WEST ORANGE, NJ — Michael Gallo, a graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School’s Class of 1979, has been appointed headmaster at his alma mater. Gallo’s appointment came upon recommendation from the school’s board of trustees, school President Msgr. Michael Kelly, and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, according to an Oct. 18 press release.
“I am extremely pleased with the appointment of Mr. Michael Gallo to continue the excellent academic strength and Catholicity that are embodied by Seton Hall Prep and foster continued development of the rich tradition of the oldest Catholic Prep School in New Jersey,” Kelly said.
Previously, Gallo served as assistant headmaster from 2006 to 2019 and oversaw all facets of the daily operation of the school and the building itself, including supervision of the following departments: activities, athletics, campus ministry, college placement, school counseling, the Learning Assistance Program, the dean of men and the bookstore. Most recently, he established the new structure of the academic leadership by coordinating assistant headmasters each for faculty and for academics. He also orchestrated the direction of the Business Office after the retirement of the director of finance. Gallo was and will remain responsible for all aspects of campus and school security.
Under his leadership as assistant headmaster, Gallo coordinated an extensive Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying awareness and prevention program, that also preemptively assists students in proper decision-making tactics on social media.
Gallo helped bring to fruition a plethora of capital improvements, including but not limited to the addition and renovation of the dining hall, the addition of the John J. Murphy Science Center, and completion of the 44-acre Kelly Athletic Complex.
Having spent his entire professional career at his alma mater, Gallo has also held positions in physical education, school counseling and dean of men.
A standout scholar-athlete at Seton Hall Prep from 1975 to 1979, Gallo received the prestigious Msgr. William J. Daly Award, presented to the outstanding senior scholar-athlete upon graduation for his achievement in the classroom, on the gridiron and on the wrestling mat. He then earned the opportunity to captain the wrestling team at James Madison University, where he graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
Gallo continued to pursue post-graduate degrees while working at The Prep, completing his master of arts in education at Seton Hall University, as well as two state certificates from the Department of Education, one in teacher of handicapped students and the other in student personnel services. Gallo is also a member of the New Jersey School Counseling Association and the American School Counseling Association.
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