MONTVALE—Aidan Huvane, Eagle Scout candidate with Troop 109 in Hillsdale, thanks all who gave their winning best toward his Eagle Scout project: establishing a wellness center at his high school, Saint Joseph Regional, in Montvale.
The new center—previously the site of a drab storage room at the Roman Catholic boys’ prep school, but since reimagined through love and community can-do spirit—officially opened on Monday, Feb. 5 with a formal blessing led by Father Bob Stagg and Msgr. Peter Smutelovic.
SJRHS says the site will give students a place to talk with newly hired wellness counselor Bobby Rissetto “and to relax, unwind, and decompress.”
The room is set off by a kaleidoscope of motion, light, and life by muralist Marco Santini.
— Brian Bodner photo
A statement sent to Pascack Press by the Huvanes thanked “Troop 109; the Stiglianos; Mr. Fazio for all his support; Mrs. Arlene DiFiore and Mr. Rissetto, counselors at SJR who worked with Aidan on the project; Mrs. Colleen Schuh, SJR alumnae mom for her design expertise and marketing; muralist Marco Santini; Mr. Bruno, SJR principal; Mr. Checke, SJR director of operations; Marsala Hardware and Park Ridge Home & Floor for their discounts; and his Saint John’s parish family, the SJR family, the Pascack Valley community and his own family and friends.”
Aidan wrote to the community on the project’s completion—its progress celebrated all along the way online—“This Eagle Scout project has been in the works since this past summer and it definitely has been a journey.”
He said, “I want to start by thanking Mr. Fazio for entrusting me with this project and supporting the ideas throughout the whole process.”
His long list of backers acknowledged, he then said, “I want to give a huge thank you to my SJR family for all the generous donations and continuous help with making this room possible because I know I couldn’t have done it without you all.”
A labor of love, and an ache of loss
The Huvanes tell us that in February 2022, Aidan and the family received “life-changing news: that his beloved uncle Chris Huvane, 47, had died by suicide after grappling with depression and anxiety.”
The tragic loss reverberated through the entertainment press. Chris Huvane, a partner at Management 360, was deeply respected and admired. Grieving actor and filmmaker Zach Braff recalled, “There wasn’t a more beloved person in Hollywood. He suffered every hour with his depression. … Once I made an entire regimen for him to do daily, because I too have battled depression. I will love you forever, Chris.”
Although Chris had helped so many others in their struggles, the family told Pascack Press, in the end he could not find respite.
According to Aidan’s mom, Sarah Rooney Huvane, “It was this idea of helping people who are struggling that inspired Aidan to lead a project to promote mental health awareness. In May 2023, Aidan, after hearing about wellness rooms in other high schools, approached school president Robert Fazio about establishing one at SJR.” Fazio was on board immediately, hiring counselor Rissetto for the project.
Rissetto earned his B.A. in liberal studies from William Paterson University and his M.A. in school counseling from Seton Hall University.
Sarah said that Aidan raised funds on Instagram, at local craft fairs, and at his church, St. John the Baptist in Hillsdale, selling suicide-awareness bracelets with the watchwords hope, strength, faith, love. Aidan sold all 400.
Dress-down days and an Amazon wish list were organized with SJR to earn donations for the project.
Sarah said Aidan took his team of scouts, family, and friends to empty a Kelly green storage room on campus, then clean, repair, and paint it with discounts from Marsala Hardware in Hillsdale. A new floor went in with a discount and expert installation by Park Ridge Home & Floor.
The funds helped purchase paint supplies, the floor, and furniture, as well as the creaion of a coffee table hewn from raw-edge walnut.
Aidan, also a top lacrosse player for the Green Knights, said, “I am so humbled by all the people who have helped and supported this project with their time, talents, or donations—or just bonding over shared experiences. I really appreciate all they have done to make this safe place, where students will know they are not alone and give them hope if they are struggling.”
Feedback on SJR’s social platforms is glowing:
- Ryan McKenna: “This is such a welcome addition to the building and will go a long way to help students achieve their goals.”
- Beth Muniz: “Wow! Looks so inviting! Nicely done Aidan and SJR!”
- Kim Giannelli Buscher: “Looks amazing! Great job to all involved. A much-needed space for your young men.”
- Jennifer Gehan Cannon: “Great job, Aidan! You followed all the way through with your vision. Such a fitting tribute!”
- Brenda Barry Laux: “Really impressed and feeling lucky to know Aidan; this is a true Eagle project with sustainability that will be helping so many.”
- Stefanie Pennachio: “It’s beautiful, I love it. You’ve done an amazing job and what a retreat it will be for so many.”
- Jennifer Jane: “This is amazing. As a cognitive behavioral therapist, I recognize the incredible value of a space like this for the emotional health of our students. As an SJR parent, I am so grateful to be part of this incredible community. Thank you, Aidan, and all who helped make the SJR Wellness Center possible!”
- Rita Algieri: “So very proud of Aidan! I feel blessed to have been his teacher! Quite a compassionate and caring young man! Bravo, honey!”
- Jeff Fucci: “This is serious business and great work!”
- Mary Kay Buckley: “Kudos to Marco Santini Art… love the wall. Brotherhood between Crusaders and Green Knights.”
If you or someone you know is exhibiting warning signs of suicide, seek help from a professional and call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).