On Friday, January 3, State Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg participated in a ceremonial inauguration led by Peekskill High School students. The program was part of her office’s ongoing efforts to encourage young people to participate in civic life.
“I’m here at Peekskill High School because I want to share this experience with young people. While this is a ceremonial inauguration, it is an important opportunity for the next generation— that’s you guys— to learn about who your representatives are and how accessible we can be,” said Levenberg during her remarks, gesturing to the nearly two dozen state, county and municipal elected officials present. The Assemblywoman went on to share the story of how her advocacy for her children led to a career in government as an example of how ordinary citizens can make change starting from where they are. “There is so much we can do to make the world a better place if each of us starts right in our own neighborhoods, leading with kindness.”
Levenberg was sworn in by Peekskill High School senior D’Andre South and sophomore Ella Morel, who also served as the event’s Masters of Ceremony. The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Gabriella Smart and the Peekskill String Quartet played a musical interlude after Levenberg’s remarks. Near the end of the ceremony, Levenberg also presented the Peekskill City School District with a ceremonial check for a $30,000 grant she secured for the district’s performing arts program.
“As a student at Peekskill High School, I was so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Assemblywoman Levenberg’s swearing in ceremony,” said Morel. “We are also all so grateful for the generous grant she provided to update the lighting in our auditorium to support our performing arts department.”
Peekskill City School District Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio was on hand to introduce district personnel in attendance and offer brief remarks at the start of the program. Of Levenberg, Mauricio said, “In preparing for today’s event, one of my staff members said, ‘She is so genuine and caring.’ I thought those two words were so powerful because I have seen that as well through all of the work that you have done for all of the communities you serve, especially Peekskill. We are so appreciative of all that you have brought to the table as an Assemblywoman and all that you are doing in Albany for our region.”
Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie also participated in the program, introducing elected officials in attendance. In the room were State Senator Pete Harckham, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Deputy Westchester County Executive Richard Wishnie, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Vedat Gashi, Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith, Putnam County Legislator Nancy Montgomery, Peekskill Common Councilmembers Brian Fassett and Dwight Douglas, Cortlandt Town Supervisor Richard Becker, Cortlandt Deputy Supervisor Jim Creighton, Cortlandt Town Board Member Robert Mayes, Town of Philipstown Supervisor John Van Tassel, Philipstown Councilmember Jason Angell, Yorktown Clerk Diana Quast, Village of Croton Mayor Brian Pugh, Village of Croton Deputy Mayor Len Simon, Village of Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen E. Foley, Village of Nelsonville Mayor Chris Winward, and former Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Catherine Borgia.
Levenberg concluded her remarks by encouraging students to stay in contact with the office and to apply for an internship. Interested students can use this link, also found on the Assemblywoman’s website, to apply.
Event livestream available here.
