Get to Know December 2024’s Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s December 2024 Students of the Month (Clockwise from top): Isabella (Lower School), Vanessa (Middle School), Ziyang (Upper School), Ahmad (Scholar-Athlete) and Michael (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. Isabella (Lower School), Vanessa (Middle School), Ziyang (Upper School), Ahmad (Scholar-Athlete) and Michael (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 has a pretty good idea why she was selected to receive this honor. “I did very well in spelling!” she smiled. “I can even spell anti-establishmentarianism!” Naturally, her favorite subject is English Language Arts. “I love reading, writing and, of course, spelling,” she said. Isabella is a natural performer who has participated in several Theater Arts Program productions already. “I’m not shy when it comes to shows,” she said. “I just pretend like we’re still practicing when I’m on stage.” Isabella loves animals and hopes to become a veterinarian when she grows up. “I want to help dogs, cats, birds, snakes — everything!” she smiled. She has some important advice for her fellow Adelphians, especially those who are new to the school. “Make a friend and then ask them questions when you don’t know something so you get more comfortable,” she said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Holman said, “Isabella is a leader in and out of the classroom. She is a born performer who never shies away from the spotlight, whether by participating in the day’s lesson or delivering lines on stage to a capacity crowd. I am so proud of her for achieving this honor.”
Middle School Student of the Month Vanessa is proud of her growth during her time at Adelphi. “I’ve become more vocal and confident,” she said. “I also make sure to always do my work on time.” Vanessa enjoys studying math and music at Adelphi. “I enjoyed singing in the Holiday Brunch,” she said. When she gets older, Vanessa hopes to open her own bakery. “I want to make bread using my own spices,” she said. Her advice for students who wish to achieve “Of the Month” honors at Adelphi is simple but important. “Always be respectful,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Saleh said, “Vanessa is getting more confident each and every day. She participates in class and is always prepared to learn. I congratulate her on achieving this honor and wish her continued success!”
Upper School Student of the Month Ziyang was humbled to receive such a prestigious award. “I am very happy that I got this award and appreciate every teacher who spends time teaching me,” he said. Ziyang was eager to share the secret to his success. “Studying hard is the most important thing,” he said. “But you also need to join activities and stay after school.” Among the activities in which Ziyang participates after school are Adelphi’s Basketball Club and Weight Training Club. “I like improving my skills and building up teamwork to help my teammates get success in basketball,” he said. “And in weight training, I like learning how different motions focus on different parts of the body to build stamina.” Ziyang is also a member of Adelphi’s Performing Chorus and enjoyed singing at the annual Happy Holiday Brunch. He enjoys studying math, which he hopes to incorporate into his future career. “I’d like to do something in finance, or computer science,” he said. Ziyang has some sage advice for his fellow Adelphians. “Listen to the teacher. That’s very important,” he said. “Gain knowledge so that you can do what you want and achieve your dreams.”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Ziyang always gives maximum effort in class and has become an integral part of the Adelphi community. He is an active member of many clubs and activities and is not afraid to try something new. He is making the most of his time at Adelphi and is a great example to his peers. Congratulations!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s December 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 Ahmad is a two-time recipient of this prestigious honor. “It’s always an honor to receive an award, whatever it is,” he said. “I value sports very much, so winning this award is a big deal.” An avid fan of the NBA, Ahmad has attended several Brooklyn Nets games in person to root for his favorite team. “It’s always a fun experience, win or lose,” he said. “To be there with 10,000 fans cheering, you’re part of a culture.” Ahmad is grateful for the opportunity to learn at Adelphi. “I’m fortunate to attend this school because everyone is so connected. I like how things like the House system involve students of all ages,” he said. Though he plans to pursue a career in business, Ahmad is a natural athlete who would also like to explore the sport of boxing. “It helps you learn to deal with pressure and to plan your next move,” he said. He also has some excellent advice for his fellow Adelphians. “If you’re able to show discipline, then you should be fine in life,” he said. “The best thing is to always show effort. If you try your best all the time, you’re unlikely to fail.”
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “Ahmad is a natural leader who strives to make his teammates better around him. He takes his role on any team seriously and lets his natural athleticism guide his decisions. I am proud of him for achieving this honor.”
Student-Artist of the Month Michael was proud to have his original artwork featured in the Annual Fall Auction of Fine Art. His depiction of “Howl’s Moving Castle” was a labor of love, according to Michael. “It took me about a month to complete. I started with a sketch, then refined it, added watercolors and used a special waterproof marker for the highlights,” he explained. In general, Michael enjoys using acrylic paints and creating nature scenes. Interestingly, when it comes to his career aspirations, Michael hopes to become an electrical engineer. “I already work with electronics and I know how the pieces work,” he said. He enjoys being well-rounded. “I like science and math,” he smiled. “But I would like to continue with art.” Michael knows what it takes to be a serious artist. “You should spend an hour each week creating art,” he said. “Watch videos online and practice, and eventually you’ll see results.”
Homeroom teacher Mr. Cook said, “Michael created an incredible piece for the art auction, and I am so proud of him for earning this award. He takes extreme pride in his work and pays meticulous attention to detail. He is the ideal Student-Artist of the Month recipient.”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for December: Isabella, Vanessa, Ziyang, Ahmad and Michael!
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