He's not even out of high school yet, but 18-year-old Quinn Bedell is entering the race for West Islip School Board.

He's hoping his unique perspective will give students a more powerful voice.

"I'd definitely like to see the students have more of an impact on what goes on in the Board of [Education],” said Bedell.

The high school senior owns his own landscaping business with about 65 clients. He is also an Eagle Scout. Rob Murray, scoutmaster of Troop 95, says he was “not surprised” by his decision to run.

"... If anyone would do something like this, it would be Quinn," Murray said.

Bedell was inspired to run by his friend Tom Compitello, a longtime school board member who died earlier this year. He hopes his story will get other people his age involved in their community.

"I feel if I were up there, maybe it would promote other kids to start talking more and coming to more board meetings. I feel it's important because if we don't say something, how do we know it's going to change?" Bedell said.

If elected, Bedell said he would like to improve screening for learning disorders. It is a topic he is especially passionate about because he was diagnosed with dyslexia in as a sophomore.

Bedell is a write-in candidate. The election will be held on May 16.