To those who knew him, Scott “Scotty” Sanczyk was far more than just a friend. He was a person who had the power to light up any room, make everyone feel welcome, and leave an everlasting impression with his humor, energy, and warmth. Sanczyk possessed the rare ability to connect with anyone, transforming classmates, teammates, teachers, and even strangers into lifelong friends.

Sanczyk, 20, a member of the Kinnelon community, passed away in a car accident on Mar. 28, 2026. As a graduate of KHS in the class of 2024, he was a founding member and captain of the school’s bowling team, along with being captain of the school’s golf team. He was a passionate sports fan, cheering for the New York Jets, Seton Hall Pirates, and countless other teams. Beyond athletics, Sanczyk’s life was defined by laughter, kindness, and countless friendships. Family and friends remember him as someone who stood out, someone who was always there for them. 

Digital communications teacher Casey deWaal reflected on the impact Sanczyk had on him from the very beginning. Meeting him during the unique circumstances of Sanczyk’s freshman year over Zoom, deWaal recalled how Sanczyk stood out immediately. “Even through a screen, he came across as more than just any other student,” said deWaal. “You could see his energy and personality right away, his energy, his humor, and the way he connected with people.” deWaal continued to describe him as a genuine, kind, and loyal person, adding, “If you were his friend, he was really your friend. That’s just who he was.”

Beyond the classroom, Sanczyk’s impact on those around him was just as strong. As a founding member of KHS’s bowling team, he helped build a community that will continue forever. Something that started as a new team quickly became a space where students could connect, compete, and feel like a family, something that many credit to Sanczyk’s leadership and personality. His energy and inclusiveness set the tone early, shaping the team’s culture in a way that continues to be felt. 

The same leadership extends beyond bowling, as Sanczyk also served as captain of the school’s golf team, further demonstrating his ability to lead and bring people together across different spaces.

Head bowling coach James Soules, who shared a strong bond with Sanczyk both on and off the lanes, saw the impact firsthand. “Scotty was so personable, he made every person he talked to the most important thing in his life at that instant,” Soules said. He added that Sanczyk had “that magnetic personality that drew everyone in,” a quality that made him not only a strong leader but someone who left a lasting impression on everyone around him. 

In addition to the impact Sanczyk had on coaches and teachers, the impression he made on his classmates was just as significant. Senior Sean Porter recalls a heartfelt interaction with the two of them that has left a memory that will never be forgotten. 

“Scotty was someone who always had my back,” Porter said. “I remember when I was just a freshman, a few kids made some comments about how I had never tried a Taste of Reality sandwich. It didn’t feel like a big deal at the time, but the next day, Scott showed up to class with a sandwich just for me. He didn’t have to do that; no one made him, but he just cared.”

For Porter, it wasn’t about the sandwich. It was about the quiet act of kindness, a small, thoughtful gesture that spoke volumes about who Sanczyk was as a person. It’s a memory that will be carried with him for the rest of his life. 

As the community continues to grieve, Sanczyk’s legacy is already finding ways to live on. In his memory, his family developed the “Scott Sanczyk Scholarship Fund,” ensuring that his kindness, generosity, and spirit continue to impact the community. Those who wish to donate can make checks payable to Kinnelon Board of Education, with “Scott Sanczyk Scholarship” written on the memo line.

While his loss is felt deeply, those who knew him find comfort in the memories he left behind. His legacy lives not only in the teams he helped build but in the way he treated others.

Though gone too soon, Sanczyk’s impact will never be forgotten. His spirit continues to live on through the people he helped shape.