Board swears in student ex officio board member; district honors Prospect Hill teacher Nicholas D'Ambrosio

At the start of the Nov. 5 meeting the Pelham Union Free School District Board of Education swore in senior Nicholas De Janeiro as the second student ex officio member of the board. The student oath was administered by the district clerk: "I, Nicholas De Janeiro, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of The United States and the Constitution of the State of New York and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of student ex officio member of the Board of Education according to the best of my ability," De Janeiro recited.

Board members explained that this year’s structure will have seniors serve a one‑year term and juniors a two‑year term so the program grows continuity and student voice across meetings. The board said student ex officio members will bring perspectives to policies and committees throughout the year.

The board also held a multi‑speaker recognition ceremony for Nicholas ("Nick") D'Ambrosio, Prospect Hill physical education teacher, who was named New York State AHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Multiple speakers praised D'Ambrosio’s decades of work in Pelham, his adaptive physical‑education training, his role as an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College and his contributions to intramurals, coaching and fundraising initiatives.

Trustees and administrators recognized D'Ambrosio’s impact from kindergarten through grade 12 and commented on his role mentoring colleagues and promoting inclusive practice across the district.