Get to Know April’s Students of the Month!

April’s Students of the Month were joined by their families for a very special assembly in their honor.

April’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 to recognize five outstanding students who demonstrated extraordinary effort during the month of April. Marcella (Lower School), Timothy (Middle School), Yevgen (Upper School), Daniel (Student-Artist) and Ethan (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 Marcella wants to be a pediatrician when she grows up. “I want to be a doctor to help kids,” she explained. She has a strong interest in science, which is sure to help her achieve her goals in the medical field. For now, Marcella enjoys attending Adelphi Academy and spending time with her friends. “I like to play with my friends at recess. I like to play tag,” she said. She also enjoys gymnastics and is proud to report that she can do a cartwheel, a front flip and a split. In art class, the creative Lower Schooler said she always tries to use her favorite colors: pink, blue, purple, gold and silver. She was excited to learn that she had been named a Student of the Month. “I’m happy!” she exclaimed.

Lower School faculty member Ms. Churchill said, “Marcella always brings energy and excitement when she comes to school. She is a hard-worker who is always ready to learn. Marcella is always eager to help her classmates and teachers. I am so proud of her achievements!”

Middle School Student of the Month Timothy wants to become a scientist when he grows up. “I’m very interested in physics, astronomy and chemistry,” he said. “Particularly, I enjoy anything to do with the theory of relativity or the concept of a perfect zero.” He is also a skilled artist who serves as staff cartoonist for The Adelphi Oracle, Adelphi’s student newspaper. Tapping into his scientific abilities, Timothy utilizes a web design program to create his cartoons, which he says takes his sketches to the next level. “I prefer to use the computer design program because it automatically accounts for things you need to account for in sketching, like lighting and shading,” he said. When he does create a sketch by hand, he said he prefers not to color it in. “I don’t usually color in my drawings because I think black-and-white is more powerful,” he said. Outside of school, Timothy is dedicated to the art of Shotokan Karate, in which he has achieved the rank of black belt. “It taught me patience, proper breathing and helped me with physical fitness,” he said.

Homeroom teacher Ms. Alvarracin said, “Timothy is very well-mannered. He always has a smile on his face as soon as he walks into school and is always on top of his work. I am very proud of Timothy for being chosen Student of the Month for April. Congratulations!”

Upper School Student of the Month Yevgen said he is happy to receive “Of the Month” honors at Adelphi. “After the first assembly, I thought maybe one day that would be me, so it feels great to actually achieve it,” he said. The stylish Upper Schooler sees himself working in the fashion industry one day as head of his own fashion agency. He had always aspired to become a chef, but his world was changed when he attended his first Fashion Week event several years ago. “I was never really interested in fashion before that show, but it was so exciting,” he said. “I never saw so many photographers and press before. It made me want to pursue it, definitely.” At Adelphi, Yevgen enjoys studying chemistry and participating in activities like weight training and Chess Club. He has enjoyed his time in America thus far and hopes to open his fashion agency here in the U.S. “The people are more open and nicer here,” he said. As a new Adelphian, Yevgen has some sage advice for his fellow newcomers who are looking to find success. “Don’t be scared of what you’re doing,” he said. “Try to do your best and keep positive.”

Academy Guidance Counselor Ms. Wynne said, “Yevgen has certainly made the most of his first year here at Adelphi, as he has become a leader among his peers and serves as an example to all younger Adelphians. He is truly deserving of this honor.”

Congratulations to Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn's April Students of the Month!

Congratulations to Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s April Students of the Month!

Student-Artist of the Month Daniel is not only an accomplished artist inside the classroom, but he is becoming a seasoned performing artist as well. The young Adelphian dreams of becoming a drummer one day and is the proud owner of an electric drum set, which he has been learning to play on weekends. He has a keen understanding and knowledge of rock music and its legends, citing among his favorites Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Metallica. Particularly, Daniel is familiar with the work of numerous professional drummers whom he tries to emulate. Who’s the best of all time, in his opinion? “Jon Bonham from Led Zeppelin,” he said. “Definitely!” Daniel channeled his inner Bonham recently when he performed a tribute to Led Zeppelin as part of Adelphi’s Lower School Talent Show. When asked if he was nervous to play the drums in front of the entire school, the confident artists replied simply, “Nope!” How did he become such a rock connoisseur? “My mom taught me about rock ’n roll,” he explained. “We would always watch videos online.” Inside the classroom, Daniel enjoys drawing and painting. One of his recent works of which he is proud involved creating a detailed cityscape. “Ms. Fregara said she liked it,” he smiled. Daniel said the best part of being an Adelphian is making friends. “I’m happy to be at school,” he said. “We’re taught to be kind to one another.”

Art Instructor Ms. Fregara said, “Daniel is my rock artist in the classroom! He always is so eager to participate and he loves speaking about his artwork with others. Daniel is passionate about working collaboratively with others. Rock on, Daniel!”

Scholar-Athlete of the Month Ethan takes physical fitness extremely seriously. He is a dedicated student of the sport of boxing, for which he trains twice a week, and is always working to develop his athletic skills inside and out of the ring. “First, you have to learn moves and then you work on combos,” he explained. “I do an uppercut, left hook and jab, then I do a one-two punch!” Ethan dreams of becoming a professional boxer one day and is certainly willing to put in the time and effort necessary to achieve his dream. “It’s really good to train more and more to get stronger and faster,” he said. At Adelphi, Ethan enjoys studying math and science and is very thankful to have been selected as Scholar-Athlete of the Month. “I would like to thank my teachers, of course!” he said.

Ms. Churchill said, “Ethan is a team-player. He shows excellent sportsmanship and supports his classmates. Ethan always tries his best and never gives up. I am very proud of him!”

Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding “Students of the Month” for April: Marcella, Timothy, Yevgen, Daniel and Ethan!

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.