Angelina Castoro-Boutin: Ex Officio Board Member
LIHSA senior Angelina Castoro-Boutin is from Westbury, studying music and a 2026 Nassau BOCES Education Gala honoree.
In addition to her studies at LIHSA, Angelina served as an Ex Officio Student Board member to the Nassau BOCES Board. Nassau BOCES began including student Ex Officio Board Members on July 10, 2024. Angelina is one of the first four student representatives from programs across the agency, and the first from Long Island High School for the Arts. Angelina reflected on her experience, “It gives me a good chance to bring opinions straight from students to the Board of Education. I think it’s important for student opinions to be voiced and it’s not always voiced when it’s needed.”
In addition to providing feedback to the Board, Angelina also reports on student activities and events. She feels the experience has broadened her leadership and social skills. She shared, “At my home school, I didn’t have as many opportunities to perform, but when I came to LIHSA, it strengthened my passion for music. Serving Ex Officio on the Board strengthened my sense of leadership, how to advocate for myself, and how to push myself further.”
Getting the Nassau BOCES Education Foundation award was a highlight for Angelina who said, “I felt really honored that I was being recognized for my work. It made me realize the importance of what I do for the students here.” She also appreciated attending the BOCES education day in Albany this spring, representing LIHSA and learning about statewide BOCES programs..
Reflecting on her time serving Ex Officio to the Nassau BOCES Board, she offers this advice to future Ex Officio students, “Try to speak to as many people as you can. And also pay close attention and listen carefully to everything you’re hearing around you. It’s all really important.”
After graduation, Angelina plans to attend SUNY Purchase, Studio Composition. She shares wise advice with her LIHSA community, “Don’t let one negative thing keep you from doing what you want. It’s hard to be positive sometimes, but stay clear minded.”
Thank you, Angelina, for your music, your leadership, and your service. We will miss you but can’t wait to follow your continued journey!
