NORWOOD, N.J.—Norwood’s Board of Education President Michael Sprague was awarded the Archie F. Hay award on Tuesday, June 25 for leadership in the field of education and commitment to the children of Bergen County.
Sprague has served on the Norwood Board of Education for 33 years and is also the vice president of the Bergen County School Board Association.
“This award honors local board members who exemplify Dr. Archie Hay’s leadership in the field of education and his commitment to the children of Bergen County,” said Norwood Public School Superintendent Lisa J. Gross.
Hay was a former Bergen County Superintendent who was responsible for the creation of the Bergen County Special Education regions and the Special Services School District. He also served as deputy director of the Bergen County Board of Freeholders.
“You might say, when it comes to education, he was the real deal and he carried it on to public service after that,” said Bergen County Clerk John S. Hogan, speaking about Hay.
“The requirements for this award are not all that easy, but Mike [Sprague] hit every one of those requirements,” said Hogan.
Nomination criteria include being nominated by the local board of education, being a board member for a minimum of three years, having leadership at the local level, evidence of specific services to the local school district, and the member’s unique contribution to the board and to the district, as well as service to the community.
In the Norwood community Sprague has spent 20 years coaching various sports for the Norwood Recreation Department. He was also designated the Coordinator of the Northern Valley Soccer League, which incorporated 75 teams throughout nine Bergen County towns.
