Get to Know January’s Students of the Month
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s January 2024 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Vanessa (Lower School), Alexa (Middle School), Svetlana (Upper School), Ahmad (Scholar-Athlete) and Zooey (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. Vanessa (Lower School), Alexa (Middle School), Svetlana (Upper School), Ahmad (Scholar-Athlete) and Zoeey (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 Vanessa wants to be an astronaut when she grows up, but she won’t be satisfied with simply landing on the moon. “I’m going to Mars with Nicole!” she giggled. Her classmate and best friend concurred with a nod. “We’re going to start a civilization there,” Vanessa explained. “We’ll bring dirt and trees and make it like the earth, and aliens can live with us!” Naturally, Vanessa’s favorite subject at Adelphi is Science. “We’re learning about food chains right now,” she said. “It’s fun to learn how the environment works.” Vanessa enjoys Adelphi’s small class sizes and individualized attention. “I like that it’s a small school and the teachers are always there to help,” she smiled. Her advice to her fellow Adelphians who seek to attain “Of the Month” honors is simple but essential. “Be nice to everyone and do your homework,” she said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Saleh said, “Vanessa is extremely polite and works well with others. She participates in class and always completes her assignments. She is a deserving recipient of Lower School Student of the Month honors.”
Middle School Student of the Month Alexa was surprised but elated to learn that she had been chosen to receive this prestigious honor. “It feels so good. I was not expecting it,” she said. Alexa enjoys Adelphi’s monthly Spirit Day events because they create a strong sense of unity among the students and staff. “My favorite is Pajama Day because it helps me concentrate when I’m so comfortable,” she said. When she gets older, Alexa plans to pursue a career in orthodontics. “I like teeth and I think it’s really important to smile,” she said. “Braces can help give everyone a boost of confidence by improving their smile.” Alexa enjoys studying Science and Math at Adelphi, both of which will play an important role in her chosen field. She also enjoys Publications class, during which she shares her fashion insights and advice as a columnist for The Adelphi Oracle — Adelphi’s student newspaper. “Having a good fashion sense can literally change you as a person,” she said. “When you look good, you feel good!”
Middle School faculty member Mr. Bates said, “Alexa brings a great energy to the classroom and is always engaged in the day’s lesson. She participates in all House activities and works very well with others. I congratulate her on receiving this accolade!”
Upper School Student of the Month Svetlana knows she is going to pursue a career in medicine, although presently her field of choice is undecided. “It all depends where life takes me,” she said. “I definitely want to become a specialist so I can help people who have serious health problems and need help that they can’t get from others. I want to make people become healthy.” At Adelphi, Svetlana has made a conscious effort to become more involved and expand her horizons. “I like that we get to learn new things and try new activities,” she said. One activity in which Svetlana has excelled is Journalism Club, during which she exhibits leadership in her role as co-managing editor of The Adelphi Oracle. She helps to create the dummy — i.e. the framework — for each issue and designs pages for print using Microsoft Publisher. She is also a skilled photographer who documents events throughout the school year. “I enjoy developing my skills in Publications class,” she smiled. Svetlana has some important advice for her fellow Adelphians who hope to enjoy similar success. “Always believe in yourself and work hard to accomplish your goals,” she said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Svetlana is a very bright and enthusiastic student. She always strives to do her best in school and is an example to all of her peers. Congratulations on being selected as Upper School Student of the Month!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s January 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 was overjoyed to learn that he had been selected to receive this recognition, especially as a new Adelphian in his first year at the Academy. “It is an honor to earn this award in my first year here,” he said. “I feel so accomplished and very grateful.” Ahmad vowed to continue to put in the hard work necessary to maintain the level of excellence he has already enjoyed at Adelphi. “My goal is to be an asset to whoever is around me and whoever needs assistance,” he explained. “There is always room for self-improvement and I will continue to work hard.” Ahmad looks forward to pursuing a career in business and using his innate drive to ensure success. He has some solid advice for others who are looking to achieve their goals. “Be patient, stay with it and always work hard,” he said.
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “Ahmad shows tremendous effort on the court and inside the classroom. He is dedicated to improving himself as an athlete and a scholar and therefore is an ideal choice to receive this award. Congratulations and keep up the great work!”
Student-Artist of the Month Zoeey was ecstatic to learn that she had received this honor. “I feel awesome!” she gleamed. Zoeey has been studying art for several years and enjoys creating art that elicits a reaction from others. “It makes me so happy. I feel like I did something amazing when someone reacts to my art,” she said. “I like to be creative and make art that has meaning.” Her favorite artistic medium is sketching, but Zoeey also excels at painting. She hopes to become an animator when she gets older. “I’m going to write books and stories and then animate them,” she explained. At Adelphi, Zoeey enjoys the unique experiences that are offered to students, like the Fall Leadership Retreat to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. “I like the events and the trips. I enjoyed learning all the history in Virginia,” she said. Her advice for her fellow new Adelphians is profound. “Be kind and be open-minded and you will make more friends,” she said. “Also, it’s OK to have fun while learning, and you should always show your appreciation to everyone who works hard to help you succeed.”
Upper School faculty member Mr. Versakos noted, “Zoeey is always a pleasure to have in class! She completes her art assignments with precision and always brightens the room with her positivity and artistic talent. Keep up the great work!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for January: Vanessa, Alexa, Svetlana, Ahmad and Zoeey!
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 over 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