A picture of Mrs. Scheraga from the Echo yearbook. (Photo courtesy of Mr. Rinzler)

By Felicity Rivera ‘21 

Mona Scheraga, a student, a mother, a teacher, a friend. Scheraga lived in Passaic for the majority of her life.

“Everything I am today comes from going to and working at PHS,” said the retired teacher.

Graduating with the class of 1947, Scheraga would soon devote most of her life to teaching at the place that helped shape her. Scheraga would work in English Literature and as an ESL teacher at Passaic High School from 1960-1985. Additionally, she worked as a faculty adviser of The Hilltop Star, PHS’ newspaper club, where she worked as a student.

Growing up and developing her identity during an era of war, discrimination, racism, the Great Depression, and many more adversities, Scheraga touches on topics that occurred all around her.

Being a person who loved being around kids and someone who enjoyed teaching, Scheraga values diversity. When she was a student, Passaic High School was predominantly white and black. However, as time went on, more blacks, Hispanics, and Indians started entering the school as she was teaching.

“Passaic is very diverse, which can help shape you. [I] wouldn’t change anything about my life.” While the diversity in race became apparent, there was no diversity in newspaper choice. Everyone went to The Hilltop Star, it was the only thing in town. “[The Star] is where you went to get information and gossip.”

The Hilltop Star wrote about topics such as World War II, atomic bombs, college, and even interviewed real celebrities. Due to the time period and the lack of technology invented, newspapers were the main source of information. Students couldn’t wait to get their copy to find out what’s what.

A person’s environment can help develop their character. Scheraga is one those people in your life that you don’t want to let go because of their grace and influence. Some of her former students had a 10 year reunion and flew in from California to see her, which speaks volumes itself. Scheraga states it was “due to the type of relationships I have with my students.”

Thank you Mona Scheraga for your devotion to your roots and to those that came from them too.