Get to Know May’s Students of the Month!

May’s Students of the Month were honored at the Annual Student Awards Gala.

BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program concluded with a special presentation during the Annual Student Awards Banquet at the Bay Ridge Manor on May 29th to recognize five outstanding students who demonstrated extraordinary effort during the month of May. Noelia (Lower School), Kenn (Middle School), Timothy (Upper School), Ilona (Student-Artist) and Ariel (Scholar-Athlete) were each recognized in front of the entire Adelphi community and received official certificates signed by Head of School Ms. Iphigenia Romanos. They 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 Noelia wants to be a judge when she grows up. “I like making decisions,” she smiled. She is inspired by her older sister Nicole, who is currently studying to be a lawyer at Adelphi University. “I want to be a judge so I can do what’s good for the country,” Noelia said. In addition to her career as a judge, Noelia said she would consider running for mayor one day. “I would build more schools and more houses for the homeless…and I would hire a chef to cook for them!” she said. The talented Lower Schooler is also a skilled gymnast and dancer who attends ballet and tap classes twice a week. At the time of her interview, Noelia was preparing for a dance recital in front of her family and friends. “I get a little nervous before I dance, but when I see my family, I don’t feel nervous,” she said. “Next year, I’m doing hip-hop dance!” At Adelphi, Noelia said she enjoys spending time with her classmates and always having fun. She has some smart advice for her fellow Adelphians who are seeking to attain “Of the Month” honors next year. “Always believe in yourself and be nice to others,” she said.

Lower School teacher Ms. Smith said, “Noelia is a model student. She strives for excellence and thinks critically and creatively. Noelia is a true classroom leader and is always willing to guide her peers and assist in daily activities. She is kind, compassionate and expresses herself with confidence and assurance. Noelia works hard to apply strategies learned in class and makes wonderful connections that go beyond the text. She is a joy to teach and I am proud of her effort and determination.”

Middle School Student of the Month Kenn wants to be a scientist. He enjoys studying aquatic animals, insects, rocks and diamonds. He was surprised when his name was called to receive this honor at the Awards Banquet. “I did not expect it at all,” he admitted. However, the adventurous Middle Schooler never shies away from new experiences and recently became the youngest member of Adelphi Academy’s Theater Arts Program, securing a starring role in the Spring musical revue “Adelphi Pop!” That initiative certainly impressed the judges. “I just wanted to get involved and try something new,” he said. “I’m singing ‘Runaround Sue,’ ‘Hey, Soul Sister’ and a few others.” Academically, Kenn also enjoys math, English and history, as well as painting. He also enjoys playing and watching soccer.

Kenn’s homeroom teacher Ms. Wong said, “Kenn is a very curious student who utilizes his immense energy to his advantage on completing his tasks. He continues to show school spirit in and out of the classroom. He enjoys helping others during class activities, especially with our end of the year projects.”

Upper School Student of the Month Timothy is highly creative and is constantly designing new characters for his many comics and original stories. “I did make a lot of aliens this year,” he smiled. “I design them for video games, comic books, TV shows, everything.” Timothy draws inspiration for his characters from various shows that he watches. “I love anime,” he said. He hopes to become a comic book illustrator or video game designer professionally one day. He was very pleased to receive “Of the Month” honors at the Awards Banquet. “I felt very happy getting the award, for sure!” he said.

Timothy’s homeroom teacher Ms. Giacchino said, “Timothy is such a pleasure and always has a smile on his face. He works hard when it comes to his classes and has a great imagination. Timothy is friendly to all students and teachers and he is always looking out for others. I am so proud of Timothy and all of his accomplishments, especially being our Student of the Month for May. I know he will continue to succeed in all that he does!”

Congratulations to Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s May Students of the Month!

Student-Artist of the Month Ilona is never afraid to try something new and, often, she is pleased to discover a hidden talent. This past year, she was able to tap into her creativity and enhance her artistic abilities by focusing on art. From free sketching to painting to collage-making, Ilona kept the creativity coming throughout the year, never afraid of where her imagination might take her. “I just started relaxing,” she said. Ilona draws inspiration from a variety of sources, but particularly enjoys creating nature scenes and collages. “Pretty much everything around me inspires me,” she said. “Ms. Fregara said she’s very proud of me.” In addition to her growth as an artist, Ilona is proud of her continued involvement in Adelphi Academy activities like The Oracle and the Theater Arts Program. “I enjoy leading and putting things in order,” she smiled. About the Theater Arts Program, she said, “It’s hard work but it’s really fun. It’s the little things that make it fun.” Though she is usually nervous before each performance, Ilona’s natural leadership abilities always kick in. “I want to be there for the new people, to guide them,” she said. Her advice to her fellow Adelphians who are looking to make the most of their time at Adelphi is simple. “Just be open to everything and don’t be afraid to take a chance. It’s not too scary to put yourself out there,” she said.

Art Instructor Ms. Fregara said, “Ilona has shown incredible growth as both an artist and a performer. She is never afraid to embrace a new idea or challenge herself in her artwork, and she absolutely shines on stage. Ilona is a true leader among her peers and serves as a good example to our younger students. She is making the most of her education at Adelphi.”

Scholar-Athlete of the Month Ariel keeps in shape through a variety of athletic activities, like tennis, basketball and weight training. The MVP of last year’s Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game, Ariel served as a referee for this year’s contest, which saw the students prevail once again. “I thought we would win,” he admitted. “But I was surprised we had that big of an advantage.” The final score was 72-43. Ariel aspires to become a surgeon, perhaps pursuing a career in cosmetic surgery. He is a talented artist and said he sees similarities between plastic surgery and art. “They’re kind of the same thing,” he said. “You’re creating something beautiful.” Ariel enjoys drawing and painting in his free time and especially when he is on vacation. “I went to Miami during Spring Break and drew the ocean view from our room,” he said. He is excited to be entering his senior year at Adelphi, but said the new status will not change his approach to schooling. “I already consider myself a senior, so I’m definitely prepared,” he said.

Ariel’s homeroom teacher Ms. Wynne said, “Ariel showed strong leadership by acting as the impartial referee during the Faculty vs. Students Basketball Game and ensuring that the game was called accurately and good sportsmanship was exhibited on both sides. He is a gifted athlete and artist who remains focused on the goals laid out before him. I’m sure he will make the most of his senior year!”

Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding “Students of the Month” for May: Noelia, Kenn, Timothy, Ilona and Ariel!

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 two 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.