Albert Gayzik Class of 1965

Albert was born on September 25, 1947, and lived on the Gayzik farm on Holloway Lane in Bordentown Township. Just before he started school in the old Clara Barton Kindergarten Annex, his family moved to Old Amboy Road. After attending a few temporary classrooms, including one located on the stage at Peter Muschal Elementary School, he moved into a permanent classroom by sixth grade. He graduated from Clara Barton Middle School and was a member of the last graduating class of William MacFarland High School in 1965. While in high school, Albert played football during his sophomore and junior years, portrayed the Mayor in his senior play, Bye Bye Birdie, and was a member of the Latin Club. He had many wonderful role models in high school, but Mr. Grant, Mrs. Thompson, and Mr. Lipiarski were among his favorites.

He continued his education at Mercer County Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree. Immediately following the completion of his AA degree, he attended Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary School Social Studies Education.

On October 30, 1971, he married Frances Mercantini, also a member of the MacFarland Class of 1965. They looked forward to celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary in 2018. Albert and Frances have two adult children and two grandchildren. Both sons are graduates of Virginia Tech with engineering degrees; one works with the FAA, while the other is an Associate Professor at Wake Forest University. Over the years, the family has lived in Highland Falls, New York; Muncie, Indiana; Middlesex, New Jersey; and Hamilton, New Jersey.

Just as he began his studies at Ball State University, Albert was drafted into the United States Army. After completing boot camp at Fort Dix and advanced training at Fort Knox, he was assigned to Headquarters Company, First Battalion, First Infantry, United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He was initially assigned as a Tactical NCO for the 2nd Regiment and later served as TAC NCO for the Corps of Cadets. While stationed at West Point, he was honored to receive the Soldier of the Month Award. Upon completion of his military service, Albert returned to Ball State University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Geography and Earth Science.

Albert’s professional career began with his first assignment as an Earth Science teacher in Branchburg, New Jersey. As Branchburg Central Middle School (BCMS) grew, he also taught Social Studies, sometimes teaching both subjects simultaneously. In 2001, he became the Assistant Principal of Branchburg Central Middle School. His coursework at Rutgers Graduate School of Education culminated in a Master’s Degree in Education in 1989. During his educational career, he performed a wide variety of responsibilities, including serving as Chairman of the Branchburg District Emergency Management Planning Committee, Interim Principal of Stony Brook Intermediate School, supervisor of class scheduling and extracurricular activities, coordinator of custodial, cafeteria, and support services, and evaluator of BCMS professional staff. As a teacher, he had the honor of becoming the Charter President of AFT Local 3667 in Branchburg. As an administrator, he had the privilege of serving with the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) in Branchburg.

To advance his career opportunities, Albert obtained several New Jersey certifications, including Principal/Supervisor, School Business Administrator, Teacher of Earth Science, and Secondary School Teacher of Social Studies. While attending Trenton State College (TCNJ), he had the honor of being inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Xi Chapter. At Ball State University, Albert was also honored to become a member of Gamma Theta Upsilon, Iota Omega Chapter.

Albert believes that everyone should be encouraged to participate in community service. Throughout his career as an educator, he remained actively involved in both teachers’ unions and administrators’ associations. While living in Middlesex Borough, New Jersey, Albert served on the Planning Board, Environmental Committee, Board of Education, and Middlesex Borough Council. In 2013, he served as President of the Hamilton Township Board of Education, and in 2014, he served as President of the Mercer County School Boards Association. He later began his second non-consecutive term as a member of the Hamilton Township Board of Education.

Albert’s community memberships include Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Anthony’s Parish, Hamilton Township Senior Citizens, The College of New Jersey Alumni Association, Rutgers University Graduate School of Education Alumni Association, the Colonel Henry Rutgers Society, and Hamilton American Legion Post 31.