April 23rd, 2021 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Town Councilman James O’Connor recently recognized local resident, Luca Iallonardi at Town Hall during Autism Awareness Month.
The Hauppauge High School senior rode his bike 100 miles, from the South Street Seaport in Manhattan to Smith Point County Park in Shirley, as part of an event coordinated through Bike to the Beach. Luca participated in the 10-hour ride in honor of his 19-year-old brother Jackson, who is autistic. Along the way, Luca raised nearly $9,000, the fourth-highest among New York City and the ninth-highest amount in the United States. Luca rode with team members representing the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America.
In addition to his volunteer work, Luca is a member of the National, Social Studies and Spanish honor societies, an All-National vocalist, and the president of his high school’s chamber choir, and will attend Brown University in the fall.
“Luca is deeply empathetic toward those within the disability community, and is dedicated to their empowerment,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “He demonstrates compassion, kindness and character, and Brown University will be lucky to have him,” said Supervisor Carpenter.
“I was moved by Luca’s recent accomplishment of riding his bike 100 miles across Long Island to raise awareness for individuals with Autism, while simultaneously raising $9,000 for Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America,” said Town of Islip Councilman James P. O’Connor.
“Looking to the future, it is important for us to support tomorrow’s leaders, today. For this reason, as Chairperson of the Town’s Disability Advisory Board and as a parent of an individual on the spectrum, Youth Inclusion is a top priority. Here at the Town of Islip, to help cultivate an equitable future, my office regularly recognizes remarkable students like Luca, that advocate and support causes on behalf of the disability community,” added Councilman O'Connor.
“I wish Luca and the Iallonardi family the best of luck. During the month of April, as we celebrate Autism Awareness Month, on behalf of the Disability Advisory Board, I thank the Iallonardi family for their unwavering advocacy,” concluded Councilman O’Connor.
