The Wayne community is mourning the loss of beloved Wayne Valley High School Principal, Ken Palczewski, who passed away on Thursday, April 10th at the age of 58 following a nine-month battle with cancer.
Principal Palczewski led Wayne Valley for over 12 years, and was known to many as Coach P or Mr. P. His natural leadership, compassion, and love for being an educator radiated off of him, and he never failed to put smiles on the faces of students and educators every day.
He was well-rounded and intelligent, having formerly played basketball at La Salle University and shown interest in economics, law, and education. After spending a week in college volunteering with children battling cancer, he realized that his heart belonged to service and went on to educate young people for years thereafter.
Mr. Palczewski had been a familiar face in Wayne for a long time, as he was first hired at Wayne Valley in 1998 before taking on roles as a dean of students at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School and a vice principal at Wayne Hills High School. After serving in these roles for fifteen years, he returned to his home, Wayne Valley, in 2013.
During his tenure, he oversaw academic and athletic improvements, deepened Wayne Valley Pride, and acted as a mentor to both staff and students alike. He made his students feel comfortable and welcome in his office at all times by promoting a positive environment and lending a helping hand to whoever might need it.
According to Wayne Schools Superintendent Dr. Toback, “[Mr. Palczewski’s] care for every student, his dedication to his staff, and the sense of family and Valley Pride he brought to our school community made an indelible impact. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in every hallway and classroom.”
Mr. Palczewski’s impact spread beyond Wayne Valley and many Wayne Hills students are mourning his loss. Junior Grayson Morales said, “he was clearly a wonderful man and Wayne Valley was lucky to have him as a principal.”
Many hearts hang heavy as Wayne copes with this loss, but those who were lucky enough to be a student or coworker of Mr. Palczewski will keep his memory in their hearts forever. It has been almost a month since his passing and funeral services have concluded at Vander May Funeral Home; however, grief counselors at Wayne Valley will always be available for students and staff in need, and our community will continue to unite in his honor.
Mr. Palczewski is survived by his loving wife, children, family, and countless former students whose lives he impacted. Although Wayne Valley has forever been changed, Mr. Palczewski will always be remembered for his kind heart, dedication to the community he led, and unwavering ability to brighten everyone’s day.
