PV History Club welcomes Ben Franklin impersonator

Ben Perlman, Zander Karalewich, and Ryan Lomanto

March 11, 2026

PVHS and PHHS history clubs pose for a picture with Ben Franklin impersonator

On Monday, Mar. 9, the Pascack Valley History Club hosted a Ben Franklin reenactor in the lecture hall. The Pascack Hills History Club also attended the event.

Jack Sherry, a retired high school history teacher from Paramus, began reenacting historical figures in 1980. After realizing that he looked like Ben Franklin, he began to tell the life story of the founding father while dressed exactly like him.

Ben Franklin impersonator speaks in the lecture hall (Zander Karalewich)

“[Sherry] has kind of made a career going around impersonating and reenacting as if he is Franklin,” PV History Teacher and History Club Advisor Leah Jerome said. “It was just fun to see someone dressed as if it was 1776 and speak in character.”

Sherry explained Franklin’s famous kite experiment, his childhood, and his relationship with his illegitimate son, who was the last royal governor of New Jersey.

Ben Franklin impersonator teaches about his kite experiment (Zander Karalewich)

“It was such a fun experience and a great way to honor the nation’s 250th birthday,” PV History Teacher Marisa Mathias said.

About the Contributors

Ben Perlman, Lead Sports Editor

Ben Perlman is a senior who joined The Valley Echo during his freshman year and is now a Lead Sports Editor for the paper. Ben is active in many other clubs and activities. He is on the Varsity Soccer Team, a Peer Leader, and an ambassador for the Zack Latteri Foundation. Ben enjoys writing articles for multiple sports through previews, week-in reviews, and athlete of the month features. He hopes to continue to write more stories for The Echo, exploring more about PV life and sports.

Zander Karalewich, Editor-in-Chief

Zander Karalewich is a junior at Pascack Valley High School and Editor-in-Chief of The Valley Echo. This is his third year with the student newspaper, where he previously served as a Staff Editor. Zander enjoys writing feature articles and school news for the paper. In addition to his role with The Echo, Zander is a member of Peer Leaders and an active member of clubs like This Week in Politics, Investment, and History, and plays golf for PV. He is also an event photographer for various publications.