University of San Diego to honor a retired Poway Unified teacher

Poway resident Henry “Hank” Acquarelli will be honored by the University of San Diego during its Alumni Honors ceremony.

Acquarelli, who in 1969 earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics plus teaching credential, taught and coached in the Poway Unified School District for three decades. He retired in 2001.

He will be presented the Bishop Charles Francis Buddy Award for contributions to humanitarian causes and is among 12 alumni who will receive awards on April 25.

Also honored during the 20th annual ceremony will be four-time Emmy winner and Golden Globe winner Jim Parsons, star of CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory,” and former U.S. Attorney Karen Hewitt, who are among alumni receiving the Author E. Hughes Award for Outstanding Career Achievement. NFL player Josh Johnson will be inducted into the Chet and Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame.

“All over the world, our graduates are using the changemaking talents and skills they acquired at USD to entertain and bring joy to audiences, to work for a safer, healthier and more peaceful world and expand economic growth and progress,” said USD President Mary E. Lyons. “They represent the very best of the spirit of excellence and service we strive to instill in all our graduates and we are very proud to honor them.”

“I’m totally surprised,” Acquarelli said about being selected as this year’s Bishop Buddy award recipient. “I’m going to accept it with great humility. ... I don’t feel like I’m the guy for the award ... (considering the) prestigious people (I’ll be honored among).”

USD alumna Delle Willett, who has known Acquarelli since their undergraduate days, said she nominated him for the award because “he is such a great guy consistently over the years with the kids and community. ... He’s an exemplary teacher and member of the community; what USD really hopes to turn out — a great citizen.”

Willett called Acquarelli an “every day superhero” for his efforts with students he taught and coached.

“Henry has touched the lives of so many students and helped to build a great community in the North County through his exceptional commitment and dedication,” Lyons said. “He represents the spirit of excellence and compassionate service we try to instill in all our graduates and we are very proud to honor him.”

USD officials said reasons Acquarelli was selected include the many opportunities he found to mentor and build friendships with young people through school clubs and sports. The impact “Coach Acq” made in the lives of so many is evident in the number of students who have reconnected with him on social media and fact that his errands around town often lead to accidental hour-long conversations with former students — testaments to how fondly he is remembered by so many.

After briefly teaching elsewhere, Acquarelli was hired by Poway Unified School District to teach basic education at Meadowbrook Middle School in Poway. During his seven years there he also advised its Associated Student Body and coached its flag football team.

He transferred to Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos, where he taught business classes for 23 years. He also ran the student store, coached the boys soccer team plus club-level surf team, had stints as a baseball and softball coach, and taught Regional Opportunity Classes.

With cars, jobs and social lives competing with academics for students’ attention, Acquarelli said “sometimes it was a real challenge to turn them on to education. I told them it is a great opportunity to get an education. They didn’t have to go to college, but could (pursue) other skills and trades. ... There were times when students got into a lot of trouble and I tried to help them out. But I never tried by making excuses (for their behavior).”

Affectionately referring to his students as “the munchkins,” Acquarelli said, “they were my life.”

Acquarelli and his wife, Kristen, moved to Poway in 1968, where they raised their two children. The couple attends St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church and now has four grandchildren. After retirement Acquarelli coached some of their sports teams in Temecula.

He has stayed involved with USD since graduating. Acquarelli has volunteered in various capacities through the USD Alumni Association, attends its Homecoming festivities each year and is a Toreros football and basketball season ticket holder.

Those who would like to join USD in honoring Acquarelli at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25 in the campus’ Shiley Theatre may purchase the $75 tickets at www.sandiego.edu/alumnihonors or 619-260-2756.