Get to Know Adelphi’s November 2021 Students of the Month!
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s November 2021 Students of the Month (clockwise from top): Autumn (Lower School), Martin (Middle School), Maxelle (Upper School), Mehrojbek (Scholar-Athlete) and Alexander (Student-Artist).
BAY RIDGE – Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s prestigious “Student of the Month” program continued in early December as five outstanding students were recognized for demonstrating extraordinary effort during the month of November. Autumn (Lower School), Martin (Middle School), Maxelle (Upper School), Mehrojbek (Scholar-Athlete) and Alexander (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 Autumn is extremely active and hopes to put her natural athleticism to use professionally one day. “I want to be a gymnast,” she smiled. “I’m trying to learn as much as I can so I can make my own routine.” Autumn also enjoys swimming. “I’m a good swimmer,” she said. “I can do the doggie paddle, the breaststroke, front rolls and back rolls.” The talented Lower Schooler was excited to receive “Of the Month” honors once again. “It feels really good,” she said. “I already have two awards!” She enjoys her time at Adelphi, especially because of all the events that take place throughout the year. As a two-time award winner, Autumn has some useful advice for her fellow Adelphians who seek to attain similar accolades. “They should be themselves, always be good and never be late,” she said.
Lower School faculty member Ms. N. Baalbaki said, “Autumn is a remarkable student. She is always eager and ready to learn. Autumn is a wonderful friend to all her classmates and works very well with others. She has shown excellent progress throughout the trimester. I am so proud of Autumn’s hard work!”
Middle School Student of the Month Martin is on the fast track to success at Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn, and he hopes to stay on the fast track professionally when he gets older. “I want to be a race car driver,” he said. “I like how fast they go, but also how they pay attention and drive safely.” Martin’s favorite car is a Rolls Royce, which he hopes to own one day. At Adelphi, the secret to his success this year has been threefold. “I’ve been copying down my notes, reviewing for my tests and following directions,” he said proudly. Martin is looking forward to joining Adelphi’s Theater Arts Program this year as he continues to gain confidence and mature. “I want to join Chorus too,” he smiled. Martin also plays guitar, though he admits it remains a work in progress. His advice to students is simple. “Stay in school and work hard,” he said.
Homeroom teacher Ms. Fregara said, “Martin is a dedicated Adelphian who is always respectful and follows directions well. He is excited to be joining the Theater Arts Program this year and he can’t wait for the auditions to begin! Martin does not let what he cannot do interfere with what he can do because he knows he can do it all! Congratulations, Martin, on your Student of the Month recognition for the month of November!”
Upper School Student of the Month Maxelle cannot believe that she will be graduating in June as a member of Adelphi’s Class of 2022. “It’s going by really fast,” she said. “I’ve had a such fun experience and made so many great friends.” Maxelle is planning to become a teacher when she graduates. “So many teachers over the years have influenced me, and I want to influence others the same way I was influenced,” she explained. Her goal is to earn her MBA and PhD in English and then to become an English professor at a prestigious university. She knows her path will involve a lot of reading and writing, but she said Adelphi has given her the preparation she needs to succeed. “Joining the Oracle in particular has allowed me to grow as a writer and given me the tools I need to pursue writing in college,” she said. Maxelle referred to The Adelphi Oracle, the school newspaper, for which she is excited to serve as Managing Editor. “I’m very proud,” she said. “I worked hard and made sure to commit the time to the newspaper.” The Student Advisory Board member is also involved in a number of other activities at Adelphi, including Volleyball Clinic, Brain Games and Trivia Society, for which she serves as student moderator. “I think it’s fun being able to run the club because I get to see everyone get excited and competitive each week,” she said. As she looks to begin the next phase of her academic career, Maxelle leaves behind some sage words of advice to younger Adelphians. “Be passionate and know what you want to do,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to speak up because you can change a lot just by using your voice.”
Homeroom teacher Mr. DeCrescenzo said, “Maxelle always looks at the bright side of things and gives her all with every assignment. She is friendly to everyone she meets and works very hard. I am very proud of Maxelle for receiving this Student of the Month recognition!”
Adelphi Academy of Brooklyn’s November 2021 “Of the Month” award recipients welcomed parents and guests for a special congratulatory celebration.
Scholar-Athlete of the Month Mehrojbek is new to Adelphi, but not to athletic achievements. In fact, he is a world champion dodgeball player! Two years ago, Mehrojbek was a proud member of Team USA, which defeated Malaysia and England to win the world dodgeball championship. “Dodging is the hardest part,” he said. “You need to have a lot of stamina.” He was excited to learn that he had been selected to receive “Of the Month” honors at Adelphi. “It feels good,” he said. “This is an honor. I’m very proud of myself.” At Adelphi, Mehrojbek enjoys physical education class, naturally. “It’s good to exercise and warm our bodies up,” he said. Besides dodgeball, his favorite sport to play and watch is basketball. “I’m a good defender and I’m good at finishing to the rim,” he said. His favorite team is the Brooklyn Nets, which he writes about for The Adelphi Oracle. “I enjoy the newspaper,” he said. “I find it fun and calming to work on something over time and see the finished product.” When he grows up, Mehrojbk hopes to become a dentist. “I think it’s good to see a patient’s progress over time and to know I’m making a direct impact,” he said. He has some important advice for anyone looking to achieve a goal in life. “Always try your best. Work for what you want, and you will get it,” he said.
Faculty member Mr. Alvarracin of the Academy’s Athletics and Physical Education Department said, “Mehjrobek is a strong athlete. He is competitive and respectful. He always puts his best effort forth and stays engaged in class. Keep up the great work, Mehjrobek!”
Student-Artist of the Month Alexander is highly creative and has a lot of ideas when it comes to art. “I like to paint and draw,” he said. “My mommy likes my drawings. I draw people and use lots of colors” The talented Lower Schooler recently created a sculpture of which he was extremely proud. “I made a bunch of Play-Doh in a row — it was huge!” he said. Alexander is fascinated by trains and also loves to play with toy cars. “I have a pullback car toy. You pull it back and it takes off fast,” he explained. “My car went far, like 20 miles!” What he likes most about Adelphi is the fact that there is always something going on. “It’s always busy here and the school can hold so many students,” he said. “Also, it’s always decorated!” Alexander loves the hustle and bustle of the big city and enjoys traveling to places like Industry City with his family. When he grows up, he hopes to become a doctor. “I want to help people and make them better,” he smiled. Alexander showcases his creativity not only at school, but at home as well. “I’m going to redo my whole room and turn it into a playroom,” he said. “But first I need to find my toolbox.”
Lower School faculty member Ms. Delaney noted, “Alexander is always smiling ear to ear every day. Watching Alexander grow not only socially, but artistically, has been amazing! He is adding so many details to all of his projects. He takes his time and keeps everything neat. I am so proud of Alexander for being chosen as Student-Artist of the Month.”
Congratulations once again to Adelphi’s outstanding Students of the Month for November: Autumn, Martin, Maxelle, Mehrojbek and Alexander!
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