Winning a seat on a school board, in a contested election, against an incumbent is a challenge at any age—and Anthony Amiano did it at the tender age of 20. The feat made him the youngest elected official in New York State when he became a Valhalla Board of Education trustee in May 2014. (His role includes handling budgetary responsibilities and being responsive to parents and community members.) The Valhalla native, who first became involved in politics at age 10 when he volunteered for County Executive Rob Astorino’s campaign for the Westchester County Legislature, is also a legislative aide for Westchester County Legislator Michael Smith. And he just finished up a near-perfect academic record while earning his bachelor’s from Manhattan College. What drives Amiano? He credits faith, family, work ethic, and passion. “Although my age may cause hesitation for some professionally, I always strive to earn respect through my contributions,” Amiano says. Wunderfacts: - Advertisement -
• Amiano just graduated from Manhattan College (May 2015) with a BA in communication/public relations and a minor in government. He earned a cumulative 3.92 GPA; was inducted into the Honor Society of Epsilon Sigma Pi and Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society; and was listed on the dean’s list each semester throughout his four years. • He was senior class president at Valhalla High School in 2011. • Amiano is also involved in his local parish, Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla. He served for four years as a religious education teacher and now serves as a Eucharistic minister and member of the Holy Name Society (“Bingo Boys”), a volunteer and service-oriented organization. • Why the school board? “It is a great opportunity for me to both advocate for and represent the district that helped make me who I am today.” |