Get to Know March’s Students of the Month
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s March 2024 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Kamila (Lower School), Mark (Middle School), Andrey (Upper School), Alexander (Scholar-Athlete) and Harris (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. Kamila (Lower School), Mark (Middle School), Andrey (Upper School), Alexander (Scholar-Athlete) and Harris (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 Kamila was happy to learn that she had earned such a prestigious award. “It feels good. I’m very proud,” she said. The active Lower Schooler enjoys physical education at Adelphi and is already an expert at jumping rope. “I have a blue jump rope and I can jump 101 times,” she said. “I like to practice.” She enjoys studying math and takes pride in her counting ability. “I can do 100 plus 100 already,” she beamed. When she gets older, Kamila hopes to become a teacher. “I want to be in charge and make everyone listen so they can learn,” she explained. Her teachers at Adelphi have inspired her, she said. “I like all the teachers. They are helpful and kind,” she said. Even though she is one of the youngest Adelphians, Kamila has some useful advice for her fellow students. “You should always listen and work hard!” she exclaimed.
Lower School faculty member Ms. Mani said, “Kamila is a very sweet girl. It’s a pleasure to have her in our class. Not only is she very respectful to her peers and her teachers, but she also never hesitates to help someone when needed. Kamila is a star student and doesn’t fail to put a smile on people’s faces!”
Middle School Student of the Month Mark was thrilled to be recognized for his hard work. “It feels great,” he said. “It was a nice surprise!” He knows what it takes to receive such a prestigious honor and is proud of his effort. “I did all my homework, I participated and I helped others,” he said. When he gets older, Mark aspires to become a train conductor with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Mark’s favorite train is the Q line, which he rides regularly. “We have the best transportation. It’s safe and you can transfer anywhere in the city,” he smiled. Mark has some important advice for students who wish to attain “Of the Month” honors. “Do your homework and participate,” he said. “You have to do a wonderful job and take it seriously.”
Middle School faculty member Ms. Saleh said, “Mark has shown much improvement in the last few weeks of school, not only academically but also in the enthusiasm and effort he is putting into the completion of his assignments. Mark’s positive attitude always puts a smile on my face. Keep up the hard work, Mark!”
Upper School Student of the Month Andrey felt proud of himself for achieving his goal when he learned that he would be receiving this honor. “It feels amazing!” he said. “I was working for it, so it’s nice to achieve my goal.” Andrey has focused even more intently on his schoolwork this year and has enjoyed tracking his own success. “I really enjoy Trivia and English class. I like reading and learning new things,” he said. Andrey has been a member of Adelphi’s Theater Arts Program for several years and enjoys singing with members of the Performing Chorus. “I definitely feel more confident in public since I’ve been in the program,” he acknowledged. In the future, Andrey could see himself becoming a successful businessman or perhaps a lawyer. “I like arguing my points,” he said. He advises his fellow classmates to always work hard to achieve their goals, just as he did. “You’ve got to give it your all,” he said.
Upper School faculty member Mr. Cook said, “Andrey has made incredible strides and shown tremendous growth this term. In fact, at times it felt as though he was actually co-teaching English class with me! I’m extremely proud of Andrey, and he should be proud of himself as well. Great job!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s March 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 Alexander wasn’t expecting to receive this honor, but was certainly excited to learn that it had been bestowed upon him. “It was definitely a nice surprise,” he said. Alexander has taken physical education seriously this past year and has seen noticeable changes in his overall wellness. “It feels like something is happening. My body feels healthy and I’m growing,” he said. Alexander performs basic body exercises at home and frequently wakes up before sunrise to enjoy a quiet walk through his neighborhood. “It helps me keep fit. Sometimes I go to the store when it first opens, so it’s like the walk has a purpose,” he said. A talented artist, Alexander is considering pursuing a career in video design. He currently creates skits and videos on YouTube and TikTok. “I enjoy making videos and sharing them,” he said. Alexander’s advice for his fellow Adelphians is wise. “Time goes faster if you stop watching the clock,” he said. “You have to make every moment count.”
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “Congratulations to our Scholar-Athlete of the Month, Alexander! His calm and focused demeanor in class creates a positive atmosphere for everyone around him, and he is always trying his best to learn new things and improve his skills. I have no doubt that he will continue to make the Academy proud, and continue to elevate his game. Keep up the great work!
Student-Artist of the Month Harris summed up how it felt to be recognized in one word. “Amazing!” he exclaimed. The talented artist was featured in Adelphi’s Fall Auction of Fine Art, where his original work was sold for several hundred dollars. “I was nervous but it was so exciting,” he said. “I thought maybe I would raise $200, but then everyone started bidding like crazy. It was a lot of fun.” Harris prefers to work in pencil and enjoys sketching his favorite video game characters. However, he maintains that he creates art as a hobby; he remains focused on his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. “I love gym class. I want to play soccer professionally, so it’s important to keep your body healthy and fit,” he explained. “It’s good to start training early so you get used to it.” Harris has some expert advice for his fellow Adelphians. “Always try your best and never give up,” he said. “Failure is just something to learn from, so you have to keep going.”
Art instructor Ms. Periera said, “Harris has been working hard and he is very neat and clean in Art class. He is very respectful with his teachers and classmates. I am very proud of Harris for receiving this Student of the Month recognition!”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for March: Kamila, Mark, Andrey, Alexander and Harris!
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