Meet The Teen Running For Lindenhurst School Board

LINDENHURST, NY - Lindenhurst High School senior Gabrielle Anzalone recently announced she was running for a spot on the school board.

The 18-year-old Lindenhurst native decided to run after she and other students received detention for participating in the national school walkout in protest against gun violence on March 14.

Patch spoke to Anzalone about her campaign. Read the full interview below:

Patch: What inspired you to start running for a spot on the school board?

Anzalone: Back in March, my friend Mae and I tried to organize a walk out at our school. We attempted to contact administrators and board members, but no effort to communicate or negotiate was made. After participating in my school walkout, we were punished. The punishment was rescinded, but our voices still were not heard; we were still silenced. I understand the school had a concern for our safety, but the lack of dialogue between the student body and the board is what made me realize that we, the students, have no proper representation on the BOE. I am running to bring a new, modern, and accurate perspective to the board that will help it operate in a manner that truly reflects the best interests of the students and community.

P: What is the first thing you plan to do if you win the spot on the board?

A: If I win a seat on the board, I will start being a part of the solution. With a fresh perspective and determination, I will work hard to bring that to the table and properly represent the students of Lindenhurst. Along with the rest of the board’s input, with my alternate viewpoint we can make a more informed decision in order to best serve Lindenhurst and its community.

P: Have you received support from the Lindenhurst community?

A: I have received an overwhelming amount of support not only by the Lindenhurst community, but from all across the state and nation. I am ever so grateful to all the people who believe in me, and if elected, I will fight for them.

P: What has been the most difficult part of the campaign so far?

A: I honestly love campaigning. I have worked on several in the past prior to running my own. The hardest thing is dealing with the sudden rush of responsibilities, ranging from finances to publicity. But with good time management and the great team my friends, family, and supporters have made, we make it work.

P: What do you think is the most important issue the Lindenhurst school district is currently facing?

A: Some of the most pressing issues facing Lindenhurst presently are school safety, mediocre graduation rates, a lack of emphasis on pure education and organic cognition, a need for creative budgeting, and the silencing of student’s voices. But, if elected, I will work to find resolutions to all these issues.

P: What is one thing you want your voters to know about you?

A: I may only be 18, but I care deeply about this town and I am fully qualified for this position. If the residents of Lindenhurst choose to elect me, I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to prove myself, and to prove that, under the right guidance, Lindenhurst can and will reach its full potential.

The election will take place on May 15 between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Anzalone will be running against Josephine Martino will be running for the seat previously held by trustee Edward J. Murphy Jr.

Photo: Facebook.com/Anzalone for Lindy