Middle schooler Jack Aiello is joining late-night hosts and Saturday Night Live in using the 2016 presidential candidates for material. Frankly, he’s better than the professionals.
Aiello, of Thomas Middle School in Illinois, delivered his graduation speech last week while impersonating the presidential candidates.
First up was Donald Trump, as Aiello congratulated the audience for getting to hear a speech from the presumptive GOP nominee. He proceeded to tell the audience “that Thomas has been such a great school, I mean quite frankly it’s been fantastic.”
Aiello also described one of his teachers as fantastic, who would help them with their “winning.”
He then transformed into Ted Cruz, who blessed Thomas Middle School and applauded the family and consumer science class and music.
As President Obama, Aiello thanked his principal and spoke of fond memories from gym classes where he did yoga and Hawaiian dance classes.
With his Hillary Clinton impression, Aiello thanked the teachers who taught students tools they will take on to high school, in a somewhat shout-y and pandering voice.
As Bernie Sanders, he approved of the “delicious” lunches, but suggested they be made free.
“Why should the students have to pay for their own cinnamon rolls? It doesn’t make any sense,” he said. “What we need is a cinnamon roll revolution.”
Aiello finished his speech with his Sanders impersonation. “I would just like to say that the bottom line is this: as far as schools go, TMS is in the top of one half of one half of one percent of schools in the entire country,” he said.
His speech received much applause and laughter, as well as a standing ovation.
The 350 middle school graduates were tasked with writing a graduation speech as part of an English assignment, and then evaluated by teachers and staff to choose the winner. Aiello “was hands down No. 1 because it was going to speak to the kids,” Principal Brian Kaye told NBC Chicago.
Aiello is not only interested in the comedic side of things, though it is his dream to meet former Saturday Night Live cast member Dana Carvey. His parents say he’s very into politics, and took him to Iowa where he met Sanders, Carly Fiorina, Marco Rubio, and Rand Paul.
Aiello hopes for a career in politics or comedy.
