Charles DiGruccio

“I was born and raised in Queens, and I lost my mother at the age of 14. That experience taught me how to face adversity and find strength in challenging circumstances. I went on to attend Queens College in Flushing, one of the most culturally diverse areas on the planet. I have a double bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Classical Studies, and English with a minor in Secondary Education, and a master’s in English. I’ve been a high school English teacher in the Bronx for 20 years, working with a diverse student population, including teaching English to speakers of other languages. I also work as a field specialist, mentoring student teachers at the Fordham Graduate School of Education. I moved to Peekskill in 2019, seeking a diverse, culturally rich environment with more space and nature for my dog and two cats, and it’s been the perfect fit. In Peekskill, I’ve found the freedom to fully express myself, including proudly displaying a pride flag on my front porch. This led me to join and eventually take a leadership role in Peekskill Pride. I’m running for office because I’ve been an advocate for my students, the LGBTQIA+ community, and myself. Now, I’m ready to extend that advocacy to the City of Peekskill, ensuring it remains a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and able to be their true selves.”