'Carter Rubin Day' On LI As 'Voice' Winner Greets Hometown Fans

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER, NY — Carter Rubin, 15, garnered millions of supporters as this year's winner of "The Voice," but arguably none were more fiercely devoted than his hometown fans.

A group turned out to welcome Carter home last week and on Tuesday, he was honored at Shoreham-Wading River High School, where he is a sophomore, with a recognition ceremony and a car parade.

Shoreham-Wading River Central School District Superintendent Gerard Poole kicked off the event, congratulating Carter on his performance and win and expressing the community's pride. "Not just for your amazing voice but also for your amazing personality and character...What an uplifting journey you took us all on," he said.

He added that even though Carter was 3,000 miles away, fellow students and friends sent love, energy, support, and positive vibes for his success. "You inspired us the entire time," at a time when the world needs inspiration, Poole said. "Carter, you're amazing."

High School Principal Frank Pugliese said Carter has incredible singing talent. "But that is not what makes you special. What makes you special is what you do with it, how you impact people, how you make them feel."

As an educator, Pugliese said, one of the greatest joys is getting to see students doing what they love. "You got to do it on a national stage. And that is absolutely outstanding."

The district then awarded Carter with proclamations — and also, gave an award to Carter's brother Jack, who has autism. Carter spoke of his deep bond with his brother on "The Voice" and said seeing the world through his eyes was a beautiful thing.

"That award recognizes your positive attitude, your support. You really embody the values of our school district. You really taught all of us how to support someone you love and how to be a big brother," Poole said.

Colette Grosso, vice president of Wildcats Helping Arts & Music, said everyone was so happy to have Carter home. "You winning 'The Voice' is absolutely incredible but, honestly, to me and so many other people, what was even more incredible was the voice that you gave to families with autism and the spotlight that you shined on the performing arts, and the importance of it, in schools. Your personality and your heart are what makes you a bigger star, even than your talent."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone was not able to attend but sent a video message to Carter: "I am so excited to congratulate Carter Rubin on his amazing accomplishment," he said. "Carter, from the very beginning of your journey on 'The Voice,' you showed the nation and all of us back home the exceptional qualities that you bring both to your singing and to your life. We all got to see firsthand the countless hours of hard work that you put into pursuing what you love. As we all continue to battle through the coronavirus pandemic, the joy and pride that you've inspired in all of us could not be timelier. As an incredibly talented individual with a heart to match, I have every confidence that you will continue on your path, wherever it leads, and continue to make all of us, and most importantly yourself, very proud."

Bellone then declared Dec. 22, 2020 "Carter Rubin Day" in Suffolk County.

Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner also spoke of how special Carter has been, bringing awareness to autism, and remembering Andrew McMorris, his friend and a Boy Scout who lost his life after he was struck by a drunk driver.

Andrew's mother Alisa McMorris gave Carter a keychain with Andrew's fingerprint to carry onstage. "You brought Andrew McMorris with you to every rehearsal, and every night on stage — that just shows me that this young man is not thinking about himself. He's always thinking about other people. And that is a quality, Carter, that is so lacking in today's world. But it is an amazing quality that you will always have. You're humble, and you're incredibly talented," Bonner said.

She added: "Everybody was rooting for you. I never saw so much agreement on social media! I'm so proud to represent you and your family." Bonner said it was also "Carter Rubin Day" in the Town of Brookhaven.

Carter spoke to his cheering fans. "I love each and every one of you," he said, thanking all involved in making the event happen.

"I really can't remember a time when I wasn't singing," he said. "It started with my grandpa when I was really young. He's been my musical inspiration forever. I've had so many amazing mentors along the way."

Carter spoke of performing at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, and at his school with the choir, and in theater productions.

"My family, they were the ones who encouraged me to always follow my dreams and do what makes me happy, and that was auditioning for 'The Voice.' It wasn't just about winning, it was the experience." Carter said it was similar to the words of the song "The Climb," that he sang onstage. "It's not about the endpoint. It's about the journey."

Carter said he learned so much from his coach Gwen Stefani.

"The reason I kept advancing and I took home the trophy for Gwen's first win was because of all you guys. It was all the support from New York, Long Island, and my community," he said, mentioning the T-shirts, lawn signs, banners, special foods named after him. "I'm so grateful for all of you. I'm blessed. 2020 has been very rough for many. Hopefully, if I brought joy and peace to you guys with my music and my story then that's the big win, not the trophy. It's making people happy."

He also thanked his brother Jack, to whom he dedicated his performance of "Rainbow Connection."

"'The Voice' is not just a win for me, it's a win for all of us and for my amazing community," Carter said.

A car parade followed the ceremony.

After the day's festivities, Grosso thanked all involved.

"What an amazing afternoon for an amazing young man," she said.