Alma mater honors Ciotti

With a rich list of accomplishments that would earn anyone numerous bragging rights, Nassau County Legislator John Ciotti remains very humble. Seated in front of his home crowd at Valley Stream North High School, he epitomizes cool confidence and shows a beaming smile. Undoubtedly happy, Ciotti surveys the room full of dozens of his colleagues, family, friends, administrators and students — a very touching show of support.

Perhaps unlike many other moments that he had spent in the school’s gymnasium, including his time at North before graduating in 1970, roars of praise rose for Ciotti, who was named the 10th recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award on March 14.

“I thought when I was at North High School, there wasn’t one teacher that would peg me to become a rocket scientist,” he joked.

Recounting how he felt reading about the award’s past recipients, which include an actual rocket scientist who helped build the Challenger space shuttle, Ciotti seemed tickled by laughter and memories. Before disco balls lit up state-wide dance floors, he had met his future wife Mary Jane. And the 1960s brought another love: Music. “I can tell you that 35 years ago, I had a rock group and I loved it,” he said. “I was going to be a musician. I was going to be a rock star and then I became a lawyer.”

Ciotti drummed in a local band while attending North. During a “battle of the bands” competition at the Village Green in 1968, he met one of his best friends — former Valley Stream Mayor John DeGrace. “[Our meeting] was during the turbulent ’60s in Valley Stream with teenagers trying to figure out the world,” DeGrace said. “Music was a big part of how young people could express themselves and there was John doing exactly that.”

Ciotti still “rocks out” today using the same passion and commitment from working as a politician, DeGrace added.

Several others praised Ciotti for his warmth. Fellow county Legislator Francis Becker, who district borders Ciotti’s, said that Ciotti is an “amazing individual” who has been a caring presence in his community since being elected in 1995. Ciotti is a person that all students should emulate, Becker said. “John is there for each and every body in this district no matter who you are, no matter your group or registration and no matter your race, color or creed,” he said.

Many looked beyond Ciotti’s resumé his several re-elections, high-ranking positions including deputy presiding officer and chairman of various legislative committees, and his attorney and accounting credentials just to name a few. It became apparent that Ciotti was celebrated for an innate ability to love others.

Ciotti dedicated most of his acceptance speech to honoring others for their selfless acts, which have made quite an impression in his life. “Heroes” is what he called two North High students, Kendal Levy and Marvin Voltaire, who helped an elderly couple shovel out their cars after a February snowstorm. Ciotti awarded a citation to the young men. Later, he thanked a special guidance counselor for a lesson in teamwork. “When you’re going through life,” he said, “you start to realize your accomplishments, big or small, and you realize one thing: Somebody helped you, somebody pushed you.” Now, all these years later, Ciotti presents an annual $500 scholarship in that counselor’s honor.

Ciotti acknowledged his family, colleagues and friends like DeGrace who encouraged him to join the Legislature. He expresses much pride in his home school, too. And just like a revolving door, that love is given back to Ciotti. “You are a fine example of diligence, respect, quality and perseverance, all the qualities North High School instills in its students, and we thank you for keeping [North] close to your heart,” Brenna Sweet, student council president, told Ciotti.

Principal Clifford Odell said that Ciotti is a “true and selfless public servant who serves all with passion, purpose and a vision for the future.”

Talking about how he loves his community — Ciotti lives in North Valley Stream — he imparted advice. “Never ever forget where you come from,” he said. “Don’t ever let somebody criticize you where you give up.” And maybe reminiscent of a Nike advertisement, he advised students to chase their dreams — “just do it.”