Get to Know Adelphi’s March 2023 Students of the Month
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s March 2023 Students of the Month (clockwise from left): Isabella (Lower School), Tiffany (Middle School), Ilana (Upper School), James (Scholar-Athlete) and Nicolas (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued following Spring Recess as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of March. Isabella (Lower School), Tiffany (Middle School), Ilana (Upper School), James (Scholar-Athlete) and Nicolas (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 Isabella was excited — and also a little relieved — to learn that she had been selected to receive this prestigious honor. “Finally!” she exclaimed. “I thought I’d never get it!” The enterprising Lower Schooler already knows what she wants to do for her career. “I’m going to be a teacher for Pre-K,” she said. “I want to give my kids recess and teach math.” Math is indeed her favorite subject at Adelphi, which led to her chosen career path. “I’m going to teach addition, subtraction, division and multiplication!” she smiled. Isabella also enjoys art and is particularly proud of her ability to draw butterflies. “I kept practicing and now they come out nice,” she said. Isabella has a fun sense of humor, which she enjoys showing off to her many friends at Adelphi. But she also knows when to keep things serious. “It’s good to make people laugh, but not to be a class clown because they ruin instruction.”
Lower School faculty member Ms. Shcheblykina said, “Isabella is a joy to have in the classroom. She always participates and is courteous and caring toward her classmates at all times. I am very proud of her for achieving ‘Of the Month’ honors for the month of March. Well deserved!”
Middle School Student of the Month Tiffany was proud to receive this recognition from the Academy. “It means I worked hard and set a good example for others,” she said. “I’m very proud of myself.” The multi-talented Middle Schooler’s two favorite subjects at Adelphi are art and math. “I like to be creative and I like to solve problems,” she explained. Tiffany is also an active and accomplished figure skater. She recently took part in a figure skating test at Chelsea Piers, during which she had to perform a number of jumps, spins and other maneuvers in front of a panel of judges. “It’s a lot of steps, but I get used to it,” she said. For her routine, Tiffany put together a step sequence to the Disney song “Once Upon a December.” The judges were impressed. “I passed,” she smiled. For her career, Tiffany is considering entering the medical field, or becoming a businessperson. “I like to help people, so maybe a pediatrician, but my dad is a CEO so I’m thinking about going into finance,” she said. At Adelphi, Tiffany is an active member of The Adelphi Oracle and enjoys writing and photography. “I like Publications,” she said. “It’s taught me how to write in a particular style.” Tiffany has some solid advice for students who wish to attain success at Adelphi. “Don’t give up,” she urged. “Always work hard and you will succeed.”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Tiffany is a very talented student who excels in all that she does. From figure skating to mathematics, she works hard to master the skills needed for success and accomplishes her goals. I am very proud of her for being named Student of the Month!”
Upper School Student of the Month Ilana said she was pleasantly surprised to receive this honor. “I didn’t expect it but it feels really nice,” she said. “I am very pleased and honored to be recognized as the Student of the Month. I really appreciate my teachers for always being very helpful and kind toward me.” Ilana is a highly creative student who enjoys sketching and creating artwork of all kinds. Much of her work could be seen in the Winter 2023 edition of Adelphi’s art journal, The Adelphian. She also is a member of The Adelphi Oracle and regularly attends Journalism Club sessions. “I like learning graphic design,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Ilana continues to shine inside the classroom and as a member of afterschool activities like Journalism Club. A talented artist and writer, she is worthy of this recognition and I look forward to seeing her continue to grow and succeed at Adelphi.”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s March 2023 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month James was thrilled to learn that he had received this honor. “It feels stupendous,” he said. In terms of athletics, James enjoys basketball and weight lifting. “Weight lifting is important because it increases your general stamina and physical wellness,” he said. On the hardwood, James knows the importance of being a good teammate. “Being on a team builds character,” he said. In addition to his athletic prowess, James excels in graphic design and video editing. “I use CapCut for video editing. I like being able to manipulate something into what I envision,” he said. He is also interested in photography and is currently working for a professional photographer. “I’m learning about lighting and using filters,” he said. “It’s really interesting.” James said he may wish to pursue a career in photography in the future.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Foronda said, “James is a competitive athlete who shows the qualities of teamwork, resilience and dignity, both on and off the court. I am honored to have such an accomplished athlete to represent my homeroom. Keep up the great work, James!”
Student-Artist of the Month Nicolas enjoys creating artwork using a variety of methods. “I like using sand art to create different flags,” he said. “I also like digital art.” Nicolas was honored to receive “Of the Month” honors. “I was really happy. And my mom was very excited too,” he said. Nicolas hopes to expand upon his interest in digital art in college and perhaps study robotics and engineering. “I enjoy using different design programs,” he said. “Maybe I could do design work for the military.” Nicolas enjoys learning about famous art and the artists who created it. “My favorite piece is the ‘Mona Lisa.’ I like the precision of it,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Foronda noted, “In Nicolas’ second year at Adelphi, he has shown so much progress. He continues to exhibit the qualities of a true Adelphian, showing compassion and kindness to others and always willing to lend a helping hand to his peers. His development in the study of art has improved through his hard work and dedication. I am proud that Nicolas has been chosen as March’s Student-Artist of the Month!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for March: Isabella, Tiffany, Ilana, James and Nicolas!
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