By Kate E. Salute
Palmiotto had been a student at Malverne High School for only10 days before the accident. His guidance counselor, Yvonne Straker, said, "He came here from school in Queens. I talked to him every day -- he would stop by to say hello, to get something or to ask a question. He was a very nice young man, very personable. For the short time I knew him, he'd come by on his lunch break, sometimes if he got to school early, before he left for the day he'd stop by. Just such a nice young man."
Natalie Murray, a student at Malverne High, had classes with Palmiotto. "He was a real nice kid," she said. "We talked in class and I thought he was such a little cutie, and that's what I called him, Cutie. It was real sad when we all found out kids were in the hall crying. No announcement was made. Usually we have a moment of silence or something, but we didn't this time."
Dr. Mary Ellen Freeley, superintendent of schools, said, "On behalf of the entire Malverne school community, I would like to extend our sympathies to the family. Although this student was with us for such a short time, we are saddened by this loss. Counseling services have been and will continue to be available for any student who wishes to participate."
Dan Wakeford, a football player at the high school, had spent time with Palmiotto. "He was a really great guy," Wakeford said. "I didn't know him all that much, but we had hung out a few times, because he was good friends with my friend Casey from the time they were little."
According to police officer Chris Philippazzo of the office of the deputy commissioner of public information, the car was discovered on its side in front of 80-19 155th Avenue in Queens at 10:38 p.m.
Palmiotto was driving with a permit license. Under New York State Law, permit drivers are not allowed to drive without being accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 21 and a guardian or loco parentis.
Additional reporting by Karenlyn Barone and Michael Schnitzel.
Comments about this story? Ksalute@liherald.com or 569-400 ext. 205.
