Get to Know Adelphi’s May 2022 Students of the Month
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s May 2022 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Aiden (Lower School), Jason (Middle School), Yura (Upper School), James (Scholar-Athlete) and Jenna (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program concluded in early June as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of May. Aiden (Lower School), Jason (Middle School), Yura (Upper School), James (Scholar-Athlete) and Jenna (Student-Artist) received their official pins, congratulatory letters and certificates signed by Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos during the Annual Student Awards Banquet at beautiful Bay Ridge Manor. 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 Aiden was thrilled to hear his name called at the awards banquet to receive this prestigious honor. “I was surprised and excited,” he smiled. The ambitious Lower Schooler excels in math and science and hopes to own his own business one day. “I want to be a boss like my dad,” he said. “I’m going to be a nice boss and a good leader.” Aiden also enjoys painting and bringing his artistic visions to life on canvas. “I think of something I want to create and then I draw it,” he explained. Aiden said he always tries to be friendly and helpful inside the classroom. “It’s important to always be good and kind to others,” he said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Mejia said, “Aiden shows sincere effort in classwork and homework assignments. He is a sweet boy, and I am very proud to see how much he has progressed. Aiden is a wonderful student who shows respect for teachers and peers. He shows responsibility daily by caring for the material in our classroom carefully and thoughtfully. I am very proud of Aiden for receiving this Student of the Month recognition.”
Middle School Student of the Month Jason knows what it takes to earn “Of the Month” honors. “You have to listen to your teachers, get good grades and not cause any problems inside the classroom,” he said. Jason especially enjoys studying math at Adelphi. “You need it in life and thankfully I’m good at it,” he said. He is also a skilled photographer and a key member of the school newspaper, The Adelphi Oracle. “I want to be an editor, a writer and photographer next year,” he said. “I was surprised that I got to use the camera this year; I saw how others had used it and it looked fun. I was able to confirm that when I used it myself.” When he gets older, Jason intends to become a cardiac surgeon. “I am inspired by my grandparents, who have heart issues,” he explained. “I want to be able to help people like them.”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Berios said, “Jason is a smart, logical and witty student who works very hard. He is always determined when he puts his mind to something he wants to achieve. He strives for greatness, which is a wonderful trait to see in a young student like Jason. I am very proud of him for receiving this Student of the Month recognition! He deserves it, not just for being a well-rounded student, but for his sensitivity, strength and ability to understand and apply what he learns in his life.”
Upper School Student of the Month Yura is extremely interested in the stock market and hopes to pursue a career in finance. The proud Salutatorian of Adelphi’s Class of 2022 is headed to St. John’s University to continue his academic journey. This past year, Yura served as co-production manager of The Adelphi Oracle and was a key member of Adelphi’s Journalism Club. “We perform many tasks, such as writing articles, editing and assembling the final newspaper, taking pictures of various school events and much more,” he said. Yura is also a proud member of Adelphi’s Student Advisory Board. “As a member, you need to lead by example, always know the right thing to do, participate in and plan school activities and events, and always try to help students in any way possible,” he explained. He has enjoyed his time at Adelphi and remains grateful for the bonds he has formed with classmates and teachers. “My favorite part about attending Adelphi Academy has been the ability to be in such a tight community, where I can easily make friends,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Mr. DeCrescenzo said, “Yura is the consummate Adelphian. He leads by example and takes an interest in his studies and extracurricular activities. I am so proud of him for achieving ‘Of the Month’ honors as well as earning the right to speak at graduation as the Class of 2022 Salutatorian.”
Scholar-Athlete of the Month James was ecstatic to learn that he had been chosen to receive this prestigious honor at the awards banquet. “It’s indescribable,” he said. “I didn’t expect to win.” James enjoys playing basketball and kickball in physical education class alongside classmates Mekhrojbek and Thomson. “When it comes to basketball, I’m more like Scottie Pippen, whereas Max [Mekhrojbek] is Michael Jordan and Thomson is Lebron James,” he said. “Together we make a great team. We work to ensure the complete eradication of all competition in a dominant fashion.” Though his comments were lighthearted, James is serious about his physical fitness. “If you’re not fit, you cannot attain success,” he reasoned. James is looking forward to pursuing a lucrative career, perhaps in the field of video design. At Adelphi, he most enjoys the small class sizes and sense of togetherness. “I like the number of students here,” he said. “It’s convenient and beneficial to be able to know everyone.”
Faculty member Mr. Alvarracin of the Academy’s Athletics and Physical Education Department said, “James works hard to excel both on and off the court. He always tries his best no matter what sport is being played, and he involves his teammates at every opportunity. He is the perfect example of a team player and very deserving of this award.”
Student-Artist of the Month Jenna loves to draw animals, especially unicorns and giraffes. “If I look at their faces, I know how to make them already,” she said. “I like using markers and crayons. I like to mix it up.” Naturally, when she grows up Jenna aspires to become an art teacher, or even a professional artist. The talented Lower Schooler can envision selling her best work to art aficionados at her very own gallery. “I’m a really good drawer, so I would have to charge $50 at least,” she said. Jenna enjoys being a part of Ms. Baalbaki’s class and playing with her friends during recess. “I like to play in the kitchen and build things with Legos,” she smiled.
Art Instructor Ms. Fregara noted, “Jenna is always creating something special during class. She puts thought into all of her assignments and allows her creativity to shine through. I am so proud of her for receiving this award!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for May: Aiden, Jason, Yura, James and Jenna!
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