WAYNE, NJ — More than 130 friends, family members, former colleagues and members of the Wayne school community gathered at Preakness Valley Golf Club on Monday for the first Ken “Coach P” Palczewski Memorial Golf Outing.
The outing honored the longtime Wayne Valley High School principal, educator and coach while raising money for annual memorial scholarships for graduating seniors at Wayne Valley and Wayne Hills High Schools. Organizers expect the event to raise about $15,000, though a final total has not yet been calculated.
For Ken’s son, Pete Palczewski, the people who came out made the day.
“It was a fantastic day. You couldn’t have asked for better weather, and the people really kind of made the overall day special,” he said. “There were people from all different times during my dad’s life, which made it really impactful and made the day even more meaningful and special.”
Palczewski, known by many as “Coach P” and “Mr. P,” died in April 2025 after a nine-month battle with cancer. He was 58.
The golf course was a fitting setting for the tribute. Outside of school, Palczewski was a regular at the Passaic County Golf Course and served as co-president of the Elmtree Golf Club. For nearly three decades, he played Sunday mornings with the group.
Winners of the tournament were Tony Podavino, Todd Vogt, Carlos Ocampos and Todd Fettig. they won the tournament with a score of 8-under-par.
The day also included a stop at the 16th hole, where a permanent plaque honoring Palczewski has been installed. Pete said seeing the outing played around that memorial was especially meaningful.
The scholarships in Palczewski’s name will go to students who demonstrate leadership, kindness, integrity, commitment to academics and service, and perseverance through challenges.
Pete thanked Bruce Phillips, Lucy Couso, Wayne Valley students and teachers who helped with graphic design and sponsorship signs, the Passaic County course staff, his mother Maureen, sister Brenna, fiancée and the many friends and family members who handled raffles and other work throughout the day.
“It was a full team effort,” he said. “Everybody did an unbelievable job to make it such a special day.”
While the outing was held in his father’s memory, Pete said there was little doubt how Ken would have felt about the day.
“I think everybody had a great day, but my dad would have had the best day,” he said. “It was really unfortunate that he wasn't there, but he was there in spirit. We felt his presence there.”
Enjoy these great pictures of the event, courtesy of Brian Borchard…