Get to Know Adelphi’s December 2022 Students of the Month
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s December 2022 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Nicole (Lower School), Sarah (Middle School), Nicole (Upper School), Gerard (Scholar-Athlete) and Alexander (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early January as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of December. Nicole (Lower School), Sarah (Middle School), Nicole (Upper School), Gerard (Scholar-Athlete) and Alexander (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 Nicole was thrilled to receive yet another prestigious honor for her hard work and dedication. There’s only one problem, however. “I’m running out of room in my house!” she giggled. Nicole always tries to help people, both inside and outside the classroom. “I like meeting new friends and I try to show them around,” she said. She has some friendly advice for new Adelphians that she believes will help them to enjoy success. “Ask questions always,” she said. “Also, be kind, share with others and listen to the teacher.” Though she is undecided as to what her career will be, Nicole said she enjoys mathematics and could see herself pursuing something that features its use on a daily basis. “I like to subtract and multiply,” she smiled. “Math is my favorite. It is very useful in daily life.” Nicole is also a talented artist who enjoys drawing in her free time. “Sometimes I just scribble on paper and then turn it into art,” she said. “It’s very relaxing.”
Lower School faculty member Ms. Bullari said, “Nicole always shows tremendous effort in class and is kind to all of her classmates. She is the perfect choice to receive ‘Of the Month’ honors and I am very proud of her.”
Middle School Student of the Month Sarah said her favorite part of coming to school is the sense of family that exists at Adelphi. “I like the students and how nice everyone is,” she smiled. Sarah enjoys the Spirit Days that take place throughout the year at Adelphi, especially Sports Appreciation Day, when she gets to show support for the New York Islanders. “I love the Islanders. I went to a game once and it was so exciting!” She also enjoys taking part in Journalism Club after school. “It’s interesting. I like learning how to structure the Oracle,” she said. Sarah plans to pursue a career as an ophthalmologist for two very important reasons. “Eyesight is very important,” she said. “I want to be able to help people who need it.” Sarah is excited to be a part of Adelphi’s historic 160th Anniversary celebration. “It’s very exciting to be a part of history,” she smiled.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Sarah is a stellar student who is always willing to help her peers. Congratulations to Sarah on being named Middle School Student of the Month!”
Upper School Student of the Month Nicole, known affectionately by her classmates as Nika, started her Adelphi journey all the way back in Pre-Kindergarten. She has received “Of the Month” honors many times during her long academic career, but she remains humble and grateful for the recognition. “It still feels good,” she smiled. Nika enjoys Science and hopes to become a doctor one day to make her mother proud. “My mom inspires me,” she said. Nika enjoys Adelphi’s Spirit Day program and looks forward to Pajama Day each year. “It’s nice to be comfortable in school,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Foronda said, “Nika is a wonderful student who shines in her academics. Her smile makes her peers smile, and she continues to show the Adelphi spirit in everything she does. She continues to be a true Adelphian through her hard work and compassionate nature.”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s December 2022 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Gerard has enjoyed success in community flag football and baseball leagues for a number of years. “I played with my best friends for a long time,” he said. As an outfielder, Gerard is proud of his strong arm and is continually working on his craft. He enjoys the game of baseball and what both sports have taught him over the years. “Sports have taught me how to work together with others to accomplish a goal,” he said. When he gets older, Gerard would like to become a sports coach to share some of his vast knowledge of the game with younger players. At Adelphi, Gerard appreciates the warm atmosphere that exists inside and outside the classroom. “It’s been good,” he said. “It’s like a family.” His advice for his fellow Adelphians who aspire to attain “Of the Month” honors is simple, but important. “Work hard and stay out of trouble,” he said.
Ms. Wong said, “Gerard is a very active student who enjoys riding his bike. He is a team player on and off the court. He strives to do his best in his academic classes. I am very proud that Gerard received Scholar Athlete of the Month!”
Student-Artist of the Month Alexander said he is pleased with his progression as an artist and is thankful for the recognition that comes with receiving this prestigious award. “I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “It is an honor to receive this award.” Alexander specializes in drawing objects, but he is constantly improving his skills in other type of art, like portraits. “I can look at an object and then create it pretty easily. First I draw the outline and then I fill in the details. Certain angles are a challenge, but I enjoy it,” he explained. “I’m always trying new methods.” One of his favorite pieces is a detailed lighthouse he created using pencil and markers. Alexander creates much of his art at home, a habit he hopes to continue when he is older. “I want to get an apartment in New York City with a skyline view,” he said. “That way I can be inspired to create something every day.” He has some advice for aspiring artists of all ages. “Always use pencil first because you can always erase,” he said.
Ms. Foronda noted, “Alexander is always creating beautiful artwork that inspires his fellow Adelphians. He has been a featured contributor to Adelphi’s art magazine, The Adelphian, and is always looking to improve his skills as an artist and as a student overall. I am very proud of him for receiving this honor!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for December: Nicole, Sarah, Nicole, Gerard and Alexander!
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