By: Richard L. Smith
The sun seemed to shine a little brighter over Irvington on May 7 as students, educators, township officials, and proud family members gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Anna B. Scott Junior STEAM Academy — a moment that felt much bigger than simply opening another school program.
I had the opportunity to spend quite some time inside the academy speaking with school leaders, students, community members, and Anna B. Scott’s family, and one thing became very clear throughout the day — this was personal for Irvington.
The ceremony brought together Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss, Superintendent Dr. April Vauss, township council members, principals, directors from programs across the district, and the energetic sounds of the Irvington High School Band, which helped bring excitement and pride to the celebration.
RLS Media has featured this academy several times leading up to its opening because of the innovation and opportunity it promises to bring to Irvington students.
But being there in person gave an entirely different feeling.
As I walked through the building and listened to school officials explain the vision behind the academy, you could immediately sense the passion and purpose that helped create it.
Principal Bussacco spoke proudly about building a program that exposes middle school students to advanced, career-connected learning opportunities much earlier.
Students attending the academy will engage in science, math, English language arts, social studies, honors writing, computer science and engineering, digital art creation, Spanish, and physical education. 
Science, math, and ELA are part of their daily routine, helping prepare students academically while building confidence for high school and future careers.
As we spoke, Bussacco made it clear that this academy was built with intention.
He said Irvington students deserve the same high-level opportunities available anywhere else and believes this academy proves that an urban school district can absolutely deliver excellence.
But while the academy itself impressed many of those in attendance, the emotional heartbeat of the afternoon centered around the woman whose name now proudly sits on the school.
Anna Belle Scott was remembered throughout the ceremony as a tireless advocate for education, leadership, and the Irvington community.
She served on the Irvington Board of Education, including as Board President, while also dedicating herself to the Housing Authority, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and numerous civic and community organizations.
Mayor Vauss shared a heartfelt reflection during the ceremony.
“I was one of the few people who knew Anna B. Scott when I served with her,” he said. “But we called her ‘Scotty.’ That’s what many of us in Irvington knew her as.”
Others echoed similar praise throughout the afternoon.
At one point, it was said that without Anna B. Scott, many of Irvington’s elected officials may never have entered public service.
Principal Bussacco agreed wholeheartedly, noting how her commitment to education and community leadership helped inspire generations.
One of the most touching moments of the day came when I had the chance to speak with Scott’s family members, who traveled from the South to witness the ceremony honoring their loved one.
Ruth Stewart, Scott’s sister, traveled from Charleston, South Carolina, and became emotional while reflecting on the honor.
“Our family is so appreciative for you guys to think so much of her to name a school after her,” Stewart told me. “I didn’t want to miss this. It’s a beautiful sunshine today. Anna is looking down smiling with her arms wide open.”
Standing there listening to her speak, you could feel the emotion throughout the crowd.
I also spoke with Arnold Jeff, who shared stories about Scott’s tireless dedication to Irvington and Essex County communities.
“She was involved in everything,” he said with a smile. “We used to talk three times a day, and she was always headed to another meeting. She cared about people. If you needed help and she could do it, she would go out of her way for you.”
As students sat proudly during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, surrounded by educators, township leaders, and family members, the atmosphere felt warm, hopeful, and deeply connected to community.
And on a beautiful afternoon where the sunshine poured over the academy grounds, many there truly believed Anna B. Scott was smiling down on the children who will now walk the halls of a school carrying her name for generations to come.
