Dennis Carroll

Our Teachers

A long over due collection of tribute pages to the individuals who accepted the challenge of educating us.

1992 Ashby Award Recipient

Dennis Carroll, photographer and painter, retired in June 2002 after 35 years with the Ridgewood, NJ Public Schools as an art teacher, District Supervisor of Art and Co-Artistic Director of the New Players Theater Company at Ridgewood High School. His studio is in Tinton Falls where he lives and is active in the greater community serving as President of the Arts Coalition of Asbury Park, and on the board of the ReVision Theatre Company. In 1996 he received the Governor’s Award for Art Education. From 2004-2007 he was co-owner of the APeXgallery in Asbury Park. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the state, and his photo, Bar Closed, won a juror’s prize in 2010 at the Monmouth Museum. He currently curates exhibitions at Heaven Art and Antiques Gallery in downtown Asbury Park.

I remember my first class with him in 7th grade, when he announced that everyone would receive an “A” if they turned in all their assignments on time. I have always liked the idea of grading children at that age on their punctuality and persistence, not simply on their artistic talent.

The Carroll Art Gallery at RHS is dedicated to him for his 35 years of outstanding service to Ridgewood Schools.

Dennis exemplifies what Simon Sinek says being a mentor is all about:

A mentor is not someone who walks ahead of us to show us how they did it.

A mentor walks alongside us to show us what we can do.

Suzie Baxter:

Oh my gosh! What an inspirtion Mr. Carroll! Thank you!

Steve Terhune

You’re the guy who, more than anyone, started me on my creative path, Dennis. GW Junior High- class of ’73. The teacher who stayed late every day so we could paint, draw and sculpt to our heart’s content. Probably the teacher I remember most. Thanks!