Pine Bush High School was the backdrop Thursday morning for the swearing in of Assemblyman Brian Maher, who began his second term of office in the New York State Assembly representing District 101.

 

 

Assemblyman Maher recounted that when he was on former state Senator Bill Larkin’s staff years ago,  the senator had his ceremony here at Pine Bush High School. It left an impression. He remembered it being a very special event and wanted the same.

“Today marks not just the start of another chapter in (Assemblyman Maher’s) journey, but a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as on,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Amy Brockner. “We know that when we unite in purpose, whether in the classroom, in our communities or thin our government, we can accomplish incredible things. Assemblyman Maher, your commitment to serving our community reflects this very idea, and we are proud to have you as a partner in our mission to create stronger, more connected communities for all.”

Service was the theme for JT Crawford III, the student speaker for the event. JT, a junior at Pine Bush High School, talked to the students and dignitaries about the importance of service, big or small.

 

“Everyone has the chance to serve your school, your community,” said JT.

JT certainly has. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2020. He and his family have become advocates for the T1D community. JT has spoken in Washington, lobbying for affordable insulin. He encouraged his peers to get involved in causes that are meaningful to them.

He ended by quoting Maya Angelou. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Then, Assemblyman Maher took his oath of office, with Orange County Court Judge Craig Brown, a graduate of Pine Bush High School, administering it while Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew held the Bible.

Assemblyman Maher said he had no interest in politics as a kid. “I was only interested in basketball,” he said. His advice to the students present: “If you have a dream, an impossible dream, the best thing you can do is chase it. Don’t be disheartened in your journey. Your end destination will be right where you belong.”

 

 

It wasn’t until he was a college student and met an elected representative in Albany that he became interested in politics. He ran for mayor of the Village of Walden in 2009 and was elected at age 23 – the youngest mayor in the state’s history at the time. He won by 64 votes.

“Surround yourself with people who will tell you want you need to know, not what you want to hear,” he said.

He later was elected Supervisor of the Town of Montgomery and then to the New York State Assembly in 2022.

Assemblyman Maher encouraged the students to find their purpose and pursue it.

“You can find what your mission is, what your why is, and have the most profound impact,” he said. “There is nothing impossible out there. You have the ability.”

 

 

He took questions from student and shared his biggest inspirations (his parents, actor and Walden resident Sam Wright and athlete Michael Jordan) and the best advice he’s ever received (time is your most valuable asset – value and maximize it). A member of the Committee on Mental Health, the assemblyman said his job is to eradicate the stigma surrounding it.

“Life is a roller coaster every day,” he said. “I have mental health issues. Going to a therapist is no different than going to the gym. Deflecting stigma on mental health – I’m hugely passionate about that.”

He left his audience with this advice:

“Challenge yourself to be the best version of yourself every day.”