defines John is how he led. John consistently pushed new administrators to be authentic.
"He reminded us often and unapologetically that we make decisions in the best interest of students. That philosophy wasn't just something he said, it was something he lived every single day.
“His leadership was grounded in integrity, fairness and a deep belief in the potential of this community. John just didn't work in Wilson. He made Wilson his home. He invested himself fully in the district, in its people and in its future.”
Chromey said Martuscelli was well-known for his high school graduation speeches, though few knew how much work he put into them.
He quietly kept records on “memories, moments, conversations and milestones throughout all four years of a graduating class’s journey,” Chromey said
“When commencement arrived, he wove those memories together into a speech that was personal, meaningful and deeply human.
"It was a reflection of how he led: attentive, intentional and always focused on individual students."
'It wasn't a job'
And while Chromey said it would be sad to see Martuscelli go — especially for future freshmen, who would miss out on his stories about trips to Canada — “the lessons he taught us about leadership, integrity, and service will remain.”
“John's influence will be felt throughout this district for years to come, his legacy will live on through the people he mentored, the culture he helped build, and the students who lives were shaped by his leadership,” Chromey said.
Martuscelli jokingly said that he had gone to dinner with Chromey before the meeting, and had he known the farewell speech would be so nice, “I would have paid.”
“I thank all of you because it has been an incredible 29 years, and it is a job that to me, it wasn't a job,” Martuscelli said.
“I loved every minute of it, and it's only been six days that I'm gone, and I already like miss it terribly. So I still go to basketball games and continue doing things like that, because I love everybody here and I miss you all.”
Martuscelli said he is not sure about what the long-term future brings, but first things first: It’s time for a vacation with his wife.
“We’re leaving tomorrow morning to go down south for about three weeks, and then after that, when I come back, we’ll just kind of figure it out,” Martuscelli said with a smile.
“I always wanted to go on vacation in the winter, never was able to do it, so that’s why we planned it.”
Sara Rattigan has assumed Martuscelli's role as principal.
'We appreciate you'
Superintendent Dr. Harrison Bailey III next acknowledged the retirement of Sigafoos, who he said was “a pillar in this community for 39 years.”
“Often, we take for granted when the lights turn on, when the driveways are plowed, and the furnace is pumping heat,” Bailey said to Sigafoos.
“We don't think about those things, but the reality is that there are people behind the scenes making those things happen every day.
"And being in charge of our buildings and grounds for that long, doing the job you've done, has made a monumental difference in the lives of kids and the adults who have to work here.
"And so we appreciate you and thank you for everything. I wish you the very best.”
