Get to Know May 2025’s Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s May 2025 Students of the Month: Abraham (Lower School), Ahmed (Middle School, Not Pictured), Petronilla (Upper School), Eva (Scholar-Athlete) and Phoebe (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program concluded as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of May. Abraham (Lower School), Ahmed (Middle School), Petronilla (Upper School), Eva (Scholar-Athlete) and Phoebe (Student-Artist) received their official pins, congratulatory letters and certificates signed by Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos during a very special announcement at the Annual Student Awards Banquet held at the Bay Ridge Manor. 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 Abraham has too many favorite things about Adelphi to choose just one, he said. “My favorite thing is when we play during recess, having yoga every Friday, going to lunch, the Book Fair, gym class, snack time and the field trips!” he smiled. Abraham is very helpful to his classmates, which bodes well for his future career plans. “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor so I can help sick and hurt people,” he said. Though new to Adelphi, Abraham has some important advice for his peers. “Do your homework well and always try your best,” he said. “Listen to the teacher and try not to get into trouble.”
Lower School faculty member Ms. Mani said, “Abraham is a caring and respectful student who always gives maximum effort. He is truly deserving of this award and I am very proud of him for earning it in his first year at Adelphi!”
Middle School Student of the Month Ahmed said he is grateful for the faith his Adelphi family has placed in him. “I am thankful for this award and I hope everyone is proud of me,” he said. “I have been trying to be good and making an effort to help everyone.” Ahmed is a skilled artist who enjoys using his creativity to make people happy. “I like when someone likes my art,” he said. Ahmed enjoys coming to school each day with his older sister Souraya, a member of the Student Advisory Board. “She helps me a lot,” he said. “I always go to her for help.” Ahmed has learned quite a bit about how to become a better Adelphian during his time here. “You have to listen and stay calm no matter what,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Pereira said, “Ahmed has shown tremendous improvement during the past year, both in terms of behavior and classwork. I am proud of his growth and congratulate him on his achievement.”
Upper School Student of the Month Petronilla was more than pleasantly surprised to learn that she had earned this prestigious honor. “I was shocked!” she exclaimed. “It feels great! Nilla, as she is affectionately known, looked back on the past year as a tremendous success. “I had an amazing year!” she said. Nilla hopes to become a journalist or photographer when she gets older and enjoys being part of Adelphi’s Journalism Club. “I can’t wait until next year!” she exclaimed. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at a senior citizens facility and listening to music. Her advice to her fellow Adelphians is simple, but important. “Always say please and thank you!” she said.
Homeroom teacher Mr. Bates said, “Nilla has been a delight all year in class! She gets along with her fellow students and is always respectful to her teachers. She tries hard and is always looking to expand her skills in a variety of subjects. Well done!”
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Eva was excited to receive this honor. “It feels so good. I’m so happy!” she said. Eva always tries her best when it comes to athletics, and she has the energy to be great. “I run and jump and do the best I can!” she said. When she grows up, Eva would like to become a singer. “I love to perform,” she smiled. At Adelphi, she said it’s very important to always do your best. “Try your hardest always because you will see results,” she said.
Physical Education instructor Mr. Biale said, “Eva is a great teammate who always gives 100 percent no matter what sport or exercise she is taking part in. She’s an energetic and kindhearted Adelphian and I am proud of her for achieving this at such a young age. I look forward to more great things ahead.”
Student-Artist of the Month Phoebe is as ambitious as she is talented. After almost singlehandedly painting the entire set for Adelphi’s Spring 2025 production of “The Adelphian Masquers’ 10 Year Anniversary Show,” Phoebe thought nothing of taking on the responsibility of learning how to operate the overhead stage lights. “It was honestly pretty easy,” she said. “I had fun.” Phoebe’s work has been featured in Adelphi’s art journal The Adelphian, as well as the Annual Fall Auction of Fine Art. She is a natural artist who taught herself from an early age what it takes to create a masterpiece. “I’ve been drawing since age 7,” she said. Phoebe enjoys drawing inspiration from scenes and objects around her and then creating art that reflects them. “If I put my mind to it, I can usually recreate it or create something based on what I see,” she explained.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Phoebe creativity and artistic ability is astounding. I can’t wait to see what she submits for art class, let alone what she creates on her own to further her passion. It comes so easily for Phoebe and she is so humble that she herself is an inspiration to many at Adelphi.”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for May: Abraham, Ahmed, Petronilla, Eva and Phoebe!
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