Pacitti, a Lehigh Valley native, will act as moderator while two teams of four high school students each battle head to head on subjects such as humanities, science, the arts, and mathematics.  During the 24-minute show, Pacitti’s responsibilities include introducing the players, asking the questions, fielding answers, and keeping up the quick-paced momentum of the game.

“Scholastic Scrimmage is proud to be the longest running program on PBS39,” commented Alyissa J. Gallagher, Director of Education and Outreach for PBS39.

“We look forward to a new and exciting format for the Valley’s favorite academic competition.  I encourage our devoted viewers to tune in this season and am confident that Joe will attract a new crop of fans.”

More than 130 students from 29 schools in our region compete in this televised academic quiz show each year. At the end of the season, the top two schools win cash prizes for their schools, provided by program partner grants. The first place school receives $4,000 and the second place school receives $2,000 for their scholarship fund.

Pacitti attended St. Ann School in Emmaus and Emmaus High School.  As a kid, he considered himself a jack of most trades – lacrosse, jazz band and coincidently, an alternate for the Scholastic Scrimmage team.  Having dabbled in many pursuits in high school and college, he always found immense value in learning about anything and everything.

“As host of Scholastic Scrimmage, I have finally received the coveted opportunity to make my debut on the PBS39 stage,” said Pacitti.  “It is time I got rid of the sub-sub-alternate title.”

Pacitti attended Temple University and graduated with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Italian.  He credits his wife, Carla, for encouraging him to become a high school teacher.  Prior to moving back the Lehigh Valley, Pacitti taught in Maryland and Philadelphia. Now in his fourth year at Salisbury High School, he teaches 11th and 12th grade English, AP Language and Composition, and Yearbook. Salisbury High School, a long time participant in Scholastic Scrimmage competitions, was last year’s champion.

A current doctoral candidate in education at Lehigh University under the advisement of Dr. Craig Hochbein, Pacitti spends his free time reading and writing about managerial and labor economics and their intersections within the realm of K-12 education hiring and retention protocols.

Although devoted to the academic success of his Salisbury students, Pacitti never misses the opportunity to show them just how “hip” a teacher can be.  Last year, he won the honor of “Stankiest Stanky Leg” in the fall pep rally, and had the opportunity to wear an old, sweat-stained Falcon outfit for charity.  The school has reportedly retired the costume.

 “My family – Carla, son Luca, daughter Alessandra, and Gatsby the family dog – allow me to stay around despite my eccentricities,” said Pacitti. “I have large shoes to fill.  Dr. Walton set a very high bar as an educational game show host.  I am excited to bring my personality to the role while still honoring the program’s four-plus decade long legacy.”

PBS39 is a community-owned public television station licensed to Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, Pa., serving eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. PBS39 is owned and operated by the Lehigh Valley Public Telecommunications Corporation. PBS39 acts as the catalyst to promote civic engagement, and to fulfill the regional needs of the Greater Lehigh Valley through its dynamic communication platforms and resources. For more information, visit wlvt.org.