Get to Know February 2025’s Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s February 2025 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Jaan (Lower School), Dina (Middle School), Sarah (Upper School), David (Scholar-Athlete) and Emma (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early March as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of February. Jaan (Lower School), Dina (Middle School), Sarah (Upper School), David (Scholar-Athlete) and Emma (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 Jaan thoroughly enjoyed receiving his first “Of the Month” award. “I liked it a lot, especially because I got so many great things,” he said. At Adelphi, Jaan excels in both mathematics and ELA. Though he said he is “a naturally neat writer,” he aspires to pursue a career in mathematical studies. “I want to become a mathematical scientist,” he said. “I want to help explain math to kids.” Jaan enjoys the Spirit Days at Adelphi, especially Superhero Day, during which he wore a shirt depicting Super Mario Bros. “Mario is my favorite character!” he smiled. Jaan has some important advice for his fellow Lower Schoolers. “It’s important to raise your hand, help each other, listen to the teachers and do all your work,” he said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Holman said, “Jaan is a pleasure to have in class and is always prepared to participate in the day’s lesson. He does all of his work and takes each assignment seriously. I am proud of him for achieving this accolade.”
Middle School Student of the Month Dina was pleased to know that all of her hard work had paid off. “I felt accomplished,” she smiled. She made a conscious effort earn this prestigious award. “I did all my homework, put in extra effort and paid attention in class,” she said. Dina enjoys studying history at Adelphi and has become involved in the Theater Arts Program as a member of Adelphi’s Performing Chorus. “I enjoyed singing in the chorus and performing at the tree lighting,” she said. Dina has several options ahead of her in terms of career. She’s interested in pursuing a degree in law or finance, but her dream is to become a robotic engineer. “I want to build robots for NASA,” she said. Dina’s advice to her fellow Adelphians is simple but sage. “Don’t ever quit!” she said. “You’ll experience things that are difficult, but stick with it and you’ll find success.”
Homeroom teacher Mr. Cook said, “Dina has improved her effort steadily throughout the year and has become a valuable member of the Adelphi family. Her contributions to in-class discussions are valuable and insightful. I am proud of her for achieving this honor.”
Upper School Student of the Month Sarah reflected on her achievement with pride. “I felt very accomplished and proud,” she said. Sarah takes each honor she receives at Adelphi seriously and treats each award with respect. “I have a portfolio at home with all my awards,” she smiled. A longtime Adelphian, Sarah appreciates the unique experience afforded to her at Adelphi. “Everyone is welcoming and kind, and the teachers educate us well,” she said. Like her siblings, Sarah excels in the study of science and aspires to pursue a career in medicine. “I want to be an eye doctor,” she said. Could she envision a future in which she opens a multifaceted medical facility along with her family members? “That would be cool!” she smiled. Sarah is also involved in Adelphi’s journalism program, serving as news editor of The Adelphi Oracle. She most enjoys writing about sports. “I’d like to interview a hockey player one day,” she said. Sarah advises her fellow students to remain disciplined in their pursuit of success. “Set your mind to what you want to do and go for it,” she said. “Don’t be afraid because you will accomplish it.”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “I am so proud of Sarah for earning this award! She is a disciplined and determined student who always works to achieve her goals. She is also kind to her classmates and respectful to everyone. She is the perfect choice for ‘Of the Month’ honors.”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s February 2025 “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 David is a huge fan of professional sports, especially hockey. He plays the sport with friends and is a die-hard fan of the New York Islanders. “We go to games all the time,” he said. “I love rooting for them and seeing them play in person.” During a recent game, David combined his love of hockey with his interest in journalism, snapping photos from his seat for use in The Adelphi Oracle. “I thought it would make my article more authentic,” he said. A member of Adelphi’s Class of 2025, David will pursue a degree in medicine in college. “I’m going to go for pre-med, but I’m not sure yet what area I want to focus on,” he said. At Adelphi, David has shined as a member of the Theater Arts Program. Most notably, he was awarded the lead role of Charlie Brown in Adelphi’s Winter 2025 production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!” “I was so proud to earn that role,” he said. “I can’t believe the amazing opportunities that have been given to me here at Adelphi.”
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “David is an incredible athlete and a dedicated student who has truly embraced the Adelphi way. He has found success on the court and in the classroom and I am very proud of him for earning this award!”
Student-Artist of the Month Emma loves to draw. “I like to make cats and hearts!” she exclaimed. Her work has been featured in Adelphi’s award-winning art journal, The Adelphian. She was thrilled to learn that she had been named a Student of the Month. “Yes! It feels good,” she said. Emma enjoys studying Spanish at Adelphi and appreciates the unique Spirit Days that take place each month. “My favorite is Pajama Day,” she said. “I get to be comfy and cozy.” Emma loves cars and hopes to be a toll booth operator one day. “So I can see all the cars pass by,” she explained.
Homeroom teacher Mr. Bates said, “Emma is a talented artist who is constantly creating. She takes great pride in her work and is a pleasure to have in class. I congratulate her on earning this prestigious honor.”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for February: Jaan, Dina, Sarah, David and Emma!
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