FRANK VETRO is an Italian American residing in eastern Long Island. His family came to the United States so their children could have the education and opportunity they never had. In living out his family’s American dream he pursued a career in education. He graduated with a BS in 1995 and began his career as a HS science teacher. In 1998 he received his MA, from 1998-2000 he earned 90 credits in educational pedagogy. In 2003 Frank became certified as a School Business and School District Administrator and quickly advanced to MS and HS principal in Hampton Bays, NY.

In February 2006 his bright future came to a screeching halt.

After reporting potential child abuse in an educational setting Frank was arrested and thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. He lost his career, couldn’t find employment for many years, forced from his home, and left for dead. That is, until a priest saved his life. With his support Frank acted as his own attorney, uncovered the truth behind his arrest, and recreated his life.

He’s a principal again. Ironically, he works with the court system, educating youths who have been arrested, kicked out of school, and need a second chance. In 2016 he became the host of a radio show and joined a not for profit that promotes racial harmony. He’s interviewed nationwide, spoken at colleges and universities, helped pass a bill in the NYS Senate, and was honored for his advocacy against wrongful convictions. Frank’s story is included in a documentary which won a Humanitarian Award in 2018 and Best Feature Film in 2019. In 2022 He received a Legacy Award given “to those inspirational people who empower communities by example and selfless contributions”.

Frank authored Standing on Principal in hopes of spurring change and preventing future injustices. It melds the fictional “Fatal Attraction” with the real-life Duke Lacrosse scandal. It’s a first hand, well-documented account of a rogue system that underestimated the tenacious character of its accused as he refused to be intimidated by a political machine.