Longtime Glen Cove resident Robert Germino spoke at Landing Elementary School last month, telling students, "A key to being a successful leader is helping others."
Germino spoke at the school's Junior Rising Star ceremony, part of a program which honors two students from each class who have shown "great improvement in academics, effort or behavior."
Germino, who served in Iraq as a Marine Corps captain, quoted George Washington: "'There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily,'" he said. "Let the pursuit of truth guide you along your way to becoming leaders in our community."
Germino is a graduate of the Glen Cove School District and Hofstra University, and more recently worked for the county through its "Warriors to Work" program. He left that position to work for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney as a financial advisor associate.
He told students to strive to help others, and to be a mentor to anyone asking for help. He also told them to value those who could serve as their own mentors.
"Some of you may not know where your path will take you," he said. "I did not know when I was your age, however, mentors such as your teachers, friends and family members will help you along the way."
