Michael Zapicchi
A popular quote about leadership states,“A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader serves the people from within them.”
I was fortunate to serve the West Windsor-Plainsboro community for 15 years as the principal of West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North. During most of my tenure at High School North, I was fortunate to serve with a supportive and committed central administrative staff, and a thoroughly professional Board of Education. That body was led for most of my time in WWP by one individual, Hemant Marathe.
Hemant’s time as Board of Education president was marked by certain characteristics that effective leaders must have:
The ability to listen first.
A calm and reflective demeanor.
A servant outlook on leadership.
There were many times when Hemant was confronted by an opinionated public on a controversial topic. In those hectic moments, Hemant showed the ability to listen, ask pertinent questions, and, most importantly, make the person speaking aware that he was listening. He did not always give then the answer they desired, but they knew they were heard. Hemant then used that input to make decisions in the best interest of the students and staff of our district.
When you couple those abilities with a servant orientation, essential to serve as a school board member, you have a combination of traits well suited for public service. Hemant Marathe has what it takes to be an excellent choice for the citizens of West Windsor Township as a council member. I can give him my highest recommendation.
Michael Zapicchi
Principal (Retired)
WWPHS-North
