LI high schooler's errand leads to career
Pictured from left to Right: Trustee Don Ryan, Kevin Arevalo, Trustee Henry Conyers, Bob Betman, Trustee Perry Pettus, Mayor Wayne Hall and Trustee Livio Rosario. Arevalo, 18, a senior at Hempstead High School, became a New York State-licensed property and casualty insurance broker on July 5. He received the Youth on the Move Award for Diligence and Commitment from the Village of Hempstead Board of Trustees. (Aug. 4, 2011) Credit: Handout
Two years ago, Kevin Arevalo ran an errand that has turned into a career.
On July 5, Arevalo, 18, became a New York State-licensed property and casualty insurance broker -- a move he attributes to his 2009 visit to an office in Hempstead Village to pay his mother's car insurance. Now he's become licensed to sell property and casualty insurance.
Arevalo's accomplishment was recognized when he received the Youth on the Move Award for Diligence and Commitment from the Village of Hempstead board of trustees last week.
"I am very excited that I started my career," said Arevalo, whose parents are from El Salvador. He said he would like to open his own insurance agency. Arevalo, a senior at Hempstead High School, plans to go to college.
Robert Betman, 48, owner of Coverage Plus Insurance in Hempstead, mentored Arevalo and gave him an internship. The village presented Betman with the Small Business Commitment to Community Award.
To become an insurance broker, Arevalo had to complete a 105-hour course at a state-licensed insurance school. Betman paid for Arevalo's training.
"It's almost like he's my legacy," said Betman, of Jericho. "He's an amazing role model for other kids in Hempstead."
