Get to Know Adelphi’s January 2022 Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s January 2022 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Zayn (Lower School), Thomas (Middle School), Maksim (Upper School), Alexa (Scholar-Athlete) and Ella (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early February as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of January. Zayn (Lower School), Thomas (Middle School), Maksim (Upper School), Alexa (Scholar-Athlete) and Ella (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 Zayn was excited to learn that he had been selected for this prestigious honor. “It felt good,” he smiled. “Mommy was happy!” Zayn takes his schoolwork seriously and knows what it takes to earn special recognition at Adelphi. “I do all my homework and I am good to my friends,” he said. His willingness to assist his classmates complements his potential career choice nicely. “I want to be a police officer. I like helping everyone,” he said. Zayn is also a talented artist who enjoys painting both in school and in his spare time. The proud Lower Schooler has some advice for students of all ages who wish to succeed. “Be polite and always try to help,” he said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. N. Baalbaki said, “Zayn is a hardworking student. He is always excited and ready to learn. He is kind and helpful and works very well with others. Zayn has continued to show a great deal of effort with his assignments and projects throughout the school year. I am so proud of Zayn’s hard work!”
Middle School Student of the Month Thomas knows the key to achieving success at Adelphi. “You have to hand in your homework on time and participate in class,” he said. Thomas enjoys working on projects with his classmates and assisting whenever needed. He also enjoys playing volleyball and basketball and watching the Brooklyn Nets. “I like when they win,” he smiled. The ambitious Adelphian already has his sights set on three potential careers to pursue when he is older. “I want to work as a veterinarian, specializing in dogs and cats,” he said. “But I also like computer design and photography. And I enjoy baking. I can make chocolate chip cookies!” Thomas enjoys studying science and mathematics, which he said will come in handy no matter which career he chooses. “You always have to use it, even in baking,” he said. He has some sage advice for students of all ages. “Pay attention and you can have success,” he said. “Also, do your work and hand in your assignments on time. If you don’t hand them in, your grade goes down.”
Homeroom teacher Ms. Berios said, “Thomas has the ability to make a dull day shine bright for his peers and teachers with his luminous personality. He brings laughter and encouragement into his environment, which creates a wonderful classroom experience. Thomas works very hard and puts in a great deal of effort with everything he sets his heart on. I am very proud of him for receiving Student of the Month honors and I can’t wait to see him thrive even more!”
Upper School Student of the Month Maksim is extremely proud of his growth during his time at Adelphi. “I’ve made a lot of progress academically and in terms of behavior,” he said. “I feel like a role model to the rest of the school now.” The key to his overall improvement has been discipline and hard work, he said. “I’m managing my time better now and I’m more organized,” he explained. Maksim, who excels in mathematics and English, aspires to become a successful finance manager one day. The Class of 2022 member will look to pursue a degree in finance upon graduation in June. Maksim is also a talented cook and food aficionado who pens the popular “Chef Maksim’s Foods from Around the World” column for The Adelphi Oracle. “I liked cooking and food ever since I was a child,” he said. “I always watched my mom and grandma cook.” Maksim also serves as co-production manager for the newspaper, designing multiple pages for each edition, including his own. “I love being a part of the Oracle and designing pages, especially my page,” he smiled. He advises his fellow Adelphians not to hold back when it comes to their interests and abilities. “Don’t be afraid to show yourself,” he said. “And definitely try to start becoming a role model early on.” Maksim enjoys the warm and supportive atmosphere that exists at Adelphi. “Everyone is friendly and social,” he said. “We’re all on the same team. It’s like a big family.”
Homeroom teacher Mr. DeCrescenzo said, “Maksim is a very intelligent and energetic student who is very punctual. He always has a smile on his face and is friendly with his peers. He works very efficiently when it comes to his classes, and I am very proud of him receiving this Student of the Month recognition!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s January 2022 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Alexa enjoys playing basketball during physical education class at Adelphi. “I like shooting. I try to get close to the hoop and score,” she said. Though she excels on the court, the modest Middle Schooler doesn’t see herself playing basketball professionally as of now. “I just do it for fun,” she giggled. Alexa is proud to be an Adelphian and appreciates the Academy’s unique approach to learning. “I like the teachers. They are helpful and kind,” she said. She also enjoys Adelphi’s monthly Spirit Day events and weekly assemblies. During a recent assembly, Alexa took part in Adelphi’s Annual Sports Bee representing House Lockwood alongside Upper Schooler Matthew. The pair showed off their impressive sports trivia knowledge and finished as the winning team, earning points for their House. “I was so happy to participate,” she said. “It was a lot of fun.” Alexa has some important advice for students who wish to attain “Of the Month” honors. “Always be a good student and someone will notice,” she said.
Faculty member Mr. Alvarracin of the Academy’s Athletics and Physical Education Department said, “Alexa is a hardworking and competitive athlete. She always puts forth her best effort and encourages others to do the same. I am proud of Alexa’s great work and determination.”
Student-Artist of the Month Ella is always creating and especially loves to paint. She enjoys using bright colors to create beautiful rainbows whenever she is given the chance to draw or paint something on her own. “I like doing art,” she said. “My favorite color is pink!” She always puts maximum effort into her artwork and is sure to take her time to achieve the best result. “It takes 100 minutes to make good art,” she said. Being named Student-Artist of the Month is a tremendous accomplishment for which she is extremely thankful. “It felt great. My family was very proud,” she said. She has some important advice for her fellow Adelphians. “Do all your homework and always be helpful and kind,” she said. While she is undecided about her future career, Ella said she could envision herself becoming a famous artist one day. Asked what she would create to showcase in her gallery, her answer was simple. “More rainbows!” she giggled.
Adelphi Art Instructor Ms. Fregara noted, “An Australian artist named Mirka Mora once said, ‘Art is the child of imagination and gives life.’ Ella deserves this award, as she has an amazing imagination, lights up the room with enthusiasm, and she has great drawing skills. Congratulations, Ella!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for January: Zayn, Thomas, Maksim, Alexa and Ella!
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