Quinn Bedell of Long Island, an 18-year-old senior at West Islip High School, was selected as an alternate candidate for the West Islip Board of Education in the Tuesday, May 16 election.
“I would like to thank the West Islip community for choosing me to serve as a trustee on the Board of Education. I am truly honored,” Biddle wrote Facebook Wednesday, May 17.
“I could not have done this without the incredible support of this community. I am forever grateful to each and every one of you and I promise to do everything in my power to make you proud.”
Bedell is currently vice president of the West Islip High School PTSA and was elected to three general seats along with Anthony Tussie and Christina Marks, according to the district website.
Biddle wrote on Facebook that he was listed as a by-election candidate because he missed the application deadline after a moment of self-doubt.
“Honestly, there was one fleeting moment of regret that frustrates me — it’s really not like me, but I’m like ‘Can I win?'” he said.
“The deadline passed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to do this, so after much deliberation, I decided to play.”
Bedell said he was inspired to run for the school board position after the death of his friend Tom Compitello, a former West Islip teacher and school board member.
“I can’t wait to keep that spirit alive in our town and try to fill those (very big) shoes,” he said in a statement. postal May 6th. “We need this energy and enthusiasm now more than ever. I own it.”
The teen told supporters on Facebook that he had “no agenda” for his new position, although he had expressed support for armed security guards on campus in previous posts.
“I know I feel like having armed security (hidden) makes me feel safer. I’ve also talked to friends who feel the same and even some teachers,” he wrote in a post postal May 3rd.
“Knowing that there are trained professionals on site ready to respond to emergencies can help reduce anxiety and create a more positive learning experience.”
During his time at PTSA, Bedell said he has been concerned about student safety, vaping, grade releases, substitute teacher issues and parking issues.
He also “worked hard” to have the high school recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day, he said.
Outside of class, the teen describes himself as a business owner, running his own landscaping company, Q-Man’s Landscaping, according to his Facebook page.
“Thankfully my first client saw my entrepreneurial spirit early on and set me on the path to success, I now serve 60 clients and manage 4 staff (all from West Islip) ,”He said.
“Because of my dedication and work ethic, I am able to successfully manage my finances, employees, clients and studies. With thoughtfulness and consideration, I can and will solve any problem.”
Bedell will begin his freshman year at SUNY Farmingdale this fall, where he plans to major in Horticultural Technology Management.
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