John C. (Jace) Scala served as Planetarium Director at the Lenape Valley Regional High School in Stanhope, NJ, for 29 years. This 53 seat facility was one of only a half dozen public school planetariums located in New Jersey. During his tenure Mr. Scala hosted 67.740 people into his facility, being his own students, local elementary school students, and members of the general public.
For his efforts in astronomy & aerospace outreach he was recognized with several distinctions. Among them were his selection as a Finalist in the Princeton University Outstanding Secondary School Educator program, the NJ Air Force Association Teacher of the Year, the Lenape Valley Regional Teacher of the Year, the NJ Governor's Teacher Recognition award.
He served as the Education Committee chairperson of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society, and was selected as a Citizen Ambassador through People-To-People to be part of a 25 member delegation of astronomy educators traveling to Mainland China.
His biography appears in several editions of "Who's Who", with multiple listings in "Who's Who Among America's Teachers"- only the top 10% of students may nominate only one teacher from their entire elementary/secondary school experience.
His planetarium outreach was recognized by NASA through their 'Space Place' outreach program. In part, the citation read: " for his valuable contributions to his community in the areas of science, technology education, and inspiration".