Mr. Arthur Acquaviva, known as “Mr. A” to staff and students, was a valued and trusted member of the Verona High School family. A graduate of VHS, he later served as a substitute teacher, teacher of science and mathematics prior to being named as Director of Library and Media Services. Art was named Library Media Specialist in 2000. During his tenure, he was responsible for leading the effort to transform our library into a 21st Century learning facility. He belonged to several professional library organizations, as well as the advisor of our Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Arthur Acquaviva passed away on May 18, 2014.
Mr. Acquaviva led a number of initiatives to modernize the Verona High School library. Some of the enhancements included increasing our educational databases, creating a system for accessing online reference materials and various novels, and creating and leading the 9th Grade Orientation to our Library and Media Center.
While Art certainly had a positive impact on the overall structure of our library, his greatest impact was felt when one observed him assisting our students in the library on a daily basis. His calm, pleasant, and positive demeanor made our library a welcoming place for all students, staff, and community members. His love and adoration for VHS was clearly evident, both in word and deed. He was greatly respected by his students, our staff, and the community of Verona.
Earlier this year, we received news that Mr. Acquaviva made a significant donation to Verona High School in the amount of $266,042. In accepting this generous contribution, we will be renaming our library the Arthur Acquaviva Learning Commons. The donation provides funds to continue Art’s desire to enhance VHS with a 21st Century space. The Verona Public Schools partnered with Dancker, Sellew & Douglas (DS&D) in order to infuse the learning space with new and flexible furnishings to meet our student and faculty needs. Additional funds provided by Mr. Acquaviva will be allocated for a scholarship fund for Verona High School graduates.
The Verona Public School District is honored to be the recipient of Mr. Acquaviva’s kindness and generosity that will benefit students for years to come. A formal dedication of the Arthur Acquaviva Learning Commons is being planned for a future date. Additional information regarding that special event will be provided as it becomes available.
I recall visiting the Verona High School Library often and Mr. Acquaviva was always there. Out of the many instance of being at the library such as taking school pictures at the end of the year for year books ranks in the many memories I had at Verona High School. I’m very happy that the library is named in honor of Mr. Acquaviva and hope that current students and students to come continue to benefit from the Verona High School Library as I did.