This year, Manville High School has a new principal, Dr. Celis! To get to know him better and understand his goals for the school, the following interview was conducted:
Getting to Know Dr. Celis
Dr. Celis was born in Uruguay, a small country in South America. He lived in El Salvador and Mexico before residing in the United States. At the age of six, Dr. Celis moved to Allendale, New Jersey.
Dr. Celis grew up in Allendale, going to their high school, Northern Highlands Regional High School. Following his high school graduation, he went to college at Wheaton College, a small liberal arts school in Illinois. There, he majored in Spanish and Education. He went on to earn a
master’s degree in Theology and Biblical Studies at Wheaton. Afterward, he attended Northeastern Illinois University and earned his School Administration degree. He then completed his Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Teacher Development at Montclair State University.
Dr. Celis has many hobbies and interests that he enjoys in his free time, the most prominent being bike riding, playing soccer, and reading, with his favorite pastime being riding his bike, when he goes on long bike rides during weekends. Dr. Celis also enjoys playing soccer with his friends. Additionally, he mentioned his interest in reading; he likes to read in his freetime, usually reading fiction, nonfiction, and educational books. Though he is interested in these hobbies, he concluded, “I also love spending time with my family; that’s always at the center of everything I do.”
Was Being a Principal Something You Always Knew You Wanted to Do? If so, why?
Dr. Celis explains that he hasn’t always wanted to be a principal and, early on in his career, he was a Spanish teacher and a bilingual ESL teacher in a middle school. But he expressed, “I enjoyed activities beyond the typical classroom—such as hosting parent workshops and working with the community—and was encouraged to explore administration. I’ve now been a principal or administrator for 19 years, across middle, elementary, and high schools. I’ve led schools both large and small, urban and more rural, in Illinois and New Jersey. It’s been a rich and diverse experience that I truly value.”
Dr. Celis was previously the Principal of Passaic High School, which has about 2,500 students. He said, “Coming to Manville has been a big shift in size, but I’m equally excited about the important work happening here.”
Do You Prefer Working in a Smaller School or a Bigger School?
“That’s a great question. I’ve enjoyed both. In a smaller school, you build deeper relationships, know students more personally, and stay closely involved in day-to-day operations. I love that sense of community.”
In regards to a larger school, like Passaic High School, he explains that the role of principal is much different.
“You’re managing assistant principals, supporting their leadership, and ensuring the broader vision is implemented. You’re a bit more removed from students, and there are many additional managerial responsibilities. Each setting has its rewards.”
How Are You Adjusting to Your Position at Manville High School?
When asked this, Dr. Celis replied that he thinks he is adjusting well. He comments, “I’ve received incredible support from Mr. Venuto, our teachers, and staff. Everyone has helped me transition smoothly, and I feel excited, welcomed, and eager to do meaningful work here.”
What Are You Most Excited For This School Year?
“What I missed most in Passaic were the relationships—with students, families, and staff. In such a large school, it was hard to cultivate them in the way I wanted. So this year, I’m most looking forward to getting to know students and staff, immersing myself in the community, and
serving it well.”
What Are Some of Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals for Manville High School?
“In the short term, my goal is to get to know the community. I often describe this as being an anthropologist—studying the ecosystem of a school: its relationships, dynamics, values, and traditions. I want to learn and contribute positively.”
“Long-term, I hope to strengthen community engagement, especially among our Spanish-speaking families. Many parents face language barriers that may limit participation. I want to build bridges so every family knows they are welcome, their voices matter, and their concerns will be heard and addressed.”
What Can Students Expect From You as a Principal?
“You can expect me to be collaborative. I deeply value student voice. As far as I’m concerned, this is your school. My role is to help you articulate your vision for it—and to make that vision real. You can also expect me to prioritize joy and engagement. School should be the most
exciting place in the world—where we explore, create, and connect. I believe in making learning enjoyable in the truest sense of the word.
“Finally, you can expect me to be visible and present. You’ll see me in hallways, at games, and at school events. Being part of the community helps me understand your hopes, dreams, and vision—and how I can support them.”
What Impact Do You Hope to Have on Students?
“My greatest hope is that students feel supported, loved, and that they belong. If I can help foster that sense of belonging and pride in their school, I’ll feel fulfilled. I want every student to look back on their time at Manville High School with gratitude and joy.”
If You Could Tell Your High School Self One Piece of Advice, What Would it Be?
“I’d tell my younger self: It’s all going to work out. As a teenager, I was anxious and often worried about the future. I was quiet, shy, and sometimes felt awkward. I’d want that version of me to know he was loved, cared for, and never truly alone. Family, friends, and community were always there, even when I didn’t realize it.”
What Advice Would You Give Students to Ensure They Get the Most Out of Their High School Years?
“As a father of two daughters—one in college and one a high-school junior—I remind them often to enjoy the journey.
“Take a variety of classes. Explore your interests. Be curious. High school is a time to discover who you are and what excites you.
“I also remind them not to put too much pressure on themselves. Our goal as adults is to help students flourish, not to demand perfection.
“I once told my daughter after a soccer game, ‘I don’t go to watch you win—I go to watch you play.’ The same applies to school and life: success isn’t about winning, but about growth, learning, and becoming your best self.
“Embrace the highs and lows, stay curious, and invest in becoming the best version of yourself.”
Manville High School is looking forward to getting to know Dr. Celis and seeing what the future holds with him as the new principal!
