Mr. Michael DiPasquale

By Grace Fang

You may have had Mr. DiPasquale as your biology teacher. Or maybe you may have seen him in the science office as the department head. Top that off with forensics, astronomy, and earth science, and even research. Now, Mr. DiPasquale takes on a new role: assistant principal.

Mr. DiPasquale chose the change from a science teacher to an assistant principal for one main reason: “I wanted to have more involvement in what goes on here at school than just science.” He wanted to help students reach their full potential by guiding them, giving them advice, and helping them reach their goals. He felt helping teachers was just as important by assisting them in instructing their students and overall keeping South High School safe and secure. 

Mr. DiPasquale grew up in Franklin Square, not too far from South High. His parents inspired him to become an assistant principal, even though they’re not teachers. “I learned a lot from them. They’re always our first teachers. Whether they’re real teachers or not, they teach us everything,” he said. His wife, also a teacher, has helped him gain much perspective. She regularly reminds him that not everybody comes from the same place.  

Even as a busy husband and a father of two sons, Mr. DiPasquale finds time to create and carry out his goals for South High, including making South High School a better community by bringing more groups together and finding ways to increase participation in athletics, clubs, and evening events. 

Mr. DiPasquale also describes himself with two words: empathetic and good-humored. He feels being empathetic is a part of his nature. “[I] always try to see how life impacts people and understand why they act the way they do,” he said. Mr. DiPasquale also believes that adding an element of humor to everything is significant. “I try not to get too stressed about things…obviously there are situations where you need to be on high alert, but the majority of the time, it’s not an emergency. It feels like an emergency, but it’s not an emergency.” As a result, he likes to laugh and attempts not to take things so seriously. 

Mr. DiPasquale wants others to know that he’s approachable. He encourages teachers and students to seek him out for support, even with personal issues. He thinks students fear the staff at the high school and wants them to know that administrators are not just here for discipline. “We’re here to work with you, make you laugh, take your mind off of the stresses of being a high school student. And open up doors for you, too. I think if students knew that we’re much more approachable than we seem, maybe they’ll talk to us more.” 

Mr. Nick Sepe 

By Avery Zhou

He’s a Great Neck South High volleyball coach and Calhoun wrestling coach; an 

avid artist who spends his spare time learning to use Photoshop; an eager learner of science and history; and an old face in a new position. Meet (once again) Mr. Nick Sepe, South High’s new Dean of Students. 

Mr. Sepe’s journey to become an administrator began many years ago while studying in college to become an actuary. But after an internship, he realized that the life of an actuary wasn’t for him. He pivoted to major in math, which set him on the path to becoming a teacher. Eventually, Mr. Sepe became a special education teacher at South High and is now our newest Dean of Students.

During his time as a special education teacher, Mr. Sepe emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary work. Even though he continues to serve as a special education teacher, the workload from assuming his new position made his transition relatively easy. “We kind of have a good footing on multiple students and staff, and being able to work with them makes it much easier for everyone,” he said. 

His interest in becoming a Dean stemmed from his passion for helping and getting to know students. “You kind of get to know kids on a different level, as opposed to just being in a classroom and being able to help them with a lot of social and emotional needs, as opposed to disciplining them,” he said. 

Mr. Sepe noted his father and the former South High dean, Mrs. Sally Passarrella, as his two main inspirations for applying for the dean position. After his father passed away, he felt inspired to improve the school by working in administration. And like former dean Mrs. Passarrella, he strives to seek the best in students, find their individual interests and specialities, and help them find their own path in school. 

This school year, Mr. Sepe aims to get to know each and every student who passes through his office and to try to help return our school to a state of normalcy after COVID. “We’re the advocates for the kids and we do a lot probably behind the scenes that they’ll never see,” he said. “We’re really advocating for your rights, your abilities to do certain things on this campus, and we’re here to try to make your high school careers better.”