Meet Albertus Salutatorian Anthony Tantillo

School: Senior at Albertus Magnus
Age: 18
Town: Pearl River

Anthony Tantillo has been awarded the honor of Salutatorian for the Class of 2012 at Albertus Magnus this year. One of the key characteristics of his success is how well-rounded he is, from sports to music to school council, he's done it all.

Throughout his four years at Albertus, Tantillo has enjoyed playing at some point on the lacrosse, football and the baseball teams. He's been active in the student council and a student ambassador.  But where he has really shined has been on the stage.

Tantillo often played the lead roles in the school plays and spring musicals. He was the lead in all four productions his sophomore and junior years. This year he also was the lead of the musical Hairspray.

"I was Link Larkin, a male lead, in my school's production of Hairspray, which was a blast.  The show was such a high-energy experience, and many people who had never done a show before came out for this year's musical, so it was nice to get to know a new group of people.  It was a great feeling to know that my last time on stage at Albertus was also one of my favorite performances."

He also participated in Summercliff Players' 2010 production of Urinetown: The Musical. Starring as Bobby Strong, the lead role.

"The Summercliff Players is a summer theatre group based in the town of Briarcliff, New York.  My school music teacher, Mrs. Nadia Rizzo, is the musical director for the group, and she suggested that I audition for a part in last year's production.  The experience exposed me to new people with similar interests, and I grew vocally and socially from taking part in their production."

In addition to acting Tantillo is a talented singer. He was in Chorus and Veritas which is honor choir.

Tantillo is also smart. Very smart. He has taken and completed AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry, AP English Literature & Composition, and AP European History.  He was inducted into the National Honors Society, the Math Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society, English Honors Society, History Honors Society, and Science Honors Society.

Anthony is the third of his siblings to graduate from Albertus.

"April (Tantillo) graduated Albertus in 2000, then St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) in 2004 and worked as a paramedic before earning an MD and an Master's in Public Health from New York Medical College in 2011. She's currently doing her Residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital.  Nicole (Tantillo) graduated in 2003, also went to STAC and graduated in 2007.  She then got a Master's degree from Pace University, and she currently teaches high school Chemistry.  They've both been great mentors, and, often times, act like another set of parents, but they have had a huge impact on my life."

This year's graduation ceremony was a very special one for the Tantillo family. . gave the Commencement Address at this year's  ceremony. And as Anthony is this year's Salutatorian, the family was able to reflect when Nicole Tantillo was the Salutatorian of her Class of 2003.

"It's a huge honor to have been selected as my class' salutatorian.  My sister Nicole was the salutatorian of her class at Albertus in 2003, so it means even more to me that I can follow in her footsteps."

Anthony will not be heading to STAC like his sisters. This fall he will be going to Fordham University on a full scholarship. He will, however, follow their lead by studying a science. Anthony plans on studying Physics. 

"I am interested in Physics because of the incredibly broad nature of the subject, and I also hope to use my education to somehow help society, whether that means teaching future generations, doing innovative research, or engineering a new way of life."

As for pursuing his interest in music and drama, Anthony plans to settle in at Fordham and decide what will fit his interests and schedule when he's there.

"I plan on trying to stay as actively involved in music and theatre as possible in college.  I know Fordham has a gospel choir, some a capella groups, and different groups that put on musicals and plays during the year.  I would love to try to balance these activities with my school work and any other clubs or groups."

Albertus Magnus has been fortunate to have the Tantillo clan walk it's hallways. And it appears that each of them have gone on to be successful.

"Some of my most memorable experiences this year at Albertus include performing in my last high school musical, Hairspray, which was an incredible, fun, high-energy experience I'll always take with me. Singing for the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill at the convent, which was the most heartwarming thing I remember doing.  I also loved my time playing lacrosse, attempting to start a Spartan Race team at the school to compete on June 3. Getting to know my teachers better because of the long hours spent doing work for their classes. And spending time with my friends before we go our separate ways next year."

Anthony Tantillo you have accomplished so much and you've only just begun. Best of luck at Fordham University! Greatness awaits you.