Massapequa High School student Anthony Morano, who is studying theater at Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA), was honored recently by the White House, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Prudential Financial for his humanitarian efforts. He earned both the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Award for his substantial volunteer work.
“Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise,” wrote President Barack Obama in a congratulatory letter to Morano. “Thank you for your devotion to service, for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country, and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.”
The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes those who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. It is offered in partnership by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the NASSP and Prudential.
Morano was also named a Distinguished Finalist for the State of New York in the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. He was selected for the distinction by a panel of state-level judges based on a rigorous set of criteria including personal initiative, effort, impact and personal growth.
“You are an exemplary role model for your peers,” wrote NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti and Prudential Financial Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld in a joint letter to Morano. “Thank you for your inspiring commitment to serving your community. Contributions like yours make our communities and our entire nation stronger. We salute you for your achievement.”
During the course of the past four years, Morano has raised $10,000 for a number of charities. He is also the host of LIHSA’s annual “Cemetery of Lost Souls” fundraiser, which he holds at his home in Massapequa Park. The event is supported by a number of Long island institutions including WBAB radio and the Halloween Home Haunters of Long Island.
—Submitted by Nassau BOCES
