Get to Know November’s Students of the Month!
November’s Students of the Month were joined by their families for a very special assembly in their honor.
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious Student of the Month program continued with a special assembly inside the John Lockwood Auditorium Theatre in early December to recognize five outstanding students who demonstrated extraordinary effort during the month of November. Saba (Lower School), Tiffany (Middle School), William (Upper School), Gulshana (Student-Artist) and Edward (Scholar-Athlete) were each recognized in front of the entire Adelphi community and received official certificates signed by Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos. They recently sat down with the Panther Press Room for an exclusive interview, during which they shared some details about themselves and their experiences at Adelphi.
Lower School Student of the Month Saba loves music. He enjoys watching music videos and likes to play the guitar, drums, piano and keyboard! The young multi-instrumentalist also likes computers and dreams of becoming a successful businessman. “I want to work in a big office!” he said. Saba said his family was excited to learn that he had been selected for this prestigious honor, and he is proud to have earned points for House Lockwood because of it. “Everyone said congratulations,” he said. “I like getting awards!” Saba’s favorite subjects are science and writing. He looks forward to continuing to set an example for his fellow Adelphians. “I’m a leader!” he smiled.
House Lockwood House Master Ms. Giacchino took note of Saba’s involvement in house activities. “Saba interacts very well with his housemates and always participates in group activities,” she said. “He’s an important member of our team.”
Middle School Student of the Month Tiffany said she was excited to receive “Of the Month” honors. Though she is not sure what she wants to be when she grows up, her favorite subjects are History and English. Tiffany is also very creative and enjoys art. “I like to draw,” she smiled. Her favorite source of inspiration is her dog Chloe. She enjoys interacting with her fellow Adelphians and being a part of House Morrill. “Everyone is friendly,” she said. “I liked playing Bingo and Jeopardy in my House.” Tiffany has some key advice for students who are hoping to receive this prestigious honor in the future. “Always do your best,” she said.
Tiffany’s homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Tiffany’s excellent participation in class and House activities makes her a natural selection for ‘Of the Month’ honors.”
Upper School Student of the Month William wants to become an architect. An accomplished artist, he hopes to put his artistic abilities to use by designing new and interesting buildings in the city. “Hopefully I can design something that will be put to good use and help the community,” he said. William said he is much more comfortable and organized this year, his second as an Adelphian. “I’ve gotten to open up more with people and be more comfortable in my environment this year,” he said. He advises new students to always ask questions and place their trust in Adelphi’s caring faculty. “Try to speak up as much as possible,” he said. “If you need help, there’s always someone around to help you.” In terms of his daily preparation for the rigors of the academic year, William attributes much of his success to running, stretching and getting enough rest. “Sleep is important,” he said.
Upper School faculty member Mr. DeCrescenzo made note of William’s effort during the month of November. “William comes to class each day prepared for and eager to participate in the day’s lesson. He is a strong example of what it means to be an Adelphian,” he said.
Congratulations to Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s November Students of the Month!
Student-Artist of the Month Gulshana attributes her creativity to her mother. “She’s very artistic,” she said. She remembers discovering art as a young girl with her sister, thinking of different ideas and creating her first pencil sketches. Now, she said, she finds inspiration for her work everywhere. “I’m inspired by the world around me,” she said. One of her favorite pieces that she created is a pencil sketch of a jaguar based on a photograph she saw in a magazine. “I wanted to draw something that represents me,” she smiled. Interestingly, Gulshana said that she took a break from art before she attended Adelphi. “I quit drawing for about four years, but now I’m back thanks to Ms. Fregara,” she said. Gulshana, a member of the Class of 2019, hopes to pursue a degree in psychology. “I’m interested in people and how they think,” she said. She learned the importance of dedication and having a good attitude at Adelphi, she said, and will miss her high school years terribly. “I’ve made so many memories here,” she said.
Art Instructor Ms. Fregara said, “Gulshana is a true artist who sees the world in a unique and insightful way. She is always drawing inspiration from interesting sources, and that is reflected marvelously in her artwork.”
Scholar-Athlete Edward enjoys playing soccer and hockey in gym class and is proud of his athletic achievements. “I’m the best on my team,” he smiled. “I always score.” Edward is also a fan of professional wrestling, thanks to his father, who got him interested in it at an early age. When asked what kind of wrestling character he could see himself portraying in the world of sports entertainment, he broke into a big smile and said, “I want to be a good guy!” Edward’s smile provided insight into his future career plans, as he hopes to become a dentist. He excels in mathematics and can count all the way to 100. That’s more than high enough to count the teeth of his patients, he joked.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Smith said Edward’s athletic prowess allows him to work well with others. “There’s no question that Edward’s involvement in athletics has taught him the value of sharing and looking out for his classmates, both in and out of the classroom. He always makes an effort to help those around him,” she said.
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for November: Saba, Tiffany, William, Gulshana and Edward!
As the oldest private, independent, continuing, coeducational, college-preparatory day school in the borough and one of the oldest in the nation, Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, “the little school of big dreams” has been “effectively preparing young people for college, career, and life, one day at a time” for over 150 years. Founded in 1863 and located in the historic Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, Adelphi enrolls students from two years of age through twelfth grade. A strong emphasis is placed on small class size, individualized attention, self-expression, critical thinking and challenging hands-on learning through Adelphi’s founding philosophy and dedication to the education of the “total child.” Adelphi students excel within a small, intimate, safe, caring, nurturing, and secure environment through Adelphi’s core values and founding principles of pride, tradition, spirit, and excellence. The student-teacher ratio is 8 to 1 and Adelphi is a New York State Regents Exempt Program with a 100% college application, acceptance and attendance rate. A founding member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, Adelphi receives its charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and has been a member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools since 1928. Ms. Iphigenia Romanos serves as Head of School.
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Photos courtesy of Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn