RFH Board of Education Takes Time to Honor a Counselor and a Coach

At Tuesday’s Board of Education Meeting, Dr. Suzanne Fico, Student Assistance Counselor, and Christopher Champeau, Basketball Coach, were recognized for their outstanding service to Rumson-Fair Haven Region High School’s students. Fico received the Educator of the Year award while Champeau was honored as the Basketball Coach of the Year.

Fico was hired during the 1997-1998 school year, during which she helped found the Peer Leadership and Straight Edge groups that are popular today. Most recently, Fico has worked with both groups to develop a , which she has signed along with other RFH administrators, teachers and parents.

“Suzanne is truly an educator,” said Superintendent Dr. Peter Righi. “I have learned a lot from her.”

Fico’s parents attended the meeting, whom Fico thanked for encouraging her to follow her heart. Fico also acknowledged the board’s support of her endeavors. “Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with the kids here,” said Fico. “This is the nicest honor I could receive.”

Champeau made the transition from Wall Street to the court in 2005 after a 20-year career in finance. Gaining experience as an assistant coach at Northwood University, “Coach Shempy” spearheaded a program that catapulted the Northwood Fighting Seahawks to an NAIA March Madness bid in their first season of competition. Champeau then began working as the head coach at Rumson Country Day School before applying for the head coach position at RFH.

“The first time I met Coach, he talked a mile and minute and promised to build a new program,” said Righi. “I thought, ‘This guy’s trying to sell snake oil,’ then I saw his resume.”

Champeau delivered and the Shore Conference has recognized his men’s basketball program at RFH. Students have also taken note of Champeau’s leadership. 

“We have to buy new bleachers because we’re afraid they’ll break from the weight of all the excited kids jumping up and down,” said Righi. “It’s great.”

As Champeau accepted his award, he humbly passed the credit onto the Board. “Nine of our twelve kids have a four point grade average,” he said. “That’s not me - they’re a product of this town’s educational system.”

Donald MacNeal, Board President, closed the recognition ceremony by stressing the importance of RFH students’ emotional health and need for great mentors. “Without them, all of the books wouldn’t be enough,” said MacNeal.

Upcoming Board of Education Meeting dates can be found at http://www.rfhrhs.org.