Get to Know October 2024’s Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s October 2024 Students of the Month: Timothy (Lower School), Nicole (Middle School), Souraya (Upper School, Not Pictured), Zeyan (Scholar-Athlete) and Phoebe (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early November as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of October. Timothy Lee (Lower School), Nicole Beliankova (Middle School), Souraya Aboulessan (Upper School), Zeyan Wang (Scholar-Athlete) and Phoebe Jiang (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 Timothy always gives maximum effort and enjoys being part of the Adelphi community. “I always help the teachers and students do things in the classroom,” he smiled. “I never want to leave. I want to get even more involved.” Timothy enjoys studying mathematics, though he is also an accomplished artist. “I like making art. I use markers, crayons and colored pencils,” he said. “I really like using red and blue.” Timothy is also a skilled athlete who specializes in Tae Kwon Do. At press time, he was pursuing the coveted black belt. “I’m one belt away,” he smiled. “I like studying Tae Kwon Do because self-defense is important.” When he gets older, Timothy hopes to open his very own pizzeria. “I want to serve the customers and make them happy,” he said. His advice for his fellow Adelphians is simple, but essential. “Be nice, do your best and keep working hard,” he said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Lauren Holman said, “Timothy is a wonderful student and a great friend to his classmates. He is a pleasure to have in class and is always prepared. I am so proud of him for achieving this honor. Keep up the excellent work!”
Middle School Student of the Month Nicole was pleased to learn that she had earned this prestigious award, especially because she always works hard to be a good Adelphian. “I participate in class, I listen when the teacher speaks and I never fool around,” she said proudly. She is enjoying the perks that come along with being a Middle Schooler. “You get privileges like having your own locker and traveling by yourself to your classes,” she said. “I’m enjoying it very much.” Nicole looks forward to participating in Spirit Days at Adelphi, especially Pajama Day. “I love Pajama Day because I get to be comfy!” she smiled. Academically, Nicole excels in mathematics. “I like numbers and finding answers to the problems,” she explained. When she grows up, she would like to pursue a career as an orthodontist. “My parents had a long journey with braces and I think it’s so great to be able to help people with their smiles,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Saleh said, “Nicole has embraced her role as a leader among her classmates and is thriving as a Middle Schooler. She participates in class and is always eager to learn. She has certainly earned this award and I congratulate her for her ongoing commitment to her studies. Well done!”
Upper School Student of the Month Souraya is deeply appreciative of the accolades she has received at Adelphi. “This award is deeply appreciated,” she said. “It shows that when you put in the effort, you get something meaningful back in return.” Souraya takes great pride in being an Adelphian. “I like the environment. This whole experience is setting us up for life,” she said. A proud pet owner of two cats (CiCi and Ramboo), Souraya is planning to become a veterinarian when she gets older. “I’ve wanted to help animals ever since I was young,” she explained. As a new inductee to Adelphi’s Student Advisory Board, the typically reserved Upper Schooler has embraced her new leadership role. “It’s all about putting yourself out there in a new light,” she said. “I’m happy to step out of my comfort zone to set a good example.” Her advice for her fellow students is wise, indeed. “Be confident! Do what you love, think about the future and what you want to do. Discover yourself,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Tina Wong said, “Souraya is a self-motivated student who puts forth her best effort in and out of the classroom. She is a hard worker and is always willing to lend a hand. Congratulations to Souraya on receiving the Upper School Student of the Month award for October!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s October 2024 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration hosted by Head of School Ms. Romanos.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Zeyan is proud to have received this honor for the second time in his Adelphi career. “I am very honored,” he said. “It’s very nice that I was able to get this award again.” In physical education class and as a member of Adelphi’s Basketball Club, Zeyan has shined on the court as a point guard. He is a fan of the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets and has been to Madison Square Garden to see the Knicks play. “It was very fun to see them in real life,” he said. For his career, Zeyan would like to become a defense lawyer. “I learn a lot about law from the movies. It’s very interesting and a good career,” he said. Zeyan recognizes the important role sports can play in one’s overall development. “Playing sports builds up your body and your mind,” he said. “You develop your leadership skills as well.”
Physical Education instructor Mr. Jake Biale said, “Zeyan is a hardworking and determined athlete who excels on the court and in the classroom. He is always working to improve his game and to make his teammates better. Congratulations on this honor. It is well deserved!”
Student-Artist of the Month Phoebe was one of Adelphi’s featured artists in the Annual Fall Auction of Fine Art. Her artwork — a beautiful painting of a flower in bloom — prompted a bidding war that raised several hundred dollars for the Academy in front of a capacity crowd. “It felt nice,” she said. “I’m glad people liked it.” Phoebe said she worked on that particular piece for three days, but the time needed for her work varies according to what she is creating. She has studied art since the age of 7 and enjoys bringing objects to life through drawing and painting. “When I see something and I like it, I try to replicate it,” he said. Aside from art class, Phoebe enjoys studying mathematics at Adelphi. She has some important advice for students who wish to attain “Of the Month” honors. “Focus on your work, do your best and always be polite and friendly,” she said.
Adelphi’s Art instructor Ms. Laurel Squadron said, “Phoebe’s ability to capture the details of any image she chooses to bring to life on paper or canvas is astounding. She is gifted and it is a joy to see her create so many meaningful pieces as a student at Adelphi. I applaud her for earning this honor.”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for October: Timothy, Nicole, Souraya, Zeyan and Phoebe!
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 learners for college, career, and life, one day at a time” for more than 160 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