Get to Know Adelphi’s December 2021 Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s December 2021 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Jose (Lower School), Kenn (Middle School), Isaac (Upper School), Yuk Tung (Scholar-Athlete) and Svetlana (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early January as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of December. Jose (Lower School), Kenn (Middle School), Isaac (Upper School), Yuk Tung (Scholar-Athlete) and Svetlana (Student-Artist) received their official pins, congratulatory letters and certificates signed by Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos during a very special assembly inside the John Lockwood Auditorium Theatre. These exceptional Adelphians 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 Jose was thrilled to learn that he had received this prestigious honor. “I was so happy!” he exclaimed. “And I got to eat cookies!” Jose was referring to the complimentary coffee and cookies that are offered to award recipients and their families following each monthly “Of the Month” assembly. The inventive preschooler enjoys building tall towers with blocks both at school and at home. “I built a huge tower with foam blocks,” he said proudly. “It was 100 feet high. No, wait, a zillion feet high!” Jose also enjoys painting and was pleased with his most recent creation in art class. “I painted a snowman,” he smiled. In addition to his academic and artistic achievements, Jose is a gifted athlete who enjoys participating in relay races at Adelphi. “I like racing because I’m sonic fast!” he said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Delaney said, “Jose has a calm and gentle way about him. He approaches learning with such eagerness. Jose is always the first person to lend a hand to his teacher and his classmates.”
Middle School Student of the Month Kenn has made it a point to make the most of his time at Adelphi. “I think I’ve shown a lot of growth during my time here,” he said. “I’ve joined many clubs and activities, like the Theater Arts Program, and I always show school spirit.” Kenn has been a student at Adelphi since first grade and is looking forward to becoming an Upper Schooler next year. He takes his role as a student leader seriously and knows what it truly means to be an Adelphian. “An Adelphian represents the school at all times,” he explained. “You have to be strong and responsible, and everyone plays a part in the success of the school and each other.” In addition to his interest in Theater Arts, Kenn is excited to finally explore his interest in writing and photography as a member of The Adelphi Oracle. His very first article — exploring the so-called World Cup jinx — was recently published in the Fall 2021 edition. “When I saw my article in the Oracle I felt fantastic,” he smiled. “It’s something I’ve wanted to try ever since I was little.” Kenn aspires to become an international businessman, most likely specializing in the technology industry. He has some sound advice for his fellow Adelphians as they progress through their academic careers. “If you have a dream, follow that dream but don’t try to control it. You may grow and change along the way,” he said. “Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help!”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Kenn is a marvelous student who helps his peers. He is very studious and strives to do his best in class and in his afterschool activities. I am very proud of Kenn!”
Upper School Student of the Month Isaac has been enrolled at Adelphi Academy since second grade and is now preparing to graduate in June as a member of the Class of 2022. “I’m trying to savor it and enjoy everything,” he said. I’m definitely going to look back at the good times.” Isaac is proud to have been awarded “Of the Month” honors because he knows how special it is to be selected. “It means that my effort has been recognized by my teachers and it reflects the type of student I am,” he said. “Not everyone gets it so it definitely means a lot to me.” Isaac has always wanted to pursue a career in ophthalmology and hopes to specialize in ocular surgery. He recently completed an internship that allowed him to shadow esteemed NYU-Langone ophthalmologist Dr. Alexander Aizman. “That experience definitely furthered my desire to pursue a career in the medical profession,” he said. “I got to see how every single day you’re helping people.” At Adelphi, Isaac has been involved in a number of extracurricular activities — from starring in numerous Theater Arts Program productions to writing for The Adelphi Oracle to moderating Brain Games Club and imparting his penchant for puzzle-solving on to younger students. One of Isaac’s favorite programs at Adelphi is the Lower School Mentoring Program, which allows him and his classmates to spend time assisting the littlest Adelphians each week. “Mentoring is special because I remember the impact the older students had on me growing up,” he said. “Being involved in so many activities through the years has made me more confident and turned me into the well-rounded person I am today.” Isaac is the consummate Adelphian — a title that has special meaning for him. “To be an Adelphian, you must lead with your heart, respect others, follow the code of ethics and offer guidance to those who need it,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Mr. DeCrescenzo said, “Isaac is always participating and showing critical analysis in the lessons at hand. He is often curious and wants to know more, while helping those around him who may not fully understand the content. I am very proud of Isaac for receiving this Student of the Month recognition!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s December 2021 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Yuk Tung, known affectionately by his classmates as Thomson, was pleasantly surprised by this honor. “I was kind of shocked, to be honest,” he admitted. “But I do try to follow all the rules and always give my best effort.” When it comes to physical education, Thomson enjoys doing warmups and playing team sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball. “I just do my job and try to succeed,” he said. In soccer, specifically, his job is usually to play defense, which he does well. “I think if you just believe in yourself you will succeed,” he said. Thomson is new to Adelphi and is enjoying the Academy’s unique approach to learning. “I like that it’s a smaller environment, so there’s more opportunity to show yourself,” he said. “Everyone gets a chance to shine.” When it comes to academics, Thomson has some advice to offer his fellow students. “Try not to slack off, even at home. It’s important to get your work done,” he said. “Always try to improve, and never wait until the last day to do something.”
Faculty member Mr. Alvarracin of the Academy’s Athletics and Physical Education Department said, “Yuk Tung is a very talented athlete. He has adapted and excelled at every sport we have learned so far. Great job, Yuk Tung!”
Student-Artist of the Month Svetlana has always enjoyed drawing people, and her portfolio has expanded to include dozens of interesting characters — from her early sketches of different foods portrayed as people to lifelike representations of television characters. “A good drawing can take more than an hour to finish,” she said. “I draw mostly anatomy and different people. I like how my drawing has evolved over time.” Svetlana keeps her masterpieces in a giant sketchbook. “That’s where the finished drawings go,” she explained. At Adelphi, she hopes to continue to achieve good grades and participate in fun activities. The studious Middle Schooler has been an Adelphian since second grade and is anticipating the next step of her academic journey: high school. “I’m looking forward to seeing new people and learning new things in different classes,” she said. Svetlana also enjoys writing her own original short stories with dialogue, several of which have been published in Adelphi’s award-winning art journal, The Adelphian. She has some important advice for her fellow Adelphians who seek to attain success. “Keep on working hard until you achieve your goal. If you don’t achieve it right away, keep working on it,” she said.
Adelphi Art Instructor Ms. Fregara said, “Svetlana is a brilliant artist and she has a passion for drawing. Pablo Picasso once said, ‘To draw, you must close your eyes and sing.’ Every time Svetlana creates a drawing of her own it’s like she’s creating her own story that is being told through a song. Her artwork always shows emotion and meaning. Congratulations Svetlana, and keep the passion of drawing with you wherever you go!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for December: Jose, Kenn, Isaac, Yuk Tung and Svetlana!
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 three 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