John Aquilino

Daily Point of Light # 3871 Dec 4, 2008

John Aquilino has become the steadfast and loyal volunteer crossing guard for Hyattsville Elementary School and St. Jerome School. Daily, hundreds of teachers, faculty, staff, children and their parents are safely ushered into their schools. In addition, he is a part of the Tenant Association at Friendship Arms and an active coach with the Washington Catholic Youth Organization.

In the spring of 2006, Mr. Aquilino became associated with the Tenants Association at Friendship Arms. Friendship Arms is a 150 unit apartment building of subsidized housing for senior and disabled residents. One of the great challenges facing this group was their ability to complete the necessary documentation required to achieve disabled status. In no time, Mr. Aquilino completed the paperwork. Mr. Aquilino’s commitment to this group did not end there. He coordinated annual community dances and social events, located new & used furniture, computer equipment and continues to serve as a trusted advisor when needed.

Mr. Aquilino serves on the School Advisory Board at St. Jerome School and coaches t-ball, baseball and softball for the Washington Catholic Youth Organization. Mr. Aquilino revived the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus and continues to raise funds for St. Jerome School and Church. Through the Catholic Sportsman Organization, Mr. Aquilino has sought funding opportunities to sponsor Hyattsville Middle School student musicians at national music festivals, collected toys and raised monies for the Sony Frazier Toy Drive. Mr. Aquilino has been a tireless supporter for our community schools by advocating for improved crosswalks, sidewalks and greater signage around all schools in the city. Mr. Aquilino is a champion for the cause of special needs populations, and continues to coordinate community meeting and to spear head volunteer efforts to increase residential participation in our community.

In addition, Mr. Aquilino has had to overcome many obstacles. As a parent of a sixteen year old, quadriplegic at James Duckworth Special Need School, Mr. Aquilino recognized the need to replace the antiquated lift in the therapeutic pool. Needless to say the purchase was necessary and Mr. Aquilino immediately responded in the affirmative! Soon a community wide fundraiser was held and the school now enjoys a safe and accessible entrance into the pool.


jaytennier