At this point in the school year, Dr. Cardone needs no introduction. As our new principal, he’s become an extremely familiar face in Amityville Memorial High School, guiding what has already been an amazing school year. But how many of us truly know the story behind his journey to the principal’s office? I recently sat down with Dr. Cardone to learn more about the path that led him here.
Dr. Cardone’s academic journey was advanced. He started at SUNY Farmingdale, following in his uncle’s footsteps by studying engineering. He then transferred to Nassau where he played soccer. It was there when he realized that his passion was education. From there, he pursued a Physical Education degree at LIU Post, followed by a Master’s in health from Adelphi University, an Advanced Master’s at Stony Brook University, and finally a Doctorate at St. John’s University.
Family, he says, inspired him to pursue a career in education. His grandmother was a teacher, his mother a “natural educator,” and his uncle a mentor. “The relationships I had with my high school teachers and my family’s support shaped everything,” Dr. Cardone said.
Dr. Cardone’s career in Amityville began 18 years ago as a Physical Education teacher and varsity soccer coach. He was recognized early with leadership potential and climbed up the ranks through professional development. Over the years, he transitioned to roles as Athletics Director, attendance administrator, Dean of Students (for six years), and Assistant Principal (for three years) before becoming Principal this year. He credits a former principal with inspiring his transition into administration, calling them “a model of what leadership should be.”
For Dr. Cardone, the joy of being principal is supporting positive change. Comparing this year to last, he notes fewer disruptions, safer halls, and rising perfect attendance rates each month. “Small adjustments can create big shifts,” he said, referencing Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point. He’s more than willing to collaborate with students on fun events and improvements as long as positive behavior continues.
The best advice he’s received? “Work hard, do right, and good things will come.” Integrity and honesty, he says, are necessary to succeed. His mother, a Cuban immigrant who arrived with nothing via the American Red Cross, taught him to work hard. “She didn’t speak English but built a life here as a nurse,” he explained.
Here’s a surprising fact: In 4th grade, Dr. Cardone scored a 100 on the Iowa Assessments, a standardized test tied to qualitative and quantitative skills. This earned him a spot in a group of students who took the SAT as elementary schoolers. He credits his intelligence to his father, who was extremely intelligent.
Outside school, soccer continues to remain a passion of his, playing in a men’s league for about a decade. However, his true priority is his family. “My kids are my hobby now,” he said. “My job is to raise them right and cherish time with my wife.”
Speaking with Dr. Cardone gave me an important perspective on the values behind his leadership. He states that his mission is to ensure every student leaves Amityville Memorial prepared for college, careers, and life, and remembers this school as a place that cared for them. “We’re building a culture of care,” he said. “And we’re just getting started.”
