For the second year in a row, Mr. Stracco, an English Teacher at RHS and the advisor of the GSA, has been recognized on the NJ Insider 100 Powerlist. For the past four years, NJ Insider– an online media outlet– has recognized “InsiderNJ’s OUT 100 Power List a tribute to politically influential LGBTQs in NJ Politics.”
Mr. Stracco, an active member of his community as well as the founder and Chair of the Hawthorne Pride Alliance, has become an influence in the LGBTQIA+ community. Both Mr. Stracco and Ms. Prinzo have been recognized with honors throughout Passaic County.
“I am very honored to be part of this list again”, says Mr. Stracco. “To be recognized throughout the State of New Jersey on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community is not something I take lightly. It is an honor, but the honor goes to those who fought before us and to those who will continue to fight after us. It is because of our GSA at RHS as well as the Hawthorne Pride Alliance that we are able to lead both communities to more inclusivity and equality.”
Mr. Stracco’s vision, inspired by the Rutherford Pride Alliance, is complemented by his co-chair Ms. Prinzo, who also resides in Hawthorne. “Having Erica (Ms. Prinzo) as my co-chair is an extraordinary help. Moreover, she exemplifies the true meaning of an ally. The Alliance is very grateful for her support, her creativity, and her presence.”
As for the upcoming year, Stracco says that he has big plans for the Hawthorne Pride Alliance including a clothing and food drive for the RAIN Foundation (an LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth Shelter), a production of “My Big Gay Italian Christmas” (Mr. Stracco just directed and led two sold-out productions of “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” ), a “What Now?” series, sponsoring the first Passaic County GSA Summit to be held at Passaic County Community College, as well as planning Hawthorne’s Pride Day 2022.
The Alliance’s yearly events culminate with the town’s Pride Day celebration in June. Hawthorne’s very first Pride Day– organized by Mr. Stracco– took place on June 5th, 2021. During the first Pride Day, Mr. Stracco was recognized by Mayor Richard Goldberg, the Mayor of Hawthorne, as well as Assemblywoman Lisa Swain and Assemblyman Chris Tully for the work towards equality and acceptance that Mr. Stracco and his Alliance has done and continues to do.
