Pugh, Napolitano Among Those Honored in Times' Forty Under 40

When Moorestown Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano and Moorestown Board of Education Member Brandon Pugh found out they were named to the Burlington County Times’ "Forty Under 40" list, both were surprised they were selected.

But to someone who has read their list of achievements at their relatively young age, it's immediately apparent why they were chosen.

The Burlington County Times released its inaugural "Forty Under 40" list just over a month ago and had a celebration for the honorees this past Monday. The list is made up of 40 young adults who have made a difference in their communities within Burlington County. 

For both Pugh and Napolitano, to be named to a list that includes U.S. Congressman Jon Runyan and State Assemblyman Troy Singleton was quite an honor.

“I had no clue I was receiving it,” Pugh said. “I never even found out who exactly nominated me.”

“No one really told me that they nominated me,” Napolitano said.

Both Pugh and Napolitano have something in common in that they strove to be elected to a position at a very young age and succeeded. Pugh was elected to the Moorestown Board of Education last November and currently writes a monthly column about Moorestown schools for Patch, all at just 20 years old.

“I always like to read people’s bios,” Pugh said of other young adults. “When I was young, seeing someone else young do something really inspired me.”

Pugh was excited to see that the Burlington County Times started honoring young people. He said there are people on the list who would not otherwise receive any attention.

“I’m glad to see they have an award for this,” he said. “Too often, people who do the work in the community aren’t recognized.”

Napolitano ran into similar obstacles with age when she was elected to Moorestown Township Council in November at just 24 years old. She said there were some who thought she was too young to run.

"But there were also people who were very supportive of me," she said.

Napolitano believes she serves as an example that young adults don’t have to be just another face in the crowd.

“Young people do have a voice and can participate in their community,” she said.

A few other Moorestown and Cinnaminson residents made the "Forty Under 40" list. They include: Paul Canton, co-owner of Canton Custom Homes in Moorestown; Andrew Hipple, a senior financial advisor and Moorestown High School alum; and Tony Perry, co-founder of Tech2Educate and Cinnaminson High School alum.

Some people may look at the list as an inspiration for kids and teenagers. While they were honored to be on the list, both Pugh and Napolitano aren’t looking just for accolades.

“I don’t do what I do for the recognition, “ Pugh said about being on the school board. “I do it because I love to do it.”

“For me, I just do what I do,” Napolitano said. “If that can positively affect someone, that’s great.”

A full list of The Burlington County Times’ Forty Under 40 can be found on their website.