Very few people have the ability to manage music, sports, leadership, clubs, and academics while being loved by everyone around campus. Even if we are only connected with at least one of these things, we are all connected to Sam Iannone. Whether you see him leading the marching band or cheering everyone on at the rallies, Sam has truly made his mark on this school.
Sam is hard to miss with his welcoming personality, spirited energy, positivity, and motivation to “spread enthusiasm and passion.” “He is by far one of the most friendly, kind, passionate, and committed people I have worked with for many years,” says leadership teacher Ms. Cowey.
Sam’s love for music, specifically drumming, has grown for over 10 years. Our “outstanding music program” was a big part in Sam’s decision to go to SMHS, as he wanted to get as involved with music at San Mateo as possible. Sam is one of few students at San Mateo to participate in Marching and Jazz Band for all four years of high school, instructed by head music teacher Atillio Tribuzi. “Sam has been able to reach his musical and leadership potentials in our program. His infectious enthusiasm is a great asset to the program, and he has worked hard to help me build it up over his four years here,” says Mr. Tribuzi.
Sam was grateful when his hard work and dedication to music paid off as he was chosen to be drum major and lead the band this year. “I love the way music brings people together, especially jazz. And how it is a tool of communication and how it really is a way to amplify your voice,” Sam says. Iannone feels his connections to music have given him many opportunities and lifelong memories. He recalls having a bunch of super cool experiences like playing in the Stanford Jazz Miles Ahead Band, playing drums in a bunch of orchestra pits for musical shows, and leading the SMHS drum line.
Another one of Sam’s big accomplishments was being elected Spirit Commissioner during his senior year, alongside his good friend Oscar Morganstern. After the pandemic, “school spirit was at an all-time low, so when Oscar and I ran, we knew we had a big job ahead,” said Sam. Sam and Oscar did not disappoint, working with the admin, finding ways to provide free orange and black and spreading enthusiasm throughout our community.
Looking back on his year as spirit commissioner, Sam reflects one of his favorite parts of the job were the connections he was able to make and to spend time talking with many outstanding students, teachers, and admin. Above all, Sam has truly modeled what high school is all about: trying new things and growing as a person. He takes pride in exploring his passions, and says “Freshman Sam would have never believed that I would have been Spirit Commissioner or leading the band as drum major so I’m most proud of myself for taking advantage of all my opportunities.”
Sam has cherished his time in SMHS but has decided to take his journey to Boston where he will join Northeastern University’s class of 2027. With his goal of putting his leadership and business skills toward helping people in mind, he will be majoring in business healthcare. Whatever the future has in store for him, Sam has made our community more spirited and positive by spreading his kindness. His welcoming personality will undoubtedly be missed on campus.