Get to Know March 2025’s Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s March 2025 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Sila (Lower School), Haris (Middle School), Samantha (Upper School), Zoeey (Scholar-Athlete) and Kenn (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early April as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of March. Sila (Lower School), Haris (Middle School), Samantha (Upper School), Zoeey (Scholar-Athlete) and Kenn (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 Sila has an idea why she was chosen for this prestigious honor. “I was a good girl and I listened to the teacher,” she smiled. Receiving this recognition meant a lot to Sila. “I’m very happy that I got it. My family got me flowers and they were very proud,” she said. Sila loves Adelphi because of the curriculum. “We get to learn so many things,” she said. “My favorite subject is probably math. It’s important because we use it all the time.” When she grows up, Sila would like to use her knowledge to become a teacher. “I want to show students everything I learned,” she said. Though still quite young, Sila has some very important advice for her fellow Adelphians. “Focus on your strengths and always work to improve,” she said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Holman said, “Sila is a delight to have in class. She works hard, asks questions and cares about her classmates. She is the perfect choice to receive this award.”
Middle School Student of the Month Haris loves to learn and is particularly interested in history. “I’m learning about the stock market crash right now,” he said. His studies have led him to appreciate the legacy of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. “He gave us great leadership during a dark time,” he said. Haris also enjoys studying economics at Adelphi. When he grows up, Haris hopes to pursue a career in insurance sales. “I want to do insurance just like my dad,” he said. Haris enjoys Adelphi’s Spirit Day program, especially Pajama Day and Superhero Day. “Those are the best,” he said. “Pajama Day is so comfortable and on Superhero Day we get to wear capes!” Haris has some encouraging advice for his classmates who hope to attain “Of the Month” recognition. “Try hard in everything and you will eventually get the reward,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Mr. Cook said, “Haris has shown tremendous effort in class and has become an active participant in daily discussions. I am pleased with his growing interest in history and applaud him for earning this prestigious honor.”
Upper School Student of the Month Samantha felt a mixture of pride and relief once she learned that she had been selected to receive this honor. “I’m so happy. I’ve been waiting to get it and trying my best,” she said. Samantha has taken on a leadership role at Adelphi this year, most recently serving as stage manager for the Theater Arts Program’s Winter 2025 production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!” It was her first time serving in that role. “It was a challenge because you have to gain people’s trust and then lead them,” she said. “I’m glad everything worked out in the end.” She came away from the experience fully invested in theater and is looking forward to the next production. Samantha is planning to pursue a career in either optometry or finance. “I grew up in my family’s optometry business, so I was always hearing them talk about it and seeing how they worked. It was interesting to me,” she explained. Samantha enjoys the unique learning environment afforded to her at Adelphi. “I like the cozy environment,” she said. “It’s small, so you get more chances to do things that other schools might not offer.” She has valuable advice for her fellow Adelphians. “Do what you love and keep going after your passion,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Samantha is a true leader and serves as an example to her fellow classmates. I am so proud of her for earning this award! She keeps setting goals for herself and she keeps achieving them. Well done!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s March 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 Zoeey was thrilled to receive this recognition. “I was hoping for it,” she said. “I tried everything. Last year I did all the athletic activities and really enjoyed them.” Zoeey particularly enjoys Adelphi’s Weight Training Club, through which she has learned how to gain muscle mass and perform new exercises. “I feel more muscles in my arms and legs for sure,” she said. “It gives you more energy also.” Zoeey truly enjoys the physical education experience at Adelphi. “Here the teachers engage the students in gym class and actually teach,” she said. A talented artist, Zoeey hopes to become an animator or storyboard designer when she gets older. “I also want to write a book,” she said. “I’m getting better at writing.” She advises students to make the most of their time at Adelphi. “Get involved in the clubs and stay determined,” she said.
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “Zoeey is actively engaged in all elements of physical education and is always trying her best. She is a great teammate and understands the importance of working together to ensure success on the court. She is a great choice for this award and I congratulate her!”
Student-Artist of the Month Kenn is a member of Adelphi’s Theater Arts Program and recently starred as Linus in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!” “I enjoyed performing as a lead in the show,” he said. “Theater is an art form, definitely. I enjoyed bringing Linus to life on stage.” Kenn is also a talented photographer and artist in the traditional sense, creating vibrant paintings that have been featured in Adelphi’s art journal, The Adelphian. “I like to paint and draw. I feel pride when I’m creating,” he said. A lifelong Adelphian, Kenn appreciates the opportunities he has enjoyed at school. “I feel very proud to say I am an Adelphian. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and for learning from mistakes,” he said. “This is my home and my family.” Kenn hopes to pursue a career in engineering or architecture. “I’m fascinated by the physics behind engineering and there’s an artistic element to architecture that I really enjoy,” he said. Given his many years enrolled at Adelphi. It’s no surprise that Kenn has some insightful advice for students. “Always think before you act because every decision has an effect,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Kenn is constantly working to create meaningful artwork. His creativity can be seen with each assignment. He is also a member of the Theater Arts Program here at Adelphi, which is another art form in which he excels. Congratulations, Kenn!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for March: Sila, Haris, Samantha, Zoeey and Kenn!
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