Matt Fascaldi ’14 returned to The Storm King School on Thursday, October 29, for a Thursday Night Speaker Series fireside chat in Ogden focused on elections, voting, and the role of government in our communities.
Part of the SKS Speaker Series, the evening featured the alumnus, a member of the Class of 2014, in conversation with students just days before the midterm elections. He shared what it is like to run for office, how American elections work, and why civic participation matters for young people, even before they can vote.
From Storm King to Public Service
Fascaldi, who represents the Town of New Windsor in the Orange County Legislature, also serves as Director of Constituent Services for the office of New York State Senator James Skoufis. He spoke with students about his path from Storm King into public service, his responsibilities in both positions, and how local and state government affect the everyday lives of Hudson Valley residents.
Memories of Life on the Mountain
Returning to campus brought back memories of his own time as a student. “I feel a great sense of nostalgia every time I’m on campus,” he shared. Mr. Fascaldi reflected on several SKS teachers who had a lasting influence on his career, as well as his experiences participating in cross-country and wrestling. In addition to his history classes, he particularly enjoyed American Sign Language and took part in many aspects of campus life on the Mountain.
Matt Fascaldi ’14 chats with students before the Thursday Night Speaker Series in Ogden.
Why Every Vote Counts
Drawing on his experience in government, Mr. Fascaldi offered students a closer look at how elections work and why civic participation matters. During the discussion, Assistant Head of School for Academics and History Department Chair Tim Gillett asked what he would say to someone who believes their vote does not matter because they are just one person. “Every vote counts,” emphasized Mr. Fascaldi, citing several examples of elections decided by margins of just one or two votes.
Student Questions and Takeaways
Students had plenty of questions of their own during the Q&A session, and several stayed afterward to continue the conversation. Some expressed interest in learning about internship opportunities with Senator Skoufis’s office and other ways to gain firsthand experience in government and public service.
Mr. Fascaldi’s visit offered students a valuable perspective on the many ways to become involved in their communities and demonstrated how experiences and relationships formed at Storm King can carry forward into life beyond the Mountain.
